What is the Purpose of The Montana Subdivision and Platting Act (MSPA)?

In its most basic form, the MSPA is intended to regulate the process by which new lots are created. The intent behind regulating the creation of new lots is to ensure orderly growth and development within a jurisdiction. This includes assessing the development of, and impacts to, public services and facilities such as roads and transportation, water, wastewater, stormwater, police, fire and emergency services, as well as education facilities, open space and other environmental constraints including hazard mitigation, impacts to wildlife and wildlife habitat, and impacts to the surrounding community. In evaluating these impacts resulting from
development, the MSPA enables local governments to require mitigation for those impacts anticipated, to ensure the public health, safety and welfare needs of the public are met. The MSPA does not strictly govern the use of these new lots, unless the property being subdivided is also zone