Miles City adopts interim zoning ordinance for Last Chance Subdivision after annexation

The Miles City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1398 on Sept. 23, 2025, applying interim municipal zoning to the Last Chance Subdivision after annexation under the Montana interim zoning statute (Section 76-2-306, MCA).

Mayor Dwayne Andrews opened the public hearing and called for proponents and opponents three times; no speakers were recorded during the hearing and the hearing was closed. The council then approved the ordinance on a motion by Committee Member Sherwood McKay, seconded by Committee Member Brant Kassner; the motion was recorded as passing with the affirmative votes listed in the minutes.

During discussion, John Peila of Kinsey, MT commented that he hopes the city's zoning remains close to the county's current standards and said he opposed allowing duplexes or apartment buildings in the subdivision because he has already sold single-family lots to buyers who were not aware of the potential for denser housing. City Planner Joel Nelson explained zoning district options and noted there is no district that entirely excludes duplexes; he said covenants could be used to restrict certain housing types. City Attorney Dan Rice emphasized that the ordinance is interim, that the Planning Board will have an opportunity to consider rezoning with residential-commercial designations, and invited Peila to follow up directly.

Ordinance No. 1398 was adopted under the authority cited in the agenda item; the transcript records council approval following the hearing and the public exchange.