Bozeman City Commission to consider HOA model covenants (MT)

The Bozeman City Commission will consider a resolution to approve a model for future homeowners association covenants.  Planners aimed to keep the model language straightforward and easy to understand while covering issues like water conservation, safety, sustainability and more.   Read the article………………………………….

Some HOA covenants at odds with city of Bozeman’s goals (MT)

A limited water budget, a lack of housing diversity and a shortage of child care are a few things top of mind as Bozeman continues to grow. But some homeowners associations have rules in place that are challenging the city’s attempts to solve its growing pains.   Read the article…………………………….

Shauna Thomas: The misunderstood HOA (MT)

The tragedy of the commons is an economics problem where every individual has an incentive to consume a resource, but at the expense of every other individual – with no way to exclude anyone from consuming. For example, consider when property owners within a neighborhood open a business, such as vacation rental. While the absent […]

Fence fractures Lakeshore Hills neighborhood (MT)

A fence is dividing neighbors in the Lakeshore Hills neighborhood west of Kalispell in more ways than one.  A Lake Hills Lane homeowner has constructed a fence around their property in a move that those living nearby say has been both unwelcoming and impacting the safety of an adjacent road.    Read the article………………………..

Whitefish neighborhood approaches city with road issues (MT)

The condition of the roads in The Lakes neighborhood has spurred the residents to bring the situation to the attention of the Whitefish City Council.  John Murray, a resident of the Lakes Homeowners Association, told Council at its Dec. 5 meeting that safety has become an issue when driving through the subdivision.   Read the article………………………..

The Lakes subdivision approaches Council with road issues (MT)

The condition of the roads in The Lakes neighborhood has spurred the residents to bring the situation to the attention of the Whitefish City Council.  John Murray, a resident of the Lakes Homeowners Association represented the residents at the Dec. 5 council meeting because safety has become an issue when navigating through the subdivision.   Read […]

KM Ranch Property Denied Access Through Whitefish Subdivision (MT)

Following nearly two years of litigation and contentious meetings with the county, a judge has finalized a ruling over access to a property off of KM Ranch Road.  After a contested hearing in October, Flathead County District Judge Amy Eddy denied a petition by GBSB Holdings, LLC, that requested public access to an 80-acre property […]

Bozeman trying to standardize HOA covenants (MT)

Zoning codes, planning laws, city ordinances and state regulations govern residential properties in Bozeman.  Often, so too do homeowners association covenants, which can dictate things like where residents may put their boats or recreational vehicles or what their fences can look like.   Read the article………………………..

Parking controversy in Belgrade neighborhood (MT)

When Annette Stenger purchased her home at Prescott Ranch, she signed an HOA agreement to abide by certain parking rules. She says the council isn’t living up to its original agreement. Read the article………………………..

Court Battle Continues Over Whitefish Subdivision (MO)

Litigation continues over a proposed subdivision located north of KM Ranch Road. The suit, which names both the Flathead County commissioners and the Flathead County Planning Board as defendants, is over the Baker 80 subdivisions, a 16-lot, 80-acre development approved by the county commissioners in 2021.   Read the article………………………..

Neighbors sue over Whitefish vacation rental (MT)

A group of neighbors has filed a lawsuit in Flathead County District Court over a vacation rental they claim is operating illegally in their rural subdivision north of Whitefish. Read the entire article……………………………….

Condo fire in Helena injures at least one (MT)

As the fire department worked to contain the blaze, police helped evacuate nearby residences.  At least one occupant of the condo was injured, however, the extent of their injuries is unknown.   Read the entire article……………………………….

Condo owners sue Boyne over rental management dispute (MT)

Hotel-condo owners at Big Sky Resort are suing the resort’s parent company over claims its rental management company is “price gouging and cheating them out of rental revenue,”   Read the entire article……………………………….

Oversight left Libby subdivision without fire suppression pond (MT)

Property owners at a Libby-area subdivision have gone without a piece of fire suppression infrastructure that should have been included in the development but wasn’t owing to an error in Lincoln County’s permitting process.   Read the entire article……………………………….

Master-Planned Communities Embracing Next Generation of White-Labeled Mobile Apps

Bozeman, Montana-based real estate technology company Alosant is a pioneer in the burgeoning category of mobile apps for master-planned communities—sprawling developments that feature an array of amenities, such as schools, workspaces, shops, restaurants, bars, and golf courses.   Read the entire article……………………………….

