This is PermitBase’s published record for Missoula as of 2026-07-20. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Missoula building permits
VerifiedMissoula, Montana — as published 2026-07-20.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and duplex construction within Missoula city limits. Reviewed against the 2021 IRC/IBC and 2021 IECC as amended by the State of Montana Building Codes Bureau, adopted locally via Missoula Municipal Code 15.04.010. Applications are submitted online through the Accela Citizen Access portal.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Apply online through Accela Citizen Access at aca-prod.accela.com/MISSOULA
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC/IBC and 2021 IECC as amended by the State of Montana
- For 1-2 family dwellings, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scopes within the building permit are not separately plan-reviewed; compliance is field-verified at inspection
- Detailed project description and property/utility information (water meter, water supply, heating source) required in the application
- Plans must be uploaded as vector-based PDFs following City naming and bookmark conventions
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Accela Citizen Access)Completed online; address, parcel, owner, and applicant/contractor information auto-populate from City GIS/records lookups
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsFull plan set (site plan, foundation, floor plan, framing, elevations) uploaded as an attachment named with the permit number, e.g. '2025-MSS-RES-00805 INITIAL PLANS'
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — project valuation $1 to $500 | $36 permit fee + $11.00 plan review fee | City of Missoula FY26 Building Permit and Plan Review Fee Schedule (Resolution 8887, effective Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026); plan review fee is 30% of the permit fee |
| Building Permit Fee — project valuation $99,001 to $100,000 | $1,582 permit fee + $475.00 plan review fee | City of Missoula FY26 Building Permit and Plan Review Fee Schedule |
| Building Permit Fee — project valuation $100,001 to $500,000 | $1,582 for the first $100,000 plus $9.94 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | City of Missoula FY26 Building Permit and Plan Review Fee Schedule |
| Building Permit Fee — project valuation $500,001 to $1,000,000 | $5,556 for the first $500,000 plus $6.62 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | City of Missoula FY26 Building Permit and Plan Review Fee Schedule |
| Building Permit Fee — project valuation $1,000,001 and up | $8,868 for the first $1,000,000 plus $4.97 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | City of Missoula FY26 Building Permit and Plan Review Fee Schedule |
Residential Addition / Remodel / Alteration Permit
VerifiedRequired for room additions, structural alterations, and remodels affecting structural, mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems on existing single-family and duplex dwellings within Missoula city limits.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Apply online through Accela Citizen Access
- Interior remodels involving wall changes or fixture relocation require a building permit
- Storage buildings/garages exceeding 200 sq ft require a permit
- Retaining walls over 4 feet tall require a permit
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC/IBC and 2021 IECC as amended by the State of Montana
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Accela Citizen Access)Submitted online with a detailed project description
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsPlans showing scope of work, dimensions, and structural details relevant to the addition/remodel
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same table as new construction) | $36 minimum (valuation $1–$500) up to $1,582 for the first $100,000 plus $9.94 per additional $1,000; see full valuation table | City of Missoula FY26 Building Permit and Plan Review Fee Schedule (Resolution 8887, effective Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026) |
| Plan Review Fee | 30% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Missoula FY26 Building Permit and Plan Review Fee Schedule |
Residential Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installations, service upgrades, and rewiring in single-family, duplex, and multi-family dwellings within Missoula city limits. Governed by the 2020 NEC as amended by the State of Montana. Montana homeowners may self-perform electrical work on their own residence under a State Homeowner's Electrical Permit.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Apply online through Accela Citizen Access
- New service, service upgrades, rewiring, and branch circuit additions all require an electrical permit
- Work must comply with the 2020 NEC as amended by the State of Montana
- Montana homeowners may wire their own home, garage, and premises via a State Homeowner's Electrical Permit issued by the Montana DLI Business Standards Division, without holding an electrician's license
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit Application (Accela Citizen Access)Submitted online through the Citizen Access Portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Dwelling — new construction 100 to 300 Amp service | $361.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule (Resolution 8887), Section D.1.a |
| Single-Family Dwelling — new construction 301+ Amp service | $560.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section D.1.b |
