Frequently Asked Questions

No, the City Attorney's Office is responsible for representing the interests of the City of Missoula as a whole and prosecuting misdemeanor crimes. We are not able to offer legal advice or opinions to citizens.

Contact the Crime Victim Advocate at (406) 258-3830. For additional information, view the

The City Attorney's office cannot assist with landlord / tenant issues. You can find information at Housing (Montana Law Help).

Missoula Fire Department Records Request

Missoula Fire Department does not have a drop-box for any of these items.

Missoula Police Department does accept expired prescriptions in a drop box located outside their offices at City Hall. 

For needles and "sharps", we recommend contacting your local trash collector to schedule a pick-up. You can also call a local hospital or pharmacy to ask if they accept them. If you find an improperly disposed sharp, the Missoula Aid Alliance can help; contact their hotline at 406-493-2502 and they will follow-up. 

The City Council consists of 12 council members representing six wards (two for each ward). You can find the ward map and additional information about the Council on the City Council webpage.

You can send a message to the mayor and staff or request a meeting with the mayor via the website. You may also call (406) 552-6001 and leave a voice mail for the mayor or speak to a member of the mayor's staff.

There are three basic types of traffic signals: Pre-timed: The signal changes according to a predetermined schedule and does not sense the traffic at the signal. Semi Actuated: The main flow of traffic has the green light and changes only when the signal senses cars on the side streets. Fully Actuated: All phases of traffic sense cars, and the signal changes as needed. The controller is programmed for minimum and maximum green times. This type of light will stay green until either it has run its maximum time or there is a large amount of time between cars.

Loops:  This detection type involves multiple 6-foot by 6-foot wire coils (loops) installed under the road surface. When a vehicle drives over the loops, a vehicle detector is activated and sends a message to the traffic signal to change the signal accordingly. Loops are the oldest form of traffic detection and are no longer installed with new signals because they require drivers to stop in a specific area, don’t work well for motorcycles or bicycles, and are often destroyed by excavation or roadway deterioration.

Video detection cameras:   These cameras are mounted for each approach to an intersection, and when they detect a vehicle, the signal will change. Cameras were installed in Missoula from 2001 until 2012 but are no longer installed because they can be affected by the sun and other light glare, fog, smoke, and build up on the lens from blowing snow and dirt.    

Radar: The newest and best option for vehicle detection at this time is radar because it accurately detects all roadway users and is reliable.

The types of signals installed in Missoula vary, so some reasons for this include the following:

• Some signals give each signal phase a certain amount of time on green and will change only when that time expires.
• If the signal is running in coordination with other traffic signals on a corridor, it will hold green in order to maintain its coordination with the other signals.
• If a pedestrian pushes a signal button, the signal will stay green while it serves the pedestrian call.

Most fire engines and ambulances have a coded infrared strobe mounted on top of the vehicle. When the strobe is activated, it is detected by a sensor at the signal that turns the signal green for the approaching emergency vehicle. Once the emergency vehicle has passed, the signal will return to the pattern it was running before.

No, flashing headlights will not cause a traffic signal to change.

When a train approaches an intersection with a roadway, the railroad has equipment that triggers the traffic signal controller to run a pre-programmed railroad routine, which stops traffic, allows traffic to clear off of the tracks, and allows the train to continue along its route.

Traffic signal controllers are very sophisticated and use high-speed microprocessors that make thousands of calculations every second. Each coordinated intersection has a controller that is linked via a wireless network to a central server, which keeps all the traffic signals’ internal clocks synchronized. The coordinated signals run according to plans derived from vehicle counts. Typically, signals have four weekday plans—morning, off peak, noon, and evening—and one weekend plan. Coordinated traffic signals drop out of coordination in the evening when traffic volumes are lower.

However, in Missoula the seven downtown signals are fixed-time signals that run in coordination 24/7.

Once a pedestrian push button is pressed, a walk signal will come on with the associated green light for vehicles. Signal controllers handle these calls for service in sequence, so the walk signal will activate when it is that direction’s turn in the sequence. Just like a vehicle pulling up on a side street, pedestrians have to wait for the signal to cycle around to receive the walk light.

 The “walk” indication comes on for only a short period of time—usually 7 seconds—and is meant to get pedestrians started across the street. When the red hand (don’t walk) indication starts flashing, pedestrians are no longer allowed to leave the curb. However, if they are already in the crosswalk, they may continue crossing the street. Missoula’s signals have pedestrian countdown timers that work in conjunction with the red flashing hand indication to show pedestrians how much time they have before the solid red hand (don’t walk) indication will be displayed. Pedestrians should not be in the street when the solid red hand is displayed.

Traffic lights have different requirements at almost every location. Some of the older signals don’t have pedestrian push buttons, so the green light serves as the walk signal, serving pedestrians every cycle. The rationale was that these signals are in higher pedestrian use areas, so the pedestrians were served each cycle; therefore, the pedestrian buttons weren’t needed. The signals that have only occasional pedestrian usage need to have pedestrian buttons. Sometimes when a signal gets a pedestrian call, it takes a while to serve the pedestrian. This is sometimes longer than the vehicle passage time would be, thus it can cause the vehicle efficiency to drop. The signal timing is very critical in most intersections and efficiency is very important to uniform traffic flow.

All the newer signals have ped push buttons, and the very newest have Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) push buttons. The APS push buttons have both audible and tactile features for visually impaired pedestrians. Eventually, all signals will have APS pushbuttons.

The next evolution in traffic signals is adaptive signal control technology, which is a system of coordinated signals that communicate with each other and vary signal timing, cycle lengths, and other parameters by real-time traffic volumes instead of the conventional time of day plans. This will allow greater efficiency by responding to actual demand, rather than predicted demand. It may benefit pedestrians as well as drivers by serving them sooner, especially when the main street traffic is low.

The City of Missoula and other Montana communities are working with the Montana Dept. of Transportation to identify corridors that may benefit from adaptive signal control and to put together projects to build these systems. Much of the technology needed for this is already in place, but additional equipment and many more traffic detection devices would be required.

The public may park in any legal on-street space or public lot space. Take care to note any signs in area (Lease Parking Only, Pay Here, Loading Zone, Bus Zone, etc.) and follow as directed. Inquire about monthly leased spaces, parking permits, or long-term parking codes at the Parking Commission's office during business hours. View our Parking Map or visit Downtown Visitor Parking. 

To pay for parking using Passport Parking, you will need a Zone number. The Zones break down as follows:

• Zone 4061: Short Term on-street
• Zone 4062: Long Term (code required)
• Zone 4063: New Park Lot
• Zone 4064: Caras Lot
• Zone 4065: West Front Lot
• Zone 4066: Riverside Lot
• Zone 4067: Bank Street Structure
• Zone 4068: East Front Lot

Parking enforcement is done Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm, with the exception of State of MT legal holidays. Metered parking starts at 9:00am on the street, however all pay lots, lease areas, residential permit areas, loading zones and time-limited spaces are enforced starting at 8:00am.

Report your concerns here. If you are using this form to report a problem with a ticket, you will not receive a response. You can report ticket issues to the Parking Commission office by phone at (406) 552-6250 or in person at 128 W Main Street.

The following information is intended to help you park with your disabled parking pass in the Central Business District. If at any time you have questions about disabled parking in the CBD, please contact our office at (406) 552-6250 and a member of our administrative team will assist you. 

Where can you park?

ON-STREET - The signed on-street disabled spaces in the CBD are available for a maximum of 2-hours of parking. With a valid disabled placard or license plate displayed, you can park for free in these spaces. We also offer free parking in any short-term metered space for up to 2 hours. Hourly payment is required after the initial 2-hour window. Payment can be made using zone 4061 in the Passport parking app or at any on-street parking kiosk.

PAY LOTS (Bank Street, New Park, E Front Lot) - The signed disabled spaces in pay lots are available for any vehicle with a valid disabled placard or license plate displayed. Hourly payment is required in these spaces. Payment can be made using zone 4063 in the Passport parking app or at a parking kiosk located in the lot.

GARAGES - signed disability parking spaces are throughout our public parking garages. You will be charged the regular hourly rate when you leave the parking garage. 

LEASE PARKING - a valid lease is required for parking in any space within lease parking areas. Parking in the signed disabled spaces requires both a lease and a valid disabled placard or license plate. 

If you need to obtain a state issued disabled parking permit, click here to find the MV5 - Disability Permit/License Plate Application. Once this form is filled out and signed by you and your doctor, it will need to be sent to Helena for processing. We offer a temporary disability pass while your application is being processed. For this temporary pass, call our office at (406) 552-6250 to set up an appointment to bring in your completed application. Our administrative team will look at your application, verify that it is filled out and signed, and provide you with a temporary disabled parking pass. 

Parking tickets may be mailed in to the Parking Commission’s office, at 128 W. Main Street, using the envelope provided. This envelope with payment may also be placed in a night deposit box located just outside the main door of the Parking Commission’s offices at 128 W. Main Street. The Missoula Parking Commission will also accept your payment via phone at (406) 552-6250 or online here using a Visa or MasterCard.

All the above permits require an application to be filled out, which can be obtained by emailing parkingadmin@ci.missoula.mt.us or come down to the Parking Commission's office at 128 W. Main Street between 8:15am and 4:45pm, Monday through Friday.

Search the cemetery interment registry.

See ownership rights.

See flower beds and boxes and decorations and flowers.

Contact the cemetery as soon as possible. Please review interment arrangements.

Our standard graves allow two interments while our family cremation graves allow four interments.  Please review interment arrangements or family cremation section

No.  We have many options currently available.  Please review our burial and cremation options for sale.

Yes. All groups are welcome please call office for questions 552-6070

Yes. There are public restrooms on Russell street just north of the cemetery office. There are no facilities out on the grounds.

No. Missoula City Cemetery prohibits the spreading of cremations within cemetery grounds. Please see cemetery policy Scattering of Cremations

See

Our standard graves allow two interments while our family cremation graves allow four interments.  Please review interment arrangements or family cremation section

Contact the cemetery as soon as possible. Please review

No. The cemetery does not conduct burials on Sundays or holidays. See interment arrangements.

While the cemetery makes every attempt to meet a family's request, the cemetery must always stay within the guidelines of operation set forth in

No. Missoula City Cemetery prohibits the spreading of cremations within cemetery grounds. Please see cemetery policy Scattering Cremains

These are walls dedicated to cremation inurnments. Please see our

No. Please review information for

No. The cemetery requires a permanent container for both casket and cremation burials. See

Families can purchase monuments from a company of their choosing.  All monuments are required to meet cemetery monument regulations.  

No. The cemetery allows only granite monuments. Please review all monument regulations.

Yes.  A veteran stone is placed flush with the ground in front of the upright stone or attached to the back of the upright stone. Flush stones must follow monument regulations.

Yes, a monument can be placed on an unmarked grave however the inscription must reflect information for the person(s) already buried in the grave and not memorialize any additional individual. Please review monument information.

All monuments must be granite and meet all cemetery monument requirements. All special requests must be submitted in writing with drawings to the cemetery board for review. Please review monument regulations.

No. All monuments and foundations are installed by Missoula City Cemetery staff. Please review monument regulations

Yes.  Monuments are to be delivered to Missoula City Cemetery.  Please carefully review monument regulations.

Yes. The cemetery allows an upright stone in the headspace and a flush stone in front of the upright stone. Please review cemetery monument regulations.

All special requests must be submitted on a variance form  and include drawings, measurements, and layout.  Variances are reviewed for approval.  Over-sized monuments will require the purchase of additional graves and may restrict usage in some graves. Please review monument regulations.

When the cemetery was established in 1884 burial records were very simplistic. A ledger entry was made for each interment.  Entry included the decedent's name, date of death, grave location, and date of interment. No other information is available for these records.

An undated stone lies within the cemetery inscribed “In Memory of John R. Reynolds, First Person Buried in This Cemetery.” To date, no record of this individual has ever been found.

These are granite walls dedicated to placement of cremations.  Each individual space is called a niche.

A standard inscription template is required. Please review niche regulations.

Niches are the most economical cremation option.  Purchase includes the niche, opening and closing, and inscription.  See fees.

Niche size varies by wall. Please review information for each of our cremation walls.

The cemetery offers annual paid flower bed or box options. To order this service please contact the cemetery office 406-552-6070.  All our decoration and flower rules can be found at Grounds Regulations

Families are responsible to plant, weed, and maintain their annual paid flower beds and to weed their annual regulation flower boxes.  Beds or boxes that become unsightly or overgrown with weeds will be removed without notice, including those planted by local florists.  Please review grounds regulations

Plantings are restricted to annual flowers only. Perennials and shrubs are prohibited and will be removed without notice.

Theft is a crime. The cemetery is not responsible for vandalized, stolen, or damaged items. Please see grounds regulations.

Glass is always prohibited and will be removed. Please review information please review our Grounds Regulations

Flower beds and boxes are removed from all graves beginning the day after Labor Day.

