Joint workshop looks at new law on leased buildings

A new bill that requires local governments to review development projects that will lease or rent multiple buildings or units in a building will be discussed during a workshop on Wednesday, June 26.

The Flathead County Planning Board and county commissioners will hold a joint meeting that begins at 6 p.m. in the second-floor conference room of the Earl Bennett Building, 1035 First Ave. W. in Kalispell.

Senate Bill 324, known as the “Buildings for Lease or Rent Regulations” bill, becomes effective Sept. 1.

The new legislation stems from confusion over the applicability of the subdivision by rent or lease provisions of the state Subdivision and Platting Act, according to county Planning Director BJ Grieve.

There are exemptions to the new law for the first three or fewer buildings for lease or rent, zoned areas when the project is compliant with the zoning, buildings in existence or under construction prior to Sept. 1, buildings for farm or agricultural purposes, and buildings that are not served by water and wastewater and will not be leased or rented.

“Our office is working on figuring out how to adopt, implement and administer the required regulations,” Grieve said in an email memorandum.

A model version of the regulations has been created by the Montana Department of Commerce Community Technical Assistance Program, with input from a number of state associations.

The statutory process for adopting the new regulations is a public hearing in front of the commissioners with a 30-day notice. That will be scheduled at a future date.

Public comment will be taken at the workshop.