Understanding the Permitting Process

• The following flow chart demonstrates the process that a typical building permit will go through from application intake to permit issuance. We review permits simultaneously with other county agencies involved in the review of Building and Land Use/Zoning Compliance permits.  Upon completion of the intake process & payment of review fees, our standard review time can fluctuate depending on the time of year and influx of applications.

•  Please contact the following County Departments before submitting a permit online. This will help ensure a timely permitting review & issuance. 

• Missoula Public Health - located at 301 W Alder Street in Missoula, Montana.
  • Call their office at (406) 258-4990 or email them at envhealth@missoulacounty.us.

The Missoula City-County Health Department administers and reviews well and septic permits to ensure they comply with current MDEQ (Montana Department of Environmental Quality) adopted codes. They also regulate and license commercial kitchens.

•  Lands & Communities (formerly CAPS) - Planning, Development & Sustainability - located at 127 E Main Street, Suite 2 in Missoula, Montana.
  • Call their office at (406) 258-4642 or email them at zoner@missoulacounty.us.

The Planning, Development & Sustainability department reviews zoning compliance permits for land issues, subdivision compliance, flood plain/shoreline, sign permits that do not require a building permit, and fire safety.

• Public Works Building Division - located at 6089 Training Drive in Missoula, Montana.
  • Our office is open Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. You may call (406) 258-3701 (select option 2 to speak with intake staff).

The Building Division reviews construction plans to ensure they comply with current building codes adopted by the State of Montana. The Building Division also starts most Missoula County permits including building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, land use/zoning compliance, address/approach and excavation.

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