Contractors are often more familiar with the permitting process than homeowners. This page includes helpful tips and reminders about often overlooked steps in the process.
The Public Works Building Division refers to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s database to make sure all contractors listed on permit applications are licensed and registered to do the required work. Contractors should make sure they are included in this database.
Electricians can refer to the State Electrical Board for information on obtaining licenses for the different types of work they may perform.
Plumbers can refer to the Montana Board of Plumbers for information on obtaining licenses for the different types of work they may perform.
A certified septic installer must install all septic systems. The Health Department maintains a a list of certified installers in Missoula County. More information on septic installer certification is online.
State law requires water well contractors and drillers to be licensed by the Board of Water Well Contractors. The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation provides resources for well contractors/drillers online.
Permit fees help defray costs for time staff spend engaged in the permit process. To minimize the chance of unexpected costs later in the process, it's best to carefully review permit fee information before applying.
Several factors go into fee determination, including type of permit and the complexity of the work being done.
The Building Division may charge a $75 re-inspection fee for the following reasons:
When a re-inspection fee is assessed, no further inspections will be performed until the $75 fee has been paid.
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Public Works - Building Division, (406) 258-4753
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Permits you'll likely need:
More information on solar energy in Missoula County
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Public Works - Building Division
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Building permits are required to construct, enlarge, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or a structure. Building permits are also required to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system.
Permitting Department: Public Works - Building Division
When new construction does not have a property address, address and approach permits are required. They are also required when a driveway or other access point will be built along a public right-of-way.
Permitting Department: Public Works - Building Division
In zoned areas, projects must have a zoning compliance permit. In unzoned areas, projects must have a land use permit. Reviews for these permits review focus on the site plan and building elements. Reviewers look at zoning regulations, subdivision conditions, restrictions on a plat or certificate of survey, floodplain and shoreline regulations, fire, grading and drainage or any other applicable regulations that may pertain to the proposal.
Review and issuance of zoning compliance and land use permits promotes public health, safety and welfare of those within and outside of a project location. The spatial review is designed to identify known hazards and review for appropriate mitigation of risk.
Permitting Department: Planning, Development and Sustainability
Residents must have mechanical permits for work on heating, cooling and ventilation systems. Mechanical work also includes installing a natural gas line, vent, fuel oil tank or chimney liner for appliances or other equipment, as well as wood stoves.
Permitting Department: Public Works - Building Division
Residents must have electrical permits for work on the electrical system of a structure, including new services and new meters. Before installing a new meter, property owners should call their local utility to make sure the location is acceptable.
Permitting Department: Public Works - Building Division
Plumbing permits are required for work on the plumbing system of a structure. If you are a homeowner, state law exempts you from needing a permit if you are doing the plumbing on your own home.
Permitting Department: Public Works - Building Division
Residents must have well permits to drill a new drinking water well, a commercial or industrial water supply well, irrigation well, extraction or geo-thermal heating/cooling exchange well, or a test well.
Water well regulations ensure that wells are drilled in the correct location. This protects the property owner by ensuring you aren’t wasting money by drilling a well that doesn’t meet current requirements. It also protects your neighbors by ensuring their ability to develop their property is not negatively impacted by nearby well placements. Water well regulations make sure wells are drilled in the best possible location for public health protection. Meeting the minimum setback distances from surface water, septic systems and other sources of contamination will minimize the risk of contaminated drinking water.
Permitting Department: Health Department
Residents must have septic permits to install, repair or replace a septic system. Septic permits also allow residents to move, alter or modify an existing septic system, or connect a structure to an existing septic system. To protect property owners, your septic permit must be fully issued by the Health Department before a building permit for the associated project will be issued. This ensures you don’t start building something that will not be able to meet state and local wastewater rules.
The Health Department must review requests to alter structures currently connected to a septic system so staff can make sure the system will be able to accommodate any increased use. That review will determine if the project needs a permit. Examples of structure alteration include adding bedrooms, expanding the square footage of the house and remodel projects, among other things.
The process for acquiring a septic permit is heavily based on how a parcel was created and the septic permit history. Because of this, providing one-size-fits-all answers to some questions is difficult. When reviewing permit applications, the first thing the sanitarian has to do is determine when the parcel was created and if there are any associated approvals or restrictions for that property. Some parcels have already been issued a Certificate of Sanitation Approval. This provides sanitarians with information on pre-approved locations and sizing for a system. Other parcels do not already have this certification. These parcels may require a site evaluation, or a review under current state sanitation rules. This will lengthen the time to issue a permit. Read more on septic system evaluations in the Resources section.
