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Montana committee hears split testimony on SB 243 allowing six‑story buildings in commercial zones
Summary
Supporters said SB 243 would add predictable rules for developers and help add housing in urban commercial centers; opponents warned a statewide six‑story floor would strip local zoning tools, risk neighborhood transitions and may not produce affordable units without linked requirements.
Senator Ellie Boldman, sponsor of Senate Bill 243, told the House Local Government Committee the measure would allow taller buildings — up to six stories by right — in defined urban commercial zones to promote predictability for developers and support "smart growth." "This bill passed 47 to 3 in the Senate," Boldman said, arguing the change builds on last session's reforms and on recommendations from the governor's housing task force.
Proponents told the committee taller commercial‑zone limits could increase housing supply. Jake Brown of Shelter Whitefish said SB 243 would let widely used building types, such as the 5‑over‑1…
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