Belgrade approves resolution to leave joint city–county planning board, transfers extraterritorial jurisdiction to county

Belgrade’s City Council unanimously approved a resolution June 1 to withdraw from the Belgrade–Gallatin County joint planning board and transfer extraterritorial planning jurisdiction (ETJ) back to Gallatin County, effective June 30, 2026.

Senior Planner Bridal Stein explained the action as a return of administration for the roughly 4.5-mile planning "donut" that the city had administered since 1975. Stein told the council the withdrawal is being completed under the Montana Code Annotated (chapter 76) and noted an earlier boundary update in 2009. He said the county technically retained control but the city had been administering the ETJ and the move reflects a desire to simplify administration and clarify zoning and permitting for areas outside city limits.

Stein said the city will retain its future land use map for planning purposes but will no longer administer zoning in the ETJ; staff will prepare an interim zoning ordinance and amendments to the zoning code to replace references to the planning board and to combine review functions into the planning commission until permanent code updates are adopted. City Manager Cardwell added that most jurisdictions in Montana have already separated similar arrangements and that returning the ETJ to county control will remove ambiguity for developers and property owners about applicable rules.

After three calls for public comment produced no testimony, Councilmember Simon moved and Councilmember Bell seconded the resolution, which passed by unanimous voice vote. Stein and staff said they will bring back the interim zoning ordinance and related code amendments for the council’s consideration.