Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Committee debates bill to require six‑story allowance in commercial zones to spur infill housing
Summary
Senator Ellie Boldman presented SB 243 to require qualifying cities to allow up to six‑story mixed‑use buildings by right in commercial zones; proponents said it increases supply and reduces per‑unit land cost, while cities, planners and League of Cities warned it could disrupt Maloopa implementation, erode local control and create service/parking challenges.
Senator Ellie Boldman opened the hearing on Senate Bill 243, a proposal to build on last session’s zoning reforms by requiring municipalities that meet a population threshold to allow multifamily and mixed‑use buildings up to six stories in specified commercial zones. Boldman framed the bill as ‘smart growth’ that preserves open space by encouraging infill near jobs and services.
Proponents including Jake Brown (Shelter Whitefish), Samuel Hooper (Institute for Justice) and local housing and business representatives told the committee six‑story allowances…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
