Montana News
Two housing density laws survive state Supreme Court challenge
With Montana News, I'm Eleanor Smith. The Montana Supreme Court Tuesday allowed a pair of housing laws to take effect. The laws were passed by the 2023 legislature with a promise to increase the supply of affordable housing in the state. MTPR's John Hooks has more. - The Supreme Court reversed a decision by a lower court that blocked the laws from taking effect. The laws allowed duplexes and accessory dwelling units, things like converted garage or basement apartments to be built on laws zoned for single-family homes. A homeowners group called Montana's Against Irresponsible Densification, or MADE, in December sued to strike down the laws. A Gallatin County judge granted made request to halt enforcement of the laws while the suit progresses. The Supreme Court reversed that ruling in a unanimous decision. The court found that MADE had not proven the laws would violate any rights if put into action. The laws can now go into effect while the lawsuit continues in Gallatin County. In Butte, I'm John Hooks.