Missoula County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All areas of Missoula County outside the city limits of Missoula, including Lolo, Seeley Lake, Clinton, Frenchtown, Bonner, Huson, Potomac, East Missoula, Orchard Homes, Wye, Turah, Condon, and all rural and agricultural land. The division administers building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and address/approach permits.

Department

Missoula County Public Works Building Division

Address

6089 Training Drive, Missoula, MT 59808 (main office); 3360 Hwy 83 N, Seeley Lake, MT (satellite office)

Phone

(406) 258-3701

Email

pwbuildingpermits@missoulacounty.us

Website

https://www.missoulacounty.gov/departments/public-works/building-permits-inspections/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm your property address. New construction requires an official county-assigned address before any permits can be applied for; contact the Building Division to obtain one.
2. Determine your project scope by reviewing the missoulacounty.build guide (Steps 1-2) to identify which permits are needed (building, zoning/land use, septic, well, approach, floodplain, etc.).
3. Check zoning to determine whether your parcel is in a zoned or unzoned area and whether you need a zoning compliance permit or land use permit (administered by the Planning, Development and Sustainability Department, not the Building Division).
4. Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings, energy calculations, and contractor information (see General Requirements below).
5. Create an account on the Odyssey portal at webapps.missoulacounty.us/PublicPermitting and submit the application with all required attachments.
6. Multiple departments (building, planning/zoning, floodplain if applicable) review the application simultaneously for completeness.
7. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information; faster response means faster turnaround.
8. Average processing time is approximately 10 business days once the application is deemed complete.
9. Upon approval, pay permit fees online through your portal account dashboard or in person at 6089 Training Drive.
10. Permit package is issued; approved red-line plans and inspection card are provided. Post the address clearly and keep plans on site.
11. Schedule required inspections as work progresses; request Certificate of Occupancy by email after all final inspections pass.

Typical processing time: Approximately 10 business days average from complete application to permit issuance. Actual time varies based on project complexity and applicant responsiveness.

Source: Missoula County Public Works Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction, remodel, addition, repair affecting structural elements, or demolition of any building or structure in unincorporated Missoula County, unless specifically exempted. Also required: electrical, plumbing, mechanical, address/approach, and excavation permits (separate from building permit). Floodplain development permits are required for any work in a floodplain regardless of building permit exemption status.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application with current owner name matching the deed
• Official county-assigned address
• Site plan: property boundaries, all existing and proposed structures labeled with use and dimensions, distances to property lines, locations of well/septic with distances, driveway/approach location
• Elevation drawings (all four sides) labeled with overall height
• Floor plan labeled with room use, dimensions, and all interior framing
• Energy compliance documentation
• Contractor information for all trades; contractors must be licensed with Montana DLI
• If in a floodplain: floodplain development permit application and elevation certificate

Permit validity

A permit application expires after 180 days with no activity. Once issued, work must commence and must not be abandoned for extended periods. Verify current policy with the Building Division. Fees are subject to annual updates effective July 1 each year.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), and 2017 ICC A117.1 (Accessibility) with Montana state amendments, effective June 9, 2022. Montana does not allow local jurisdictions to adopt local amendments beyond state amendments.

Owner-builder

Property owners may apply for permits on their own property. The owner is responsible for ensuring code compliance and scheduling all required inspections. Owner-built projects are not exempt from inspection requirements. Even exempt structures may require other permits (zoning, floodplain, electrical, plumbing).

Contractor requirements

The Building Division verifies all contractors listed on permit applications against the Montana DLI contractor database. All contractors must be licensed and registered in Montana for the work type. Certified septic installers must install all septic systems. Water well contractors and drillers must be licensed by the Montana Board of Water Well Contractors.

Fees

Plan check fee

Included in the building permit fee structure; verify current split with staff

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based for building permits; additional flat fees for specific permit types. Fee determination factors: permit type, complexity of work, and project valuation. Fees are updated annually effective July 1. Floodplain project started without a permit: all fees doubled. Agricultural Exemption application: $150 processing fee. Excavation in a public right-of-way: $90 permit fee.

Reinspection fee

$75 per reinspection when work is not ready or corrections not made

Penalty (no permit)

Re-review fee: $75 plus $38 administrative fee for revisions requiring re-review. Floodplain violation: all fees doubled for projects started without a required floodplain permit.

