Montana § 75-7-218 - Lakeshore Protection Zone Statute Of Limitations -- Exemptions From Future Permitting

§ 75-7-218. Lakeshore Protection Zone Statute Of Limitations -- Exemptions From Future Permitting

Lakeshore protection zone statute of limitations -- exemptions from future permitting. (1) (a) As applied to any clearly visible boat ramp, boat house, boat shore station, boat rail system, dock system, pier, wharf, retaining wall, road, or other structure located within the lakeshore protection zone, the period prescribed for the commencement of an action against a property owner or the property owner's contractor for a violation of lakeshore regulations adopted pursuant to 75-7-207 is within 3 years of completion of construction or issuance of the permit, whichever occurs later. (b) The limitation set forth in subsection (1)(a) does not apply to an item that was constructed illegally and that: (i) causes documented, material harm to lakeshore stability, water quality, or aquatic life; (ii) materially interferes with navigation or other lawful recreation activities; or (iii) creates a documented public nuisance. (2) (a) Minor ongoing maintenance, minor remodeling, or minor modifications to the items described in subsection (1)(a) are exempt from lakeshore protection review unless the activity involves significant excavation, dredging, in-fill of material, diminishment of aquatic life, or interference with navigation or lawful recreation activities. (b) For the purposes of subsection (2)(a), "minor" means a change to an item described in subsection (1)(a) that is less than $10,000 over a 5-year period, exclusive of personal services provided by the property owner or another individual at no cost to the property owner. (3) This section may not be construed to prevent the local governing body or state from compensating a property owner to remove or alter any of the items described in subsection (1)(a) if the governing body or state believes it is in the best interests of lakeshore protection and aquatic life.