Laurel Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Laurel Zoning Overview
Laurel is a small city in Yellowstone County, located along the Yellowstone River about 15 miles southwest of Billings. The city's economy is closely tied to the CHS Inc. oil refinery and its role as a railroad junction. Laurel serves as a bedroom community for Billings workers while maintaining its own identity as an independent community with a traditional small-town character.
The city's zoning reflects its compact layout, with residential neighborhoods surrounding a small downtown business district and industrial areas along the railroad and refinery. Growth has been modest but steady, with new residential development occurring primarily on the community's south side.
Key Zoning Districts
Laurel's zoning includes R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Multi-Family), C-1 (General Commercial), and I-1 (Industrial) districts. The downtown retains its historic commercial character, and industrial zones accommodate the refinery and railroad-related businesses.
ADU Regulations
Montana state law (SB 528 and HB 211) requires Laurel to allow accessory dwelling units. No owner-occupancy or parking mandates can be imposed. ADUs can help provide additional rental housing in a small community with limited multifamily options.
Development Process
Laurel's building permit process is managed by the city's Building Department. Zoning changes and conditional use permits go through the Planning Board and City Council.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Laurel
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 — Yellowstone 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
- 7,000 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 Laurel
- 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 Laurel are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Laurel permit fees →