Permitting Department: Health Department
Floodplain permits ensure that all applicable flood code standards have been met. These are required before development activity on property within the designated flood plain. A floodplain permit is required for, but not limited to:
Permitting Department: Planning, Development and Sustainability
Shoreline permits ensure construction and other human activity do not interfere with the conservation, protection and restoration of natural lakes, ponds, wildlife, fisheries, riparian habitat, wetlands and shorelines. Shoreline permits are required for the construction of (but not necessarily limited to):
Permitting Department: Planning, Development & Sustainability
Excavation permits are required for excavation within a public right-of-way. Excavation cannot extend more than half the width of the public right-of-way at any time. Construction activities cannot block the existing traveled way unless specific written approval has been granted. Public utility contractors will be allowed up to 20 open excavation permits. General utility contractors will be allowed up to five open excavation permits. Permit holders must notify all utilities of the excavation and will be responsible for the location of all utility lines and their repair if damaged. Excavation contractors must submit proof of bonding and insurance before the permit will be approved. Refer to the Public Works manual for requirements. Excavation permits must be applied for online.
Permitting Department: Public Works - Building Division
Building permit costs are calculated based on the value of the construction. This is determined by factors like the type of structure and the materials being used. We use the ICC Cost Per Sq.Ft. Data Table to verify these values. Once the value of construction is determined, the Building Division uses a Building Fee Schedule, which is available online, to figure out permit costs.
For example, the cost of a permit for a two-car garage would be determined by multiplying the standard garage assessment ($27.15 per square foot) by the total square footage (24x24 = 576 square feet), equaling a construction value of $15,638. This would correspond to the $15,001-$16,000 range on the building fee schedule, resulting in a $383. permit. These fees cover the cost of Building Division staff and inspection time.
Penalty fees
If work is started before a permit is issued, the following penalty fees apply:
Example: If the total permit cost is $80, then the penalty fee for starting work without a permit will be $80 + Admin fee of $30 = $110. Therefore, the permit cost with penalty and Admin fees would be $80 + $110 = $190.
If the total permit fee is $100 or more, the penalty fee will be $100 plus the following percentages of the permit fee:
Example: If the total permit fee is $300, and a permit was not issued until the drywall inspection, the total penalty fee would be $280 (300 x60%) = $180 + $100 = $280. Therefore, the permit cost including penalty fees would be $280 + $300 = $580.
If the approach abuts a private road, there is no fee; if the approach abuts a public county-maintained road, there is a $52 fee.
Standard Zoning Compliance Permits
PDS - Applications, Forms, and Fees
The Planning, Development & Sustainability Department oversees Land Use and Zoning Compliance review. Fees are subject to annual updates effective on July 1st.
PDS - Applications, Forms, and Fees
The Planning, Development & Sustainability Department oversees Land Use and Zoning Compliance review. Fees are subject to annual updates effective on July 1st.
Penalty fees
If work is started before a permit is issued, the following penalty fees apply:
Example: If the total permit cost is $80, then the penalty fee for starting work without a permit will be $80 + Admin fee of $30 = $110. Therefore, the permit cost with penalty and Admin fees would be $110 + $80 = $190.
Example: If the total permit fee is $300, and a permit was not issued until the rough inspection, the total penalty fee would be $280 (300 x60%) = $180 + $100 = $280. Therefore, the permit cost including penalty fees would be $280 + $300 = $580.
Penalty fees
If work is started before a permit is issued, the following penalty fees apply:
Example: If the total permit cost is $80, then the penalty fee for starting work without a permit will be $80 + Admin fee of $30 = $110. Therefore, the permit cost with penalty and Admin fees would be $110 + $80 = $190.
Example: If the total permit fee is $300, and a permit was not issued until the rough inspection, the total penalty fee would be $280 (300 x60%) = $180 + $100 = $280. Therefore, the permit cost including penalty fees would be $280 + $300 = $580.
Penalty fees
If work is started before a permit is issued, the following penalty fees apply:
Example: If the total permit cost is $80, then the penalty fee for starting work without a permit will be $80 + Admin fee of $30 = $110. Therefore, the permit cost with penalty and Admin fees would be $110 + $80 = $190.
Example: If the total permit fee is $300, and a permit was not issued until the rough inspection, the total penalty fee would be $280 (300 x60%) = $180 + $100 = $280. Therefore, the permit cost including penalty fees would be $280 + $300 = $580.
PDS - Applications, Forms, and Fees
The Planning, Development & Sustainability Department oversees Floodplain review. Fees are subject to annual updates effective on July 1st.
PDS - Applications, Forms, and Fees
The Planning, Development & Sustainability Department oversees Shoreline review. Fees are subject to annual updates effective on July 1st.
PDS - Applications, Forms, and Fees
If your property is in a platted subdivision, you may be required to install a water source for fire suppression. Please check with Planning, Development & Sustainability about requirements for your specific property before submitting your permit application. If a system is required, your application will need to include additional information demonstrating compliance with your subdivision’s fire suppression regulations.
Additional requirements vary based on the structure/physical feature being constructed. See floodplain permit application for additional details.
A land use or zoning compliance permit is required for all mobile/manufactured homes, even if it is replacing an existing home in the same footprint. A building permit may be required if the Mobile home is set on a permanent foundation. Montana Licensed Professional Engineer stamp required.
