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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Missoula
A building permit is required for construction, alteration, repair, addition, moving, or demolition of any building or structure, unless specifically exempted by code. This includes new homes, additions, remodels, decks (with exceptions noted below), garages, accessory dwelling units, pools, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing work.
Detached one-story accessory structures (tool sheds, children's playhouses) with floor area under 200 square feet, not used for habitable purposes or to house/park motor vehicles
Freestanding residential decks that are: completely free-standing (not attached), 30 inches or less above grade, no roof or arbor, do not exceed 200 square feet, and do not serve the dwelling's primary required egress
Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not affect structural elements, fire and life safety systems, means of egress, or accessibility features
Agricultural structures not intended for human habitation or commercial use (subject to zoning review)
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Window replacement in kind (same size, same location) -- verify with staff
- Exempt Detached one-story accessory structures (tool sheds, children's playhouses) with floor area under 200 square feet, not used for habitable purposes or to house/park motor vehicles
- Exempt Freestanding residential decks that are: completely free-standing (not attached), 30 inches or less above grade, no roof or arbor, do not exceed 200 square feet, and do not serve the dwelling's primary required egress
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not affect structural elements, fire and life safety systems, means of egress, or accessibility features
- Exempt Agricultural structures not intended for human habitation or commercial use (subject to zoning review)
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Window replacement in kind (same size, same location) -- verify with staff
Note: Even when a building permit is not required, other permits (zoning compliance, floodplain, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) may still be required. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan showing property lines, existing and proposed structures with dimensions and setbacks, well/septic locations if applicable
- Construction drawings: floor plan with room uses and dimensions, all four elevation views, foundation plan, framing plan
- Energy compliance documentation (IECC compliance)
- Contractor license information for all trades
- Plot plan or survey if required by zoning
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), 2017 ICC A117.1 (Accessibility), with Montana state amendments, effective September 1, 2022
- Permit validity
- Application expires after 180 days with no activity. Once issued, work must commence within 180 days and must not be abandoned for more than 180 consecutive days. Expired permits require a reactivation fee.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may pull permits for work on their own primary residence and are responsible for ensuring all work meets code and for scheduling all required inspections. Owner-builder status does not exempt the project from inspection requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be licensed with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). The city verifies contractor license status via the state DLI database before issuing permits. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) require state-issued trade licenses.
Source: City of Missoula Building Division (Development Services) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Residential: approximately 8-12 weeks for permits requiring plan review. Commercial: 12-14 weeks. Permits not requiring plan review (simple trades, re-roofs, solar): approximately 2-3 business days. Processing time is queue-dependent and cannot be expedited.
- 01 Register for an account on the Accela Citizen Access portal at aca-prod.accela.com/MISSOULA.
- 02 Assemble required materials: site plan, construction drawings (all four elevations and floor plans), energy calculations, and any trade-specific plans (mechanical, electrical, plumbing).
- 03 Log in and select the Building tab, then 'Apply for Permit,' and follow the prompts to submit the application with all attachments.
- 04 City staff screen the application for completeness; incomplete applications are returned.
- 05 Once accepted, the application enters simultaneous multi-department review (Building, Planning/Zoning, Engineering, and Fire as applicable).
- 06 Respond to any review comments and upload revised plans through the portal resubmittal process.
- 07 When all departments complete review, plans are consolidated into an approved plan set and you receive an email with fee payment instructions.
- 08 Pay all required fees online through the portal or in person at 435 Ryman St.
- 09 Permit is issued; print or obtain the permit and approved plans and keep them on site before beginning work.
- 10 Schedule required inspections at each stage of construction through the inspection hotline or portal.
- 11 Upon completion, schedule final inspection; if passed, request Certificate of Occupancy by email.
Typical processing time: Residential: approximately 8-12 weeks for permits requiring plan review. Commercial: 12-14 weeks. Permits not requiring plan review (simple trades, re-roofs, solar): approximately 2-3 business days. Processing time is queue-dependent and cannot be expedited.
Source: City of Missoula Building Division (Development Services) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
30% of the building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based. Example tiers (FY2025/2026): Up to $500,000: base amount plus per-$1,000 rate; $500,001 to $1,000,000: $4,325 for first $500,000 plus $6.00 per additional $1,000; $1,000,001 and up: $6,904 for first $1,000,000 plus $4.00 per additional $1,000. Flat fees: re-roof residential $281, solar $100, demolition of detached structure $356.
