BUTTE, Mont. – July 22, 2020 – Butte-Silver Bow today announced plans to further address concerns regarding urban decay and vacant structures in Silver Bow County. The Council of Commissioners recently passed a revised version of Butte-Silver Bow’s Vacant Building Ordinance which includes the responsibility of property owners to register their vacant building as well as follow proper mothballing procedures to protect the property and improve the aesthetic of the neighborhood.
Butte-Silver Bow’s recent Growth Policy Study revealed that Butte’s historic buildings were its top asset. The revision to Butte-Silver Bow’s Vacant Building Ordinance is an effective way to protect buildings until they are completely rehabilitated for use. The purpose of the updated ordinance is to enhance the historical characteristics of Butte-Silver Bow while preventing the demolition of buildings from neglect. It will also boost economic development, particularly in Butte’s Uptown area.
“It is important to all of us in Butte-Silver Bow to maintain our beautiful historic structures, while at the same time protecting the health and safety of our citizens, and the neighborhoods in which they live,” said Dave Palmer. “There is a great deal of opportunity for business growth in not only our historic Uptown area, but throughout our city and county. One of the most important aspects of kickstarting and sustaining growth is ensuring all structures are safe and visually appealing. The update to the Vacant Building Ordinance will help us immensely in achieving that goal.”
There has been quite a bit of interest to date in purchasing Butte’s historic structures throughout the city and county. Butte Silver Bow’s Community Enrichment, Historic Preservation, and Economic Development offices have been working together to ensure that structures are utilized to their full potential, and not purchased and left vacant by an owner as a tax write-off. It is important to the Chief Executive and all departments involved in preservation and economic development that all owners are aware of the guidelines and caring for their properties.
For more information on the revised ordinance or property owner expectations and mothballing procedures, please reach out to Community Enrichment: 497-6253 or Historic Preservation: 497-6258.