Havre Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Havre Zoning Overview
Havre is a small city on the Hi-Line of northern Montana, located along the Milk River near the Canadian border. The city serves as a regional center for agriculture and transportation, sitting on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe rail line. Home to Montana State University-Northern, Havre's economy is built around farming, ranching, railroad operations, and the university.
The city's zoning framework reflects its role as a compact rural service center. Development patterns include a traditional downtown business district, established residential neighborhoods, and agricultural land on the community's edges. Havre's planning efforts focus on maintaining essential services and infrastructure while encouraging modest growth.
Key Zoning Districts
Havre's zoning includes R-1 through R-3 residential districts, C-1 (Central Business) and C-2 (General Commercial), and industrial zones. The compact size of the community means most zoning decisions involve infill development or modest expansions rather than large-scale new construction.
ADU Regulations
Montana state law (SB 528 and HB 211) requires Havre to allow accessory dwelling units. The city cannot require owner occupancy or additional parking for ADUs. In a small community like Havre, ADUs can provide affordable rental options and help property owners supplement their income.
Development Process
The development process in Havre is straightforward, with building permits processed through the city's Building Department. Rezoning and conditional use requests are reviewed by the Planning Board and City Council.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Havre
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 — Hill 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
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 0 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
ADU Rules in Havre
- 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 Havre are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Havre permit fees →