Lewis And Clark County, Montana Roofing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Lewis and Clark County Building Permits

Lewis and Clark County's Community Development and Planning Department (CDP) handles development and building permits. For properties located outside of city limits, a Construction Checklist is available to help ensure all necessary permits and documentation are obtained before construction begins.

Permits that may be required include:

Building permits from the State of Montana Department of Labor and Industry are required for all non-residential construction.
Electrical permits from the State of Montana Department of Labor and Industry are required for all construction.
Plumbing permits from the State of Montana Department of Labor and Industry are required for all residential construction performed by a contractor and for all non-residential construction.
Septic system permits are required for septic tanks and/or systems.
Approach permits are required for the construction of driveways onto County or public roads.
Floodplain development permits may be necessary for development within a Regulated Flood Hazard Area.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

The Zoning Regulations apply to all land within the unincorporated areas of Lewis and Clark County, specifically within the Helena Valley Planning Area. These regulations govern aspects such as building height and size, yard and open space dimensions, population density, and the location and use of buildings and land.

For properties in unincorporated areas, it is important to consult the Construction Checklist provided by the CDP to ensure all required permits and documentation are secured prior to construction.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Montana, including Lewis And Clark County.

Montana Roofing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

State-Level Building Codes for Roofing in Montana

The State of Montana enforces building standards through the adoption of the International Code Council (ICC) series of codes. As of the current code cycle, the state has adopted the 2021 editions of the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code (IRC). These model codes are incorporated by reference into the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM), specifically within Title 24, Chapter 301. It is important to note that the "Montana Building Code" consists of these model codes as amended by the state to address specific regional needs, such as snow loads and energy efficiency requirements. These state-specific amendments supersede the language found in the base model codes.

Primary State Agency for Building Standards

The primary agency responsible for setting and enforcing these standards at the state level is the Building Codes Program, which operates under the Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau within the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. This bureau is responsible for adopting the uniform state building code and overseeing the permitting and inspection processes for projects in jurisdictions that do not have their own certified local building departments. In areas where a city or county has a certified building department, that local jurisdiction acts as the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for enforcing the state-adopted codes.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Lewis And Clark County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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