15-24-1603. Historic property tax abatement -- levy limitations. (1) Subject to 15-10-420, a historic property undergoing rehabilitation, restoration, expansion, or new construction that meets criteria established by the review process described in 15-24-1605 or 15-24-1606 may receive a tax abatement during the construction period, not to exceed 12 months, and for up to 5 years following completion of the construction in accordance with subsections (2) and (4). The tax abatement is limited to 100% of the increase in taxable value caused by the rehabilitation, restoration, expansion, or new construction.

(2) In order to confer the tax benefits described in subsection (1), the governing body of the county or incorporated city or town where the improvement occurs shall establish by resolution the process for the use of the tax abatement provisions described in subsection (1). In order for a taxpayer to receive the tax benefits described in subsection (1), the taxpayer must have applied by March 1 of the year during which the benefit is first applicable. The governing body must have approved by separate resolution for each project, following due notice as provided in 7-1-2121 if a county or 7-1-4127 if an incorporated city or town and a public hearing, the use of the property tax abatement.

(3) (a) The governing body shall:

(i) publish due notice within the lesser of:

(A) 60 days of receiving a taxpayer's complete application for the tax treatment provided for in this section; or

(B) 30 days of receiving the board's recommendation under 15-24-1605(3); and

(ii) conduct a public hearing regarding an application for the tax treatment provided for in this section and deny or approve it within 120 days of receiving the application as provided in subsection (3)(a)(i).

(b) If the governing body fails to hold a hearing or deny or approve the application within 120 days of receiving the application, the applicant may seek from the district court in the jurisdiction in which the county, city, or town is located a writ of mandamus to compel the governing body to make a determination.

(4) Property that receives a tax benefit under this part is not entitled to any other exemption or special valuation provided by Montana law during the period of the abatement.

(5) (a) The tax abatement applies only to the number of mills levied:

(i) for high school and elementary school district purposes; and

(ii) by the local governing body approving the abatement.

(b) The abatement may not apply to statewide levies.