FAQs • Billings • CivicEngage

If the majority of landowners are opposed to an annexation, can they stop an annexation from occurring?: Yes. 51% of resident, freeholder electors/property owners may legally protest out an annexation. (Exception: No protest is available in wholly surrounded island annexations.)

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Planning

1. What are the setbacks and how do I find them?: One you have determined your properties zoning, you will go to Sec. 27-300. The setback requirements are listed in the table for your specific zoning.

2. Can I have a garage? If so, how big?: Once you have established your property zone, you will go to Sec. 27-300 to determine placement and setback requirements for attached and detached garages. In Sec. 27-1008 (D) you will find Detached Accessory Residential Structures. Detached buildings for accessory uses greater than 200 square feet in size shall not exceed the principal building first story gross floor area on the lot or 1,500 square feet, whichever is less.

3. How do I calculate lot coverage?: Once you have established your Zoning, go to Sec. 27-300 and look up your specific zone. The table lists the lot coverage available. You will times the lot size by the available lot percentage. (ex. 7000 sq ft lot times 60% = 4200 lot coverage available).

4. I want to start a home business, is that allowed?: Home occupations are allowed in Residential areas with a City of Billings business license. Restrictions on home occupations Sec. 27-1000 (M) can be found here.

5. Can I subdivide my property?: Subdivision information and contact information can be found here.

6. What can I do with my property?: Each Zoning District has a list of Permitted, Permitted Limited, Permitted use Restrictions and Permitted through Special Review. The specific zoning district use table can be found in Table 27-1000.1 Billings Primary Use Table

7. Do I need a permit to build a fence?: Yes, fence permits that are between the height of 4 feet and six feet are required under the Unified Zoning Code. The permit can be found here.

8. How can annexation be initiated?: a. By City Council in case of wholly surrounded County island.
b. By City Council and 51% approval of property owners in property contiguous to City boundaries.
c. By petition of 51% of resident, freeholder electors of area proposed for annexation.
d. By petition of 51% of real property owners.

9. Will my property taxes go up if annexed?: Yes, generally, an increase will occur. This is due to the increase of services available that include fire and police protection, garbage, parks and recreation, as well as street maintenance.

10. If the majority of landowners are opposed to an annexation, can they stop an annexation from occurring?: Yes. 51% of resident, freeholder electors/property owners may legally protest out an annexation. (Exception: No protest is available in wholly surrounded island annexations.)