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Commission reviews changes to historic preservation panel’s role after state law changes
Summary
City staff proposed code edits to make the Historic Preservation Commission’s guidance advisory following a 2025 state law change that removed the commission’s authority to approve or deny permits; commissioners directed staff to fold the updates into a broader zoning code rewrite.
City staff briefed the commission on recommended edits to the municipal code that would update the powers and duties of Livingston’s Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) to conform with recent state law changes.
Staff explained that the 2025 Montana legislative changes preclude local historic commissions from being the final decision-maker on issuing permits for alterations to historic resources; under the proposed text, the HPC would retain an advisory role to provide nonbinding recommendations to the zoning administrator on design and alteration proposals. Staff presented draft replacement language (to be incorporated into the consolidated zoning chapter) that replaces prior wording that directed the HPC to approve or disapprove applications; the new text would make HPC guidance advisory and preserve the commission’s role in consultation, education and preservation planning.
Commissioners asked staff about procedural details—meeting frequency, notice, quorum requirements and possible bylaw updates—and staff said the broader zoning text amendment (chapter 30 consolidation) will come back through the consolidated land-use board and then to the commission; changes to HPC bylaws will be adjusted to match the updated code. No formal action was required; commissioners directed staff to carry the updated language forward with the zoning code rewrite.
Ending: Staff will incorporate the language into the broader zoning chapter text amendment and return to the consolidated land‑use board and then the commission for formal adoption.
