Bolthole Index

Judith Basin County, Montana

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Judith Basin County, Montana

71Index Score / 100
#12 of 56 in Montana

An ordinary home on unincorporated land in Judith Basin County, Montana does not need a county building permit: the county has not adopted a local building-code program, and residences with fewer than 5 dwelling units are exempt from Montana's state permit unless they serve transient guests12. Unincorporated Judith Basin County also has no county zoning ordinance3. Septic systems still need approval from Central Montana Environmental Health45.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required for an ordinary home in unincorporated Judith Basin County612
Zoning
No county zoning code or ordinance in unincorporated Judith Basin County37
Septic permit
Required through Central Montana Environmental Health before installation begins45
RV living
Private-land occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask the county before relying on an RV as a residence8
Tiny home
Private-land placement and occupancy rules could not be confirmed8
Owner-builder
No explicit owner-builder exemption was confirmed; owner-installed septic has its own permit track95
Well water
A small groundwater development may use the state permit exception after filing the required notice10

Who to call

Septic permits

Central MT Environmental Health

Septic-system permits and inspections, subdivision review and water-quality programs

P.O. BOX 427, STANFORD, MT 59479

Also useful

Judith Basin County

General county contact for parcel-specific land-use questions that do not have a listed department

(406) 566-2277

91 3rd Street North, Stanford, MT 59479

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Judith Basin County, Montana?

An ordinary single-family home in unincorporated Judith Basin County does not need a county building permit. Judith Basin County has not adopted a local building-code program, while Montana exempts residential buildings containing fewer than 5 dwelling units from the state building permit unless they serve transient guests12. Farm and ranch buildings and private, noncommercial garages and storage buildings are also among the state-jurisdiction exemptions2.

Montana still adopts a uniform state building code for residential and commercial buildings statewide11. Projects that are not exempt remain in the State Building Codes Program: covered construction, additions, alterations and repairs need a state permit, and the permit holder must call for required inspections and provide access212. A commercial building, lodging use or larger residential project therefore needs a different answer than a typical rural house.

Who handles building permits in Judith Basin County, and how do you reach them?

Judith Basin County has no locally adopted building-code program, so there is no county building department issuing permits for an ordinary home on unincorporated land16. The general county contact is at 91 3rd Street North, Stanford, MT 59479, and the main number is (406) 566-227713. Ask that office about a parcel-specific use that is not answered by the county's published rules, especially RV or tiny-home occupancy.

For a project within state building-permit jurisdiction, use the Montana Building Codes Program. A covered application requires plans and the state's Building Permit/Plan Review Application; complete plans have an average review time of 2 to 3 weeks, and construction ordinarily cannot begin before issuance14. State building-permit charges vary by project, with a plan-review charge equal to 35 percent of the building-permit fee15.

Does Judith Basin County have zoning?

Unincorporated Judith Basin County has no county zoning code or ordinance, and the same official planning table reports no zoning code for Hobson or Stanford37. That is a direct zoning answer, not a promise that every use is unrestricted. Subdivision review, sanitation, state highway access and special-flood-hazard rules can still shape a project161718.

The published material does not establish a county schedule for minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, building setbacks, height or lot coverage. Ask Judith Basin County about the specific parcel before designing around the absence of zoning13. If land is being divided, Central Montana Environmental Health participates in water and sanitation review, including wells, wastewater, drainage, soils, groundwater and water quality19. A lease or rental division for farming or agricultural purposes may avoid subdivision requirements only when it is not structured to evade subdivision law20.

How do septic permits work in Judith Basin County?

Central Montana Environmental Health administers septic permitting for Judith Basin County from P.O. BOX 427, STANFORD, MT 594792122. Submit the application and fee first; installation cannot begin until the sanitarian issues a permit to construct5. The process includes a site visit and soil analysis. A final inspection is required before burial, the installer's report is due within 10 days after that inspection, and the final permit follows the inspection and report23.

