Miles City Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Miles City Zoning Overview
Miles City is the seat of Custer County in eastern Montana, located at the confluence of the Tongue and Yellowstone rivers. The city is a historic ranching and agricultural center, serving as a hub for the vast cattle country of southeastern Montana. Miles City is famous for its annual Bucking Horse Sale and maintains a strong connection to its western heritage.
The city's zoning framework reflects its role as a small regional center with a traditional grid-pattern downtown, established residential neighborhoods, and agricultural land surrounding the community. Development activity is modest compared to western Montana's boom towns, but the city works to maintain its infrastructure and attract investment.
Key Zoning Districts
Miles City uses R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Multi-Family), C-1 (General Commercial), and I-1 (Industrial) as its primary zoning districts. The downtown core retains a traditional Main Street character, and the city has provisions for planned development in designated growth areas.
ADU Regulations
Under Montana state law (SB 528 and HB 211), Miles City must allow accessory dwelling units in residential zones. Owner-occupancy and parking mandates cannot be imposed on ADU development. In a small community, ADUs can provide rental housing options and help aging homeowners remain in their homes.
Development Process
Miles City's building permit process is managed by the city's Building Department. The Planning Board reviews rezoning and conditional use applications before they go to the City Council for action.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Miles City
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 — Custer 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 Miles City
- 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 Miles City are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Miles City permit fees →