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House panel advances county ADU bill after sanitation and local control fights
Summary
Senate Bill 532 would require counties to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs); the committee adopted sanitation and planning amendments, rejected a short‑term rental preemption amendment, and passed the bill as twice amended.
Senate Bill 532 — carried in the House Local Government Committee after a hearing Tuesday — would extend by statute the concept of accessory dwelling units to counties, requiring county zoning frameworks in specified county zones to allow ADUs. Senator Forrest Mandeville (Senate District 28) said the bill adapts a city ADU model for counties and includes several committee amendments, including a four‑year sunset and provisions on sanitation and local permitting.
Multiple proponents told personal and policy stories in support. Dave Lewis described mobility challenges that make an ADU on his rural parcel essential for downsizing while keeping family land in the family; Jake Brown of Shelter Whitefish and Daniel Cox for Montana Association of Realtors emphasized…
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