Soil suitability deserves early attention: only 2.8 percent of mapped soils avoid a “very limited” rating for conventional septic drain fields24. That does not make septic impossible, but it makes the site evaluation a serious pre-purchase step. Off-grid sanitation is not a free pass. On subdivision parcels covered by the state rules, gray-water irrigation needs a local health permit and a compliant subsurface design, while new pit-privy systems are prohibited; sealed pit privies are limited to specified government facilities or uses authorized by the state health department252627.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Judith Basin County?

Judith Basin County's published material does not confirm whether an RV may be occupied long-term on private land or whether a tiny home may be placed and occupied as a dwelling. The absence of county zoning does not by itself answer either occupancy question3. Call Judith Basin County at (406) 566-2277 with the parcel location and proposed use before buying or moving a unit onto the land13.

Sanitation remains the practical constraint even where zoning is absent. A septic installation needs a permit to construct before work begins, and certain subdivision parcels using waste-segregation and gray-water irrigation systems need local health approval and must follow state design rules525. Montana's rules for camping at state public-use sites do not answer residential occupancy on private land; those rules govern public-use sites, not a private Judith Basin County parcel28.

Building a home in Judith Basin County: the steps, in order

  1. Call Judith Basin County with the parcel and proposed use, especially if the plan includes an RV, tiny home or an unusual occupancy13.
  2. Ask Central Montana Environmental Health for the septic site-review and permit steps before finalizing the house location; installation must wait for the permit to construct215.
  3. Plan the water supply. A groundwater development of 35 gallons per minute or less and no more than 10 acre-feet per year may use Montana's permit exception, but a Notice of Intent is required before putting the water to use10.
  4. Check whether the building site is in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area; covered development there requires a floodplain permit from the local administrator18.
  5. If access meets a state highway, obtain an approach permit or right-of-way agreement for a new or modified approach17.
  6. Confirm that the project fits the residential state-permit exemption; covered projects go through state plan review and inspections212.

What should you check before buying land in Judith Basin County?

Start with wastewater, water, flood exposure and legal access. Conventional drain-field conditions are challenging across most mapped soils: only 2.8 percent avoid a “very limited” soil rating, so make the septic site evaluation part of due diligence rather than a post-closing task24. For a well, confirm both expected yield and the water-right path; the small-groundwater exception is capped at 35 gallons per minute and 10 acre-feet per year and now requires advance notice to DNRC10.

Check whether streams or low ground trigger a designated Special Flood Hazard Area permit, and verify whether the driveway meets a county road or a state highway; every new or modified state-highway approach requires an approach permit or right-of-way agreement1817. Confirm the tract's subdivision history and sanitation approval with Central Montana Environmental Health2921. Finally, budget carrying costs: the effective property-tax rate is about 0.5 percent and the median annual property-tax bill is $9713031.

Watch-outs

  • No private-land rule confirming long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy was found; ask Judith Basin County about the parcel and proposed use before relying on the absence of zoning313.
  • A septic permit is not optional, and the final inspection must happen before the system is buried523.
  • The county has no locally adopted building-code program, but Montana's statewide code and state permits still cover projects outside the residential and other listed exemptions1112.

Sources

  1. Central Montana Central Region Hazard Mitigation Plan, Annex I: Judith Basin County (2023–2028), quoted and re-checked
  2. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  3. Central Montana Central Region Hazard Mitigation Plan, Annex I: Judith Basin County (2023–2028), quoted and re-checked
  4. Judith Basin County - Central MT Environmental Health (2026 county census)
  5. Outline of Septic System Permitting Process, quoted and re-checked
  6. Montana DLI - Building Permits (2026 county census)
  7. Central Montana Central Region Hazard Mitigation Plan, Annex I: Judith Basin County (2023–2028), quoted and re-checked
  8. Central Montana Central Region Hazard Mitigation Plan, Annex I: Judith Basin County (2023–2028) (2026 county census)
  9. (2026 county census)
  10. Exempt Well Updates and Information, quoted and re-checked
  11. Montana Building Codes Program, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  13. Judith Basin County (jbcountymt.gov)
  14. Is a State Building Permit Needed?, quoted and re-checked
  15. Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  16. 76-3-201. Exemption for certain divisions of land -- fees for examination of division, quoted and re-checked
  17. Approach Manual for Landowners and Developers, quoted and re-checked
  18. Stream Permitting, quoted and re-checked
  19. Central Montana Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  20. 76-3-201. Exemption for certain divisions of land -- fees for examination of division, quoted and re-checked
  21. Central MT Environmental Health (jbcountymt.gov)
  22. Central MT Environmental Health – Judith Basin County, Montana, quoted and re-checked
  23. Outline of Septic System Permitting Process, quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  25. ARM Title 17, Chapter 36, Subchapter 3, Subdivision Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  26. ARM Title 17, Chapter 36, Subchapter 3, Subdivision Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  27. ARM Title 17, Chapter 36, Subchapter 3, Subdivision Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  28. Public Use Rules and Regulations (Montana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Subdivision Review for Lots Greater than 20 Acres, quoted and re-checked
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Judith Basin County in Montana

