Yellowstone County, MT Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- Community Decay Ordinance
- Trigger
- Visible from public right-of-way
- Enforcement
- Complaint-based investigation
- Compliance window
- Minimum 30 days
- Report to
- 406-652-2050
Summary
Yellowstone County enforces a Community Decay Ordinance covering nuisance conditions visible from a public right-of-way, including inoperable/junk vehicles, vacant or abandoned buildings, and accumulated salvaged materials and debris. Enforcement is complaint-based; owners typically get at least 30 days to comply.
The Yellowstone County Community Decay Ordinance... applies to the maintenance of nuisance conditions on any part of a property that can be seen from a public right of way, including the long term storage of inoperable or junk vehicles, vacant or abandoned buildings or the accumulation of salvaged materials and debris.
Full Breakdown
The Yellowstone County Board of County Commissioners enacted the Community Decay Ordinance to protect public health, safety, and welfare and promote economic development. It targets long-term storage of inoperable/junk vehicles, vacant or abandoned buildings, and accumulation of salvaged materials and debris on any part of a property visible from a public right-of-way. Code Enforcement is complaint-based: an officer investigates and determines compliance with the county Zoning Code or Community Decay Ordinance. Properties in violation are generally allowed a minimum of 30 days to achieve compliance. Report violations at 406-652-2050 or mschieno@yellowstonecountymt.gov. Inside Billings city limits, the city's own nuisance code applies instead.
Violations & Fines
Complaint-based; officers issue notice and allow a minimum of 30 days to comply. Continued non-compliance can lead to abatement and cost recovery against the owner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the ordinance cover?
How do I report a decayed property?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Yellowstone County
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