vacation rentals

Montana's highest court questioned homeowners and their neighbors about where to draw the line between commercial and residential property uses.

A number of property owners and owner groups in Gallatin County on Thursday filed a motion seeking a restraining order against Gallatin County for what they deem as a “sudden and unconstitutional” change in zoning to prohibit short-term rentals.

Several members of the Missoula City Council are looking to streamline the process to make it easier for business operators to comply with city regulations – and be able to do so in a reasonable amount of time.

The Missoula City Council on Monday shot down a measure to ban tourist homes in residential districts, saying code reform will go further in permitting more housing types and a wider array of business in such areas.

The city's push to reform its zoning codes will likely address the sponsor's ultimate goal of getting other businesses, such as corner markets and coffee shops, permitted in residential zones.

Whether it's private property rights or the need for housing, members of the Missoula City Council on Wednesday again took up the issue of tourist homes as one council member looks to ban them in areas zoned as residential.

Missoula city officials on Wednesday defended the fee increase, saying it was needed to permit and inspect new tourist homes and to ensure compliance with city regulations.