| Single-Family Dwelling — new addition to, remodel or interior rewire of existing | $110.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section D.1.c |
| Single-Family Dwelling — change or upgrade service (meter and/or breaker panel) | $69.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section D.1.d |
| Duplex — new construction, any capacity service | $501.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section D.2.a |
| Multi-Family Dwelling (3–12 units) — new construction, any capacity service | $278.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section D.3.a |
| Detached Residential Accessory Building — new construction/existing unwired, up to 200 Amp | $110.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section D.4.a |
| Commercial, Non-Residential and Other — project cost $0 to $500 | $84.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section D.7.a |
Residential Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Missoula residential properties, including water heater replacement. Governed by the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code as amended by the State of Montana. A statewide homeowner exemption under MCA 50-60-506(4) allows an owner-occupant to do their own plumbing work without a license.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Apply online through Accela Citizen Access
- Installing or replacing an electric or gas water heater requires a plumbing permit
- For 1-2 family dwellings, plumbing scope is field-verified rather than plan-reviewed
- Commercial plumbing projects require plans designed by a licensed professional or master plumber unless otherwise approved
- Under MCA 50-60-506(4), an owner of a single-family dwelling who personally performs plumbing work in the dwelling they will occupy (not built for resale speculation or as a rental) is exempt from the plumbing permit/license requirement, but must still comply with code
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit Application (Accela Citizen Access)Submitted online through the Citizen Access Portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit Issuance — for issuing each permit | $43.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule (Resolution 8887), Section C.1.a |
| Water heater installation or replacement (storage tank type) | $16.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section C.2.b |
| Installation, relocation, or replacement of plumbing fixture, trap, or stub-out | $16.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section C.2.a |
| Repair or alteration of drainage or vent piping | $16.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section C.2.d |
| Lawn sprinkler or fire protection system, or any one meter (including backflow protection device) | $16.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section C.2.e |
| Gray water system installation | $100.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section C.2.k |
Residential Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and fuel-gas installations in Missoula residential properties. Covers furnaces, heaters, boilers, air handlers, evaporative coolers, ventilation, wood stoves, and gas piping. Governed by the 2021 International Mechanical Code and 2021 International Fuel Gas Code as amended by the State of Montana.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Apply online through Accela Citizen Access
- For 1-2 family dwellings, mechanical scope is field-verified rather than plan-reviewed
- Gas piping systems require permitting per outlet count
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit Application (Accela Citizen Access)Submitted online through the Citizen Access Portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit Issuance — for issuing each permit | $43.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule (Resolution 8887), Section B.1.a |
| Forced-air or gravity-type furnace, burner, or heat exchanger up to 100,000 BTU/HR | $29.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section B.2.a |
| Forced-air or gravity-type furnace, burner, or heat exchanger over 100,000 BTU/HR | $34.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section B.2.b |
| Suspended heater, recessed wall heater, floor furnace, wall furnace, or gas fireplace insert | $29.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section B.3.a |
| Residential-type wood stove or solid fuel appliance, including chimney | $57.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section B.10.a |
| Gas-piping system of one to four outlets (per fuel/gas service) | $16.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section B.11.a |
| Gas-piping system, additional outlets over four, per outlet | $8.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section B.11.b |
Residential Re-Roof Permit
VerifiedRequired for residential or commercial roofing replacement or re-cover within Missoula city limits. A flat permit fee applies rather than valuation-based calculation.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Apply online through Accela Citizen Access
- Permit required for roofing replacement or re-cover on residential or commercial structures
- Work must comply with the 2021 IRC/IBC roofing provisions as amended by the State of Montana
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Accela Citizen Access) — Re-RoofSubmitted online; project described as a re-roof/re-cover