71
County map
Judith Basin County highlighted among the Montana counties · colored by Index score

How Judith Basin County scores

Seclusion91100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency35100% ev.
Admin Boringness8090% ev.
Durability45100% ev.
Property Autonomy83100% ev.
Carry Cost8294% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$301kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$1,350Land / acre
19.4"Annual rain
10.5% of yrsSevere drought
1.4 / yr (+1.3)Mid-century 100°F days
17.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.15" (+5.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.27×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
159People within 30 min
90,361People within 2 hr
1,278Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.1People / sq mi
26.1%Federal land
68.4%Land at 15% slope or less
2.8%Septic soil without severe limits
33,321 acWorkable land screen
29.7%Wooded land
28.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
42°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Judith Basin County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Judith Basin County rules

  • Building code adoptedNot adopted

    A locally adopted Judith Basin County building-code program for unincorporated Judith Basin County.

    • The table also reports no building codes for the Town of Hobson and Town of Stanford.
    • This claim concerns local county adoption only; Montana's statewide code remains applicable as administered by the State Building Codes Program.
    “Plans and Regulations Judith Basin County Town of Hobson Town of Stanford Building Codes No No No Building Codes Year N/A N/A N/A”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County zoning code or ordinance administered by Judith Basin County in unincorporated Judith Basin County.

    • The state plan's regulatory-capabilities table also lists “No” for the Town of Hobson and Town of Stanford.
    • This absence of zoning does not eliminate county subdivision regulation, floodplain planning, or other non-zoning requirements.
    • The same plan lists a floodplain management plan and flood insurance study, but “Floodplain Management Ordinance No No No” and no NFIP participation for the county and the two towns.
    “Stormwater Program, Plan, or Ordinance No No No Zoning Code or Ordinance No No No”
  • Local zoningAbsent

    Local county zoning administered by Judith Basin County outside incorporated municipal boundaries.

    • The source's table separately lists the Town of Hobson and Town of Stanford and reports “No” for each in the zoning row.
    • This claim does not treat county subdivision controls or floodplain-related planning as zoning.
    “Stormwater Program, Plan, or Ordinance No No No Zoning Code or Ordinance No No No”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Subsurface wastewater treatment systems and septic permitting in Judith Basin County, which is served by the Central Montana Health District.

    • Central Montana Environmental Health administers permitting, inspections, monitoring, enforcement, and resources for septic programs regulated by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
    • The district's septic-process document covers Judith Basin County and the other Central Montana Health District counties: Musselshell, Wheatland, Golden Valley, and Petroleum.
    • Before installation work begins, a completed permit application and applicable fee must be received and a permit to construct must be issued by the sanitarian.
    • The process begins with a Site Visit Request Form, Site Visit Request Map Form, and a $275 site-visit fee; the request should be sent two weeks before the desired site-visit date.
    • For installation within 12 months of the site visit, the Subsurface Wastewater Permit Application and payment must be returned to CMHD before the site-visit date.
    • A hole 8 feet deep and within 25 feet of the proposed septic drainfield must be dug; a CMHD sanitarian analyzes the soil profile and drafts a lot plan based on the planned number of bedrooms.
    • The standard fee is $475 for a certified installer and $650 for an owner or noncertified installer, including the site visit.
    • For a CMHD-approved subdivision in a previously approved location, the fee is $150 with a certified installer or $300 with a noncertified or owner installer; regular pricing applies if the system is moved more than 10 feet from the previously approved location.
    • Replacement permit fees are $150 for a certified-installer drainfield and $75 for a certified-installer tank; for an uncertified installer or owner, they are $300 for a drainfield and $125 for a tank.
    • A final inspection is required before burial, an installer report is required before a septic permit may be issued, and the report is due within 10 days after the final inspection.
    • After the final inspection and receipt of the report, a CMHD sanitarian issues the final septic permit.
    • For septic-permit inquiries, the Central Montana Environmental Health District page lists 406-566-2277 Option 1 and 406-566-2277 ext. 109 at 91 Third Street North, Stanford, Montana.

