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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Missoula County
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.
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)
- 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
- Exempt 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
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Certain greenhouse and hoop structures (verify scope with Building Division)
- Exempt Certain pergolas (verify scope with Building Division)
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 10 business days average from complete application to permit issuance. Actual time varies based on project complexity and applicant responsiveness.
- 01 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.
- 02 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.).
- 03 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).
- 04 Prepare required documents: site plan, construction drawings, energy calculations, and contractor information (see General Requirements below).
- 05 Create an account on the Odyssey portal at webapps.missoulacounty.us/PublicPermitting and submit the application with all required attachments.
- 06 Multiple departments (building, planning/zoning, floodplain if applicable) review the application simultaneously for completeness.
- 07 Respond promptly to any requests for additional information; faster response means faster turnaround.
- 08 Average processing time is approximately 10 business days once the application is deemed complete.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective July 1, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in the building permit fee structure; verify current split with staff
02
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.
03
Reinspection fee
$75 per reinspection when work is not ready or corrections not made
04
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.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective July 1, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Missoula County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Missoula County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Missoula County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Missoula County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Missoula County, MT, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Missoula County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Missoula County, MT typically run Approximately 10 business days average from complete application to permit issuance. Actual time varies based on project complexity and applicant responsiveness.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Missoula County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Missoula County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Missoula County, MT 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..
last verified March 2026
source Missoula County Public Works Building Division ↗
entry id permits/montana/missoula/missoula-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Missoula County Public Works Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.