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Permits you'll likely need:
Department to start with: Public Works - Building Division
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Permits you'll likely need:
Department to start with: Public Works - Building Division
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Permits you'll likely need:
Depending on your project and property, you may also need:
Department to start with: Health Department
Please note, you will need to download the PDF document for best results. Some features will not work when filling out this form in a browser. Use Acrobat Reader installed locally for best results.
| Holiday | Date Observed |
| New Year's Day | Mon., Jan. 2, 2023 |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Mon., Jan. 16, 2023 |
| Presidents Day | Mon., Feb. 20, 2023 |
| Memorial Day | Mon., May 29, 2023 |
| Independence Day | Tue., Jul. 4, 2023 |
| Labor Day | Mon., Sep. 4, 2023 |
| Indigenous Peoples Day | Mon., Oct. 9, 2023 |
| Veterans Day | Fri., Nov. 10, 2023 |
| Thanksgiving Day | Thu., Nov. 23, 2023 |
| Christmas Day | Mon., Dec. 25, 2023 |
Commercial buildings, including multi-family dwellings, need the following:
** All plans must reflect original Design Professional Stamps with date and signature.**
Agricultural building(s) not intended for human habitation or commercial use (i.e., sale of goods, factory use of a building, etc.) on parcels/properties classified as Agricultural through the Montana Department of Revenue Agricultural Land Classification Application and in conjunction with Montana Code Annotated Section 15-7-202 may be exempt from a building permit. The following exemption process must be followed to qualify:
To obtain an agricultural exemption with the Missoula County Public Works Building Division, the property owner(s) must complete an Agricultural Land Classification Application with the Montana Department of Revenue and receive a written approval of agricultural land classification. Upon Receipt of said approval from the Montana Department of Revenue, the property owner(s) must carefully read, understand and sign this Affidavit of Agricultural Exemption in the presence of a notary public and present it to the Missoula County Public Works Building Division with a copy of the approval letter from Montana Department of Revenue. Property owner(s) are also required to submit a Land Use/Zoning Compliance Permit application and provide the required documentation:
Upon approval of Land Use/Zoning Compliance Permit, the Missoula County Public Works Building Division will collect a $150 fee and record all documents with the Missoula County Clerk and Recorder’s office. Agricultural buildings covered by this exemption are exempt from building permits ONLY. This does not exempt the structure from any other requirements for additional permits.
If an approved agricultural-exempt building is used for any other purpose than that which is defined in Chapter 2 of the International Building Code, a building permit will be required, and the building will need to be brought into compliance with building code for the intended.
Any change of use of the agricultural buildings into habitable space or into a private residential garage requires a building/trade permit(s), engineered stamped plans; Land Use/Zoning Compliance permits; Floodplain, Shoreline and Health Department permits, as applicable. Fees will be assessed on use and square footage.
Agricultural buildings found to be constructed without the proper permits will result in penalty fees up to 100% of the building permit fees per Resolution 2019-100 and a notice of violation filed on the property until the structure is brought into compliance with all Missoula County Regulations.
The term 'agriculture' is defined as: "The science, art, or occupation of cultivating land, raising crops, and feeding, breeding, and raising livestock. American Heritage dictionary of the English language, Fifth Edition. It is also referred to as farming or ranching. The term 'agricultural' means the production of food, feed, livestock, poultry, bees, biological control insects, fruits, and vegetables, as well as sod, ornamental, nursery, horticultural crops, and fiber commodities that are raised, grown, or produced for commercial purposes. It also includes the raising of domestic animals and wildlife in domestication or a captive environment". 15-1-101, MCA.
The term 'livestock' includes typical domesticated animals: cattle, sheep, swine, goats, horses, mules, and asses. In addition, it also includes "llamas, alpacas, bison, ostriches, rheas, emus, and domestic ungulates." 15-1-101, MCA and ARM 42.20.601.
Agricultural building(s) not intended for human habitation or commercial use (i.e., sale of goods, factory use of a building, etc.) on parcels/properties classified as Agricultural through the Montana Department of Revenue Agricultural Land Classification Application and in conjunction with Montana Code Annotated Section 15-7-202 may be exempt from a building permit. To obtain an agricultural exemption with the Missoula County Public Works Building Division, the property owner(s) must complete an Agricultural Land Classification Application with the Montana Department of Revenue and receive a written approval of agricultural land classification.
Missoula County Public Works Building Division will collect a $150 fee for processing an Agricultural Exemption application. This fee is separate from any Planning, Development &
Sustainability fees.
Located at 6089 Training Drive in Missoula near the airport.
The Building Division reviews construction plans to ensure they comply with current building codes adopted by the State of Montana.
The Building Division also starts most Missoula County permits, including:
Located at 127 E. Main St., Suite 2, in Missoula.
Planning, Development & Sustainability reviews:
Information Desk Hours: Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Located at 301 W Alder Street (2nd floor) in Missoula.
The Missoula City-County Health Department is responsible for protecting the natural environment and indoor public places. This includes reviewing subdivision/development proposals. It also includes permitting and inspecting:
Information Desk Hours: If you have a question specific to a subdivision proposal, a septic system, or a well, please call the Land Sanitarian Information Desk at 406-258-4990. Desk hours are Monday – Friday, 8-5 with two exceptions: the noon hour, and a Thursday mornings from 8-10 a.m.