    environmental health phone: 406-566-2277 Option 1 · environmental health phone extension: 406-566-2277 ext. 109 · site visit fee: 275 USD · test hole depth: 8 feet · test hole distance from proposed drainfield: <= 25 feet · standard certified-installer fee: 475 USD (Includes site visit) · standard owner or noncertified-installer fee: 650 USD (Includes site visit) · approved-subdivision certified-installer fee: 150 USD (Previously approved location) · approved-subdivision noncertified or owner-installer fee: 300 USD (Previously approved location; regular pricing applies if moved more than 10 feet) · installer report deadline: <= 10 days (After final inspection)

    “After a final inspection has been completed and the report form received, a CMHD sanitarian will issue the final septic permit. We will send you a copy for your property records. The original will be kept on file in the CMHD office for future references. Musselshell, Wheatland, Judith Basin, Golden Valley & Petroleum Counties”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Local — Subsurface wastewater treatment systems, including septic systems, in Judith Basin County as administered by Central Montana Environmental Health/Central Montana Health District.
      “EH permits, inspects, monitors, enforces rules, and provides resources for programs regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), such as: Subsurface Wastewater Treatment Systems (Septic Systems)”
    • Local (with conditions) — Septic-system permitting and administration in Judith Basin County through the Central Montana Health District.
      “After a final inspection has been completed and the report form received, a CMHD sanitarian will issue the final septic permit. We will send you a copy for your property records. The original will be kept on file in the CMHD office for future references.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of a septic system in Judith Basin County administered through Central Montana Health District.

    • A completed permit application and applicable fee must be received before work begins.
    • A permit to construct must be issued by the sanitarian before installation begins.
    • A site visit and soil analysis are part of the standard process.
    • Certified-installer and owner/noncertified-installer fees differ.
    • Approved subdivisions have different fees when the system is installed in a previously approved location.
    • A replacement system has separate tank and drainfield fees.

    site visit fee: 275 USD (Separate site visit request process; standard new-system fees include the site visit.) · new system fee with certified installer: 475 USD (Includes site visit.) · new system fee with owner or noncertified installer: 650 USD (Includes site visit.) · approved-subdivision fee with certified installer: 150 USD (Previously approved location.) · approved-subdivision fee with owner or noncertified installer: 300 USD (Previously approved location; regular pricing applies if moved more than 10 feet.) · permit validity period: 12 months (Permit is invalid if the system is not installed within 12 months of issuance.)

    “Work may not begin on the installation of the septic system until a completed permit application and applicable fee have been received and a permit to construct has been issued from the sanitarian.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of septic systems in Judith Basin County within the Central Montana Health District.
      “Work may not begin on the installation of the septic system until a completed permit application and applicable fee have been received and a permit to construct has been issued from the sanitarian.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic system installation in Judith Basin County administered through Central Montana Health District.

    • A final inspection is required before the system is buried.
    • The installer’s report form is due within 10 days after the final inspection.
    • The final septic permit is issued after the inspection is completed and the report is received.
    • The permit application fee includes final inspections.
    • The permit holder must provide 24-hour notice before any required department inspection.

    installer report deadline: 10 days (After completion of the final inspection.) · inspection notice: >= 24 hours (Before any required inspection by the department.)

