Permits & licensing in Montana local government
What Montana city councils, county boards and school districts are deciding about permits & licensing — plain-English summaries written from official agendas and minutes, updated as meetings happen.
60 Montana meetings since 2024 covered permits & licensing. Counts are directional — coverage varies by place and platform.
Places in Montana with the most permits & licensing activity
- Missoula, MT (14)
- Missoula County, MT (9)
- Sanders County, MT (8)
- Whitefish, MT (7)
- Cascade County, MT (5)
- Butte, MT (4)
- Kalispell, MT (4)
- Anaconda, MT (3)
- Granite County, MT (2)
- Great Falls, MT (1)
- Columbia Falls, MT (1)
- Billings, MT (1)
Latest matching meetings
BCC Lands & Communities to discuss zoning amendments and flood mitigation
The BCC Lands & Communities body will review several land-use requests and project updates. The meeting includes briefings on zoning variances and a presentation on the Columbia Gold Project.
Weed board to discuss drone spraying, contract road spraying, and education schedule
The Sanders County Weed Board will review reports on Rush Skeletonweed, Blueweed, and Eurasian Watermilfoil, along with old business including an education/outreach schedule, employee status, and a weed education class. New business includes a morning office closure for follow-up spraying. The board will also consider…
Council to vote on banning new cannabis dispensary licenses
The City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on an ordinance to prohibit new retail adult-use cannabis dispensary business licenses pending a review of regulations as part of the Uniform Development Code Project. The consent agenda includes ratifying accounts payable totaling over $6 million. The meeting also…
Commission to consider Healing The Circle Lodge LLC special use permit appeal
The Cascade County Commission will review the special use permit application (007‑2026) submitted by Healing The Circle Lodge LLC and the accompanying appeal documents. The meeting will focus on whether to approve, modify, or deny the permit request. No other agenda items are listed.
Public hearing on conditional use permit for retirement home at 3020 18th Ave South
The Planning Advisory Board/Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider recommending approval or denial of a Conditional Use Permit for Benefis Health System Inc. to establish a retirement home (Benefis Village) on a 13.14-acre parcel at 3020 18th Ave South. The proposed memory care community would…
Urban Revitalization Board reviews over $200k in matching grants for building repairs
The Board is considering several matching grant requests for exterior and interior property improvements. Staff recommendations include funding for roofing, masonry, and fire safety upgrades. The board will also review a loan underwriting agreement with the BLDC.
Missoula considers ban on new retail cannabis dispensary licenses
The Housing, Redevelopment, and Community Programs Committee will discuss a proposal to prohibit new retail cannabis business licenses pending a code review. The committee will also review housing stability grants and board appointments.
Committee to decide on retaining wall variance and patio permit
The Lakeshore Protection Committee will hold a public meeting and take action on a minor variance request for retaining wall height and a lakeshore construction permit for a patio on the Givens property. They will also approve minutes from May 13 and hear public comment on non-agenda items.
Board considers exempting private storage buildings from permit requirements
The Missoula County Board of County Commissioners will hold a hybrid public meeting. They will issue proclamations for Gun Violence Awareness Day and Smoke Ready Week, approve a claims list totaling $657,627.51, and conduct hearings on a resolution for Morgan Lane, potential exemptions for residential storage building…
Zoning Board to weigh daycare in home at 2206 Walnut Street
The Butte-Silver Bow Zoning Board of Adjustment will hold public hearings on six applications, including a daycare in a residence, a short-term rental, illuminated crosses on a hospital, a bar expansion, and two variances. The board will decide on special use permits and variance requests affecting land use and zoning…
Sanders County Weed Board to review weed reports and permit renewals
The board will discuss reports on Rush Skeletonweed, Blueweed, and Eurasian Watermilfoil. Members will review the public outreach schedule and the status of 'I Control My Own' permits.
