Anaconda-Deer Lodge Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Anaconda-Deer Lodge Zoning Overview
Anaconda-Deer Lodge is a consolidated city-county government in southwestern Montana, located in the Deer Lodge Valley. Like nearby Butte, Anaconda has a deep mining and smelting heritage -- the Anaconda Copper Mining Company's smelter operated here for nearly a century. The community is now navigating environmental cleanup efforts while working to attract new economic activity and residents.
The consolidated government administers zoning across both the urban core of Anaconda and surrounding Deer Lodge County. Planning efforts focus on revitalizing the historic downtown, managing the Superfund legacy, and promoting outdoor recreation opportunities including the nearby Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness and the Old Works Golf Course, built on a reclaimed smelter site.
Key Zoning Districts
Anaconda-Deer Lodge's zoning includes residential districts from R-1 through R-3, commercial districts in the downtown core and along highway corridors, and industrial zones that reflect the community's industrial heritage. Rural residential and agricultural zones apply in the county areas.
ADU Regulations
Montana state law (SB 528 and HB 211) requires Anaconda-Deer Lodge to allow accessory dwelling units. The consolidated government cannot impose owner-occupancy or additional parking requirements on ADUs. Given the community's affordable housing stock and available land, ADUs offer an additional housing option.
Development Process
Building permits in Anaconda-Deer Lodge are processed through the Building Department. The Planning Board and Board of County Commissioners review rezoning and major development proposals.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Anaconda-Deer Lodge
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Montana
- Building Code: Montana Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)
- State ADU Override: Yes (SB 528 and HB 211)
County — Deer Lodge County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, consolidated city-county government
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 7,500 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 6 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 5,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 20 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
ADU Rules in Anaconda-Deer Lodge
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 22 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- None required (per state law SB 245)
- Owner Occupancy
- Not required (per state law)
- Permit Timeline
- 2-4 weeks
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Anaconda-Deer Lodge are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Anaconda-Deer Lodge permit fees →