Southeast Montana News

An interim agreement has been reached in the ongoing legal case involving the City of Billings and the owner of a property known as the Colonial on South 27th Street. This development emerged from mediation sessions held this week in District Court.

The agreement offers a brief period for the property owner to implement certain improvements to the property. As part of this arrangement, the trial initially scheduled for January 21 will now take place on April 14. The city's future actions will depend on the progress made by the owner before this new trial date.

The case was brought forward by the City's Code Enforcement Division in 2023, citing violations of state and local nuisance regulations at the property.

According to city officials, "The interim agreement furthers the City's goals in addressing nuisance properties by attempting to work with property owners to bring buildings into compliance with applicable standards for use and habitation while at the same time being ready to take further action if needed to achieve positive outcomes." They also emphasized that "property owners should bear responsibility for remedial abatement procedures."

The Code Enforcement Division is a key component of Billings' nuisance property team, which collaborates with various city departments. Led by Assistant City Administrator Kevin Iffland, this team includes representatives from several city entities such as the Billings Police Department, Billings Fire Department, City Attorney’s Office, and City’s Building Division. The team regularly reviews potential nuisance cases and determines appropriate actions.

Their objectives include raising awareness about maintenance standards for both commercial and residential properties, encouraging improvements on blighted properties, ensuring residential structures are safe and habitable, and enforcing regulations when necessary.