Announcements and Important Information

June 4, 2026: The commissioners approved a request from the Building Division to remove building permit requirements for detached residential garages, pole barns and other similar storage structures that do not contain habitable space**. Building permits are no longer required for these types of structures.

Residents should note that their project will still be subject to other permits and reviews such as Floodplain, Land Use and Environmental Health permits. Trade permits such as Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing would also still be required on these structures.  Property owners are strongly encouraged to conduct thorough research in advance, including consulting with the Health Department and the Planning, Development and Sustainability offices to ensure their plans are compliant with all applicable regulations. If you have any questions on if your project would require a building or trade permit, contact the building department 406-258-3701 or [email protected]. For questions on Land Use click here to contact Planning, Development and Sustainability. If you have questions about floodplain permits, click here to contact the floodplain administrator. For questions on Environmental Health Permits call 406-258-4990 or email [email protected]

**“Habitable Space” shall have the meaning provided in the International Residential Code (IRC) and means a space in a building designed or intended for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. *Bathrooms, toilet rooms, closets, halls, storage areas, utility spaces and similar areas are not considered habitable space.

** New hours ** Starting Monday, March 2, 2026, the Building Division office will be closed on Fridays. This schedule applies to both inspectors and front office staff. The office will be open to the public from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. See the annual holiday closures list by clicking here.

Electrical permits are required for residential electrical work. For residential work on speculation of sale or rent, electrical permits may only be issued to a Montana Licensed Electrician. Electrical contractors must apply using their UCO - Unlimited Contractors License or LCO - Limited Contractors License.

June 26, 2024: Following an extensive public survey and staff feedback, the commissioners approved a resolution at their June 18 administrative public meeting to exempt some structures from building permit requirements. Building permits are no longer required for residential green houses, hoop structures, decks less than 30 inches above ground, pergolas, gazebos, certain additions to existing residential-only buildings, and certain agricultural buildings not meant for human habitation or commercial use. Click here to see the full list of exemptions.

Feb. 15, 2024: Missoula County will be aligning with the State of Montana Building Codes Division regarding contrasting primer. Please click here for more information. Feel free to reach out to your local inspector or building official if you have any questions.

January 2024: With our most recent update to the permitting software system, applicants are now able to view their scheduled inspections and inspection results online. You can do this through your login with the Missoula County Permit System. We hope that this will help customers stay informed between the field and the office.

Missoula County Zoning Regulation Maintenance Update

An annual maintenance update to the Missoula County Zoning Regulations took effect Sept. 14, 2023. Projects submitted after this date will be reviewed under the updated code. This routine maintenance update does not amend policy, but provides clarity to existing regulations. Refer to the updated Zoning Regulations, dated Sept. 14, 2023, on our website. Please contact the Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability at [email protected] or 406.258.4642 if you have questions.

Check out the Missoula County Building Division's Inspection Tip Sheets.

Online Inspection Scheduler

Please take advantage of this convenient, easy-to-use feature to help save time.

Roof Remote Inspection Form

Please take advantage of this convenient, easy-to-use feature to help save time.