Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Understanding the New ADU Laws in Great Falls, Montana
Recently there has been a lot of talk about ADU’s in the city of Great Falls. By now many of you may have seen the update from the city regarding the permitting of ADU’s (Accessory Dwelling Units) within city limits. If you have not read the latest updates from the city, below is the link to the zoning reforms.
https://greatfallsmt.net/planning/city-great-falls-compliance-state-montana-zoning-reforms
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained living space located on the same lot as a single-family home. ADUs have been increasingly popular in many areas due being a way to address the growing need for affordable housing, guest housing, or provide an additional income source for the property owner.
ADUs can be attached to the main house (e.g., basement apartments or above-garage units) or be separate, like a small house or converted garage. Locally they are limited to 1,000 SF in size. To address housing shortage and affordability, Montana recently set state-wide regulations promoting this housing type.
In addition, different City’s and County’s require compliance with many local regulations. To get started contact an architect or your local zoning office to determine what the specific requirements are for your city/neighborhood.
Key Changes to ADU Laws in Great Falls
There are many different approaches to ADU’s depending on where you are located. In Montana the most recent regulations regarding ADU’s can be found at the link provided below.
(credit to the City of Great Falls for these great links to share)
Considerations for Homeowners
There are many things to consider when thinking about adding an ADU to your property. Permitting, utilities, design, costs, and maximized space use, just to name a few!
Here at BSPARK Architecture, we are in the process of developing ADU plans optimized to our climate and regulations. These will be available as “ready-plans” in the future. If you have a special request for a prototype let us know, as your feedback helps us develop a better design. The benefit of pre-designed plans is that they will be available at vastly more affordable fees, compared to a one-of-a-kind custom project. If you are curious about this reach out to book a consultation with our team at the link below:
https://www.bsparkarch.com/book-a-consultation
Sophia, Principal of BSPARK Architecture, attended a recent forum put on by the Great Falls Realtors Association, that discussed the updates, and has spent many hours researching ADU’s for Great Falls and beyond. She is excited to share her knowledge with anyone interested in discussing what the new ADU laws could mean for Great Falls moving forward, and will host a GREEN DRINKS event on Thursday February 27th, 2025 at 5:30pm, where the topic will focus on continuing this discussion. Stay tuned for more information regarding this event soon!
Conclusion
The new ADU laws in Great Falls represent a forward-thinking approach to addressing the city’s housing challenges. While homeowners will need to carefully consider the costs and requirements associated with building an ADU, the changes provide a promising opportunity for those looking to maximize their property’s potential and contribute to the city’s housing solutions. For those interested in building an ADU, it’s a good idea to consult with local authorities, including a local architect or a professional contractor to understand the specific requirements and begin the process of building your ADU. The future of Montana’s new ADU regulation is not certain, so this moment represents an opportunity to maximize the value of your property.
