Do I Need a Permit to Pour Concrete in Montana?
Quick Answer
Only if it connects to the street, modifies drainage, or is a structural element.
When You Don't Need a Permit
Simple concrete flatwork on your own property — a backyard patio, a walkway, or a small pad — typically does not require a building permit in most cities, as long as it doesn't alter drainage patterns or connect to the public right-of-way.
When You Do Need a Permit
A permit is required for: new driveways or driveway widenings (curb cut modification), sidewalk work in the public right-of-way, any concrete that changes drainage patterns, and structural concrete (retaining walls, foundations). Driveway permits may also require a refundable right-of-way bond ($500-$2,000).
Drainage Is Key
The biggest issue with concrete work isn't the concrete itself — it's drainage. Most cities prohibit directing water runoff onto neighboring properties. If your new concrete changes how water flows on your lot, you may need a drainage plan even for otherwise exempt work.
ADA at the Sidewalk
If your driveway crosses a public sidewalk, the approach must meet ADA slope requirements. This is enforced during the permit process and is a common reason driveway permits are revised.
Bottom Line
Backyard patio? Probably no permit. Driveway or anything touching the street? Yes. Always check drainage impact.
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 → |