PSC orders Helena Valley subdivision to permit irrigation (MT)

Residents of a Helena Valley subdivision struck a blow in their years-long fight over water after the Montana Public Service Commission ordered the subdivision owner to implement several emergency interim measures, including permitting irrigation.   Read the entire article……………………………….

Montana PSC directs North Star subdivision to loosen watering restrictions

A continuing disagreement between residents of a Helena Valley subdivision and their water provider made its way before the Montana Public Service Commission on Tuesday. After a lengthy meeting, the PSC directed North Star subdivision leaders to find a way to make more water available for homeowners to use outdoors.   Read the entire article……………………………….

Making it in Big Sky: Big Sky Owners Association (MT)

Big Sky’s largest and oldest homeowner’s association, Big Sky Owners Association, was formed in 1971 and seated its first Board of Directors in 1973. Early on in Big Sky’s history, BSOA served as the main governing body of the area. Today, BSOA serves to preserve, protect and enhance property values in Big Sky.   Read the […]

County Faces Lawsuits Over Developments (MT)

One suit is in regards to Baker 80, a proposed 16-lot, 80-acre subdivision that was approved by the county commission in February. The future development was the source of several contentious meetings as residents of the neighboring Whitefish Hills Village Subdivision argued against Baker 80 being allowed to utilize privately maintained subdivision roads. The county’s […]

Local HOA is forcing home-based daycare to shut down (MT)

A daycare facility, operating out of a home in Josephine Crossing, is being asked to shut down.  The local homeowners association is asking Kreative Kids Daycare to shut down for what they say are legal reasons, which has caused many residents of the neighborhood to protest the decision.    Read the article………………………………….

Woman fears missing out on HOA meeting (MT)

A woman reportedly wanted the Kalispell Police Department to come over and check with her neighbors to see if they were having a homeowner’s association meeting without her. When she was advised that would be a civil issue, she claimed the neighbor’s were videotaping her from across the street and wanted to pursue stalking charges.  […]

North Star water rates could soar in the coming months in the Valley (MT)

On Thursday, Helena Valley residents in the North Star Valley subdivision neighborhood expressed concerns at the Big Sky Fellowship church, about their fears over proposed water and sewage rate changes.  If the proposed changes are made and approved by the Public Service Commission, that would increase their monthly bill by more than $400 each month.  […]

Missoula County: Assessment reignites fight over public bridge to private land (MT)

A recent resolution adopted by the Missoula Board of County Commissioners – to change the boundaries of a Rural Special Improvement District northwest of Seeley Lake and assess landowners for maintenance of the Lindbergh Lake Bridge – resurrected two unresolved questions: Who has access when a public bridge leads to private property? Should bridge ownership […]

Even good principles demand good law …

I am a passionate defender of property rights. They are a foundational principle of our U.S. and Montana Constitutions.  But as a resident and owner in a Montana community with a homeowners association, or HOA, I am both saddened and outraged that SB 300 is currently being rushed through our state’s Legislature. It is an […]

Montana State Legislature Moves Bill That will Create Chaos, Lawsuits, and Increase Costs on Residents in Condominium and Homeowner Associations

On April 2, the Montana State Legislature moved forward Senate bill (SB 300), a bad bill for residents in homeowners associations and condominiums, according to Community Associations Institute (CAI). CAI is coordinating efforts to stop the legislation due to the significant opposition from Montana homeowners associations and condominiums, attorneys, and trade groups. CAI believes the […]

Flathead Valley Homeowners, Agencies Prepare For Fire Season (MT)

After that early visit and evaluation, Baginski spent three years clearing brush from within twenty feet of his house. Some of his neighbors started doing the same thing. Soon he was inviting Ulwelling and other fire experts to homeowners association meetings to connect his neighbors with grants and resources available to them.  “We had an […]

Supreme Court remands skateboarding case (MT)

Casey Kent, 35, died on June 14, 2008, while skateboarding on a steep bike path in the Cedar Pointe Estates subdivision. His wife Sara Kent sued the city of Columbia Falls three years later, claiming the city was negligent in its role overseeing the design and development of the subdivision.      Read the article…………

National Forest cabin owners see relief from skyrocketing fees

While last week’s presidential signing of legislation aimed at protecting the North Fork of the Flathead River and the Rocky Mountain Front was lauded by many conservationists and wilderness advocates, around 700 Montana cabin owners had reason to celebrate as well.    Read more………