Yes. The cemetery office is open to assist you from 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday of the Memorial Day weekend. The cemetery grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. - dusk year round.

Glass is always prohibited and will be removed. Please review decorations and flowers.

Theft is a crime. The cemetery is not responsible for vandalized, stolen, or damaged items. Please review decorations and flowers.

Decorations of any kind (except glass) are allowed on the grounds from nine days before Memorial Day through the Sunday following Memorial Day. Please review all options for decorations and flowers.

Yes. There are public restrooms on Russell street just north of the cemetery office. There are no facilities out on the grounds.

Many tickets can be paid on-line at CitepayUSA or paid at the counter without waiting to see the Judge. Please call 406-552-6180 to verify if your citation can be paid without a court appearance. 

Missoula Municipal Court does not have the power to expunge a conviction. The legislature has granted that authority exclusively to District Courts. If your sentence was deferred at the time it was pronounced AND you have successfully completed all conditions of the sentence, the Court can dismiss the charge and seal your cause number. What that means is that the public does not have access to the details of the conviction and your criminal record will state that the charge has been dismissed. This request will be denied if the Court finds that you (1) did not complete all conditions of your sentence on time; (2) if you had a new charge during the time the deferred sentence was running or (3) if the time for deferment has not expired. If you did not receive a deferred sentence and believe your conviction should be taken off your record, you may be best served by consulting an attorney.

The Montana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assigns points to convictions for traffic offenses. Municipal Court is required to report all convictions to the DMV. On receipt of notice that an individual has a conviction, the DMV will place points on your record. If you accumulate too many points on your record, you could lose your driving privileges. Each insurance company has different methods of determining your insurance rates. Many base some rate changes on the points the DMV places on your driving record. 

You can check your driver’s license status with the DMV to find out how many points you have. Some of the more common points include: DUI= 10 points Driving While Suspended = 6 points Reckless Driving = 5 points No Insurance = 4 points Speeding = 3 points Careless Driving = 2 points Moving Violations = 2 points

The Court is required to report every traffic conviction to the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles. In limited circumstances, the Court does have the ability to “defer sentence” on traffic offenses. A deferred sentence would allow the points be removed from your record after the period of deferment has ended.  PLEASE NOTE: Under Federal Law the Court cannot defer your ticket if you have a CDL.

Many people represent themselves and many people do so successfully. Please visit our Self Help section for information on hearings and trials as well as some forms you may find helpful. However, if you are charged with something that may involve a jail sentence, you should consider this option carefully. There can be risks associated with self-representation and you should be aware that some offenses in Municipal Court can have unexpected long term consequences on gun rights or driving privileges. The Court will try to answer any procedural questions you have during the process, but the Court cannot tell you how to proceed nor can it give you any legal advice. You will be expected to conduct yourself appropriately and understand the basic rules of evidence and procedure.

Many traffic citations do not require a defendant to personally appear and you may be able to forfeit bond at the counter or by phone (payments cannot be made by phone but can made online through CitePayUSA, by mail, or at the counter). Any charge cited under Montana Code Annotated section 45 and any charge of Driving Under the Influence requires the defendant to see a judge. Any traffic violation that has the statutory possibility of jail time will require personal appearance (examples: Fail to Remain at Accident Scene, Reckless Driving, Montana Resident Operate with Foreign Driver's License More than 60 Days). Citations issued in the course of an accident investigation will require personal appearance if the officer indicated that the court must address Restitution to another party. 

If you did not have an attorney you may appear during public appearance times to make your request (it must be made before the judge that sentenced you) or file a Motion to Modify Sentence found in the Pro Se Resources. If you had an attorney when you were sentenced and your counsel has not withdrawn from the case, you may request your attorney file a Motion to Modify Sentence.

It is not legal to store a vehicle on a city street for more than five days or 120 hours. This includes boats as well as travel or utility trailers.

Visit the My Neighborhood Council webpage and click on your Neighborhood Council. In the upper right-hand corner of the webpage, click on the email link. Your message will be sent to the Neighborhood Council leadership team.

Neighborhood Councils meet at various times and places. Find meetings by visiting the My Neighborhood Council  webpage, clicking on your Neighborhood Council, and then clicking on View All under the Calendar.

Contact Development Services for a Residential Block Party Permit.

The city makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate in meetings. Persons needing accommodation must notify Missoula Neighborhoods in advance to allow adequate time to make needed arrangements. Please call 552-6081.

Visit the city's ward map to determine which ward you live in.

You can call, e-mail, or write individual city council representatives. 

You can e-mail all 12 City Council members or leave them a voicemail at: 406-552-6012. 

WATCH MEETINGS Streaming Online Live and On Demand or attend in person at 140 W. Pine.

Watch on MCAT Cable TV: Spectrum TV Channel 190 

COMMENT directly on the agenda (eComment): NEW! 1.Visit www.ci.missoula.mt.us/webcasts, 2.Find the meeting you want to comment on and click on “Open for Comments” 3.Click the agenda item you want to leave a comment on, and click “Leave Comment.” 4.Enter your first and last name and email address. Indicate if you want your email address to be published. 5.Type your comment and submit it. eComments are reviewed and published with the agenda item.  

More public comment options

You can find and contact your own ward representatives or you can e-mail all the city council members at one time.  Learn about more public comment options.

The City Council meets the first four Mondays of each month, except for legal holidays. City Council meetings begin at 6 p.m. and are currently being held virtually. Please visit the meetings page for more information about how to attend. 

The City observes the following legal holidays: 

• New Year’s Day—January 1st 
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—the third Monday in January 
• President’s Day---the third Monday in February 
• Memorial Day—the last Monday in May 
• Independence Day—July 4th 
• Labor Day—the 1st Monday in September 
• Columbus Day—the 2nd Monday in October
• Election Day—the 2nd Tuesday in November, even numbered years 
• Veteran’s Day—November 11th 
• Thanksgiving Day—the fourth Thursday in November 
• Christmas Day—December 25th

Click here to view the dates Council will not hold a meeting.

You can apply for a passport in Missoula at the U.S. post office located at 1100 Kent Street or at the Missoula Public Library.

We pick up leaves only once a year during November and December weather permitting. Please see our leaf collection schedule.

Most streetlights in Missoula are maintained by NorthWestern Energy. You can call them at 1-888-467-2669 or fill out their online form at https://www.northwesternenergy.com/customer-service/report-a-street-yard-light-issue.

In Missoula, garbage is a private utility. Please contact Republic Services at 406-543-3157 or Grizzly Disposal & Recycling at 406-541-7171 for service.

For dead animals that are in the street or City right of way, call Street Maintenance at 406-552-6360.

Please contact the Traffic Signals & Communication Shop at 406-552-6370.

Call our emergency number at 406-552-6700.

Click on the Permit Atlas link and enter your street address to check whether your property is connected.

The Missoula Job Service, postings at City Hall or Employment Opportunities on this website.

Yes. Bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws and rules as cars with a few exceptions. 

Here are five key "rules of the road" to keep in mind:

1. Always ride with traffic.
2. Obey all traffic signs and lights.
3. Use hand signals when turning or changing lanes.
4. Ride with front and back lights at night.
5. Yield to pedestrians.

For more specific information, see Chapter 10.42 of the Missoula Municipal Code and Montana Code Annotated 61-8-6.

Bicycle registration is available online as a free service provided by the City of Missoula.  Learn more here or call 406-552-6675 with any questions.

The individual selling the bike that was previously registered with City should log into their 529 account, select "your garage," select the bike you are selling, and select "Transfer Bike."  Follow the prompts for additional steps.  Call Missoula In Motion at (406) 552-6675 or email mim@missoulainmotion.com with additional questions.

The individual selling the bike should log in to their 529 account, select your garage, select the bike you are selling and select “Transfer Bike”. Need step by step help with this? Call Missoula In Motion at 406.552.6675. 

If the seller is unable to do this, email Project 529 at support@project529.com with the shield ID and bike make/model and color, and they will assist you.

Bikes are welcome on trails unless signs are posted that prohibit bikes. Continued sharing of trails is encouraged by following low impact guidelines: bike only on designated trails, leave no trace, and give pedestrians and horses the right-of-way.

This printable Missoula Bicycle Map includes more information about shared use paths, conservation trails, and other bike friendly spaces in Missoula.

You can sign up to be notified about upcoming bike auctions on our Notify Me page.

If you want to build any new fence or replace, reconstruct, or repair 25 feet or more of an existing fence, you must obtain a fence permit from Development Services. If you need more information, call (406) 552-6630 or view the codes and download the application at our

If you are repairing 25 feet or more, you must obtain a fence permit from the Development Services. For more information, call (406) 552-6630 or view the codes and download the application at our

These permits may be required as part of a building permit for publicly accessed buildings and can be obtained at Development Services. Prices are listed on the current

The City of Missoula is required to comply with the conditions of our General Permit for Storm Water Discharges associated with Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4 Permit). To ensure compliance with federal and state environmental regulations, the City has implemented a Stormwater Permit. Please read our new Fact Sheet for more information.

Municipal Court judges must meet statutory requirements in order to serve.

Montana State Law, Title 3, Chapter 6

Contact the Missoula County Elections office at 406-258-4751.

Contact the Missoula County Elections office at 406-258-4751.

Contact the Missoula County Elections office at 406-258-4751.

Contact the Missoula County Elections office at 406-258-4751.

Contact the Missoula County Elections office at 406-258-4751.

City Ward Map

Please review the description of TED projects above and then review Conditions Not Suitable for TED, Title 20, 20.40.180.B. If you have further questions, please contact Zoning Desk at (406) 552 – 6625 or email zoningdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us.

The declaration is the legal document establishing the Townhome Ownership Units and layout/site plan. 

The only permitted building types for TEDs are detached houses, two-unit townhouses, and 3+-unit townhouses (Title 20, 20.05.030) and as allowed in the applicable zoning district. 

TED projects of more than five dwelling units must meet the standards of 20.40.180.G - Parks and Trails.

TEDs are allowed outright by zoning, meaning the density of units proposed has already been allowed.  

On-site parking requirements must be met as a part of TED review. Parking requirements can be found in Title 20, 20.60.020 – Required Motor Vehicle Parking. 

No. 

Yes.

Before you design or commission a sign, please refer to Municipal Zoning Code Title 20 for standards for maximum size, height, location, and number; 20.75.050 - Signs in Residential and Open Space/Public Districts and 20.75.060 - Signs in Non-Residential Districts. There are also standards for each sign type.

Please inquire at zoningdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us or (406) 552-6625 Mon - Fri 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. with any questions.

The sign permit application can be found in the online Permitting and Licensing portal. Your application will include information about each proposed sign – type, size, height, weight, and location. There should be dimensioned site plans, building elevations and sign elevations included, as well as any other drawings to demonstrate compliance. Ground signs of a certain height require structural drawings and a building permit.

When planning any sign, applicants will have to calculate the sign area. Separate measuring rules apply to each type of sign (i.e. ground, wall, etc.) See Municipal Zoning Code Title 20, 20.75.170 - Measurement Rules for information on how to measure and calculate the area of a sign.

An assigned case planner will review for any additional information required to determine a sign’s compliance.

A sign permit must be approved, paid for, and issued prior to being installed.

There is a process for requesting signs that do not comply with sign regulations. Those requests require Design Review. Please reach out to zoning desk and staff can provide details of costs and timing for that process.

A building permit is required for ground signs above seven feet tall. Signs requiring electrical service also require electrical permitting. All signs that require electrical service shall comply with the 2012 ICC Electrical Code.

Permits are required whenever applicants are erecting, altering, or relocating signs, except for the exceptions listed in Missoula Municipal Zoning Code, Title 20, 20.75.040 - Signs Allowed Without a Sign Permit.  Please contact Zoning Desk at (406) 552-6625 or zoningdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us with any questions regarding interpretation of sign code.

Link to Sign Page

All permit applications' (including sign permit applications) progress can be found in the Permitting and Licensing Portal. 

•            Animated, flashing, blinking or scintillating signs

•            Dynamic Display signs

•            Roof signs

•            Human signs

•            Signs which flutter or undulate in the wind

•            Roof signs

For a comprehensive list, see Missoula Municipal Zoning Code 20.75.030 – Prohibited Signs and Sign Characteristics.

"The height of a sign is the vertical distance measured from the adjacent street grade or upper surface of the nearest street curb, but not an elevated roadway, to the highest point of the sign," see Missoula Municipal Zoning Code Title 20, Figure 20.100-17 - Terminology, Sign Height.

An engineering review is required for any signs as determined by Development Services staff, including all ground and sidewalk signs as well as any signs that are placed in and over the Right-of-Way (12.12.090). Engineering Division approval must be in place before a sign permit is issued final approval. 

For additional engineering requirements and information please contact Engineering Desk at (406) 552-6636 or engdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us.