Public hearing on campground with cabins and geodesic domes
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing on a Major Development Permit for a campground with 4 rental cabins and 8 geodesic domes in the Georgetown Lake Development District. The board will also nominate and vote for a 2026 chairperson and vice-chairperson, and hold a preapplication meeting for the proposed Jones…
BCC Public Works to discuss building permits with Department of Labor and Industry
The Missoula County BCC Public Works body is meeting to hold a discussion regarding building permits. The session includes a discussion with Bureau Chief Eric Copeland of the Department of Labor and Industry.
Board to consider special use permit SUP 007-2026
The Zoning Board of Adjustment will review draft minutes from March 19 and hold a public hearing on special use permit application SUP 007-2026, including consideration of submitted comments. No old business is listed.
Board to decide on daycare, short-term rental permits
The Zoning Board of Adjustment will vote on two special use permits: a daycare at 2206 Walnut Street and a short-term rental at 918 N. Henry Avenue. Both are in existing residences under Butte-Silver Bow Municipal Code sections for child day care centers and special use permits.
Zone change for Whitefish Lake Lodge properties goes to City Council
The Planning Commission will hear public testimony on several variance requests, a zone change, and a conditional use permit at its April 16 meeting. A work session beforehand will discuss upcoming MLUPA zoning and subdivision changes. The most notable item is a recommendation on a zone change from multi-family to…
Weed Board to discuss Blueweed program hiring and $2,500 donation
The Sanders County Weed Board meets to review reports on Rush Skeletonweed and Eurasian Watermilfoil, discuss old business including drone spraying and public outreach scheduling, and consider new business such as the Blueweed Program with hiring and a $2,500 cost share donation. The board will also approve permits…
Board discusses building permit exemptions and Safe Streets grant
The Missoula County Board will open the meeting with public comment on items not on the agenda. It will then consider a set of action items that were moved, seconded, abstained, passed, and signed. The board will discuss a presentation on building permit exemptions. Finally, the board will discuss the Safe Streets for…
Closed session to discuss negotiation strategy for Public Service Commission docket
The board will hold a closed session to plan negotiations for Public Service Commission docket 2025.10.078. Earlier in the meeting, staff will brief on the Larch Meadows Subdivision and a permit application for 700 E Broadway. Updates on county parks projects and community grant resources will also be presented.
Board will evaluate herbicide suppliers and road‑spraying contractors
The Sanders County Weed Board will discuss updates on blueweed grant status, review "I Control My Own" permit renewals, and consider recommendations for herbicide suppliers and county road spraying contractors. It will also vote on time‑sheet and claim approvals. The meeting includes reports on rush skeletonweed…
Committee will vote to approve interlocal agreements for library roof and MS4 workgroup
The Public Works and Mobility Committee will consider two interlocal agreements. One agreement would allow the mayor to sign a City‑County contract for the Missoula Public Library Living Roof Project. The other would let the mayor sign an agreement with Great Falls and Billings for the MS4 Permit Working Group. The…
City Council to discuss modernization of Short-Term Rental Program
The City Council will consider updates to the Short-Term Rental Program to establish a clearer permitting system and stronger operational standards. The body will also review claims and payroll for approval.
Commissioners to discuss Clark Fork River Bridge grant and dam safety filings
The Granite County Commissioners will meet to decide on several infrastructure and safety matters. Key items include dam safety documentation for FERC and a construction grant for the South Main Street Bridge south of Drummond.
Site Development Review Committee reviews projects including Montana Imaging Center
The committee is meeting to discuss old business regarding three development projects and new business concerning apartment and townhouse permits. The session includes a public hearing and performance bond reminders.
Billings City Council to discuss design updates and permit fees
The Billings City Council will hold a work session on February 17, 2026, to discuss design updates for Stagecoach Trail and Montana Avenue, proposed building permit fees, and the Babcock Theater. The meeting is an informal session where the council may discuss items not on the official agenda.
