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Montana building permits
Adopted codes, fees, and permit requirements for every covered Montana city — browse by county, sourced from official records.
CountyCities
- Yellowstone County3 cities covered
- Missoula County2 cities covered
- Cascade County1 city covered
- Gallatin County4 cities covered
- Lewis and Clark County2 cities covered
- Flathead County3 cities covered
- Hill County1 city covered
- Silver Bow County1 city covered
- Deer Lodge County1 city covered
- Powell County1 city covered
- Park County1 city covered
- Custer County1 city covered
- Ravalli County3 cities covered
- Teton County1 city covered
- Pondera County2 cities covered
- Glacier County1 city covered
- Valley County1 city covered
- Fergus County1 city covered
- Carbon County1 city covered
- Big Horn County1 city covered
- Lincoln County2 cities covered
- Lake County2 cities covered
- Toole County2 cities covered
- Rosebud County2 cities covered
- Broadwater County1 city covered
- Richland County2 cities covered
Do I need a permit? — Montana guides
- Window ReplacementUsually no — but yes if you change the size of the opening.
- FenceSometimes — many fences need only zoning/setback approval; a building permit kicks in mainly for fences over 7 feet or with structural elements.
- DeckYes — unless it's a small ground-level platform under 200 sq ft.
- Water HeaterYes — even for a like-for-like replacement.
- Basement FinishYes — any framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires a permit.
- Solar PanelsYes — both a building and electrical permit are required.
- Roof ReplacementYes — all roof replacements and re-roofing projects require a permit.
- Hot TubYes — at minimum an electrical permit for the 240V circuit.
- ShedUnder 200 sq ft and under 10 feet tall? Usually no. Bigger? Yes.
- Furnace ReplacementYes — even a like-for-like furnace swap requires a mechanical permit.
- EV ChargerLevel 2 (240V) chargers yes. Level 1 (120V plug-in) no.
- Patio Cover / PergolaSolid roof covers yes. Open-lattice pergolas may be exempt.
- Home BusinessYes — most cities require a home occupation permit.
- ADU / In-Law SuiteOften yes — many states now require cities to allow at least internal ADUs.
- Concrete / DrivewayOnly if it connects to the street, modifies drainage, or is a structural element.
Permit types across Montana
View all →Compare a permit type’s fees across every Montana city we cover.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU / Casita) PermitAccessory Structure Permit (Shed / Detached Garage)Building / Structure Move PermitBuilding Permit (New Construction / Addition / Alteration / Repair / Remodel / Sign / Mobile Home / Fence)Certificate of OccupancyCertificate of Occupancy / Change of Use PermitChange of OccupancyChange of Use / Occupancy PermitCommercial Building PermitCommercial Building Permit & Fire Plan ReviewDeck / Covered Patio PermitDemolition / Building Move PermitDemolition PermitElectrical PermitEV Charger / EVSE PermitFence / Retaining Wall PermitFire Alarm System Permit (State-Issued, via Electrical Permit — No Dedicated Fee Line)Fire Sprinkler / Fire Protection System Permit (State-Issued, via Plumbing Permit)Fire Suppression (Sprinkler) / Fire Alarm PermitInformational Building Permit (Minor Residential Work)Lakeshore Construction PermitLand Use Permit (Fence, Deck, Patio, Shed, Accessory Structure)Mechanical / HVAC PermitMiscellaneous Building Permit (Fence, Driveway, Sidewalk, Curb Cut)Non-Structural Remodel (Permit-Exempt) / Structural Alteration PermitPlumbing PermitResidential Addition / Remodel PermitResidential Building Permit (New Construction)Residential/Commercial Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit (State-Issued)Roofing Permit (Reroof)Sign PermitSolar Photovoltaic (PV) PermitSwimming Pool / Spa PermitWater Heater PermitZoning PermitZoning Permit (Fence, New Construction Siting, Variance)Zoning Permit (Fence, Sign, Accessory Structure)