Once a permit is issued, the sign must be installed within 180 days.

All external lighting, including fixtures that illuminate signs, require compliance with the Missoula Outdoor Lighting Ordinance.  Illumination shall maintain intensities and uniformity ratios as outlined in chapter 8.64of the Missoula Municipal Code.

All illuminated signs require an electrical permit, photometric drawing(s) and information regarding the type of lighting and light fixtures.

The Missoula Municipal Code requires the placement of sidewalk signs to accommodate a minimum 6-foot pedestrian clear zone on the sidewalk per Missoula Municipal Zoning Code Title 20, 20.75.070.I - Sidewalk Signs.

Signs that are allowed above sidewalks and other pedestrian areas must maintain a vertical clearance of 9 feet from the ground per Missoula Municipal Zoning Code Title 20, 20.75.020C.3 - Placement of Allowed Signs.

The placement of a sign has great impact on the ability of drivers to see oncoming traffic and pedestrians.  The visibility obstruction triangle is also referred to as: "clear vision area" or "the sight triangle".  This triangular-shaped area is a geometric calculation of the ability of drivers or pedestrians to tell if they can safely enter the traffic flow or cross the street. 

Signs, fences, landscaping and other obstructions within this area are limited to a specific height above the elevation of the curb or street centerline so that drivers stopped at an intersection can see oncoming traffic.  For design standards of visibility obstruction triangles see our standard drawing STD-711(Visibility Obstruction Triangle, Missoula Municipal Code 12.28.020).

All ground, sidewalk and other signs, as determined by Development Services staff, require the Visibility Obstruction Triangle to be shown on the site plan required with the application documentation. 

Engineering Division approval must be in place before a sign permit is issued final approval. 

As part of the application process, applicants must submit supplementary materials. The required documentation will include scale drawings; elevations of the proposed signs, a site plan with the signs’ locations, and building elevations.

Signs are reviewed under standards for the zoning district of the property where the sign will be posted or built. Each zoning district has different restrictions and regulations regarding the allowed number of each type of sign, as well as size, height, and illumination. (20.75.050--20.75.060)

When planning any sign, applicants will have to calculate the sign area. Separate measuring rules apply to each type of sign (i.e. ground, wall, etc.) See 20.75.170 for information on measurement rules and how to calculate the area of a sign.

The required documentation will include scale drawings; elevations of the proposed signs, a site plan with the signs’ locations, and building elevations. Required drawings are dependent on the sign type; site plans for ground signs and building elevations for wall, window or projecting signs.

There are two different types of frontages that affect signs: building frontage and property frontage.  Wall signs are affected by the building's frontage, whereas ground signs are determined based on the property's frontage.  For more detailed descriptions and guidelines please see Missoula Municipal Zoning Code Title 20 20.75.170 - Measurement Rules.

For additional information or questions please contact Zoning Desk at (406) 552-6625 or zoningdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us.

Political signs are considered a type of ideological sign, and allowed without a sign permit, provided they are less than 20 square feet and not illuminated. Political signs must be located on private property with the consent of the property owner. There is no limit on the number of signs that may be displayed on one property.

Political signs may be displayed without time limitation prior to the election but should be removed promptly after the election.

Political signs are not permitted on any City right-of-way, including the areas between the sidewalk and curb (boulevard areas) and within medians or traffic circles. Political signs may not be located within 100 feet of any entrance to a building in which a polling place is located. Improperly placed signs, including signs that pose a traffic hazard, are subject to removal without notice.

State regulations on Political Signs are contained in ARM 18.6.246 POLITICAL SIGNS.

There's an old saying in the fire service, "we can't help you if we can't find you."  Proper addressing and identification is essential to fire and rescue services.

The International Fire Code requires that new and existing buildings have approved address numbers, building numbers or approved building identification placed in a position that is plainly legible and visible from the street or road fronting the property.

For additional information on requirements, standards, sizes and types of numbering and lettering please contact the Fire Department at (406) 552-6210.

The addressing of a lot or structure must be clearly displayed.  In addition to the International Fire Code, the Missoula Municipal Code has specific requirements regarding addressing.  Please see Title 12, 12.52.020 - Street Numbers for a specific requirements and guidelines. 

Addressing on all buildings is allowed without a sign permit provided such signs are not internally illuminated, cause glare, or cast light onto adjacent property per Missoula Municipal Zoning Code Title 20, 20.75.040 - Signs Allowed Without a Sign Permit.

For additional information please contact Development Services at 406-552-6625.

Names on a monument must reflect where an individual is interred. Please review monument regulations.

No. This area is restricted to vases on a hearth only. Please review rules for our family cremation section.

Report A Drainage Issue Here or call our office directly at (406) 552-6379.

No, Missoula Water does not have any watering restrictions. We do, however, suggest that our customers water their lawns during the cooler times of the day—6:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. or 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.—to get the best results from their water usage.

We offer multiple options for paying your bill. Please visit our Pay Your Utility Bill web page.

Moving In:  Please contact our customer service representatives at (406) 552-6700. We will need your name, your number from a government-issued form of identification (driver's license number, passport number, etc.), telephone number, name of spouse or roommates, mailing address, and landlord information to establish service. You may also be required to pay a deposit.

Moving Out: The person whose name appears on the utility account is responsible for notifying us of the move out date. A final billing will be mailed after the account is closed. We are unable to make billing adjustments for late notification. All deposits are refunded to the account when you call to close your utility account.

Assistance is available for our water customers who may need help paying this bill.

Eligibility:  The water utility assistance program is offered through the state’s Dept. of Public Health and Human Services and is administered by Missoula's Human Resource Council (HRC). Information is available at https://dphhs.mt.gov/hcsd/energyassistance/. People who qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) may also qualify for a reduction in their water bill.

Discount:  Eligible LIEAP utility customers will receive a $7.00 reduction in their monthly water portion of their utility bill. The discounts apply only to services provided during the current billing period and do not cover overdue balances from prior billing periods.

Changes to our utility bill collection process.

Link to answer

You can pay your utility bill with a VISA or MasterCard, check, cash, money order, direct debit payment, or ACH payment (bill pay). Please visit our Pay Your Utility Bill web page for all payment options.

To view and manage your utility bill account online, you will need to create an online account at the Utilities Account & Payment Portal. Through this portal you will be able to view your billing and payment history, pay your bill online, set up e-Billing, choose to receive electronic notices about your account, see detailed usage charts, and more!

No. There is no late fee charge for any utility account. 

The cemetery has a price by quote for monument cleaning. Please contact the cemetery office or fill out our cleaning quote request form. Liability Cleaning Waiver

No. By signing the liability waiver and understanding the risk, the cemetery is not responsible in case of damages. Please see the Liability Waiver for more detailed information.

No. Cleaning service is for stone monuments only.

It all depends on the age of the monument and material of the monument. Monuments made of marble or limestone need only be cleaned every ten years. Modern granite stones are more sturdy and can handle more frequent cleanings.

Please see monument regulations regarding ownership of monuments placed at Missoula City Cemetery.

Yes. As part of a monument cleaning quote, issues such as a cracked or not level foundation will be marked on the quote with your choice for the cemetery to repair it.

No. The cleaning quote is for monument cleaning, foundation leveling, and other site fixes. A broken monument will need a monument company to repair or replace the stone.

Mold, mildew, algae, and lichens feed on the stone and because of this are actually destroying the monument.

Digital plan review is the environmentally friendly process of reviewing building plans without the use of paper blueprints. Your blueprints are submitted to Development Services by means of a digital file that is prepared by your Architect or electronic drafting company.

View the City staff directory for City phone numbers and email addresses. View the Missoula County website for County phone numbers and County email addresses.

You can find FAQs for specific topics by navigating to the relevant web page, or you can view all FAQs for the City here.

The federal government coined the phrase “ending homelessness” in 2009 and inspired several hundred U.S. communities to create plans to create systems that make homelessness rare, brief and one-time-only. People will always lose their homes, but those systems should provide immediate responses for people who fall into homelessness, effectively ending chronic homelessness.

In Missoula, the City-County plan has created the Missoula Coordinated Entry System. It works to prevent people from becoming homeless, divert households that are homeless for the first time, streamline services and prioritize limited housing resources to the most vulnerable people needing housing. Twenty-seven local agencies partner in the system, and 15 agencies have access to Missoula’s Homeless Management Information System, also coordinated under the 10- Year Plan, which provides instant digital access for service providers for quick responses to individual needs.

The solution to homelessness is housing. Missoula’s situation is compounded by rising housing prices and local wages that are not keeping pace to support those costs. According to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator, one adult with no children working in Missoula County in 2018 needed to make a full-time hourly wage of $11.93 to support themselves. Montana’s wage in 2018 was $8.30 an hour, so even someone working a full-time job could struggle to afford stable housing. In fact, 40 percent of people seeking shelter at the Poverello Center homeless shelter are employed. In Missoula, the poverty rate is 19.8 percent, and the rate is 14.3 percent in Missoula County. Both figures are higher than the national averages.

The U.S. Supreme Court recently reaffirmed that cities cannot criminalize homelessness, for instance ticketing people for sleeping in public areas. Police officers and sheriff’s deputies can remove camps from public property, but this usually worsens the situation for all: Local governments have a legal obligation to store people’s property; issuing citations for local ordinances attempts to fine people who have no money, often tarnishing people’s records, which furthers their inability to pass landlords’ applications; dispersing people throughout the community makes them more vulnerable to criminals and more difficult for service providers to find should they have good news about housing; and usually people relocate elsewhere in the community, lacking resources to travel far.

People who have been living outdoors and outside mainstream society for some time often need considerable time to regain trust that someone from “the system” actually intends to help them. Missoula’s professional service providers, such as those who work for the Poverello Center’s Homeless Outreach Teams and Hope Rescue Mission, work to rebuild trust. They also work to bring people into the services they need, such as health care, food assistance, financial support, disability assistance and treatment for mental health and substance use. In 2019, outreach providers helped 20 households of people experiencing homelessness and sleeping on the streets find permanent housing.

Panhandling – simply asking for money -- is protected as free speech by the U.S. Constitution. The City of Missoula has ordinances in place that prohibit aggressive panhandling – following people to their cars and repeatedly demanding money, panhandling within certain distances of bank machines and outdoor dining and holding up signs that are not truthful. Police officers can cite people for these offenses. However, those tickets are often a case of attempting to extract fines from people with no money and who are disproportionately harmed by a record of offenses when they attempt to get housing. Missoula’s Downtown Police Officer helps redirect behaviors as well as issue tickets.

Montana is one of the few states in the country where it is not illegal to be drunk in public. The Montana Constitution prohibits all cities from creating ordinances that would make it so, with the idea that alcoholism is a disease, not a crime. Law enforcement officers can detain people for their own safety if they are very intoxicated, but they must take them to a medical facility or other safe environment. When severe alcoholics are taken to the Missoula County jail for serious crimes, they must be monitored and provided medical care, at great public expense.

Data show that the majority of people experiencing homelessness in Missoula lived in Missoula County when they became homeless. Missoula’s services are a regional draw because outlying rural communities often do not have those resources. Missoula is a regional hub for everybody, for medical care, bulk groceries, financial services and more.

Local government leaders in Missoula have heard loudly and clearly from residents that they wish to be a welcoming community and do not wish to turn their backs on people in need, at the individual or local government levels.

Trash in encampments is a serious concern, especially in a flood plain such as the area around the Reserve Street bridge. Neither the City nor the County is in the business of hauling or landfilling municipal trash; the area is served by private companies. The Missoula City-County Health Department has a role in investigating complaints about unmanaged garbage and trash, but it’s clear that issuing tickets or fines to indigent people would be ineffective. The outreach workers who regularly visit people living near the bridge hold cleanup days and remove trash in cooperation with the area’s private garbage hauler as well as the people staying in the camps.

The area is not inside the city limits, and it is in a flood plain and so not appropriate for developed park facilities. It does not meet the City’s current standards for acquisition as open space because of problems with public access; safety and security because of limited visibility; and environmental conditions that would have to be remediated.

Missoula does have people experiencing homelessness, but that is far less proportionately of the population than in those larger cities. By working on a system-wide approach and addressing housing solutions, the City and County’s goal is to make sure homelessness is as brief as possible and is a one-time event. Missoula has seen a noticeable improvement in helping many of the homeless people who were visible downtown transition into a stable living environment.

No, it's not necessary to attend the entire event.  Folks who arrive at 6:00 will get to hear City representatives share interesting information about that month's topic.  However, we understand that folks are busy and we want this event to be welcoming to all.  If you can only drop in for a few minutes at the beginning, middle or end, feel free to do so.

We want everyone to feel comfortable participating in the discussion.  You can write a question on notecards we'll provide, or call 406-552-6002 during the event to leave your question with a staff member.

