Building permits, zoning and land rules in McCone County, Montana
44Index Score / 100 #53 of 56 in Montana
An ordinary single-family home in unincorporated McCone County, Montana generally needs no county or state building permit, but McCone County has not confirmed whether a local ordinance changes that result12. A McCone County septic permit is required before constructing or altering an onsite wastewater system3. The county says it is developing zoning regulations, while parcel-specific controls remain worth confirming before a purchase4.
At a glance
Building permit
Generally not required for a single-family residence; confirm no local ordinance applies12
Zoning
The county says it is developing regulations; parcel-specific controls remain unconfirmed4
Septic permit
Required for a new or altered onsite system unless sewage goes to an approved public system3
Owner-installed septic
Allowed at the owner's residence without a contractor license; permit and inspection still apply35
RV or tiny home
Private-land occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask Land Planning4
Well water
An exception may cover up to 35 gallons per minute and 10 acre-feet per year, with advance notice6
State-highway driveway
A new or modified approach requires an MDT permit or right-of-way agreement7
Septic soils
Only 19.3% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field8
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 McCone County, Montana?
A single-family residence in unincorporated McCone County generally does not need a state building permit, and McCone County does not identify a county residential building-permit program12. The available state material leaves open whether McCone County has adopted an ordinance requiring permits for otherwise exempt homes, so confirm the current position with Land Planning2. State law also exempts farm and ranch buildings, private homes and apartments with fewer than five dwelling units that do not serve transient guests, and qualifying private garages and storage buildings9. A covered non-exempt project must obtain its building permit before related plumbing, mechanical or electrical permits and work begin9. Projects requiring a state permit also require state inspections; exempt buildings fall outside that process unless a local rule separately applies10.
Who issues building and land permits in McCone County?
McCone County does not identify a county building department1. For a covered non-exempt project, contact the Montana Building Codes Program at (406) 841-2056 or [email protected]11. State-jurisdiction projects require plans and an application, with issuance after review comments are resolved and fees paid12. McCone County's Planning Board administers county subdivision regulations and reviews certificates of survey before filing13. Start planning and zoning questions with the Board of Commissioners at (406) 485-350014. Contact Public Health at (406) 485-2444 to reach the McCone County Sanitarian1516. Disaster & Emergency Services is the county floodplain contact at (406) 974-350517.
Does McCone County have zoning?
McCone County's official site says the county is developing zoning regulations, indicating that county zoning has not been adopted4. The available official material does not expressly establish every current land-use control or whether the Town of Circle has separate zoning, so do not treat a parcel as unrestricted4. McCone County and the Town of Circle have separate subdivision regulations administered through their joint Planning Board13. Montana generally treats a land division as a subdivision when the resulting parcel is under 160 acres and cannot be described as a one-quarter aliquot part of a federal section, subject to exceptions18. McCone County has not confirmed countywide standards for minimum home size, lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height. Ask Land Planning for current parcel rules and whether proposed zoning affects the intended use144.
How do septic permits work in McCone County?
McCone County requires a valid permit before constructing or altering an onsite wastewater system unless sewage goes to an approved public system3. Apply through the Sanitarian with required fees; a complete application receives a written decision within 20 working days, and an unused new-system permit is valid for 2 years3. A homeowner may install a system for the homeowner's own residence without an MCS contractor license, but the permit remains required3. An owner-installed system cannot be backfilled until inspected and approved or authorized for self-inspection5. Only 19.3% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make site evaluation an early budget item8. For subdivision lots under state sanitation review, state approval does not replace the local drainfield permit19.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home in McCone County?
McCone County has not confirmed a private-land rule for long-term RV living, temporary camping, tiny homes, manufactured homes or accessory dwellings. The statement that zoning regulations are being developed does not prove these uses are unrestricted4. Ask Land Planning whether any current resolution, subdivision condition or Town of Circle rule affects the parcel and intended occupancy14. Wastewater remains separate: constructing or altering an onsite system requires a county permit unless the property connects to an approved public system3. McCone County may approve a sealed pit privy only where the facility has no piped water, while holding tanks are limited to seasonal use and carry additional conditions20. A tiny house does not bypass sanitation rules merely because the structure is small3.
