# Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-203: 76-2-203 Criteria and guidelines for zoning regulations

> Montana · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-203

## Section

- **Citation:** Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-203
- **Heading:** 76-2-203 Criteria and guidelines for zoning regulations
- **Jurisdiction:** Montana
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** MT Code / Title 76 / Chapter 2 / Part 2 / Section 76-2-203

## Text

76-2-203 . Criteria and guidelines for zoning regulations. (1) Zoning regulations must be:

(a) made in accordance with the growth policy; and

(b) designed to:

(i) secure safety from fire and other dangers;

(ii) promote public health, public safety, and general welfare; and

(iii) facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements.

(2) In the adoption of zoning regulations, the board of county commissioners shall consider:

(a) reasonable provision of adequate light and air;

(b) the effect on motorized and nonmotorized transportation systems;

(c) compatible urban growth in the vicinity of cities and towns that at a minimum must include the areas around municipalities;

(d) the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses; and

(e) conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the jurisdictional area.

(3) Zoning regulations must, as nearly as possible, be made compatible with the zoning ordinances of nearby municipalities.

(4) Zoning regulations may not include a requirement to:

(a) pay a fee for the purpose of providing housing for specified income levels or at specified sale prices; or

(b) dedicate real property for the purpose of providing housing for specified income levels or at specified sale prices.

(5) A dedication of real property as prohibited in subsection (4)(b) includes a payment or other contribution to a local housing authority or the reservation of real property for future development of housing for specified income levels or specified sale prices.

## Nearby sections

- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-201 76-2-201 County zoning authorized](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-201.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-202 76-2-202 Establishment of zoning districts -- regulations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-202.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-203 76-2-203 Criteria and guidelines for zoning regulations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-203.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-204 76-2-204 Role of planning boards](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-204.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-205 76-2-205 Procedure for adoption and amendment of regulations and boundaries](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-205.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-206 76-2-206 Interim zoning district or regulation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-206.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-207 76-2-207 Permits authorized](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-207.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-208 76-2-208 Continuation of nonconforming uses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-208.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-209 76-2-209 Effect on natural resources](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-209.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-210 76-2-210 Enforcement and interpretation of zoning provisions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-210.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-211 76-2-211 Violations and penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-211.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-212 76-2-212 Minimum lot size restrictions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-212.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-215 76-2-215 Accessory dwelling units -- regulations -- restrictions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-215.md)
- [Mont. Code Ann. § 76-2-216 76-2-216 Wholly surrounded county property -- change of use -- hearing](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-216.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_MT_T76_C2_P2_S76-2-203. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.