All cannabis-related businesses are required to obtain a 420 License to operate inside city limits. A cannabis related business is one that participates in the commercial cultivation, extraction, sale, testing, processing (including harvesting and curing), or manufacture of marijuana products intended for consumption by others.  Please be aware, commercial cannabis related businesses are not permitted in residential homes with the exception of medical marijuana delivery-only businesses (no sales) which are allowed as a home-based business. 

For information on plant limits for personal consumption please contact the State of Montana - Cannabis Control Division. 
Note: The city does not distinguish between medical and recreational cultivation, sales, manufacturing etc.

Starting January 1st, 2023, all cannabis related businesses will be required to have an active '420 license'. You will be able to apply online by logging into the Citizen Access Portal. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to allow staff sufficient review time and so as not to impact your business in any way.

Step 1: Apply for a 420 License - Create an account to apply online and pay your licensing fees. 

Step 2: Upload documents to the commercial building permit record - If you are required to upload additional documents, a commercial building permit (COM) is automatically created when you apply for a 420 License. Upload your change-of-use and/or hazardous material inventory statement (HMIS) documentation to this associated commercial building permit (COM). 

Step 3: City Review - Your application will be reviewed by 6+ different departments. 

Step 4: Pay the fees to get your approved commercial building permit issued - You will receive an email once the commercial building permit is approved with instructions on how to pay the associated fees, then your commercial building permit will be issued. 

Step 5: Pass Inspections - Contact the Fire Department directly (406-522-6210) to schedule your fire inspection. You will additionally need to pass a final building inspection, which can be scheduled via the online portal, and any associated M.E.P inspections. 

Step 6: 420 License is Issued!

Please note, a final building inspection can only be scheduled once you have an issued Commercial Building permit record. Please review the flowchart for a better understanding of when your permit will be in an issued status. Once permit has been issued, click on the 'schedule an inspection' button on the cannabis home page for instructions on how to schedule that inspection. To schedule an inspection with the Fire Department you will need to contact them directly, visit here or call 406-552-6210.

If there is no commercial building permit (COM) associated with your 420 license application such as with a dispensary-only business, you can schedule your fire inspection at any time. To schedule an inspection with the Fire Department you will need to contact them directly, visit here or call 406-552-6210. 

Delivery/transport only businesses that are home based businesses will not be required to have any inspections as part of their review process.

A change-of-use permit is a commercial building permit that changes the use of an existing building or tenant space from one approved use/occupancy classification to another as described in the International Building Code. It compares the code requirements of the existing use to the requirements of the proposed use and demonstrates how the building or tenant space meets the code requirements for the new use – any code deficiencies will need to be corrected prior to occupying the space/changing the use. A change-of-use permit is required anytime there is a full or partial change in occupancy classification or use of the space or an increase in the intensity of the use. 

A Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS) is required for all commercial cultivation and extraction facility even if the last approved use of the space was the same. The completed form should be uploaded to the associated commercial building permit which will be automatically created when you apply for your 420 License. This is because the operations and intensity of each individual facility or business owner vary and there may be an increase or decrease in canopy size or the Max Allowable Quantity (M.A.Q.) of solvents or combustible fibers (drying/processing) in each control area etc. 

When will the Building Department NOT require a change-of-use to obtain a 420 license?
Where there is a change in ownership or a new business is replacing an original business where the use is exactly the same, a change of use will most likely not be required assuming the hazardous materials inventory sheet does not indicate a change in intensity. Dispensaries moving into a space most recently permitted as a retail location (Mercantile Occupancy – M) would not require a change of use.

If I have previously completed a change-of-use will I need to do it again?
Due to the legalization of recreational marijuana, all dispensaries are now M (Mercantile) occupancies (like a retail store); previously they were reviewed/approved as a B (Business) occupancy under a patient care model. Due to the change in use/occupancy type, dispensaries that were previously permitted as a B occupancy will now need to complete a change-of-use to be an M occupancy. If you are an existing dispensary not currently approved as an M occupancy a change-of-use will be required. Note: If this applies to your existing dispensary you will be sent a letter saying you will need to complete a change-of-use before your 420 license will be approved. For other uses besides dispensing, you will most likely not be required to provide a new change-of-use unless the activities, location or intensity etc. has changed since your initial application or where the original information provided was unclear. 

What If I am still unsure of the most recently approved use of my proposed tenant space?
If you are still unsure, please email 420license@ci.missoula.mt.us (include the address, suite number, a description of how you plant o use the space and a good phone number to reach you at)

A licensed professional architect or engineer is required for commercial projects and is required to stamp a change-of-use. 

The hazardous material inventory statement (HMIS) can be completed by the business owner as long as they do not exceed the maximum allowable quantities (MAQ) of hazardous materials. An architect may be helpful in advising you on how to complete your hazardous materials inventory statement (HMIS) without getting bumped into an H occupancy. Where you exceed one control area you will need an architect to submit plans demonstrating compliance with the code.

Permits shall be purchased for all work associated with the new use/occupancy and commercial buildings require licensed electricians and plumbers to complete the work. Below is a list of additional permits commonly required for cannabis facilities.

• Electrical Permit: Dedicated outlets are needed for all mounted light fixtures, fans etc. (extension cords are not allowed for permanent fixtures.) Additionally, increased lighting/mechanical loads may require increasing the size of the electrical panel/breaker/service.
• Mechanical Permit: New exhaust fans shall be installed and exhausted to an approved location per the currently adopted IMC. To prevent noxious odors, we recommend using a carbon filter or other odor mitigation on your exhaust air. 
• Plumbing Permit: Where cultivation occurs, the building shall be equipped with an approved backflow prevention device on the service line. If you are using a hose or faucet to water the plants, it shall also be equipped with an approved backflow prevention device.

Mechanical permits are required when vents and ducts are added, replaced, or relocated. This includes dryer vents, exhaust fans, range hood vents and extending heating ducts, adding registers, replacing furnaces and air conditioning units. A building owner can self-perform this work however they will still be required to pull a permit and pass all the necessary inspections. We strongly recommend you hire a professional as they will be familiar with the code requirements as well as how to identify and protect penetrations through rated assemblies in accordance with the code.

For whatever reason, it happened and now you want to make it right! While we cannot make exceptions to the code, we will do our best to work with you in bringing the un-permitted work back into compliance. You will need to apply for all applicable permits related to the unpermitted work and the permits will be reviewed/inspected as if they were new. It will be the responsibility of the applicant to demonstrate code compliance and that may include exposing previously covered work for the inspection(s) and/or providing plans to obtain a permit.

You will need to apply for a 420 License to open a dispensary in the City of Missoula. When choosing a business location for your dispensary (M - occupancy), we recommend trying to find a tenant space previously used as a retail store (M - occupancy) with a current City of Missoula business license. If dispensing is your only cannabis-related activity and you move into a space where the most recent approved use/occupancy classification was a retail store (M - occupancy), you will not be required to complete a change-of-use. You should also check with the Planning Department to verify if your use type will be allowed at your proposed location prior to applying for the 420 License. Please also note, the State of Montana - Cannabis Control Division will require a copy of your active 420 License as part of their review process. 

Planning Department: (406) 552-6625 cityzoner@ci.missoula.mt.us  
Link to GIS map: Coming soon!

Per Resolution 8784, starting July 8, 2024, City staff is directed to not accept business license applications for adult-use recreational cannabis dispensaries within the City limits during the 180 day period of the moratorium. This moratorium shall apply to applications for new businesses as well as new locations for existing dispensary operations (thereby prohibiting existing business from expanding to new locations or moving during the moratorium). City staff may accept applications to renew business licenses for existing cannabis dispensary operations if they are compliant with applicable laws and regulations. City staff may process applications that are already submitted or that are submitted within the 14 day grace period of June 24, 2024-July 7, 2024.

Proposed commercial cultivation businesses will need to apply for a 420 License and complete a Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS). If the tenant space was not previously used as a commercial cultivation facility with the exact same use and intensity level, then you will be required to work with a MT licensed professional architect or engineer to complete a change-of-use. If you are remodeling the interior of your tenant space for cultivation, you will need to prepare plans for review in the same fashion you would for any commercial interior remodel. Commercial projects are required to be stamped by a MT licensed professional. The State of Montana - Cannabis Control Division will require a copy of your issued 420 license as part of their review process.

Note: Dry plant material is considered combustible fiber, which is a hazardous material in the IBC and will need to be documented on your Hazardous Materials Inventory Statement (HMIS)

As of January 2022, new commercial cultivation businesses are no longer approved for operations in residential homes. For information on plant limits for personal consumption please contact the State of Montana - Cannabis Control Division. The City of Missoula does not regulate plants for personal consumption, the limit is set by the State of Montana. Plants used for personal consumption shall not be visible to the public and shall be locked or otherwise secured.

You will need to apply for a 420 License and likely work with a MT licensed professional architect or engineer to complete a change-of-use and a Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS). If you are remodeling the interior of your tenant space, you will need to prepare plans for review in the same fashion you would for any commercial interior remodel; most extraction change-of-use permits will require a full plan set for review and commercial projects are required to be stamped by a MT licensed professional. The State of Montana - Cannabis Control Division will require a copy of your issued 420 license as part of their review process.

You will need to apply for a Commercial Building Permit (COM permit) and work with a MT licensed professional architect or engineer to complete a partial change-of-use and update your Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS). If you are remodeling the interior of your business, you will need to prepare plans for review in the same fashion you would for any commercial interior remodel; commercial projects are required to be stamped by a MT licensed professional. 

Note: Dry plant material is considered combustible fiber, which is a hazardous material in the IBC. 

You will need to apply for a Commercial Building Permit (COM permit) and work with a licensed professional architect or engineer to complete a partial change-of-use and update your Hazardous Material Inventory Statement (HMIS). If you are remodeling the interior of your business, you will need to prepare plans for review in the same fashion you would for any commercial interior remodel; commercial projects are required to be stamped by a MT licensed professional. Note: Dry plant material is considered combustible fiber, which is a hazardous material in the International Building Code. 

You should contact the Planning Department to confirm if you are able to expand your canopy area prior to application.
Planning Department: (406) 552-6625 cityzoner@ci.missoula.mt.us 

Example: A 5'x5' canopy area stacked 2 high has a total canopy area of 50 SF and a canopy footprint of 25 SF.

• Existing cannabis businesses approved before November 3, 2020 can switch to recreational use once their 420 License has been issued.  
• Existing cannabis businesses approved after November 3, 2020 can switch to recreational on July 1, 2023.
• Existing cannabis businesses can apply to add uses (extraction, cultivation etc.) now or increase their canopy size.
• Anyone can apply for a recreational business use on or after July, 1 2023.
• Per State regulations, no new cannabis licenses will be issued in 2022.

Effective September 7th, 2022 Title 5, the Business Licenses and Regulation Code, was amended to include air quality mitigation measures for cannabis cultivation and cannabis manufacturing businesses. New and existing cannabis cultivation or manufacturing businesses must install and maintain carbon filters. The carbon filters and associated fan must be sized and installed to circulate air equal to the volume of the room used for cultivating or manufacturing no less than once per every 5 minutes. Several filters may be used to meet this requirement. To find out if your carbon filter is properly sized for the room, dived the volume of the room used for cultivating or manufacturing (length x width x height) by the exchange rate which is 5 minutes. The resulting number in cubic feet per minute is the requirement that must correspond to the fan and filter specifications. If you need assistance calculating the requirement, contact ZoningDesk@ci.missoula.mt.us. To show compliance at the time of permitting, provide the manufacturer specifications for the carbon filters used at your business and dimensions of the cultivation or manufacturing room.

There are no requirements for energy usage at cannabis cultivation businesses. The State of Montana does not allow local jurisdictions to regulate energy usage beyond the requirements of building code. In the future, energy conservation incentives may be provided through code amendments, though none are proposed at this time. To stay up to date on potential development of incentives, visit Engage Missoula.

You can submit a citizen complaint by filling out the citizen complaint form.

ARPA is an acronym for the American Rescue Plan Act, which provides funding to address the pandemic. The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) program, a part of the American Rescue Plan, delivers $350 billion to state, local, and Tribal governments across the country to support their response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency.

As a “metro city” with a population over 50,000, the City of Missoula received a direct allocation from the U.S. Treasury. Great Falls and Billings were the other two cities in Montana who received a direct allocation (other Montana cities receive their ARPA funding through the State). We received half of our total direct allocation in May 2021, and the other half in May 2022. 

The federal government intended ARPA funding to help:

• respond to the Public Health and economic impacts of COVID-19
• support premium pay for eligible employees
• replace lost public sector revenue 
• improve water, sewer and broadband infrastructure

For more info on guidelines, visit Treasury’s SLFRF website.

