---
title: What is Consistency with Growth Policy?
description: This section explains the legal requirement for Montana municipalities to adopt a growth policy before enacting zoning ordinances. It highlights the statutory mandate for zoning decisions to align with the growth policy and the standard of substantial compliance established by state law and court rulings.
---

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November 5, 2025

# What is Consistency with Growth Policy?

## Zoning Ordinances and Growth Policies: Legal Alignment in Montana Land Use Planning

In order to adopt a zoning ordinance, a municipality must first prepare and adopt a growth policy. As set forth in the original SZEA model, zoning regulations adopted by Montana municipalities must be made in accordance with the jurisdiction's growth policy 76-2-304, MCA. Further, in making zoning decisions, the governing body must "substantially comply with its growth policy." (Heffernan v. Missoula City Council, 2011 MT 91, P77-79.)

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