    “A final inspection is required before the system is buried. You may want to schedule this at least a week in advance. A completed installer’s report form is also required before a septic permit may be issued. This is due within 10 days after the final inspection has been completed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Septic-system installation inspections in Judith Basin County within the Central Montana Health District.
      “A final inspection is required before the system is buried. You may want to schedule this at least a week in advance. A completed installer’s report form is also required before a septic permit may be issued. This is due within 10 days after the final inspection has been completed.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision review for lots greater than 20 acres in Judith Basin County within the Central Montana Health District service area.

    • The official review form requires water, wastewater, storm-water, solid-waste, lot-layout, soil-profile, groundwater-separation, water-availability, water-quality, and groundwater-impact information.
    • For proposed wastewater systems, the form requires a minimum 4-foot vertical separation between the bottom of the permeable surface of the proposed wastewater treatment system and a limiting layer.
    • If groundwater is within 7 feet of the natural ground surface, evidence is required that groundwater will not exceed the minimum vertical separation distance.
    • The form identifies Judith Basin County among the counties served by the Central Montana Health District.

    minimum vertical separation from limiting layer: >= 4 feet · groundwater screening depth: 7 feet below natural ground surface (If the soil profile or other information indicates groundwater is within this depth.)

    “Subdivision Review for Lots Greater than 20 Acres [...] (ii) demonstration that the soil profile contains a minimum of 4 feet of vertical separation distance between the bottom of the permeable surface of the proposed wastewater treatment system and a limiting layer; and (iii) in cases in which the soil profile or other information indicates that ground water is within 7 feet of the natural ground surface, evidence that the ground water will not exceed the minimum vertical separation distance provided in subsection (1)(d)(ii);”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision review and related water and sanitation requirements administered for Judith Basin County through Central Montana Environmental Health/Central Montana Health District.
      “EH permits, inspects, monitors, enforces rules, and provides resources for programs regulated by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), such as: • Subsurface Wastewater Treatment Systems (Septic Systems) • Subdivisions”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Environmental-health permits and licenses administered for Judith Basin County, including public accommodations, septic systems, subdivisions, and water-quality programs.

    • A $10 fee applies per copy when requesting copies of septic permits.
    • Other permit or license fees are shown on the applicable subsequent forms.

    septic permit copy fee: per 10 USD per copy

    “To request copies of septic permits, please contact our office directly via email, phone or walk-in. Please note: there is a $10 fee per copy. All other permit/license fees are indicated on the appropriate subsequent forms.”

Montana rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction, remodeling, moving, additions, alterations, repairs, or changes of occupancy in Judith Basin County that fall within Montana state building-code jurisdiction.

    • A state building permit is required before construction for covered new buildings, alterations, additions, and repairs.
    • The state permit rule applies except for projects located within the jurisdictional limits of a certified local government program.
    • State-jurisdiction exemptions include farm and ranch buildings; mining buildings on mining property; petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills except office and shop buildings; residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units except when serving transient guests; and private garages and private storage buildings used for the owner's own use and not part of a commercial enterprise or business.
    • The official sources reviewed did not establish whether Judith Basin County has a certified local building-code program or a local override.

    residential dwelling units: < 5 dwelling units (Residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units are exempt, except when serving transient guests.)

    “In Montana a state building permit is required prior to the start of construction for certain types of new buildings, and/or for alterations, additions, and repairs.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction, remodeling, moving, alterations, additions, repairs, or changes of occupancy for buildings subject to Montana state building-code jurisdiction.
      “In Montana a state building permit is required prior to the start of construction for certain types of new buildings, and/or for alterations, additions, and repairs.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Buildings and other projects requiring permits under Montana state building-code jurisdiction; certified local governments may perform inspections within their certified jurisdictional areas.