Local governments that lost revenue (lost taxes, utility payments, etc.) during the COVID-19 pandemic can use ARPA funds, up to the amount of revenue lost, for "government services."  This category is extremely discretionary and allows the funds to be used for any service traditionally provided by a government. Treasury’s Final Rule allowed local governments to claim a standard allowance of $10 million in lost revenue, and the City of Missoula did take this standard allowance, 

Any person or entity conducting business and/or offering goods or services within the Missoula City Limits, and grossing more than $6,000 annually, shall be required to obtain a business license.  This includes businesses serving as a landlord by renting commercial office, retail, wholesale or warehouse space. There are exceptions, such as businesses by a church, civic, or fraternal organizations for fundraising on a temporary basis, non-profits who hold a 501(c)3 from the state, and certain licensed professions that are exempt from city licensing. Contact coordinators@ci.missoula.mt.us if you are unsure.

After reviewing this site, if you are unsure which license to apply for, email coordinators@ci.missoula.mt.us. Include answers to the following questions:

1. What will be the nature of your business?

2. Will you be working out of your home or from a commercial location?

3. Is the physical location of your business within the city limits?

4. Will you be going to other people’s homes to operate your business?

5. Will your business be making for than $6,000 annually?

You are considered a tourist home if you meet all of the following criteria:

• Your property lies within the Missoula City Limits
• You are offering short term stays, less than 30 days
• You are offering your entire home/condo/apartment/ADU as a vacation rental, with a separate entrance and living area
• You will not be sharing any common area or spaces inside the home/residence (i.e. kitchen, bathroom, living room)

You are not considered a tourist home if:

• You will only be renting a portion of your home, simliar to a Bed and Breakfast. If you are running a Bed and Breakfast, you will need to apply for a General Business License
• You are renting your own home to occupants for greater than 30 consecutive days, and you are the landlord. If you are renting multiple properties and acting as a property management company, you would apply for one of the following: 
  • A General Business License, if you are hiring out your handyman, maintenance and/or repair services to a licensed and insured contractor, who holds an active city Contractor Business License.
  • A Contractor Business License, if you are handling your own property maintenance and/or repairs, painting, flooring etc.

You can check the status of your license by using our Accela Citizen Access Permitting and Licensing Portal! You will first need to register as a new user if you haven’t already done so. We will then link your registration to your business license so you can check its progress online! 

No. The City of Missoula business license is a completely separate process from your State requirements.

If you need to set up your Articles of Incorporation (LLC, Inc., Sole Proprietor, etc), register your business name, acquire your Tax ID, etc, you should refer to the Secretary of State website for more information. Secretary of State URL: https://biz.sosmt.gov/

To obtain your ICEC (Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate), please refer to the Department of Labor and Industry. Department of Labor and Industry URL: https://erd.dli.mt.gov/work-comp-regulations/montana-contractor/independent-contractor

Different license and registrations expire at different months during the year. You must renew your license each year. View can view the expiration date of your license on your business license certificate. The calendar of license expiration is available on the Business License website. 

You can search for any business license by using our Accela Citizen Access Permitting and Licensing Portal! You do not need to register as a user to search for a license. Once you are on the home page, click the “Licenses” link at the top. Use the search function to find a business. You can search by License name, address, type or number.  

Pro Tips: When searching by address, if the street name is a single digit between 1-9, you will need to type a zero ‘0’ before the single digit streets. (I.e., 01, 02, 03). Do not use directions in the street name or use street type. More often than not, less is more when using the search function. 

No. Your City of Missoula Business License does not transfer. Change in physical location (homebased or commercial), change in ownership, or change in nature of business requires a new license application. 

No. That is why it is important to apply for your business license far in advance of your planned opening date. The review process fluctuates based on the time of year, but is a multi-week process. During peak times, some licenses may take up to 12 weeks for review.  

You must inform the City of Missoula that you are closing your business in writing. We cannot close the business over the phone. The most effective way to ensure we close your record is to send an email to coordinators@ci.missoula.mt.us. You can also select the “business closed” option on your renewal invoice and return it to the Permits and Business Licensing Coordinators.

Yes. All businesses located within the City limits must obtain a City of Missoula business license. This includes businesses that are physically located within the city limits, but operate elsewhere, such as Web-based businesses. If your business grosses less than $6,000 annually ,an exemption affidavit must be submitted and approved by our office.

A background check is required in the following situations, but not limited to: 

• Any owner/employee working on existing residential property (excludes un-occupied, new builds)
• Contractors and handyman services (except state licensed Plumbers and Electricians)
• Any person/business offering janitorial or cleaning services (commercial and residential)
• All Itinerant or Mobile Vendors

Some examples of when a background check is required include: home healthcare, locksmiths, contractors, landscapers / tree trimmers, sprinklers, mowing, snow plowing, etc. Anytime you are working on residential property or within residences, a background check is required.

The employer shall be responsible to see that each employee has submitted the background check application within ten days of employment. 

No. If you will only be vending at an established market, you are not required to have a city business license. If you plan to vend or offer goods/services outside of those market hours, you must obtain a city business license. It is expressly prohibited to vend in the Commercial Business District (CBD) during their regular operating hours. 

General, Contractor, 420 Cannabis, Itinerant, and Liquor Licenses are based on the number of "FTE" or Full Time Equivalent Employees. You will need that number in order to calculate your fees. The minimum fee is equivalent to 4 FTE and the maximum fee is reached at 85 FTE. the FTE is different for new license applications and for renewals. The fee per FTE is multiplied by the FTE you provide to calculate the yearly renewal fee (with a minimum equal to 4 FTE). 

To calculate your FTE, take the total hours worked for all employee/owners in a week and divide by 40. For example, the owner usually works 40 hours, and oyu have two employees that both usually work 20 hours. (40+20+20) / 40 = 2. You should calculate fees based on 2 FTE.

Commercial Rental Licenses (Rental of Retail, Wholesale, or Warehouse Space) are based on the square footage the number of tenant spaces in the rental parcel. You will need the square footages and use in order to calculate your fees. Minimum (5K square feet) and maximum fees (1000K square feet) apply. 

Market Events are based on the number of booths or tables. There is a minimum fee of 4 tables/booths to a maximum of 50 tables/booths. The yearly fee amount is multiplied by the quantity of tables/booth you provide.

Short Term Rental Registrations pay a flat fee for new license applications and for renewals. 

Some businesses may have additional fees, including but not limited to, Background Check Application processing, Pawnbroker Endorsement, and Sidewalk Cafe Endorsement. 

View the Business Licensing Fee Schedule.

Late renewals have penalty fees. 25% at one month past due, 50% at two months past due, and 100% penalty after three or more months past due. Businesses beyond the penalty fee period of four months are considered Delinquent and may be turned over to Code Compliance. Delinquent licenses may need to reapply for a business license. 

A change in business location requires a new Business License application. Business licenses are issued based on the specific location identified in the application, including the building address, suite, square footage, previous use of the space, and zoning approval. Any change to the licensed location—including a new address, a different suite or unit within the same building, or a change between home-based and commercial locations—changes the basis of licensure and must be reviewed through a new application.

There is one exception: If both your old and new location are outside city limits, email coordinators@ci.missoula.mt.us to update your address.

Your business license locks if your insurance or bond information on file with the City of Missoula expires or is cancelled. You are unable to pull permits, schedule inspections, and renew your business license if your license is locked. Contractors must maintain current insurance and bond certificates with the City of Missoula.

The City of Missoula should be listed as a Certificate Holder on your insurance policy to ensure we receive your updated policy each year. Your provider should email your renewed policy or notifications of lapse in coverage to coordinators@ci.missoula.mt.us. The City does not reach out to or make requests for insurance certificates or bonds on your behalf.

If your business closes and reopens within the same year, and you have NOT changed your physical location, ownership, or nature of business, you can renew your license as usual. However, you will be subject to any penalties that have accumulated since the license expired. You must reapply if it has been more than one year since your license expired. 

If you no longer provide that service, we can remove the bond from your license record and update your work description. Please note that bonds are NOT accepted on a job-by-job basis. If your business wishes to provide a service that requires a bond, an active bond must be provided and maintained with the City of Missoula.

Email coordinators@ci.missoula.mt.us to modify or update your insurance or bond associated with your business license.

In general, any change to ownership requires a new Business License application, because licenses are issued based on the applicant and ownership information provided at the time of application. Adding, removing, replacing, or transferring ownership interest—or changing the legal entity that owns the business—typically creates a new applicant and requires full re-review.

However, the City does not require a new license application when an individual owner forms an LLC or adds an LLC, provided that ownership, control, and responsibility for the business remain substantially the same. In these limited cases, the change may be processed administratively.

A new application is required if the ownership change results in:

• A new or different controlling owner

• The addition or removal of owners other than the individual-to-LLC transition

• A transfer of ownership interest to another person or entity

Ownership changes cannot be processed as renewals or administrative amendments when they materially alter who owns or controls the business.

You will need to apply for a Public Work's Utility Connection Water permit, for a water repair. 

Apply for a Public Work's Utility Connection Sewer permit.

Excavation, sewer, water, storm, and ROW construction permits are issued only to a licensed and bonded contractor. Information on obtaining a City of Missoula business license is available from  Community Planning, Development, and Innovation Department. An expired business license, certificate of liability insurance, bonding document or professional certifications can cause delay in issuance of permit.

In addition to information provided on the permit application, a certified ACI Flatwork Finisher is required for all types of permit records where concrete work is being done in the ROW. Concrete work on private property does not require an ACI.

Please apply for a Right-Of-Way Use Permit  by submitting a Right-of-Way Use permit application. 

No, ADUs do not require additional parking. However, any required parking for the existing primary dwelling unit must be maintained.

No. There are no longer any design standards for ADUs. However, there is still a size maximum. Zoning standards for ADUs can be found in Title 20, 20.45.060 – Accessory Dwelling Units.

Generally speaking, yes. Accessory dwelling units are allowed only on parcels occupied by a single detached house or lot line house. ADUs are not allowed in a Townhome Exemption Development. There is only one ADU allowed per parcel. 

If your parcel meets all the above criteria, you can write to zoningdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us with your parcel address. Zoning desk can help determine the existing structure’s compliance with the current standards in our Municipal Zoning Code, Title 20.

No, that law is no longer in effect. 

No, if the structure meets all zoning ADU standards and the permit is approved, the applicant can proceed with construction. There is also a requirement that applicants submit a notarized statement that the ADU does not violate any neighborhood covenants. The city does not keep, nor enforce neighborhood covenants. 

After you have confirmed your parcel to have met the criteria, you may want to contact a design and/or land use professional.  

You can also reach out to zoningdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us and schedule a Project Review Team (PRT) meeting, which is a one-hour virtual meeting with the planning, engineering and building departments to determine a project’s feasibility. Please submit a permit intake form, which can be found here, along with a site plan, design details and list of questions. 

Yes. An ADU can share utility infrastructure with a primary residence. The infrastructure must have the capacity to handle an additional dwelling unit. The property owner should contact utility agencies (natural gas, electricity, water, sewer) for information about utility requirements. 

Development Services can determine the status of a dwelling unit and whether the general standards of the zoning district or the nonconforming uses standards apply. If the second dwelling unit is illegal, building permits must be obtained retroactively to make the unit legal. 

 In Missoula, the homeowner owns and is responsible to maintain the water and sewer services lines from the point of connection at the main (typically in the street or alley) all the way into the house.

Missoula’s rules allow a primary residence and one accessory structure to share a water service line, but only if there is adequate capacity as determined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). UPC requires a fixture count to be completed for all fixtures that will receive water from the shared service line (i.e. including the existing primary structure and the accessory structure). 

Most existing water service lines in Missoula are ¾” galvanized pipes and very rarely (if ever) will a ¾” line meet the total fixture count demand of a house plus an accessory structure. In addition, many existing galvanized service lines are already beyond their expected useful life and should be evaluated for replacement.  Anyone planning to build an accessory structure on a property with only a single ¾” service line should plan to replace the service with a modern 1-inch polyethylene (PE) service.

Accessory structures are not allowed on properties that have flat rate accounts. If you want to add an accessory structure, you will need to install a meter on the service line for the primary residence. You will need to read the other FAQ’s on this page which deal with sharing service lines and meters. 

Missoula’s rules allow a primary residence and one accessory structure (ADU, garage, workshop, etc.) to share a sewer service line, but only if there is adequate capacity as determined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). UPC requires a drainage fixture count to be completed for all fixtures that will contribute drainage to the shared sewer service line (i.e. including the existing primary 2 structure and the accessory structure. The sewer service line would need to be a minimum of 4” in diameter.

Missoula Water has electronic ditch cards and sewer connection records available for most addresses. These are being made available over time at the City of Missoula Maps website at:  City of Missoula Public Utility Map located on www.MissoulaMaps.com. If you can’t find your water ditch card at that website, you can contact Missoula Water dispatch at: dispatchw@ci.missoula.mt.us. If you can't find your sewer ditch card at that website, you can contact the Public Works & Mobility Engineering department at: engdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us. 

