Do I Need a Permit for a Patio Cover or Pergola in Montana?
Quick Answer
Solid roof covers yes. Open-lattice pergolas may be exempt.
Solid vs. Open
Solid-roof patio covers (those that keep rain off) almost always require a building permit. They are treated as a building addition and count toward lot coverage. Open-lattice pergolas — where slats allow rain through — may be exempt in some cities, but rules vary. When in doubt, call your city.
Attached vs. Detached
Patio covers attached to the house require a ledger connection (similar to a deck), which inspectors scrutinize closely. Detached structures have simpler attachment requirements but still need proper footings and must meet setbacks.
Lot Coverage
Solid-roof patio covers count toward your lot's maximum building coverage (typically 40-50% in residential zones). If your lot is already near the limit, you may not be able to add a patio cover without a variance. Open-lattice pergolas often do not count toward coverage.
Footings
Like decks, patio cover footings must extend below the local frost line — the required depth varies by climate and elevation, so confirm the depth your city requires. Posts must be properly anchored to the footings with approved hardware — not just set in concrete.
Bottom Line
Solid-roof = permit required. Open-lattice = maybe exempt. Either way, check setbacks and lot coverage before building.
Permit fees by city in Montana
Verified from each city’s published fee schedule. Where a city has no separate fee listed for this project, open the city page for the current requirements and amount.
| City | Permit fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge | $12.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Billings | $30.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Bozeman | (Administrative Charges/Employee/Hour + Inspector's Hourly Pay Rate) x Table A factor (amount of inspection time per sq ft, by construction type and fire rating) x Building Square FootageVerifiedvia Residential New Construction Permit | Residential New Construction Permit → |
| Butte-Silver Bow | $75.00 per hour, one-hour minimumVerifiedvia New Residential Construction Permit | New Residential Construction Permit → |
| Great Falls | Ranges from $62.61 (value $1-$1,000) up to $710.45 (value $49,001-$50,000), per the $1,000-increment table in Exhibit AVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Havre | $23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Remodel) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Remodel) → |
| Helena | $22.00Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (One- and Two-Family Dwelling — New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (One- and Two-Family Dwelling — New Construction) → |
| Kalispell | $23.50Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Missoula | $36 permit fee + $11.00 plan review feeVerifiedvia Residential Building Permit (New Construction) | Residential Building Permit (New Construction) → |
| Unincorporated Yellowstone County | Calculated based on project valuation (fee schedule not published inline on the application; contact Building Codes Bureau at (406) 841-2056 for the current valuation-based fee table)Verifiedvia Residential Building Permit | Residential Building Permit → |