Gallatin County Commission advances four speed-limit ordinances; second readings set

The Gallatin County Commission on Aug. 19 advanced first readings of four ordinances that would lower speed limits on county roads and set second readings in two weeks.

County staff member Leanne summarized petitions from residents and said County Engineer Levi Yuan conducted site visits and recommended changes: Wooden Shoe Road would be posted at 40 miles per hour between Stagecoach Trail Road and Manhattan Frontage Road South; Cold Smoke Drive, Nayanuki Drive and Madison Road would be posted at 35 miles per hour. Leanne said each ordinance includes standard provisions on enforcement, penalties and severability and would go into effect 30 days after the second reading provided signage is in place.

A member of the public who identified herself only as Maggie urged a lower limit on Nayanuki Drive, saying, "35 miles an hour seems high — 25 I mean, I'm not an expert," and described the street as residential. Leanne responded that "Montana law, you are not permitted to set a speed limit in this area of less than 35 miles per hour," except in designated school or similar zones, which constrains the commission's options.

A commissioner moved to advance four resolutions as a slate (listed in the meeting record as 2025-0004 through 2025-0007). After a second, the commission voted in favor and the motion carried; Leanne said the second reading is scheduled in two weeks and that required signage must be in place before the ordinances take effect.

If adopted after the second reading and signage placement, violations would be misdemeanors punishable under Montana law.