Step 2 - Do Your Research

Review the different kinds of permits, common projects requiring or not requiring permits, and fee information.

Missoula County requires permits for many types of work you may want to have done on your property. These permits ensure compliance with local, state and international building codes. The lists below detail work requiring, or not requiring, permits. Though extensive, they are not all-inclusive. If your project isn’t listed, call 406-258-3701, Option #2, to speak with a member of the Building Permit Intake Staff.

What's Your Project?

The kind of work you’re planning will determine what permits you’ll need. Below you’ll find two lists:

Some common projects that will likely require one or more permits:

The first list includes common projects that will likely require one or more permits. Remember, every project is different. Though this is a good guideline, your project may require additional permits not listed.

If your project is complex, consider setting up a Development Review Team meeting.
The second list includes projects you won’t need a permit for.

Common Projects that Require Permits

Planning a project you don’t see on either list? With any residential or commercial work, it’s best to check whether you need any permits by calling 406-258-3701.

Agricultural Exemption Process

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. Click here to download instructions on the exception process and related forms.

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.

Projects that Do Not Require the Following Types of Permits

Building Electrical Mechanical/Gas Plumbing Well

**Even if your structure is exempt from a building permit, other permits may be required, including but not limited to: land use/zoning compliance, floodplain, plumbing, mechanical and electrical.**
One-story, detached accessory structures, such as a tool/storage sheds or playhouse, the floor area of which is fewer than 200 square feet.
- 200 square foot exemption applies only to sheds or children’s playhouse and may not be used for habitable purposes (living, cooking, eating, sleeping, or conducting any type of business (see definition) or to house/park any motor vehicles. The 200 square feet cannot be cumulative.
Greenhouses/hoop structures, described as:
- Greenhouse: "A structure or thermally isolated area of a building that maintains a specialized sunlit environment used for and essential to the cultivation, protection or maintenance of plants." Further described as a structure comprised of metal framework or wood framework, with walls and roof made chiefly of glass or translucent plastic.
- Hoop structure: Further described as a structure consisting of a lightweight metal, plastic, or wooden frame, or a series of hoops, that is covered by an impermeable, removable layer of plastic or polyethylene film used to protect plants grown in the soil or in containers upon the soil.
Decks not over 30" in height measured plumb from grade to deck surface, attached or unattached to a structure, that is on a permanent or non-permanent foundation, regardless of overall size of deck structure.
Pergolas and gazebos for residential use only described as:
- Pergola: Outdoor free-standing accessory structure forming a shaded walkway, passageway or sitting area of vertical posts or pillars with cross beams and open lattice.
- Gazebo: Outdoor free-standing small accessory structure with open sides and a roof.
- Pergolas and gazebos are open air structures attached or unattached to a residential structure that is on a permanent or non-permanent foundation. The main difference between a pergola and a gazebo is the function of the roof: a gazebo provides full coverage from the sun while a pergola allows sunlight to shine through the slatted roof and provides only partial shade.
Additions to existing residential-only buildings
- Addition of "non-habitable" space with or without a permanent foundation onto any existing building or accessory structure such as a covered entry way, covered patio/porch, covered deck, or a lean-to structure for storage only.
- "Habitable Space" is defined as a space in a building for living, eating, cooking, and sleeping per the International Residential code.
- "Accessory" structures being defined as private residential garages or private residential storage structures.
Retaining walls less than 4 feet high
Water tanks placed on the ground if the capacity is less than 5,000 gallons (18.927 L), with a height-to-diameter ratio of less than 2-to-1.
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
Swings and other playground equipment on the property of detached one- and two-family homes.
Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the wall and do not require additional support

Temporary decorative lighting (cord-and-plug connected)
Reinstalling attachment plug receptacles to portable appliances
Replacing branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location
Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles

Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances
Replacing any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe
Portable ventilation appliances and cooling units
Portable evaporative coolers

Stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipes, as long as the concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe is not defective. If defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace it with new material, the work will be considered new and a permit will be required.
Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, as long as repairs do not involve or require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

Drilling shallow monitoring wells to determine the seasonal height to groundwater
Abandoning an existing well
Installing or re-configuring a water line or connecting to an existing well.

Important Note: Though you do not need a well permit to install a water line from an existing well to a structure, the structure must already be connected to a permitted and approved septic system.