Park Board approves City Beach commercial permit fees and pass rates
The Whitefish Park Board met on February 10, 2026 and voted on several fee-related items. Members approved the proposed day and season pass fee schedule for City Beach, including a $15 resident rate. The board also approved the commercial permit fees, adopted suggested windows for dock service provider deliveries, and…
Board will consider a new Blue Weed Grant application
The Sanders County Weed Board will review reports on rush skeletonweed, Eurasian watermilfoil, and a subdivision. It will discuss old business items such as an education outreach schedule, a fire agreement payment question, and a budget update. New business includes consideration of a Blue Weed Grant and renewal of “I…
Commissioners to discuss courthouse reroofing and elevator projects
The Granite County Commissioners will meet to review weekly reports and make decisions on several infrastructure and permitting items. Key discussions include courthouse maintenance and mining permit renewals.
Park Board to review City Beach commercial permit fees and quotas
The Park Board will consider approving permit quotas and recommending a fee schedule for City Beach commercial permits. The meeting includes a work session to interview a student representative for the Bicycle and Pedestrian Path Advisory Committee.
Board to approve 2026 Master Fee Policy Schedule for facility use
The Missoula Parks and Recreation Board meeting on Jan 13, 2026 will consider several action items. Members will vote to approve the Master Fee Policy Schedule and accompanying Master Fee Schedule for facility use, reservations, permits, and programs in 2026. The board will also vote to rename the Kim Williams Natural…
Commission will consider new building permit fee schedule and road project bids
The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Commission will discuss appointments for 2026 leadership and board representation. It will set a public hearing date for the King Enterprises MDP and review a contract proposal for the Glover Cabin condition assessment. The commission will also consider advertising bids for the…
Board to hear appeals on denied special use permit extensions
The Zoning Board of Adjustment will review three appeals regarding denied extensions for special use permits. The board will discuss and take action on requests related to food and beverage processing facilities.
Conditional use permits for brewery expansion and high school facilities
The Planning Commission will consider two recommendation items. Little Bear Developments No.4 LLC seeks a Conditional Use Permit to add a beer and wine license to its brewery at 549 Wisconsin Avenue (zoned WB‑1). The Whitefish School District, represented by Shane Jacobs, seeks a Conditional Use Permit for academic…
Committee considers updated Conservation Lands Special Use Permit
The Conservation Lands Advisory Committee is meeting to review and potentially recommend an updated Special Use Permit for conservation lands. The body will also discuss recreation ambassador programs and receive a manager's update.
Planning Board to hold hearing on King Enterprises development permit
The Planning Board will hold a public hearing regarding a special use application for Major Development Permit 25-002. The board will consider a proposal by King Enterprises to build a residence and storage building in the Central Business Development District.
Review and discussion of Conservation Lands Special Use Permit
The Conservation Lands Advisory Committee will approve the minutes from the October 16, 2025 meeting. It will receive an update from the Park Board liaison. The main discussion will focus on reviewing the Conservation Lands Management Special Use Permit, including related policy, fee comparison, maps, and exemption…
Board will consider a special exception request for 3507 S 7th St. W.
The Missoula County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing on a sign variance at 505 Highton Street, with staff recommending denial of two variance requests. The Board will also consider a special exception request for 3507 South 7th Street West (Dinsmore's Orchard Homes #5), with staff recommending approval…
Committee reviews performance bonds and multiple development projects
The Site Development Review Committee will hear public comments, issue reminders about performance bonds, and discuss several pending development projects. Old business items include the Burn Bootcamp athletic club at 466 Rivers Edge Loop, a new service building for Corwin Motors at 2585 US HWY 93 N, a new coffee…
Board will consider three special use permit applications for new housing
The Zoning Board of Adjustment will approve the September 18, 2025 meeting minutes. It will review two special use permit applications for townhomes submitted by MV Investments. It will also review a special use permit application for a tourist home submitted by Jon O'Leary on behalf of Jennifer Gentile. Public…
Board reviews hotel expansion and alcohol license requests
The Community Development Board will consider three recommendation items for the City Council. These include a hotel expansion, a beer and wine license for a café, and a zoning text amendment regarding formula businesses.