Could ‘backyard homes’ “Accessory Dwelling Units” help solve Montana housing crisis?

Great Falls needs 670 new housing units annually, up from 450 in 2020.

The Great Falls Development Authority, NeighborWorks, and the Realty Association collaborated on a 2024 housing study highlighting this growing demand. Meanwhile, Montana’s 2023 Senate Bill 528 mandates municipalities to permit at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on lots with single-family homes, a policy already embraced by Great Falls zoning.

City Commissioner Joe McKenney explains that any homeowner within city limits can construct an ADU, which may take the form of a backyard home or an apartment above a garage. Seth Haak, owner of Montana Backyard Homes, notes these ADUs can be as large as 1,000 square feet with up to three bedrooms and two baths. Such units can be built in as little as 90 days and offer flexible housing options, including rentals or accommodations for aging relatives or those with disabilities.

While ADUs alone will not resolve Great Falls’ housing shortage, local leaders see them as a critical piece of the broader puzzle.

ADUs might appeal to homeowners seeking practical solutions without sacrificing property scale. This approach could influence housing affordability and availability in other Montana communities facing similar pressures.

Could ‘backyard homes’ help solve Montana housing crisis?
By Quentin Shores, KRTV NEWS Great Falls