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Re-roof permit flat fee | $281.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule (Resolution 8887), Section A.3 — up from $150.00 in FY25, listed as '100% cost recovery rate' |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for rooftop or ground-mount solar PV installations on residential properties within Missoula city limits. An electrical permit is mandatory for all solar systems, billed at the same flat 'Solar Installation permit' fee. Apply through Accela Citizen Access, describing the project as a rooftop or ground-mount solar installation.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for all solar systems — apply online through the Citizen Access Portal
- Describe the project in the application as a 'rooftop solar installation' or 'ground mount solar installation'
- Solar work is classified as a change or service upgrade for permitting purposes
- Solar Application Requirements and Inspection Procedures document (2025 version, referencing the 2021 IRC) governs submittal and inspection standards
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical/Building Permit Application (Accela Citizen Access)Submitted online, describing scope as rooftop or ground-mount solar installation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Installation permit flat fee | $100.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule (Resolution 8887), Section A.2 — up from $96.00 in FY25 |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Permit
VerifiedMissoula has no separate EV-charger permit type or fee line; the City's own 'Electric Vehicles' page confirms EV charging equipment installation is billed and processed as a standard Residential Electrical Permit whenever a new electrical fixture/circuit is added (e.g., a new garage outlet or a Level 2 charger circuit). Plugging into an existing outlet requires no permit. Residents without off-street parking may instead use the City's Right-of-Way Encroachment Use Permit for a temporary Level 1/Level 2 charging cord across the right-of-way/sidewalk.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- An electrical permit IS required if any new electrical fixture or circuit is added to serve the EV charger (e.g., a new garage outlet or dedicated circuit for a Level 2 charger)
- Plugging an EV charger into an existing, already-permitted outlet does NOT require a new permit
- A Level 2 (240V) charger may require a panel/service upgrade, which itself requires an electrical permit under the 'change or upgrade service' fee category
- Apply online through Accela Citizen Access, the same portal used for all electrical permits
- Residents without off-street parking may instead apply for a Right-of-Way Encroachment Use Permit, limited to Level 1 (120V) and Level 2 (240V) charging cords crossing the right-of-way/sidewalk
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit Application (Accela Citizen Access)Submitted online; describe scope as new circuit/outlet for EV charging or service upgrade
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Dwelling — new addition to, remodel or interior rewire of existing (applies to new EV circuit/outlet) | $110.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule (Resolution 8887), Section D.1.c — same fee category the City's Electric Vehicles page directs EV circuit additions to; no distinct EV-charger line item exists |
| Single-Family Dwelling — change or upgrade service (meter and/or breaker panel, if needed for a Level 2 charger) | $69.00 | City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, Section D.1.d |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of a new accessory dwelling unit (detached, internal, or internal addition) on a residential parcel within Missoula city limits. Governed by Missoula Municipal Code Title 20 (Zoning), Section 20.45.060, as amended by Ordinance 3669 (October 2020), which removed the prior owner-occupancy and additional-parking requirements. A building permit is required in addition to zoning compliance review.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- ADUs allowed by right in all Residential, Business (B), Commercial (C), and Limited Industrial-Residential (M1-R) zoning districts
- One ADU permitted per parcel occupied by a single detached house; not allowed in special districts or PUDs unless the district/PUD expressly permits them
- Detached ADU floor area capped at 600 sq ft (per MMC 20.45.060.B.8.a, as amended by Ordinance 3669)
- Internal ADU floor area capped at the lesser of 40% of the primary dwelling's gross floor area (excluding attached garage) or 600 sq ft
- Maximum detached ADU height: 25 feet (MMC 20.45.060.C.3, as amended by Ordinance 3669)
- No owner-occupancy requirement (removed by Ordinance 3669, effective ~November 2020)
- No additional off-street parking required for the ADU itself, though existing required parking for the primary dwelling must be maintained
- Building permit required for all new ADU construction or conversion of existing structures to include an ADU — apply through Accela Citizen Access
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Accela Citizen Access)Submitted online for the ADU construction or conversion scope
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsSite plan, floor plan, elevations demonstrating compliance with size and height limits under MMC 20.45.060
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same table as new residential construction) | $36 minimum (valuation $1–$500) up to $1,582 for the first $100,000 plus $9.94 per additional $1,000; see full valuation table | City of Missoula FY26 Building Permit and Plan Review Fee Schedule (Resolution 8887, effective Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026) |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Checklists & handouts
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Missoula building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.