Lewistown Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Lewistown Zoning Overview
Lewistown is the geographic center of Montana, serving as the seat of Fergus County in the Judith Basin. The city is surrounded by five mountain ranges and serves as a hub for agriculture, ranching, and outdoor recreation. Lewistown's economy is built around farming, government services, and its role as a regional trade center for central Montana.
The city maintains a traditional zoning framework with a well-preserved downtown and established residential neighborhoods. Lewistown's planning priorities include maintaining essential infrastructure, preserving its historic character, and supporting economic development in a community that has experienced stable but limited growth.
Key Zoning Districts
Lewistown uses R-1, R-2, C-1 (Central Business), C-2 (General Commercial), and industrial zones. The city's compact form and traditional grid layout make it walkable and well-suited for infill development.
ADU Regulations
Montana state law (SB 528 and HB 211) requires Lewistown to allow accessory dwelling units in residential zones. No owner-occupancy or parking requirements can be imposed on ADU development.
Development Process
Building permits in Lewistown are processed through the city's Building Department. The Planning Board and City Council review zoning changes and development applications.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Lewistown
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 — Fergus 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 Lewistown
- 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 Lewistown are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Lewistown permit fees →