    • The Montana Building Codes Program performs inspections for projects requiring a permit under state jurisdiction.
    • The permit holder must notify the inspector when work is ready for inspection and provide access for required inspections.
    • Cities, counties, and towns may enforce local building codes and perform inspections only through certified local government programs; remaining areas fall under the state Building Codes Program.
    “The BC Program establishes and enforces statewide codes by issuing permits and performing inspections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Projects in Judith Basin County subject to a Montana state building permit and the required state inspections.
      “It is the responsibility of the permit hold to notify the inspector when work is ready for inspection and to provide access for required inspections.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Buildings constructed in accordance with the Montana state building code or a county, city, or town building code.

    • The certificate must certify that the building conforms to the applicable building regulations.
    • The statute addresses certificates for buildings constructed under the state or local building code; it does not establish a universal certificate requirement for every structure or every occupancy.
    “A certificate of occupancy for a building constructed in accordance with the provisions of the state building code or county, city, or town building code must certify that the building conforms to the requirements of the building regulations applicable to it.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Waste-segregation sanitation systems and associated gray-water irrigation on subdivision parcels subject to review under Title 76, chapter 4, MCA.

    • Gray-water treatment and disposal must otherwise comply with the wastewater-treatment requirements and applicable department circulars.
    • Gray-water irrigation requires a permit from the local health department before installation.
    • Gray-water irrigation must be subsurface and designed, installed, and used in accordance with Department Circular DEQ-4.
    • Gray water may not irrigate plants consumed by humans, except nut and fruit trees are excluded from that definition.
    • Gray-water systems may not be located within a floodplain.
    • At least four feet of natural soil must separate the application point from a limiting layer.
    • Unless waived, gray-water irrigation must be at least 100 feet from wells, 100 feet from surface water, 100 feet from a floodplain, and two feet from a property line.
    • Kitchen gray water may be used for irrigation only when a waste-segregation system is used.
    • Subdivision systems generally require approval under Title 76, chapter 4, MCA, subject to stated exceptions.

    minimum natural soil separation: >= 4 feet · setback from wells: >= 100 feet (Unless department waiver is granted.) · setback from surface water: >= 100 feet (Unless department waiver is granted.) · setback from floodplain: >= 100 feet (Unless department waiver is granted.) · setback from property line: >= 2 feet (Unless department waiver is granted.)

    “gray water from kitchens may be used for irrigation only where a waste segregation system is used. For purposes of this rule, a "waste segregation system" consists of dry disposal of toilet waste by a method such as composting, chemical, dehydrating, or incinerator treatment, with a separate disposal method for gray water;”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Prohibited — New sewage systems using pit privies on subdivision parcels subject to Montana subdivision sewage-system rules.
      “The following sewage systems may not be used for new systems, but may be used as replacement systems subject to the limitations provided in Department Circular DEQ-4:”
    • Limited — Sealed pit privies in facilities subject to Montana subdivision sewage-system rules.
      “Sealed pit privies may be used only in facilities owned and operated by a local, state, or federal unit of government, or in facilities where use of a sealed pit privy is authorized by the Department of Public Health and Human Services.”
  • Well permitLimited

    New groundwater wells and groundwater developments in Judith Basin County.

    • A water permit is required for groundwater uses over 35 gallons per minute or over 10 acre-feet per year.
    • Groundwater developments at 35 gallons per minute or less and not exceeding 10 acre-feet per year may qualify for the permit exception.
    • Beginning January 1, 2026, use under the permit exception requires a Notice of Intent to Appropriate Groundwater, Form 602I, before putting the water to use.
    • DNRC reviews and authorizes or denies a complete Notice of Intent within 10 business days.
    • An authorized Notice of Intent provides five years to complete the project, put the water to use, and file a Notice of Completion; one five-year extension is available.
    • A Well Log Report, Form 603, must be submitted by the driller to the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology within 60 days for a new groundwater well.
    • Within 60 days after development is put to use, the owner must submit Form 602 with a filing fee.
    • A combined appropriation from the same source by two or more wells or developed springs exceeding 10 acre-feet per year requires a permitted water right regardless of flow rate.
    • The Notice of Intent filing fee is $400.

