Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed in Montana?
Quick Answer
Under 200 sq ft and under 10 feet tall? Usually no. Bigger? Yes.
The 200 Sq Ft Rule
Most cities exempt sheds under 200 square feet and under 10 feet in height from building permits. This applies to simple storage sheds, garden sheds, and similar structures without plumbing or electrical. Even exempt sheds must comply with setback requirements.
Setbacks Still Apply
Even without a permit, your shed must meet zoning setbacks — typically 5 feet from side and rear property lines. Sheds cannot be placed in utility easements. Corner lots have additional restrictions. Check your city's zoning code before choosing a location.
When You Definitely Need a Permit
A permit is required for: sheds over 200 sq ft, sheds over 10 feet tall, any shed with electrical wiring, any shed with plumbing, and detached garages or carports regardless of size. Prefab and kit sheds over 200 sq ft still need permits — the rule is based on size, not construction method.
HOA Restrictions
Many HOAs have additional shed restrictions: approved materials and colors, maximum size smaller than city code allows, and sometimes outright prohibition of certain shed types. Get HOA approval before purchasing or building.
Bottom Line
Small sheds (under 200 sq ft, under 10 ft tall, no utilities) are usually permit-free. Everything else needs one. Always check setbacks.
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 → |