The City of Missoula has required a tool to assist with calculating water supply fixture counts for residential properties. Guidance for completing water supply fixture counts for commercial applications and drainage fixture counts for all applications is provided in the UPC. Any questions about fixture counts can be directed to Tony Sauro, the City’s plumbing inspector, at (406)239-1385.

No, Missoula Water does not require a separate meter for an accessory structure , as long as the accessory structure’s water service is connected downstream of the meter for the primary residence. 

Yes, the customer can choose to install a separate water meter in a pit for a new accessory structure. If the customer chooses to install a separate meter, curb boxes must be installed that will allow each meter to be shut off independently, or a separate line to the main can be installed for the accessory structure. The meter pit and curb box should be placed as shown in the Typical Residential Water Service Detail (STD-404). 

The customer should be aware of the costs associated with metering the accessory structure separately, including the cost of installing the pit and curb boxes that will allow each account to be shut off separately, the additional monthly fixed charge for the water meter, and the additional sewer development fee that is charged for each meter. In the future Missoula Water is also planning to institute a water development fee that will be charged for each meter. 

Yes. Two curb stops shall be installed such that each building served can be shutoff independently. In this instance the curb stops can be placed inside the private property as long as there is a curb stop near the right-of-way. 

You need a Fence Permit to install a fence. 

Yes – You need a permit to construct any New Fence or any time you are repairing or replacing twenty-five (25’) feet or more of an existing fence.

Four (4’) feet

Six (6’) feet

Yes – wildlife fences are to protect backyard ‘Garden’ planting areas only, NOT the entire yard or property, for specifics please see Missoula Municipal Code (MMC) Section 12.30.070.C.

No, not on or in Residential Areas –only permitted on Commercial / Industrial or Agricultural properties may have barbed wire fences.

No, not on or in Residential Areas – electric fences only permitted on Commercial / Industrial or Agricultural properties.

Yes –  an investigation fee (amount is equal to the Fence Permit fee) for work without an approved Fence Permit AND a fine of up to five hundred ($500.00) dollars may be assessed.

A “Living Fence” alternative to a ‘built’ fence is a hedge; hedges can include Arborvitae, Boxwood, Lilac, Yew and more.

• hedges only need water, no painting or staining required !
• hedges have NO 4’ or 6’ height limit, they can grow to 8’, 10’, 12’ or more !!
  • tall hedges are also great ‘fences’ (barriers) for keeping deer out of your yard !
• hedges also absorb sound and block road / street noise, making them quieter than a hard surface fence !
• hedges are natural, attracting birds – providing refuge and nesting opportunities !!
  • flowering hedges can also attract butterflies, dragonflies and other pollinators !
• another important feature:  NO FENCE PERMIT REQUIRED !!

You can sign up for notifications to receive email or text alerts when important bills have upcoming actions.  The City tracks a lot of legislation, but will only send alerts when there is action pending on our highest-priority bills, such as property tax reform, housing initiatives, tax increment financing, mental health and crisis services, and renewable energy.

You can reach out to City Council to request that the City of Missoula take a specific stance on a bill, but the City of Missoula as an organization only has one voice in Helena.  Your voice has a greater impact if you contact lawmakers in Helena directly.  You can find your representatives or explore multiple participation options on the legislature's website.

City officials take public comment regarding the City's stance on legislation.  You can make public comments here. Please remember to contact your legislators directly with your opinions. Our elected officials need to hear from as many people as possible to know how their decisions affect our community.

You can look up your legislators by name or by your address on the state's website, along with contact information.

Tax Increment Financing is a tool that helps to fund critical community improvements in urban renewal districts.  Learn more about TIF and how Missoula has used it in our flier.   

The Unified Funding Round includes multiple funding sources and starts in December each year when application materials are posted. This includes the Affordable Housing Trust Fund (AHTF), HOME Investment Partnerships funds, and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) monies. Urgent and emergent projects that prevent housing displacement can apply for funding from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Reserve Balance, which is 20% of the trust fund’s balance. Please reach out to the team if you have questions!

Each of our funding sources come with their own regulations and requirements based on federal law or city ordinance. Awardees must always follow the rules implemented by the Fair Housing Law. Awardees must not displace any individuals; if so, they must cover relocation costs. A brief overview of some standard federal regulations can be found here and potential applicants are encouraged to reach out to staff for more information. 

 Applying for any of the funding sources is done through the same application. You can list your preferred funding source, but staff will help determine which funding source is the best fit. The full application process involves a short pre-application, followed by a consultation with staff. Eligible projects are then invited to complete a full application that includes basic project information, a budget, and other supporting documents.

During the Unified Round, which starts in December. Urgent and emergent projects that prevent housing displacement can apply for the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Reserve Balance.

Area Median Income (AMI) is used to determine whether housing is affordable to a household based on the number of members in the household and their income. AMI is the household income for the middle household in a region. To learn more about Missoula’s AMI check out this graphic.

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership funds must primarily support low- and moderate- income people and areas. The U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development uses a shorthand, “LMI” to refer to these populations. A low-income person is someone whose total annual income is 50% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI) or average income for the community where they live. A moderate-income person is someone whose total annual income is above 50% but less than 80% of the AMI or average income for the community where they live. For more information about what “LMI” means in Missoula, click here

If you received a yellow card from Municipal Court, you have just been added to the jury pool for the term beginning Sept 1st and ending Aug 31st. If you are selected for a particular trial, you will receive a Summons in the mail about 5 weeks before the trial date. The Summons will provide instructions on how to proceed.

Annual Notice postcards are also being sent by Justice Court and District Court.  See below if you need to contact them:

Green postcard?     Justice Court Annual Notice 

Hot pink postcard?  District Court Annual Notice page or email the District Court 

You are eligible to be selected for the jury pool if you are 18 years of age or older, a resident of Missoula County for at least 30 days, and a citizen of the United States.  The jury pool is selected from a combined list of registered voters, licensed drivers, and holders of Montana State ID cards.  Be aware there are 4 Courts in Missoula County that have jury pools – Municipal Court, Justice Court, District Court, and US District Court.  

Email our office with an updated address, and we can have you excused for the remainder of our jury term. 

Please note this only excuses you for a single term in Municipal court. if you want to be removed from future jury pools in Missoula County, see below:

We get our jury pool from those residents who are registered to vote in Missoula County or have Driver's Licenses or State IDs issued from Missoula County. Cancelling your Missoula County voter registration may help remove you from the jury pool. If you have moved from Missoula County, please ensure you have cancelled your voter registration by submitting a voter cancellation form via email to electioninfo@missoulacounty.us or by mailing it to 140 N. Russell St., Missoula, MT 59801. The Elections Office cannot cancel your registration over the phone.

If you have moved out of state, you also need to contact the Montana Driver Services Bureau at (406) 444-3933, as other states do not necessarily inform Montana that you have either registered to vote or obtained a Driver's License in that state. If these departments are not contacted, your name will likely remain on their lists, and you will possibly be added to future jury pools in Missoula County.

Each year, a new jury pool is selected from a combined list of registered voters, licensed drivers, and holders of Montana State ID cards, whether or not you were previously in a jury pool.  Having been in the jury pool in previous years does not preclude you from being selected in the jury pool in a future year.

On the postcard, it should appear directly above your name.    

If you were previously excused for a particular trial or a jury term, you would still qualify to be added to this year’s jury pool.  However, if you were permanently excused previously, please email the Court at CourtJurors@ci.missoula.mt.us, so we can do some research as to why you were added this year.  Please provide your Juror Number, Name, contact information, and a copy of the Permanent Excusal, if you have it.  

Please complete the Affidavit for Excusal advising us of the dates and reasons why you will be unavailable for jury service during that time. Your request will be forwarded to a Judge for review.  If approved, we will update our records to indicate you are unavailable during that time frame, and send you notification.

Please complete the Questionnaire as to Qualification for Jury Service to indicate to the Court that you have received the Annual Notice.  If you are selected to appear for a particular trial, you will receive a Summons in the mail about 5 - 6 weeks before the trial.  It will contain instructions on how to request an excusal. 

You will receive a Jury Summons by mail if you are selected to appear for a particular trial, usually about 5 weeks before the trial.  The Summons will provide instructions on how to notify the Court.

8,500 people have been selected for Municipal Court’s jury pool this year.  Also consider there are 3 other courts that require their own jury pool in Missoula: Justice Court, District Court, and United States District Court.

The term begins each year on September 1, and ends August 31, the following year.

You could be found in contempt of court, face a fine, and/or the Court may direct the Missoula Police Department to bring you before the Court to explain your absence. 

Items left behind during the clean-up process will be removed.  The City will store a few items that are left behind in public spaces: working bicycles, survival and camping gear in working condition, identifiable personal items such as documents, cell phones, computers and labeled medications.  You can retrieve stored belongings at the Police Department, without being asked about your criminal background or outstanding warrants.  The City will store items for 30 days.  Items that are clearly discarded or are valueless, hazardous, soiled, or subject to rotting or spoiling will be discarded.  

You can report online to the City using this form. You can also report by phone at 406-552-6006. City staff investigate every complaint, though the response may not be immediate. If you feel you are in danger or a crime is being committed, please call 911.

You can see details on our Vehicle Permitting webpage or download the brochure (PDF).

Violations are treated as municipal infractions, not criminal offenses, so they do not result in jail time.

Here’s what to expect if you violate regulations:

• Written Warning: You will first receive a written warning.
• Infraction Notice: You might get a formal infraction 24 hours or more after the warning.

For Unsafe or Unsanitary Conditions:

• City staff will post a 120-hour notice at the site for cleanup.
• If property is not removed within 120 hours, it will be considered abandoned.

For Other Violations:

• A 24-hour notice will be posted.
• Any personal items left behind will be considered abandoned.

The City works with the community and state agencies to support people experiencing homelessness in the community. Missoula’s own Community Development Division includes policies and resources to address housing and affordability. The strategy is a guiding document on the path to ensuring everyone in Missoula has a safe place to call home.

The City has programs to improve housing affordability, provide a single point of entry for those experiencing houselessness, and coordinate with community partners to provide shelter services.  See the Poverello Center's website for the Homeless Outreach Team and shelter support donation needs.

When do I need an electrical permit?

Electrical permits are required when electrical fixtures are added (such as required smoke alarms when a building permit is required).

Residential Projects (1-2 Family Dwellings)

• Install, change or repair any hard wired electrical system.
• Run any additional wiring, put in an additional electrical outlet or light fixture or change out your fuse box to circuit breakers.
• Extend any branch circuit for a switch or outlet more than 6'.

Commercial Projects

• Install, change or repair any hard wired electrical system.
• Run any additional wiring, put in an additional electrical outlet or light fixture or change out your fuse box to circuit breakers.
• Add an outlet or switch in any room.

When are plans/drawings required to be submitted with my permit application?

All commercial electrical projects will need to provide plans designed by a licensed professional or master electrician. Electrical is not reviewed on for 1-2 family dwelling permits; compliance will be field verified during the inspection. For solar permits, see photovoltaic information below.

Electrical Permit Resources

• GFCI Requirements for New Residential Construction (PDF)
• Ufer Grounds (PDF)
• Electrical Service Changes (PDF)
• Appliance Disconnects (PDF)
• STEP Electrical Specs (PDF)
• Photovoltaic Policy and Inspections (PDF)
• 2020 NEC - 230.71

When do I need a plumbing permit?

Residential Projects (1-2 Family Dwellings)

• Repair, replace, relocate, or add to the water/sewer piping system  within your home.
• Installation of new plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, showers, tubs, dishwashers, etc.
• Install or replace an electric or gas water heater.
• Replace existing fixtures if concealed plumbing is required.
• Installation of backflow preventers.

Commercial Projects

• Repair, replace, relocate, or add to the piping system.
• Install new plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, showers, tubs, dishwashers, etc.
• Install or replace an electric or gas water heater.
• Replace existing fixtures if concealed plumbing is required.
• Installation of backflow preventers.

When are plans/drawings required with my permit application?

• Commercial Projects: All commercial plumbing projects will need to provide plans designed by a licensed professional or master plumber unless approved otherwise. An isometric drawing is required; see plumbing plan review checklist below.
• 1-2 Family Dwelling Projects: Mechanical, electrical and plumbing are not reviewed on permits for 1-2 family dwelling permits; compliance will be field verified. However, 1-2 Family dwellings are required to provide a completed Water Meter Worksheet to size the water meter where the project has more than 3 bathrooms or is adding an additional dwelling unit to the same service line. Note: while the worksheet sizes the water meter,  the water supply line must still be sized in accordance with the Uniform Plumbing Code which may require a larger supply line size. 

Plumbing Permit Resources

• Checklist - Commercial Plumbing Plan Review
• Water Meter Worksheet
• Fats, Oil and Grease Sector Control Program 

When do I need a mechanical permit?

Mechanical permits are required when vents and ducts are added, replaced or relocated. This includes dryer vents, range hood vents and extending heating ducts, adding registers and replacing furnaces and air conditioning units.