    groundwater flow threshold for permit exception: <= 35 gallons per minute (Uses above this threshold require a water permit.) · annual groundwater volume threshold for permit exception: <= 10 acre-feet per year (Uses above this threshold require a water permit.) · Notice of Intent review period: 10 business days (For a correct and complete Notice of Intent.) · Notice of Intent authorization period: 5 years (One five-year extension is available.) · Notice of Intent filing fee: 400 USD

    “A person is not required to apply for a permit to develop a groundwater well, spring, pit, or pond with a use of 35 gallons per minute or less, not to exceed 10 acre-feet per year. Beginning on January 1, 2026, appropriators are required to notify DNRC of their intent to use groundwater under the exception to the permitting process described in 85-2-306(3)(a)(iii) or (iv), MCA, by submitting a Notice of Intent to Appropriate Groundwater (Form 602I) prior to putting the water to use.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Groundwater wells and other groundwater developments in Judith Basin County under Montana's statewide water-right permitting rules.
      “Permit Exceptions, a.k.a. Exempt Wells: Small groundwater developments that use 35 gpm or less and do not exceed 10 acre-feet per year are known as “exempt wells” and may qualify for an exception to the water permit process.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Land divisions created by lease or rental for farming and agricultural purposes in Judith Basin County.

    • The exemption applies unless the method of disposition is adopted for the purpose of evading Title 76, chapter 3.
    • The cited current official code page is labeled Montana Code Annotated 2025; no 2026 code page was located during this research.
    • The exemption concerns a division of land created by lease or rental for farming and agricultural purposes; it is not a blanket exemption from other applicable requirements such as wastewater, health, or environmental rules.
    “Unless the method of disposition is adopted for the purpose of evading this chapter, the requirements of this chapter may not apply to any division of land that: [...] (f) is created by lease or rental for farming and agricultural purposes;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Divisions of land created by lease or rental for farming and agricultural purposes in Montana, including Judith Basin County.
      “Unless the method of disposition is adopted for the purpose of evading this chapter, the requirements of this chapter may not apply to any division of land that: [...] (f) is created by lease or rental for farming and agricultural purposes;”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    New or modified driveway approaches intersecting Montana state highways, and changes in use of property abutting a state highway or an existing approach.

    • A new or modified approach requires either an approach permit or a right-of-way agreement.
    • A change in property use or change in use of an existing approach requires a new approach permit.
    • The landowner is responsible for obtaining the new permit.
    • The application must be made to the appropriate MDT District Office.
    • A detailed site plan and Environmental Checklist Form are required.
    • The requirement concerns state highways; local roads may be administered by local governments.
    “ALL NEW OR MODIFIED APPROACHES REQUIRE EITHER AN APPROACH PERMIT OR A RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New or modified driveway approaches connecting property in Judith Basin County to a Montana state highway.
      “ALL NEW OR MODIFIED APPROACHES REQUIRE EITHER AN APPROACH PERMIT OR A RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New development in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area within Judith Basin County, including development in floodplain or floodway areas.

    • The applicant must check with the local floodplain administrator to determine whether an SFHA has been designated for the stream of interest.
    • Covered development includes placement of fill, roads, bridges, culverts, transmission lines, irrigation facilities, storage of equipment or materials, excavation, manufactured homes, and new construction, additions, or substantial improvements to residential and commercial buildings.
    • Permit applications are obtained from the local floodplain administrator.
    • Local requirements and fees may vary.
    “Anyone planning new development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area in Montana.
      “Anyone planning new development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals and vacation rentals offered for compensation in Judith Basin County.

    • Short-term rentals are treated as public accommodations under the state public-accommodation program.
    • Plans for public accommodations are reviewed by county sanitarians.
    • Taxable lodging accommodations include vacation rentals and short-term rental marketplaces.
    • A lodging accommodation required to collect and remit lodging taxes must apply for a seller's permit before doing business.
    • The combined lodging facility sales and use tax is 8%, consisting of 4% use tax and 4% sales tax.
    • Units or spaces rented 30 continuous days or more to the same purchaser are among the listed exemptions from lodging tax collection.

    combined lodging facility sales and use tax: 8 percent (4% use tax plus 4% sales tax)

    “Public accommodations include (but are not limited to) hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and tourist homes/short-term rentals such as Airbnb's and VRBO's.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Tourist homes and short-term rentals such as Airbnb and VRBO properties operated in Judith Basin County.
      “Public accommodations include (but are not limited to) hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and tourist homes/short-term rentals such as Airbnb's and VRBO's.”
    • Limited — Short-term rentals operated in Montana.
      “Short Term Rentals: A Property Manager license is required for short term rentals unless an operator qualifies for an exemption”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    State-administered Montana building permits for covered non-exempt construction outside certified local-government jurisdictions.

