Missoula County opposes SB 301, Revise property laws related to lakeshore regulations, up for hearing Thursday in Local Government. This bill proposes to retroactively grandfather any existing structure within a lakeshore protection zone that was constructed prior to Jan. 1, 2023. Missoula County has had lakeshore regulations since 1997 that protect the value and importance of a clean, healthy environment. Lakeshore permits require property owners to maintain and preserve the natural physical, biological and aesthetic characteristics of the shoreline, as well as protect water quality for recreational activities and wildlife. The existing law protects some of North America’s most biologically rich lakes, while allowing residents to enjoy these natural wonders. Considerable flexibility is built into the current statute.
Under SB 301, any illegal structure or action done while Missoula County has had lakeshore regulations in effect the last 26 years would suddenly become legal despite the damage to the lake. This situation is further complicated by the fact that Missoula County’s lakes are relatively remote and enforcement relies on citizen complaints for addressing illegal activities. For a citizen to submit a request for an enforcement action, they must have the basic knowledge of the regulations to know that it might be a violation, which takes considerable time. The proposed amendments do not adequately address illegal lakeshore construction activity.
Representative Thane,
ReplyDeleteMissoula County opposes SB 301, Revise property laws related to lakeshore regulations, up for hearing Thursday in Local Government. This bill proposes to retroactively grandfather any existing structure within a lakeshore protection zone that was constructed prior to Jan. 1, 2023. Missoula County has had lakeshore regulations since 1997 that protect the value and importance of a clean, healthy environment. Lakeshore permits require property owners to maintain and preserve the natural physical, biological and aesthetic characteristics of the shoreline, as well as protect water quality for recreational activities and wildlife. The existing law protects some of North America’s most biologically rich lakes, while allowing residents to enjoy these natural wonders. Considerable flexibility is built into the current statute.
Under SB 301, any illegal structure or action done while Missoula County has had lakeshore regulations in effect the last 26 years would suddenly become legal despite the damage to the lake. This situation is further complicated by the fact that Missoula County’s lakes are relatively remote and enforcement relies on citizen complaints for addressing illegal activities. For a citizen to submit a request for an enforcement action, they must have the basic knowledge of the regulations to know that it might be a violation, which takes considerable time. The proposed amendments do not adequately address illegal lakeshore construction activity.
Please oppose SB 301.