76-3-509. Local option cluster development regulations and exemptions authorized. - Montana Statutes

     76-3-509. Local option cluster development regulations and exemptions authorized. (1) If the governing body has adopted a growth policy that meets the requirements of 76-1-601, the governing body may adopt regulations to promote cluster development and preserve open space under this section.
     (2) Regulations adopted under this section must:
     (a) establish a maximum size for each parcel in a cluster development;
     (b) subject to subsection (3)(d), establish a maximum number of parcels in a cluster development; and
     (c) establish requirements, including a minimum size for the area to be preserved, for preservation of open space as a condition of approval of a cluster development subdivision under regulations adopted pursuant to this section. The regulations must require that open space be preserved through an irrevocable conservation easement, granted in perpetuity, as provided for in Title 76, chapter 6, prohibiting further division of the parcel.
     (3) Regulations adopted under this section may:
     (a) establish a shorter timeframe for review of proposed cluster developments;
     (b) establish procedures and requirements that provide an incentive for cluster development subdivisions that are consistent with the provisions of this chapter;
     (c) authorize the review of a division of land that involves more than one existing parcel as one subdivision proposal for the purposes of creating a cluster development;
     (d) authorize the creation of one clustered parcel for each existing parcel that is reviewed as provided in subsection (3)(c); and
     (e) establish exemptions from the following:
     (i) the requirements of an environmental assessment pursuant to 76-3-603;
     (ii) review of the criteria in 76-3-608(3)(a); and
     (iii) park dedication requirements pursuant to 76-3-621.
     (4) Except as provided in this section, the provisions of this chapter apply to cluster development subdivisions.

     History: En. Sec. 6, Ch. 348, L. 2001.