76-3-615. Subsequent hearings -- consideration of new information -- requirements for regulations. - Montana Statutes

     76-3-615. Subsequent hearings -- consideration of new information -- requirements for regulations. (1) The regulations adopted pursuant to 76-3-504(1)(o) must comply with the provisions of this section.
     (2) The governing body shall determine whether public comments or documents presented to the governing body at a hearing held pursuant to 76-3-605 constitute:
     (a) information or analysis of information that was presented at a hearing held pursuant to 76-3-605 that the public has had a reasonable opportunity to examine and on which the public has had a reasonable opportunity to comment; or
     (b) new information regarding a subdivision application that has never been submitted as evidence or considered by either the governing body or its agent or agency at a hearing during which the subdivision application was considered.
     (3) If the governing body determines that the public comments or documents constitute the information described in subsection (2)(b), the governing body may:
     (a) approve, conditionally approve, or deny the proposed subdivision without basing its decision on the new information if the governing body determines that the new information is either irrelevant or not credible; or
     (b) schedule or direct its agent or agency to schedule a subsequent public hearing for consideration of only the new information that may have an impact on the findings and conclusions that the governing body will rely upon in making its decision on the proposed subdivision.
     (4) If a public hearing is held as provided in subsection (3)(b), the 60-working-day review period required in 76-3-604(4) is suspended and the new hearing must be noticed and held within 45 days of the governing body's determination to schedule a new hearing. After the new hearing, the 60-working-day time limit resumes at the governing body's next scheduled public meeting for which proper notice for the public hearing on the subdivision application can be provided. The governing body may not consider any information regarding the subdivision application that is presented after the hearing when making its decision to approve, conditionally approve, or deny the proposed subdivision.

     History: En. Sec. 9, Ch. 298, L. 2005.