INTRODUCED
BY S. Galloway, E. Buttrey, B. Molnar, G. Hertz, J. Hinkle, D. Loge, L.
Sheldon-Galloway, N. Duram, L. Brewster, K. Zolnikov, A. Regier, S. Gist, J.
Schillinger, R. Marshall, R. Miner, G. Parry, G. Oblander, L. Deming, J.
Bergstrom, G. Kmetz, J. Karlen, P. Green
A joint resolution of the Senate and the House of Representatives of the state of montana requesting an interim study on local permitting processes and procedures; and requiring that the final results of the study be reported to the 69th legislature.
WHEREAS, many local businesses rely on a local government to permit building construction and reconstruction, both for structural and aesthetic purposes, a process that is often laborious, time-consuming, and costly for the consumer; and
WHEREAS, many cities in the state utilize local design review boards that often complete redundant or duplicative reviews that may be already included in other ordinances and regulations, creating additional bureaucracy and paperwork for building owners; and
WHEREAS, the permit process in some cities and counties is more efficient than others, and the citizens of the state may benefit from a more consistent, streamlined process across all locations; and
WHEREAS, a study into the impacts of the local government permitting processes and procedures allows the state to gather information that may help encourage and promote economic development and allow individual businesses to operate with less unnecessary regulation.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate and the House of Representatives OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:
(1) review and compare the current permitting process in cities and counties of various populations, tax bases, and economies;
(2) determine the extent to which economic impacts may be related to the permitting process;
(3) determine the long-term costs and benefits of different policies and procedures; and
(4) recommend legislation, if desired, to encourage a more efficient permitting process across the state.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the study include representatives from interested parties, including but not limited to the Montana Association of Counties, the Montana League of Cities and Towns, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Labor and Industry, and other city, county, consolidated city-county government, and industry representatives as considered appropriate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2024.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 69th Legislature.