• Installation of any new HVAC equipment (including small exhaust fans)
• Installation or alteration of ductwork, vent system or chimney.
• Installation of a fireplace insert of gas fireplace.
• Install, alter, or repair gas piping between meter and an appliance.
• Exhaust bath fans, dryer vents, kitchen exhausts etc.
• Anytime a gas supply line need to have a gas meter set or to unlock an existing gas meter. Schedule a 460 Gas/Mech inspection (Air test of gas lines is required)

When is a mechanical permit NOT required?

• Portable heating appliances, portable cooling units, portable evaporative coolers, portable ventilation appliances and equipment.
• Steam, hot water or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment or appliances regulated by this code.
• The replacement of any minor part that does not alter the approval of equipment or an appliance or make such equipment or appliance unsafe.
• Self-contained refrigeration systems that contain 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or less of refrigerant, or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (0.75 kW) or less.
• Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

When are plans/drawings required with my permit application?

Commercial: All commercial mechanical projects will need to provide plans designed by a licensed professional unless approved otherwise.

Residential (1-2 Family Dwellings): Mechanical is not reviewed on permits for 1-2 family dwelling permits; compliance will be field verified at the time of inspection. Review of appliance locations will be provided where equipment locations are shown on the floor plans. 

Inspections Required

The holder of the permit shall be responsible for the scheduling of such inspections.

• Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before backfill is put in place. Where excavated soil contains rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site. 
  Exception: Ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in accordance with Section 1210.10 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection.
• Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof, framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place and all ducting and other components to be concealed are complete, and prior to the installation of wall or ceiling membranes.
• Final inspection shall be made upon completion of the mechanical system.

You can apply for a demolition permit by submitting a demo permit application. A demolition permit is required in the following cases:

• If you are demolishing anything structural (interior or exterior)
• Anytime you are demolishing an entire structure with utility connections.
• Anytime you are demolishing more than 3 sq ft of drywall on a commercial project. 
• Structures over 200 SF at 1-2 family dwelling locations
• Structures over 120 SF at commercial locations

For more information please visit our Demolition Permit Page. 

If you are within Missoula City Limits, you may. A permit is required for all the following:

• Commercial projects require an Architect or Engineer involvement, regardless of project complexity. 
• New Construction (Residential and Commercial projects)
• Decks
• Demolition 
• Interior remodels (adding/removing walls – (load bearing or not), relocating fixtures, alterations)
• Additions
• Egress windows – new openings in walls. 
• Remodeling
• Finishing out an unfinished basement.
• Siding
• Signs or fences over 7' in height
• Swimming pools
• Residential or commercial roofing - replacement or re-cover.
• Commercial storage buildings and garages over 120 sq. ft. of floor area. 
• Residential storage buildings and garages over 200 sq. ft. of floor area. 
• Retaining walls exceeding 4’ in total height from bottom of footing to top of wall or any wall supporting a surcharge. 
• Fences or flag poles over 7' tall (Note: All fences require a fence permit regardless of height)
• Commercial pallet or storage racks over 5 foot 9 inches in height. 
• All connections and repairs to the city's sewer system require an excavation permit from Development Services. 
• 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.

When do I NOT need a Building Permit?

• Installation of cabinetry, countertops, flooring, paneling, painting, or wallpaper
• Replacement of windows which are the same size and type as the window being replaced.
• Residential sheds under 200 square feet and commercial sheds under 120 square feet (floor area) (please check with the zoning division to make sure you meet setbacks and height restrictions)
• Residential decks do not require a permit if they meet ALL the following criteria: 1) The deck is completely free-standing (not attached to a structure in any way), 2) Is 30" or less above the ground, and does not have a roof/arbor over it. 3) Does not exceed 200 square feet in area. 4) Does not serve the dwelling’s primary required egress door. 

The holder of the permit shall be responsible for the scheduling of such inspections. Different projects require different inspections. If you have questions on which inspections will be required for your project you can reach us at 406-552-6630.

• For a list of inspections see the Inspection Scheduling Guide (PDF). See also our Inspection Procedures (PDF). 
• All permits should have a final inspection.
• Occupancy: All open permits must have passed a final inspection in order to occupy and receive a Certificate of Occupancy. See also information on requesting a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy.

Yes. If you feel the property you are renting has life-safety issues you may fill out this online complaint form with as much information as possible and a member of our code compliance team will reach out to you. The person making the complaint must still have access to the property/unit so that an inspection can be performed. 

Mold:  We do not test for mold and are not qualified or equipped to make that determination. Mold issues in your rental property are an issue that should be addressed by you and your landlord. It is the responsibility of the landlord to make repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition. It is the duty of the tenant to keep that part of the premises that the tenant occupies and uses as reasonably clean and safe as the condition of the premises permits. You should always try to work with your landlord first to resolve problems involving mold.

Free Legal Resources for Tenants: In the case of landlord/tenant disputes, please refer to the Montana Landlord Tenants’ Rights & Responsibilities information available at the Montana Department of Justice website in the resources section below. The Montana Legal Services Association can often provide assistance to renters and has resources for obtaining repairs from landlords and other information on leases, rental agreements and security deposits.

Go to Polco to complete the survey.  The survey is open until December 4.  Results will be shared with the community in January 2025.

View the final survey results on this page.  These survey results will allow the Mayor and City Council to see what issues are most important to our residents and to measure the quality of the services we provide.  This data will be helpful in updating the City's strategic plan and budget priorities in future years.  It will also allow us to track changes in community perceptions in the future.

The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete.  It touches on many aspects of quality of life and City service delivery.  We look forward to hearing from our community in this thorough and comprehensive feedback tool.

1. The Sampled Survey was designed to be as representative as possible of the population of the jurisdiction. A sampling of community households is randomly selected from a comprehensive list of residential addresses as an effort to reduce bias and get feedback from all areas within the community. The sampled group receives a paper invitation in the mail. Their link is unique to their household and should not be shared. This effort is to gather accurate data from the residents who make up the community today.
2. The Open Participation Survey is offered to all residents so each voice in the community can be heard. This survey is hosted online. It is identical to the Sampled Survey except that it asks if you are a resident of the community and which area of the community you live in. 

The National Community Survey has been used in more than 350 jurisdictions across 46 states.  This allows for robust benchmark comparisons among communities across the nation.  Communities using The NCS have reported that the tool improved service delivery, strengthened communications with community stakeholders, and helped leaders identify clear priorities for use in strategic planning and budget setting.

The City has hired Polco to conduct the National Community Survey in Missoula.  Randomly selected households will receive a postcard that looks like this.  This is a legitimate mailing and we would love it if you follow the link and participate!  For those who are not part of the random sample, the survey will open to for full community participation on November 13.

If you received a postcard invitation and paper survey in the mail, then this survey has a unique link for randomly selected households only and should not be shared.  We encourage everyone to share the Open Participation survey link with their neighbors. The survey will be open November 13 through December 4.

Polco selects a random sample of 3,500 households across the city, with special attention to ensure even access across all six wards.  Random sampling ensures integrity in results.  All households will be able to participate in the survey beginning November 13. 

If you received a postcard as part of the random sample, you will need to enter the address on the card into your web browser.  Make sure you type the URL (site address) in the address bar, not into a search engine.  Click the image below to view it at full size.  

Also, while the survey should work with most internet browsers, it does not work with Internet Explorer.  Internet Explorer is discontinued and is no longer fully functional.  Please try a different browser.  

The Green Power Program (formerly known as a renewable rate option or green tariff) is a program that would allow NorthWestern Energy customers to support and benefit from a new source of renewable energy in Montana, such as a new wind or solar farm. Local governments, businesses and residents would then have the option to subscribe to pay a special rate and receive a portion of their energy supply from this renewable energy source. By subscribing to the program, customers would pay the costs of the new renewable energy source over time and receive the benefits it produces, including the environmental benefits and the clean energy’s economic value on the market.   

The lead communities of the City of Missoula, Missoula County and the City of Bozeman have been working with NorthWestern Energy for the past several years to develop the Green Power Program. Developing the program is a key strategy for these lead communities to reach their respective 100% clean electricity goals.   

Now, these communities have reached an important milestone by requesting their elected officials adopt the term sheet negotiated with NorthWestern. While non-binding, the term sheet serves as the framework for how the program will work going forward. If the term sheet is adopted, the lead communities will consider entering into binding agreements to submit to the Public Service Commission.

The Public Service Commission will then need to approve the Green Power Program before it’s available to the public. Following approval, the next step would be for the lead communities and NorthWestern to develop an RFP and solicit proposals for the new renewable energy project. Once the project is selected, local government and commercial and industrial customers will subscribe to purchase electricity from it.   

There are two main ways to participate in the Green Power Program. Local governments, as well as commercial and industrial NorthWestern Energy electricity customers in Montana, will be able to subscribe to the Green Power Program. Local governments and commercial and industrial participants will commit to subscription contracts for the depreciable life of the renewable energy development, generally about 25 years. 

There will be an opportunity for residential customers to participate, as long as they live within a local government jurisdiction that decides to participate in the program and are NorthWestern Energy electricity customers. Residential participation will be limited by the project’s size and may vary from community to community, as each participating local government will be able to allocate a portion of their subscription agreement to residents in their jurisdiction. Residential participation enables local governments to dedicate resources to additional renewable energy solutions.    

The cost to participate in the program will depend on a few variables: the fixed costs to develop the renewable energy source and administer the program, a floating credit representing the market value of the project’s clean electricity, and the size of the customer’s subscription. Preliminary modeling suggests that this represents a good value for participants and their climate goals. While it’s premature to assign a dollar amount at this point, we will be able to model financial impact and re-engage the community after the PSC approves the program. We will review costs again when we are closer to the project development phase, as they will evolve.    

The Green Power Program will require several steps, including local approvals, Public Service Commission regulatory approvals and a competitive solicitation to develop the project, which is estimated to take two to three years. Within this process, there are two different times when a customer can subscribe, depending on the customer.  

To participate, local governments, as well as commercial and industrial customers, will commit to subscription agreements for the depreciable life of the new renewable energy development serving the program. The depreciable life is generally around 25 years. Eligible residential customers will have the opportunity to subscribe after local governments have subscribed and indicated how much they have allocated to residents in their jurisdiction.     

The size of the project will be determined by how much energy local governments, and commercial or industrial customers in Montana, are willing to commit to purchasing over the depreciable life of the renewable energy development. The project size will be selected based on that interest. Regardless of size, the program would lead to a new source of renewable energy that would not have happened otherwise.   

The Green Power Program is one of our primary ways to reach 100% clean electricity for the Missoula urban area. A new renewable energy development, like a solar or wind farm, will be built to serve this program. Where small-scale development, like rooftop solar, may have site or size constraints, this development could be large enough to provide clean electricity to NorthWestern Energy commercial customers and hundreds of residential customers, including renters. A project of this size can move us significantly closer to our goal of 100% clean electricity by 2030.

Preliminary modeling suggests that if the City and County subscribe to the program, this would have a minimal impact on their budgets. While premature to assign an exact dollar figure at this point, initial estimates suggest a modest impact on utility bills, which make up a small portion of the overall City and County budgets.   

Participation in the project will be completely voluntary, and non-participants will not be subjected to any of its costs. This is also known as “no cost shifting.”   

Right now, NorthWestern Energy’s E+ Green program allows customers to take credit for existing clean electricity that comes from solar, wind or hydro sources from anywhere in the Pacific Northwest. This does not change how much clean electricity is going onto NorthWestern Energy’s grid. The Green Power Program is designed so subscribers can support, and benefit from, a new source of renewable energy in Montana.  

The lead communities like many local governments and businesses across the country, have made climate commitments that are more ambitious than their state government or utility. Green power programs like ours are a proven tool to bring new renewable energy to the grid on an accelerated timeline. These programs are design to meet the clean electricity goals of subscribers, without impacting other utility customers. To do so, the costs for project development and program administration are shared only among subscribers, rather than spread out across an entire utility customer base.  While this distribution of costs may result in a modest premium for subscribers, the benefits of the Green Power Program are likewise distributed only among subscribers.  

The benefits of the Green Power Program to subscribers include:  

• The opportunity for a range of customer classes, from residential to commercial and industrial, to achieve their 100% clean electricity goals.  
• The ability to pay off the upfront cost of developing new renewable energy over time through subscription rates. This removes the barrier of upfront costs that can often limit the investment in the clean energy transition.   
• A subscription rate that incorporate the financial value of the clean electricity generated through the program as a credit towards the program costs. This rate design could result in potential bill savings.  
• The ability to invest in a meaningful addition of utility-scale renewable energy onto the grid that would not have been built otherwise. This first phase is capped at a size of 50 MW which is 1000 times larger than the 50 kW limit for net metered systems.  
• While this program may result in a modest premium, we’re confident that the program as designed would provide significant value to subscribers and provides needed progress towards a clean electricity future.   

