Housing (Building Codes)

introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 12, 2025

LC 2352: Revise residential home construction contract laws

This bill establishes that an accepted bid for residential home construction must represent the total amount to be paid unless the parties explicitly agree in writing beforehand that it is not the final price. It directly affects homeowners and contractors by clarifying financial obligations and preventing contractors from increasing costs after a bid has been accepted. The law allows flexibility by permitting written exceptions where both parties agree the bid is not the final amount owed. This change aims to provide greater transparency and predictability in residential construction contracts.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects homeowners from unexpected cost increases, strengthening consumer protection in residential construction and promoting fair housing practices.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Jan 23, 2025

LC 412: Revise the state building code to allow single stairwells in certain buildings

This bill amends Montana's state building code to allow certain residential buildings to have a single stairwell instead of requiring two separate exits. It specifically permits Group R-2 occupancy buildings with six stories or fewer and no more than four units per floor to use one stairwell if they have an automatic sprinkler system and each unit has an emergency window or exit. The legislation also grants the state department rulemaking authority to adopt these changes while maintaining existing safety standards for fire protection and emergency egress.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill simplifies building codes to allow more efficient residential construction, potentially lowering housing costs and increasing housing supply through relaxed safety requirements.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

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introduced · Montana · Legislature Feb 6, 2025

LC 877: Require government to provide certain building code text or citation causing delay or stop

This bill requires state and local building departments to provide written or electronic copies of specific building code sections when they delay permit approvals or stop construction projects. If a department fails to provide these requested code citations within seven calendar days, those code sections are automatically waived for that permit or project. The legislation also allows individuals to sue for damages and recover legal fees if a building department does not comply with this requirement.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens housing development by requiring building departments to provide code citations promptly, preventing unnecessary delays and protecting property rights in housing construction.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

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signed · Montana · Senate May 8, 2025

SB 213: Revise the state building code to allow single stairwells in certain buildings

SB 213 revises the state building code to permit certain residential buildings to be constructed with a single stairwell. This change applies to buildings classified as Group R-2 occupancy, which typically includes apartments or condominiums. To qualify for a single stairwell, these buildings must meet specific safety conditions. These conditions include having no more than six stories, a maximum of four dwelling units per floor, an automatic sprinkler system, and at least one window or emergency exit provision for each unit.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill facilitates housing development by allowing single stairwells in certain residential buildings, reducing construction costs and enabling more efficient housing supply under safety conditions.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes

signed · Montana · Senate May 13, 2025

SB 133: Revise impact fee laws

SB 133 revises the laws governing impact fees that local governments charge on new development. The bill removes the ability for governmental entities to include an administrative fee within impact charges and limits impact fee increases to the rate of inflation. It also updates definitions related to these fees and details the required documentation for their calculation, such as a service area report.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesLimits local government impact fee increases to inflation, restricting revenue generation for infrastructure projects and limiting fiscal flexibility.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill limits impact fee increases to inflation and removes administrative fees, reducing development costs to encourage housing construction, aligning with housing supply goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Fees & Licensing Affordable Housing Building Codes Property Taxes Tags Local Government