03
Reinspection fee
Assessed when work is not ready or corrections have not been made at time of scheduled inspection; charged per hour with minimum 1 hour
04
Penalty (no permit)
Stop Work Order: actual staff time at hourly rates, minimum 1 hour. Occupancy without Certificate of Occupancy: daily penalty fee. Work started without permit: fees may be doubled per code.
All fees are due at time of permit issuance. Payment can be made online through the Accela portal or in person at 435 Ryman St. A technology fee is added to the total cost of each permit/license.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 1, 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (406) 552-6040 (24-hour inspection hotline) (phone)
- Accela Citizen Access portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests must be placed no later than 4 pm the prior business day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Thursday, 6 am to 3 pm (Building Division operates a four-day work week as of March 2, 2026)
- Time windows
- AM and PM inspection windows available; specific times provided by staff
Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential new construction: setback/footing, foundation, underground plumbing/mechanical rough-in, framing (including structural, blocking, fire blocking), insulation, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, drywall (if required), final building, final electrical, final plumbing, final mechanical, Certificate of Occupancy issued after all finals pass. An inspection card listing all required inspections is provided at permit issuance.
Source: City of Missoula Building Division (Development Services) ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Missoula permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Missoula, MT? ▸
A building permit is required for construction, alteration, repair, addition, moving, or demolition of any building or structure, unless specifically exempted by code. This includes new homes, additions, remodels, decks (with exceptions noted below), garages, accessory dwelling units, pools, and mechanical/electrical/plumbing work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Missoula, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in Missoula, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Example tiers (FY2025/2026): Up to $500,000: base amount plus per-$1,000 rate; $500,001 to $1,000,000: $4,325 for first $500,000 plus $6.00 per additional $1,000; $1,000,001 and up: $6,904 for first $1,000,000 plus $4.00 per additional $1,000. Flat fees: re-roof residential $281, solar $100, demolition of detached structure $356.. Plan check fee: 30% of the building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Missoula, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Missoula, MT, follow these steps: 1. Register for an account on the Accela Citizen Access portal at aca-prod.accela.com/MISSOULA. 2. Assemble required materials: site plan, construction drawings (all four elevations and floor plans), energy calculations, and any trade-specific plans (mechanical, electrical, plumbing). 3. Log in and select the Building tab, then 'Apply for Permit,' and follow the prompts to submit the application with all attachments. 4. City staff screen the application for completeness; incomplete applications are returned. 5. Once accepted, the application enters simultaneous multi-department review (Building, Planning/Zoning, Engineering, and Fire as applicable). 6. Respond to any review comments and upload revised plans through the portal resubmittal process. 7. When all departments complete review, plans are consolidated into an approved plan set and you receive an email with fee payment instructions. 8. Pay all required fees online through the portal or in person at 435 Ryman St. 9. Permit is issued; print or obtain the permit and approved plans and keep them on site before beginning work. 10. Schedule required inspections at each stage of construction through the inspection hotline or portal. 11. Upon completion, schedule final inspection; if passed, request Certificate of Occupancy by email.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Missoula, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Missoula, MT typically run Residential: approximately 8-12 weeks for permits requiring plan review. Commercial: 12-14 weeks. Permits not requiring plan review (simple trades, re-roofs, solar): approximately 2-3 business days. Processing time is queue-dependent and cannot be expedited.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Missoula, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Missoula, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Detached one-story accessory structures (tool sheds, children's playhouses) with floor area under 200 square feet, not used for habitable purposes or to house/park motor vehicles; Freestanding residential decks that are: completely free-standing (not attached), 30 inches or less above grade, no roof or arbor, do not exceed 200 square feet, and do not serve the dwelling's primary required egress; Ordinary maintenance and repair that does not affect structural elements, fire and life safety systems, means of egress, or accessibility features; Agricultural structures not intended for human habitation or commercial use (subject to zoning review); Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Window replacement in kind (same size, same location) -- verify with staff. Note: Even when a building permit is not required, other permits (zoning compliance, floodplain, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) may still be required. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Missoula, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Missoula, MT via: (406) 552-6040 (24-hour inspection hotline), Accela Citizen Access portal. Inspection requests must be placed no later than 4 pm the prior business day..
last verified March 2026
source City of Missoula Building Division (Development Services) ↗
entry id permits/montana/missoula/missoula-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Missoula Building Division (Development Services) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.