The Belgrade City Council unanimously adopted the city's new Land Use Plan and Future Land Use Map on May 4th, fulfilling a key requirement under Montana's Land Use Planning Act. The plan, which replaces the previous growth policy, has been in development for more than two and a half years as part of a broader master planning effort. Senior Planner Brad Stein and consultant Charles Terrell presented the comprehensive document, which addresses land use, housing, transportation, utilities, and infrastructure through 2045. The plan projects Belgrade's population will reach just over 23,000 residents by 2045, requiring approximately 4,300 new housing units. The city's compliance deadline is May 18th, 2026.
During the public hearing, property owner Neil Ganzert requested that the downtown land use description include the word "industrial" to acknowledge the area's railroad heritage and industrial character. While council members including Jim Simon and Kristine Menicucci acknowledged the request had merit, they noted the late timing prevented amendments before the compliance deadline. Assistant City Manager Neil Cardwell advised that future changes could proceed through the planning commission process, emphasizing the plan remains "ongoing and iterative."
The council also unanimously approved the updated subdivision regulations on first reading. The new regulations streamline development review by establishing an administrative approval pathway for projects that comply with the land use plan and zoning code, eliminating the previous minor-major subdivision distinction. Final adoption is scheduled for May 18th. In other business, Mayor Mike Meis announced Belgrade won best-tasting tap water in Montana in a blind taste test, advancing to national competition.