7-21-1001. Legislative findings and purpose. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) it is necessary and desirable as a matter of public policy to:

(i) provide for reasonable certainty, stability, and fairness in the land use planning and regulatory process;

(ii) stimulate economic growth;

(iii) secure the reasonable investment-backed expectations of a landowner; and

(iv) foster cooperation between the public and private sectors in land use planning and regulation;

(b) the ability of a landowner to be certain of the applicable regulations and review procedures upon submitting a complete application for local government approval of a site-specific development plan will preserve the prerogatives and authority of a local government with respect to land use matters;

(c) the establishment of regulatory certainty:

(i) will promote the goals specified in this section in a manner consistent with Article II, sections 3, 17, and 29, of the Montana constitution that guarantee to each person the inalienable right to acquire, possess, and protect property and that recognize the corresponding responsibilities; and

(ii) is a matter of statewide concern.

(2) It is the purpose of this part to:

(a) provide fair standards to protect the rights of a person who submits a development application to a local government while recognizing the public health, safety, and general welfare purposes of development review; and

(b) require a local government to comply with these standards.