Payment note

Permit fees can be paid online through the Odyssey portal account dashboard or in person at 6089 Training Drive. The Building Division is self-funded; fees cover staff time for application review, plan check, and inspections.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, children's playhouses) with floor area less than 200 square feet; may NOT be used for habitable purposes or to house/park motor vehicles
• Certain additions to existing residential-only buildings that are non-habitable storage space only (covered entryway, covered patio/porch, covered deck, lean-to), with or without permanent foundation, attached to any existing residential-only building including accessory structures
• Decks that are NOT over 30 inches in height measured plumb from grade to deck surface, whether attached or unattached, on permanent or non-permanent foundation, regardless of overall size
• Certain greenhouse and hoop structures (verify scope with Building Division)
• Certain pergolas (verify scope with Building Division)
• Agricultural buildings not intended for human habitation or commercial use (subject to a $150 Agricultural Exemption application fee and zoning review)

Important: Exempt from building permit does NOT mean exempt from all permits. Zoning compliance or land use permits, floodplain permits, plumbing permits, mechanical permits, and electrical permits may still be required even for exempt structures.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (406) 258-3701, option 1 to request an inspection (phone)
• pwbuildingpermits@missoulacounty.us (email)
• Online scheduler through Odyssey portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections can be requested 24 hours in advance.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 7 am to 3 pm

Time windows

Same-day inspections are not guaranteed but will be accommodated as schedules allow.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/setback (before pouring footings or placing forms), foundation (before backfilling), underground rough-in for plumbing/mechanical (before covering), framing (before insulating or closing walls; foundations, walls, floors, ceilings, stairs, roofs must be inspected before covering), insulation, electrical/plumbing/mechanical rough-in (before closing walls), final inspections for each trade, final building inspection, Certificate of Occupancy issued after all finals pass. All Missoula County inspectors are combination inspectors and can review all aspects of a project during a site visit. The county provides an inspection card at permit issuance listing all required inspections. Approved red-line plans and the inspection card must be visible on site for all inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), and 2017 ICC A117.1 (Accessibility) with Montana state amendments, effective June 9, 2022. Montana does not allow local jurisdictions to adopt local amendments beyond state amendments.
• Verify contractor license: Montana DLI Contractor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Missoula County Building Permit Guide (citizen-facing)
• FAQs
• Resources Page
• Development Review (applications, forms, fees)
• Montana Current Codes (IBC/IRC 2021 with amendments)
• License lookup guide: Montana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Montana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Montana hub: Montana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Missoula County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Missoula County, MT?

A building permit is required for construction, remodel, addition, repair affecting structural elements, or demolition of any building or structure in unincorporated Missoula County, unless specifically exempted. Also required: electrical, plumbing, mechanical, address/approach, and excavation permits (separate from building permit). Floodplain development permits are required for any work in a floodplain regardless of building permit exemption status.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Missoula County, MT?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for building permits; additional flat fees for specific permit types. Fee determination factors: permit type, complexity of work, and project valuation. Fees are updated annually effective July 1. Floodplain project started without a permit: all fees doubled. Agricultural Exemption application: $150 processing fee. Excavation in a public right-of-way: $90 permit fee.. Plan check fee: Included in the building permit fee structure; verify current split with staff.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Missoula County, MT?

1. Confirm your property address. New construction requires an official county-assigned address before any permits can be applied for; contact the Building Division to obtain one. 2. Determine your project scope by reviewing the missoulacounty.build guide (Steps 1-2) to identify which permits are needed (building, zoning/land use, septic, well, approach, floodplain, etc.). 3. Check zoning to determine whether your parcel is in a zoned or unzoned area and whether you need a zoning compliance permit or land use permit (administered by the Planning, Development and Sustainability Department, not the Building Division). 4. Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings, energy calculations, and contractor information (see General Requirements below). 5. Create an account on the Odyssey portal at webapps.missoulacounty.us/PublicPermitting and submit the application with all required attachments. 6. Multiple departments (building, planning/zoning, floodplain if applicable) review the application simultaneously for completeness. 7. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information; faster response means faster turnaround. 8. Average processing time is approximately 10 business days once the application is deemed complete. 9. Upon approval, pay permit fees online through your portal account dashboard or in person at 6089 Training Drive. 10. Permit package is issued; approved red-line plans and inspection card are provided. Post the address clearly and keep plans on site. 11. Schedule required inspections as work progresses; request Certificate of Occupancy by email after all final inspections pass.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Missoula County, MT?

Typical processing time is Approximately 10 business days average from complete application to permit issuance. Actual time varies based on project complexity and applicant responsiveness..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Missoula County, MT?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, children's playhouses) with floor area less than 200 square feet; may NOT be used for habitable purposes or to house/park motor vehicles; Certain additions to existing residential-only buildings that are non-habitable storage space only (covered entryway, covered patio/porch, covered deck, lean-to), with or without permanent foundation, attached to any existing residential-only building including accessory structures; Decks that are NOT over 30 inches in height measured plumb from grade to deck surface, whether attached or unattached, on permanent or non-permanent foundation, regardless of overall size; Certain greenhouse and hoop structures (verify scope with Building Division); Certain pergolas (verify scope with Building Division); Agricultural buildings not intended for human habitation or commercial use (subject to a $150 Agricultural Exemption application fee and zoning review). Note: Exempt from building permit does NOT mean exempt from all permits. Zoning compliance or land use permits, floodplain permits, plumbing permits, mechanical permits, and electrical permits may still be required even for exempt structures.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Missoula County, MT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (406) 258-3701, option 1 to request an inspection, pwbuildingpermits@missoulacounty.us, Online scheduler through Odyssey portal. Inspections can be requested 24 hours in advance..