    • A state permit applies to certain new buildings and alterations, additions, and repairs.
    • Projects within the jurisdictional limits of a certified local government program are excluded from the state permit program.
    • Construction plans and a Building Permit/Plan Review Application must be submitted for review and approval.
    • The permit is issued after plan-review comments are satisfactorily answered and fees are paid.
    • Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits may be required.
    • The permit holder must notify the inspector when work is ready and provide access for required inspections.

    average plan review time: three weeks (Actual timing depends on workload, project size, and deficiencies.)

    “To obtain a state building permit, submit construction plans and a Building Permit/Plan Review Application to the Building Codes Program for review and approval.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — State building permit applications for applicable projects in Judith Basin County.
      “Two to three (2 - 3) weeks is the average time required for the plan review process, if plans are complete”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Temporary or occasional camping at a special-event campground in Judith Basin County or elsewhere in Montana.

    • A special event campground may be licensed by the local regulatory authority for a single event at a single venue for 14 days or less.
    • The operator must submit a complete plan-review application at least 30 days before opening and must receive approval before opening.
    • The application must include a site plan, event location, estimated and maximum occupants, toilet/handwashing/bathing facilities, water supply, and solid- and liquid-waste handling.
    • Water, wastewater, solid-waste, and approved-plan requirements in ARM 37.111.1224 apply.
    • This rule does not establish a general permission for temporary camping on private land outside a campground or other regulated establishment.

    maximum event duration: <= 14 days (single event at a single venue) · plan-review submission lead time: >= 30 days (before opening)

    “A special event campground may be licensed [...] for 14 days or less.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of recreational vehicles as camping units in Montana campgrounds, trailer courts, work camps, or youth camps, including establishments in Judith Basin County.
      “"Camping unit" means [...] recreational vehicle”
    • Limited — Camping in Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks public-use sites.
      “Unless otherwise posted by the department, within a public use site it is prohibited to: [...] camp at one or more campsites in a public use area for a period of longer than 7 nights during any consecutive 30-day period, beginning with the first night occupied unless otherwise posted by the department;”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Montana boards of county commissioners adopting zoning regulations for all or parts of their jurisdictional areas, including unincorporated land.

    • The board of county commissioners must have adopted a growth policy pursuant to Montana Code Annotated chapter 1.
    • Zoning regulations must be adopted in accordance with Title 76, chapter 2.
    • The statute also contains a temporary provision for counties that adopted a master plan before October 1, 1999; that provision authorized adoption or revision only until October 1, 2006.
    “a board of county commissioners that has adopted a growth policy pursuant to chapter 1 is authorized to adopt zoning regulations”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from building permit or building-code requirements in Judith Basin County.
  • Zoning districts — Countywide zoning districts in Judith Basin County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Judith Basin County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Judith Basin County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Setbacks — Building and land-use setbacks in Judith Basin County, including unincorporated areas.
8 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Mandatory utility hookup

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Judith Basin County, Montana

Is Judith Basin County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Judith Basin County scores 71/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 159 people within a 30-minute drive and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: thin water margin (19.4″/yr rainfall).

Do you need a building permit in Judith Basin County, Montana?

Judith Basin County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Central Montana Health District (Central MT Environmental Health). These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Judith Basin County, Montana?

Land in Judith Basin County runs about $1,350 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Judith Basin County?

Judith Basin County gets about 19.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.5% of years.

How remote is Judith Basin County?

A representative private-land location has about 159 people within a 30-minute drive and 90,361 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Judith Basin County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Judith Basin compares in Montana

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