Residential Plumbing Permit in Missoula, Montana
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
When you need this permit
- 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
- Required
Plumbing 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 |
Review timeline
2–3 business days
Missoula’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Rough-In
After pipes installed, before wall cover
- 2
Final
Fixtures connected, no leaks, venting verified
Tips
- Water heater replacement requires a plumbing permit; the fee is a flat $16.00 for a storage-tank-type water heater per the FY26 fee schedule.
- A homeowner performing plumbing work personally in the single-family home they will occupy is exempt from the state plumbing permit/license requirement under MCA 50-60-506(4) — this exemption does NOT apply to rental or spec-built properties.
- The 'issuing each permit' base fee of $43.00 applies in addition to the per-fixture/per-scope fee.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Missoula?
- Yes, a plumbing permit is required for water heater installation or replacement. Storage-tank-type water heater replacement carries a $16.00 fee per the City of Missoula FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule, plus the $43.00 permit issuance fee.
- Can I do my own plumbing work in Missoula?
- If you own and will occupy a single-family dwelling (not a rental or spec-built home), Montana's homeowner exemption (MCA 50-60-506(4)) allows you to do the plumbing work yourself without a plumbing license. A City permit and inspection are still required.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Missoula Development Services — Building Division (Community Planning, Development & Innovation) — official building department
- FY26 Building-MEP Fee Schedule PDF (Resolution 8887)
- Plumbing Permits | Montana Dept. of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division
- Building Division | City of Missoula
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.
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