  
  

   

It is generally true that renewable energy is cheaper than fossil fuels on a per kWh basis. The communities involved with this agreement have remained engaged with energy issues in the MT State Legislature, Public Service Commission (PSC) proceedings, and NorthWestern’s Integrated Resource Plan with the ultimate goal of accelerating the system-wide transition to clean energy. This work will not stop with the implementation of a Green Power Program, and we continue to seek partnerships to strengthen this message to the Legislature, the PSC, and the utility. The Green Power Program is a complementary opportunity for commercial and government organizations to directly invest in renewable energy to meet their climate and sustainability goals on an accelerated timeline.  

The Green Power Program will result in a new renewable energy project in Montana that would not have otherwise been built. It will help accelerate Montana’s clean energy transition and bring economic benefits to the state Adding energy storage to the project would further reduce emissions by decreasing the utility’s dependence on natural gas plants to serve customers when renewable energy resources are not available. 

Qualifying Facilities authorized under PURPA have brought considerable utility-scale renewable energy resources to the State of Montana. The Lead Communities have explored a variety of opportunities to invest in clean energy. To date, the proposed Green Power Program is best aligned with our 2030 goals and guiding principles to build a new renewable resource at a meaningful scale that is available to all customer classes. We are paving the way for commercial and residential customers to voluntarily purchase renewable energy without  complex negotiations with an individual energy developer. Plus, the utility will manage and administer the Green Power Program subscriptions and customers will benefit from the convenience of having the program costs and credits included on their electric utility bill. Qualifying Facilities remain an important tool to bring new renewable energy generation that can reduce system-wide carbon emissions. The Green Power Program is a complementary tool that will increase opportunities to develop new renewable energy projects and provide customers with the opportunity to purchase 100% net clean electricity.  

The lead communities support rooftop solar and the concept of community solar. They have remained engaged with efforts to promote rooftop solar installations in our communities, as well advance state policies that support local, distributed renewable energy generation. The Green Power Program is additional to these efforts and it will not compromise net-energy metered customers. 

For commercial customers, the net metering cap of 50kW is not adequate for many commercial buildings. Even if this cap were increased, some large commercial energy users are challenged to meet their energy needs with rooftop solar alone. For residential customers, rooftop solar is not available to everyone because it requires a large upfront investment, not every roof is suitable for solar, and it’s typically not an option for renters. We believe the Green Power Program will serve as a complementary option for commercial and residential customers to access clean energy.  

Yes, but there are no tailpipe emissions. Even though some of the electricity created to support EV charging currently comes from carbon-intensive sources, the overall emissions are still far less than a conventional vehicle. Due to this lack of tailpipe emissions, there are also no smog-forming materials being emitted while the vehicle is driven, helping improve local air quality. As we continue to utilize less carbon-intensive electricity sources, the emissions associated with electric vehicles will only continue to decrease.   

While the purchase price of EVs tends to be slightly higher than vehicles with internal combustion engines, costs continue to equalize due to the maturation of technologies and incentives. One example is the Clean Vehicle Tax Credit, which can provide a point-of-sale rebate of up to $7,500. In addition, the cost of ownership of EVs is typically less, due to reduced fuel and maintenance costs.  

The performance of electric vehicles (EVs) often gets a negative reputation in colder climates; however, Consumer Reports found that cold weather typically reduces the stated range of EVs by about 25%, which is not a significant concern if there is adequate charging infrastructure. EVs are also well-equipped to handle the snow; the weight and placement of EV batteries improve performance on ice and snow. Further, the electric vehicle market is steadily producing more vehicles that are well-suited for places like Montana by including options like four-wheel-drive and increased towing capacity.  

While electric vehicles (EVs) are often heavier than similar vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE), an all-electric SUV weighs about the same as a light-duty pickup truck with an ICE. Further, to offset additional costs incurred by the heavier weight of these vehicles, EVs and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are subject to supplemental registration fees (above standard registration fees) that are adjusted based on gross vehicle weight rating.  

Montana has an "Electric Vehicle Charging Station Tax," which subjects the sale of electricity by public EV charging stations to a tax of $0.03 per kilowatt-hour. This tax revenue will be used to fund state highways.  

From an emissions standpoint, unless you drive very rarely, you will produce less emissions purchasing an EV than with the conventional vehicle you already own, and this includes the manufacturing of the EV. While some emissions are associated with the manufacturing of any vehicle, most of the emissions come from fueling the vehicle. Fueling an electric vehicle with electricity produces far less emissions than fueling a conventional vehicle. From cradle-to-grave, electric vehicles produce less emissions than internal combustion engine vehicles. 

Created in 1978, the Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) operates in accordance with state law to revitalize Missoula's Urban Renewal Districts (URD). MRA partners with public and private entities to help improve economic vitality, create jobs and encourage investment in the Districts. MRA also invests in public improvements like parks, trails, streets and sidewalks.

The MRA is an agency of the City of Missoula. Oversight to MRA is provided by a five-member Board of Commissioners who are appointed by the Mayor and approved by City Council. 

The Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA) uses TIF to create a new revenue stream that funds critical community improvements. TIF is a tool that can be used in an urban renewal district. See a visual description of how TIF works. 

The MRA uses tax increment financing (TIF) as a financial tool in Urban Renewal Districts (URDs) to make public improvements like: 

• both income qualified and market rate housing 
• park and trail projects 
• property acquisition 
• deconstruction
• new streets and sidewalks 
• water and sewer main extensions 
• storm water management improvements 
• safety improvements 
• improvements to City owned facilities

An Urban Renewal District (URD) is an area deemed blighted by the City Council where economic growth has been impaired and there is a lack of public and private investment. Missoula's first URD was created downtown in 1978. As a result of MRA's success in revitalizing that area, subsequent districts have been formed in other parts of Missoula. Currently, there are six Urban Renewal Districts:

1. URD II
2. URD III
3. Front Street URD
4. Riverfront Triangle URD
5. North Reserve-Scott Street URD
6. Hellgate URD

You can use the City of Missoula's maps to search an address to see if it's located in an urban renewal district. 

The City’s housing policy, A Place to Call Home, highlights the need to provide safe and healthy housing with a diversity of types of affordability levels for all Missoulians. Home ownership remains unattainable for many Missoulians and an estimated 36% of households are cost burdened (Our Missoula, Community Profile, December 2024), Missoula households likely need to earn $173,000 (192% AMI) or more to afford a median priced home in early 2025.  

Construction costs are high and financing to build and purchase housing is expensive. Without public investment to build below market and income qualified workforce housing, it will likely not get developed. There is limited public funding available to help build housing attainable for lower income families and no resources to build workforce housing for middle income families. MRA's Workforce Housing Program provides another funding source to help fill these gaps. Further, the MRA’s Workforce Housing Program guidelines require that units built with TIF remain affordable for 30-75 years, depending on whether they are for rent or for sale. When TIF is invested in projects that add housing supply, this allows for more mobility in the market.  A household may qualify for a new workforce housing townhome constructed with TIF investment thus vacating their apartment for another family, creating housing options and movement in the market. 

Prior to 2023 when the MRA Board approved new Workforce Housing Program guidelines, the MRA was investing in building deconstruction and site preparation, public improvements in the right of way (water, sewer, streets, sidewalks, street trees), and property acquisition to support new housing. Prior to 2023, state law also allowed investment in publicly owned buildings. MRA continues to invest in public improvements to support housing projects as well as construction of income qualified workforce housing. TIF infrastructure funding was utilized to support construction of temporary housing for individuals experiencing crisis, including the Poverello Center, YWCA Family Housing Center, as well as mobile restrooms for the publicly owned Johnson Street Shelter. TIF investments in public infrastructure also supported recent income qualified housing construction such as the Maple Street Flats and Villagio apartments.  

The TIF Workforce Housing Program goes a step further than existing TIF programs by allowing MRA to invest in construction of privately-owned workforce housing that would likely not otherwise get constructed or improved.  

The Missoula Redevelopment Agency (MRA)is implementing its Workforce Housing Program goal by partnering with developers to construct and improve income qualified workforce housing units and/or fund the purchase of land for housing. The MRA staff takes a proactive approach to ensure developers, builders, design professionals, and realtors are aware of the new program and opportunities for partnership. This includes work to develop relationships with development partners that may not have accessed TIF previously.   

The Area Median Income (AMI) is the midpoint of a region’s income distribution – half of families in a region earn more than the median and half earn less than the median. AMI is used to determine whether housing is affordable to a household based on the number of members and their income. Each year, the Census surveys over 3.5 million addresses to learn about residents. They ask about how much income individuals 15 and over in the household earn to calculate household income. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) adjusts that number for inflation to publish the Area Median Income. According to HUD, 80% AMI for a four-person household in Missoula County is $78,800 in 2025.  

Below are several positions with average wages that fall within the annual income defined by the state for workforce housing (Indeed.com; ci.missoula.mt.us, September 2024) and would likely qualify for housing built with MRA’s Workforce Housing Program, depending on total household income.   

• Registered Nurse: $61,440-$99,000/year 
• Police Officer: $73,000/year 
• Firefighter: $83,000/year 
• Elementary School Teacher: $58,000/year 

The Workforce Housing Program guidelines require that housing constructed with TIF remain affordable for 30 years (rental projects) and 75 years (for sale projects not in a Community Land Trust). Long term affordability will be guaranteed through a deed restriction, use restriction, Community Land Trust, or other acceptable mechanism. Technical assistance is available to help developers and builders with the income qualification, marketing, and monitoring of MRA funded workforce housing, if needed.  

Please contact Annie Gorski at 406-552-6155 or gorskia@ci.missoula.mt.us. 

On June 2, 2025, the City Council approved a resolution to recognize the Pride flag as an official flag of the City of Missoula.  

• The designation is in response to Montana House Bill 819, which sets new rules for flags displayed on government property. 
• While making the Pride Flag an official city flag allows it to be lawfully displayed at city-owned facilities, the resolution did not include a directive to fly or display the flag immediately. There are no current plans to install or fly the flag at City Hall or other city properties. 
• The resolution clarifies that various versions of the Pride Flag may be used, reflecting the evolving nature of the symbol. 
• It also distinguishes between official government displays and personal decorations in employee workspaces, which the City believes are not considered official government displays within the meaning of HB 819. 

The Pride flag was adopted as Missoula's first official city flag on June 2, 2025, to affirm the City's commitment to inclusion and acceptance of all people. The council's decision was a response to Montana House Bill 819, which limits the flags that can be flown on government property unless a local government officially designates them as its official flag.  

While HB 819 permits certain flags (such as the Gadsden or Confederate flags), it excludes others—particularly those representing marginalized communities. The City believes the state’s content-based restrictions may violate the First Amendment. Nonetheless, by designating the Pride flag as an official flag, City Council ensured Missoula retains the legal ability to display this symbol of inclusion on equal footing with other recognized flags. 

Not at this time. The resolution did not include a directive to fly or display the flag immediately, and there are no current plans to install or fly the flag at City Hall or other city properties. City administration will work with City Council to thoughtfully consider whether, when, and how the flag should be displayed, including appropriate locations and infrastructure needs. Any decision on future display will be communicated transparently.

No. The City currently flies the flags of the United States and Prisoner of War/Missing in Action (POW/MIA) and will continue to do so. These flags remain central to Missoula's civic identity and are displayed with respect and prominence. The Pride flag is now an official city flag. This means it can be legally recognized and displayed alongside other official flags when appropriate, but no one is required to fly it. 

The resolution formally recognizes the Pride flag as an official flag of the City of Missoula, and it allows—but does not require—its future display. The resolution does not mandate installation, flagpole construction, or permanent use. It is a symbolic act that reflects community values without prescribing specific operational steps. 

The division stems from Montana House Bill 819, which selectively allows certain flags to be flown on government property while excluding others based on the content of the flag (often based on political preference). The City Council's action was a response to that legislation, to protect individuals wanting to fly the Pride flag, not an attempt to create controversy.  

By adopting the Pride flag as an official city flag, Missoula ensures equal treatment of a widely recognized symbol of support for the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirms that Missoula stands for inclusion and community belonging for all residents. 

The City Council is exploring the possibility of developing a comprehensive flag policy that could be made available for community consideration at some point in the future. At this time, there is no established process in place for requesting the designation of additional official flags. If you have further questions or concerns, please visit our Public Comment page.

The setback requirements apply to all roof types and styles except for those with slopes 2:12 or less and those on detached, non-habitable structures.

Yes, the City of Missoula Fire department does employ rooftop operations when fighting fires therefore, exception #2 to R324.6 is not applicable. 

If panels are temporarily removed for a re-roof, they are allowed to be put back as they were before but the non-conformity should not increase. 

A solar installer can install the panels; a licensed electrician is required to make the connection to the electrical grid. Arranging access to the interior may be required at the time of inspection.