Missoula City 'At Fault' in Real Estate Dispute

A judge in Missoula, Montana, has ruled that the city's planning regulations were at fault in a dispute that has raged between two sets of neighbors.

Judge Haynes said that the city's officials had made a mistake by allowing people to build houses on lots smaller than zoning allowed, the Billings Gazette reported.

As a result, when Beth and Jack Terzo applied to move a boundary line and build again on their property, they were allowed to do so by officials.

However, this caused friction between them and Jerry and Michele Ballas, who protested against the development.

Although the Terzos argue that the Ballases initially agreed to the planned developments, Mr. Ballas later launched a lawsuit against it.

Now, Judge Haynes has ruled in favor of the Ballases and said the city owes them their attorney fees.

It is estimated that the amount paid to the Ballases will be a significant sum, but less than $100,000.

Anyone involved in a property dispute is advised to find a lawyer as the law can be complex, demanding expertise in interpretation and implementation.