Glendive Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Glendive Zoning Overview
Glendive is a small city in eastern Montana along the Yellowstone River, serving as the seat of Dawson County. The community's economy is based on agriculture, oil and gas production, and its role as a regional service center. Glendive is also known for its proximity to Makoshika State Park, Montana's largest state park featuring dramatic badlands formations.
The city maintains a straightforward zoning framework appropriate for its size, with traditional residential neighborhoods, a compact downtown business district, and industrial areas along the railroad. Flood management is an important planning consideration given the city's location along the Yellowstone River.
Key Zoning Districts
Glendive uses R-1, R-2, C-1, and I-1 as its primary zoning categories. The downtown core maintains a traditional commercial character, and the city has floodplain overlay requirements for properties in the Yellowstone River floodway.
ADU Regulations
Montana state law (SB 528 and HB 211) requires Glendive to allow accessory dwelling units. No owner-occupancy or parking mandates can be imposed. ADUs can help address housing needs in the community.
Development Process
Glendive processes building permits through its Building Department. The Planning Board and City Council handle rezoning and conditional use applications.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Glendive
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 — Dawson County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
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
- 40 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Glendive
- 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 Glendive are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Glendive permit fees →