Step 4 - Apply for a Permit

Graphic arrow showing step 4, Apply.

You’ve done the research and compiled the required documents and plans – you're ready to apply. Click the button below.

IMPORTANT UPATE: Missoula County Zoning Regulation Maintenance Update

An annual maintenance update to the Missoula County Zoning Regulations took effect September 14th, 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 September 14th, 2023, on our website. Please contact the Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability at [email protected] or 406.258.4642 if you have questions.

EXCITING NEWS!  Missoula County permit customers will be able to pay for their permits online through their account dashboard starting Monday, Dec. 20, 2022. Do not pay until you have received verification from the Building Department.  As always, feel free to reach out to us at 406-258-3701, option #2 to speak with a member of the Building Permit Intake Staff, if you encounter any issues with this new system.

*PLEASE NOTE*
  • There is a maximum size of 8 MB for each file you upload.
  • Google Chrome or Firefox are the only internet browsers that will work properly. 
  • The online permit system IS NOT compatible with mobile devices; desktops or laptops ONLY.
  • Please upload PDFs only.
  • When uploading, you must upload each file separately. Select file, click upload, wait and then click submit.
  • Use short concise file names. No numbers or special characters.  Example: siteplan.pdf

An online application for well and septic permits is in the works. 

Online

You can apply online through the Missoula County Permit System. Here, you can apply directly for:

  • address and approach permits
  • building permits
  • land use permits
  • zoning permits
  • excavation permits
  • mechanical permits
  • electrical permits
  • plumbing permits

Office Locations

Public Works Address in Missoula
6089 Training Drive, Missoula - approximately 1 ½ miles west of the Airport off of Hwy 10
(Google Map)
  • Call (406) 258-3701 (select option 1 to request an inspection; option 2 to speak to intake staff) or email [email protected]
  • Closed to walk in traffic until further notice but if you knock on the door, our staff will be happy to come out to assist you. (holidays -- 2023 Schedule).
Hours: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday
P: 406-258-3701
Health Department
301 W Alder St, Missoula, MT 59802
Hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
P: 406-258-4990
Important:

If your application involves a well or septic permit, you will need to submit your well/septic application to the Health Department, either via email or in person at 301 W. Alder St., 406-258-4990. You will then need to submit your application materials for other permits either online through the Missoula County Permit System or in person at a Public Works office in Missoula or Seeley Lake.

Important:

If you need to apply for a floodplain or shoreline permit, you will need to do so in person at 127 E. Main St., Suite 2, in Missoula or by emailing your application to [email protected].

Helpful Reminders:

  • Review the checklists for the relevant permits again and make sure you have all required documentation
  • Make sure the contact information listed on your application is correct
  • Double-check that your engineered drawings are stamped by a Montana Licensed Professional Engineer and that the address on the plans matches the address on your application.
  • If there is a change to your plan, then a re-review fee may be required if the initial review had already been completed. The re-review fee is $75, plus a $38 administrative fee.

Once You’ve Applied:

You’ve refined your project, done your research and submitted all the necessary documents to apply for your permits. Now what?

Once staff have verified your application is complete, it will be reviewed simultaneously by the different permitting departments. You may receive a call from a reviewer needing more information about your project. The faster you’re able to supply any additional documentation, the faster the total turnaround time will be. Currently, the average time it takes to issue the permit package is 10 business days. *

A permit specialist will contact you when your permits are ready. All fees must be paid upon pick up before the inspection card and stamped drawings will be released. If you haven’t already, this is also the time to apply for any trade permits, the following are examples and are not fillable, such as electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits. These permits have separate fees that are dependent on the scope of work.

**Remember, the sample applications linked in the paragraph above are not to be used as actual applications. To apply for these trade permits please scroll up to the "APPLY ONLINE HERE" button located at the top of this page. These permits have separate fees that are dependent on the scope of work.**

Once you have your permits in hand, you can begin construction! However, the process isn’t quite finished yet. You’ll need to schedule all applicable inspections as progress continues on your project. Be sure to continue on to Step 5: Schedule Inspections.