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1. What building codes are currently adopted?

The City of Missoula adopted the following codes effective September 1, 2022. Building codes are adopted as amended by the State of Montana: [view amendments]

• 2021 International Residential Code (IRC)
• 2021 International Building Code (IBC)
• 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) (See MT amendments here)
• 2020 National Electric Code (NFPA 70)
• 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) 
• 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
• 2021 International Pool and Spa Code (IPSC)
• NFPA 99 Health Care Facilities Code (NFPA 99)
• 2017 Accessible and Usable Building Facilities ICC A117.1
• Montana Elevator Code (Administered by the State)
• NFPA 99c, Standard on Gas and Vacuum Systems (med gas)
• City of Missoula - Title 15

To purchase code books, visit the International Code Council

Code Information.

2. Do I need a Building Permit?

If you are within the Missoula City Limits you may. Please see a list of typical projects that require a building permit at

• Additions
• Commercial building projects
• Commercial storage buildings and garages of any size
• Decks
• Demolition
• Most new residential construction projects
• Interior remodels (adding/removing walls, relocating fixtures, alterations)
• Egress windows
• Remodeling
• Siding
• Signs or fences over 7' in height
• Swimming pools
• Residential or commercial roofing
• Residential storage buildings and garages over 200 sq. ft. of floor area *
• Retaining wall
• Fences of flag poles over 7' tall (Note: All fences require a fence permit regardless of height)
• All connections and repairs to the city's sewer system require an excavation permit from Development Services. 

More Requirements

This list does not contain all types of work requiring a permit. Please call our office at 406-552-6630 before starting any type of work to determine whether you need a permit. Any residential buildings with interior dimensions of 200* sq. ft. or less may not require a building permit if it is also an independent structure not attached to a residential home. More detailed information regarding required forms is available for commercial permits and for residential permits. If planning on upsizing water meter, water and sewer development fees will be charge in addition to the cost of the meter itself. Please review the development fee schedule here. 

* Storage buildings under 200 sq. ft. may require a permit or approval from zoning.

Permit Information & Applications.

3. What type of work does not require a Building Permit?

• Installation of cabinetry, countertops, flooring, paneling, painting or wallpaper
  
• Replacement of windows which are the same size of the window being replaced
• Residential sheds under 120 square feet (please check with the zoning division to make sure you meet setbacks)
• Decks do not require a permit if they meet all of the following criteria: deck is completely free-standing (not attached to a structure in any way), is 30" or less above the ground, and does not have a roof/arbor over it. 

4. Can I file a complaint about the property I am renting?

Yes. If you feel that the property you are renting may be considered substandard or has life safety issues you may fill out a complaint form with as much information as possible and return it to our office. The person making the complaint must still have access to the property so that an inspection can be performed. 

Citizen Complaint Form

5. Do I have to get a permit to construct or repair a fence?

The Building Inspection Division only issues building permits for fences over six feet tall. However, you should contact Engineering for all fences to see if you need a fence permit from them. Fence Information

6. Do I have to hire a contractor?

If you own and live in the property that the permit is for you may purchase permits as owner. If you are hiring a contractor the contractor must have a City Business License and should purchase the permit.

7. Do my building plans have to be drawn by an architect or engineer?

Residential building plans do not have to be drawn by an architect or engineer. Commercial building plans must be drawn and stamped by a licensed Montana architect or engineer.

8. What inspections do I need to schedule?

Different projects require different inspections. All permits should have a final inspection. For a list of inspections see the Inspection Scheduling Guide (PDF). See also our Inspection Procedures (PDF). 

9. How do I check the results of an Inspection?

You can check the results of an inspection by calling our Automated Phone System at 406-552-6040 or by logging into the Citizen Access Portal and selecting the permit.

10. How do I schedule an inspection?

Inspections for existing permits can be scheduled by texting (888) 413-4439, online, or by calling 406-552-6040. Building inspection information is on our resources page. Engineering and Utility Inspections information can be found here

11. What is the building inspection jurisdiction?

The City Building Inspection Division only has jurisdiction within the Missoula City Limits. If you are outside the Missoula City Limits but within Missoula County please contact the Missoula County Building Inspection Division at (406) 258-3701.

12. Do I need a permit for demolition?

If you are demolishing anything structural, interior or exterior, you do need a demolition permit. You can apply for a demolition permit online. If your project is a commercial project you will need to provide a completed Asbestos Survey when you apply.

13. Do I need an electrical, mechanical or plumbing permit?

If you are doing any electrical, mechanical or plumbing work you do need a permit.

14. Do I need a moving permit?

If you are moving a structure to and/or from Missoula you need a moving permit.

15. What is the Voluntary Residential Inspection Program (VRIP)?

The Voluntary Residential Inspection Program (VRIP)is a program intended to improve the quality of residential structures in the City of Missoula. A request for inspection may be made by the owner, landlord or tenant. The inspection will cover a checklist of items that constitute a substantial health and safety risk to the occupants and owners. More...

16. When do permits or applications expire?

Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work on the site authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized on the site by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the time the work is commenced. [105.5]

Time Limit of Application: An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned 180 days after the date of filing unless such application has been pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued [105.3.2]

To request an extension  email the permit coordinators at coordinators@ci.missoula.mt.us at least two weeks prior to the expiration of the building permit.