Planning Resources And Information

The Planning Division has primary responsibility for the coordination of long-range planning such as the Growth Policy and assisting neighborhoods with developing Neighborhood Plans. It also administers the city’s Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Ordinance, and other appropriate city ordinances to preserve neighborhood character and enhance the city's quality of life.

Residential Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program

Created by Resolution 20218(PDF, 75KB) in 2015, the Residential Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Loan Program is open to homeowners within city limits who are planning energy efficiency upgrades, such as new windows, or the installation of renewable energy systems. The loan program provides an interest free, fee free loan of up to $12,000, which is repaid on the property tax bill over 10 years.

Community Decay Complaints

Title 7, Chapter 11 of the Helena City Code defines Community Decay as:

“Any public nuisance created by allowing rubble, debris, junk, refuse, landscaping debris or other matter to accumulate, resulting in conditions that are injurious to health, are indecent, are offensive to the senses, or which obstruct the free use and enjoyment of adjacent property so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life or the values of property. This definition does not apply to properly permitted construction and/or demolition projects during the time any necessary permits are in effect. This definition does not include persons servicing, manufacturing or processing materials, goods or products on lots in public view, so long as the materials used in the normal operation of the business are neatly stacked or piled. This definition does not include normal residential maintenance or landscaping projects”.

Community Decay Complaint Form

For more information about community decay complaints, please contact the Community Development Department at (406) 447-8490 or email citycommunitydevelopment@helenamt.gov.

Land Use Violations

To report a violation of the land use code, please submit a complaint to: citycommunitydevelopment@helenamt.gov

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different methods of annexation?

The city of Helena may choose to annex any property in accordance with the provisions of the following state statutes:

Annexation by Petition (7-2-4601 et. seq., MCA)

A request to have property included in the Helena city limits in order to receive city services is also known as Annexation by Petition, the most common form of annexation. In order to understand the requirements for annexation by petition, please refer to 6-5 of the Helena City Code, relating to the extension of the Water and Wastewater Service Area. This action is often done in conjunction with the annexation of properties that are not receiving City water and/or wastewater services.

Annexations of Additions to Municipalities (7-2-4201 et. seq., MCA)
Annexation with the Provision of Services (7-2-4701 et. seq., MCA)
Annexations of Contiguous Land (7-2-4301 et. seq., MCA)
Annexations of Contiguous Government Land (7-2-4401 et. seq., MCA)
Annexations of Wholly Surrounded Land (7-2-4501 et. seq., MCA)

What are some conditions for annexation?

The city may decide to condition the approval of the annexation. In the case where the property to be annexed is not developed, the conditions of approval includes a requirement for a development agreement prior to the issuance of a building permit. In the event the property is developed and contains public improvements that are not constructed to city standards, the city requires an annexation agreement. The agreement specifies which public improvements are to be upgraded and/or installed to city standards, and a time period and mechanism to finance the construction and installation of those improvements. In any case, all public improvements, whether existing or proposed, must meet city standards.

All properties that are annexed into the City of Helena must have gone through the pre-zoning process. For more information about pre-zoning, please click on the following link: Zoning

What is a Subdivision?

MCA 76-3-103 defines a subdivision as the division of a piece of land into two or more lots. The regulations are set forth in the City of Helena SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE, Title 12 of Helena City Code.

The purpose of this title is to establish a subdivision review process that is designed to achieve the objectives of the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act, Title 76, Chapter 3, Montana Code Annotated (MCA). The process of dividing land into parcels is a necessary and important function in the growth of a community. When, where, and how development occurs establishes land division patterns for the community that will last for generations. The subdivision review process allows the community to take a close look at proposed developments before final action by the governing body. The City of Helena 2001 Growth Policy provides guidance for subdivision reviews. (Title 12-1-2)

What is a Zoning Variance?

Provisions of 11-5 of the Helena City Code allow for zoning variances to be requested by any property owner for a variance from the zoning regulations affecting his or her property. This process is intended to be special exceptions to the terms of this title when granted in harmony with its general purposes and intent and are intended to avoid undue hardship when strict and literal enforcement of this title is inappropriate. The city of Helena Board of Adjustment holds monthly public hearings to review zoning variance requests.