Planning a project you don’t see on either list? With any residential or commercial work, it’s best to check whether you need a permit by calling 406-258-3701, option #2 to speak with a member of the Building Permit Intake Staff.

Permitting Departments

Three departments issue permits related to home-improvement projects:

Public Works Building Division
Missoula City-County Health Department
Planning, Development & Sustainability Department

The specifics of your project will determine what department you start with.

Septic/well installation: If your project involves your septic system or well, you will start the application process with the Health Department. A septic permit must be finalized before the county can issue any building or construction permits. Call the Health Department at 406-258-4990 or email [email protected].
Projects impacting septic systems or wells: Even if you don’t think your project requires changes to your septic system or well, you still need to contact the Health Department. Many projects that do not involve new installation or connection require a Health Department evaluation. For example, if you are building a detached garage, the Health Department will make sure you do not build it on top of your drainfield. Also, septic systems are designed to accommodate a maximum number of bedrooms. Interior remodels that include new bedrooms require septic system review.
For complex projects, it’s best to start with the Health Department to lessen the chance of surprises later. Call the Health Department at 406-258-4990 or email [email protected].
Most other projects: Other permit applications begin with the Building Division. Once submitted, either online or in person, you application will go through the intake process to insure it meet the requirements. If intake process is a success, then your project will be routed to the different permitting departments and reviewed simultaneously. You may receive a call from a reviewer needing more information about your project.

Public Works Health Department Planning, Development & Sustainability (PDS)

Address
6089 Training Drive, Missoula - approximately 1 ½ miles west of the Airport off of Hwy 10
(Google Map)

Call (406) 258-3701 (select option 1 to request an inspection; option 2 to speak to intake staff) or email [email protected].

Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Click here for observed holiday closures.
406-258-3701

The Seeley Lake office is permanently closed.

The intake process for most permits, whether submitted online or in person, typically begins here. Your permit application will then be routed to the different permitting departments and reviewed simultaneously.

Permits issued:

Building
Address/approach
Mechanical
Electrical
Plumbing
Excavation

Important Note: If you are on a septic system or plan to install one, you will start the process with the Health Department, 301 W. Alder St. A septic permit must be finalized before the county can issue any building or construction permits. Call the Health Department at 406-258-4990. You can read more on septic system evaluations in the Resources section.
Projects that require city water and/or sewer need to be reviewed by the city before applying for a county building permit. Contact City of Missoula Development Services.

The Public Works Building Division will determine if a project requires an address/approach permit. For the most part, construction on previously undeveloped property requires an address/approach permit. The Building Division will start the process for the county’s GIS Department to assign the legal E-911 address. The Building Division also will review your building plans to make sure they are compliant with all adopted and applicable building codes.

301 Alder St., Missoula
P: 406-258-4990

The Health Department will review the proposed building plans to make sure that you have applied for any necessary septic permits. If your project requires a septic permit, it must be fully issued by the Health Department before your building permits will be issued. The Health Department also will conduct any applicable water quality, air quality and licensed establishment reviews.

Permits issued:

Well
Septic

Important Note: If you are applying for multiple permits that include well and/or septic, it’s most efficient to start with the Health Department. You will not be issued other permits until your septic permit is finalized.

127 E. Main St., Suite 2, Missoula
P: 406-258-4642

missoula.co/pds

PDS will determine if land use or zoning regulations apply to a property, as well as floodplain regulations and whether alternate construction techniques are required, such as elevation certificates (pre- and post construction), fire review (rural or county fire), zoning, engineering, subdivision conditions and shoreline review.

Permits issued:

Land use/zoning
Floodplain
Shoreline

Important Note: If you need to apply for a floodplain or shoreline permit, please feel free to email the applications to [email protected]. You may also do so in person, if preferred, at 127 E. Main St., Suite 2, in Missoula.

Types of Permits

Missoula County issues several different kinds of permits, some of which are listed below. The specifics of your project will determine which ones you will or will not need.

Now that you’ve educated yourself on work requiring permits, the different kinds of permits and associated fees, you’re ready for Step 3: Preparing to Apply.

Proceed to Step 3

Fast Facts Property Report

The Fast Facts Property Report can tell you if your property:

Simply enter your address below to run the report, which is generated by the Missoula County Property Information System.

Please note the report may take several seconds to generate and will open in a separate browser window.

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