Title: Land Use Resources - Growth Management - Urban Growth Boundaries
Headings: Montana Transportation and Land Use
COVID-19
Montana Transportation and Land Use
Growth Management - Urban Growth Boundaries
What is an Urban Growth Boundary?
Who can implement an Urban Growth Boundary?
What are the keys to success and potential pitfalls?
Where has this strategy been applied?
Case studies
How can I get started?
Where can I get more information?

Content: Land outside of an urban growth boundary is less suitable for development because the cost of extending public infrastructure and services would be high, because it is environmentally sensitive, and/or because preservation of its rural or natural character is important. Who can implement an Urban Growth Boundary? Urban growth boundaries are typically implemented through state, regional, or local planning agencies or legislative bodies. They work best when coupled with a larger comprehensive growth policy and/or subarea plans. It is also important to have an up-to-date assessment of existing public infrastructure and services. What are the keys to success and potential pitfalls? Stakeholder Involvement and Public Outreach: Because urban growth boundaries have a significant impact on the ability to develop private land, a thorough public involvement process is critical in formulating these boundaries. Potential controversies can be avoided during the planning stages by carefully designing these boundaries to address public, professional, and political concerns. The process for adopting and updating the boundaries should be very clear.