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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.
Yellowstone County2 cities coveredMissoula County1 city coveredCascade County1 city coveredGallatin County1 city coveredLewis and Clark County1 city coveredFlathead County1 city coveredHill County1 city coveredSilver Bow County1 city coveredDeer Lodge County1 city covered
Montana building permits issuedNew privately-owned residential construction activity by city — U.S. Census Bureau Building Permits Survey, data through 2026-05Do 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) PermitCommercial PermitDeck PermitDemolition PermitElectrical PermitFence and Retaining Wall PermitFence PermitMechanical / HVAC PermitMiscellaneous Building Permit (Fence, Driveway, Sidewalk, Curb Cut)Plumbing PermitRe-Roofing PermitResidential Addition / Remodel / Alteration PermitResidential Addition / Remodel PermitResidential Building Permit (New Construction)Solar Panel PermitSolar PV / Alternative Energy PermitWater Heater Permit