What are the steps to build a home in McCone County?
Ask Land Planning whether a local permit rule, subdivision condition or developing zoning regulation affects the parcel144.
Confirm the residential exemption; send a covered non-exempt project to the state program before work begins211.
Arrange water. A qualifying groundwater exception is limited to 35 gallons per minute and 10 acre-feet per year, with a Notice of Intent before use6.
Apply for septic early enough for the 20-working-day decision window3.
Ask Disaster & Emergency Services about flood-hazard status and the local application1721.
Obtain an MDT permit or right-of-way agreement for new or modified state-highway access7.
What should you check before buying land in McCone County?
Start with water, wastewater, access and subdivision history. Only 19.3% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field, while average precipitation is 13.6 inches and severe drought occurs in 17.2% of years82223. Groundwater use above 35 gallons per minute or 10 acre-feet per year requires a permit rather than the small-use exception6. A new or modified state-highway approach requires an MDT permit or agreement7. Ask Land Planning to confirm subdivision status and current or proposed zoning134. Ask Disaster & Emergency Services about floodplain status because covered development can include fill, roads, manufactured homes and buildings1721. Typical carrying costs include a 0.7% effective property-tax rate and a $1,330 median annual bill2425.
Watch-outs
McCone County says it is developing zoning regulations, but current parcel-level controls remain unconfirmed; ask Land Planning before relying on an RV, tiny-home, setback or minimum-size assumption414.
An owner may install septic for the owner's residence without a contractor license, but permit and inspection requirements still apply35.
State subdivision sanitation approval does not replace the local drainfield permit19.
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.
McCone County highlighted among the Montana counties · colored by Index score
How McCone County scores
Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1394% ev.
Admin Boringness8090% ev.
Durability38100% ev.
Property Autonomy83100% ev.
Carry Cost8396% ev.
Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
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Answers from the rulebook for McCone County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
McCone County rules
Building permitLimited
Construction, remodeling, moving, or change of occupancy of non-exempt buildings in McCone County areas not governed by a certified local-government building-code program.
A permit is required before construction starts for state-owned agencies and non-exempt buildings.
The exception is for projects within the jurisdictional limits of a certified local-government program.
State-law 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 fewer 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 as part of a commercial enterprise or business.
Construction plans and a Building Permit/Plan Review Application must be submitted for review and approval.
Building permit and plan-review fees must be paid before issuance; the plan-review fee is 35 percent of the building permit fee.
plan review fee: 35 percent of building permit fee
“A state building permit is required for any state owned agency or non-exempt building being built, remodeled, moved, or undergoing a change of occupancy, except for projects located within the jurisdictional limits of a local government program. [...] If the city, town, or county is not listed, then all permits need to be obtained from the State Building Codes Program”
InspectionsRequired
Projects in McCone County subject to the Montana state building-code permitting process.
Inspections apply to projects requiring a permit.
The Bureau assigns inspectors geographically throughout the state.
Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits and inspections may also be required where applicable.
“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.”
Who permits septicCounty
On-site wastewater treatment systems in McCone County, subject to the subdivision-review exception stated in the regulations.
The regulations do not apply to parcels created by subdivision when those parcels fall under the authority of a State of Montana Agency pursuant to the Montana Sanitation in Subdivision Act.
The regulations apply to all areas of McCone County.
More stringent state or federal regulations apply if they conflict with the county regulations.
“The Board of County Commissioners adopts these regulations pursuant to Section 7-5-2101 and 7-5-2102 Montana Code Annotated, and pursuant to Section 76-3-501, Montana Code Annotated. [...] These regulations apply to all areas of McCone County.”
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, load increases, replacement, or occupancy involving on-site wastewater treatment systems in McCone County.
Construction or alteration of an on-site wastewater treatment system requires a valid permit, except that a permit is not required when sewage will be disposed of to an approved public system.
A permit application must be completed through the McCone County Sanitarian (MCS) and all required fees submitted; the MCS gives written approval or denial within twenty working days after filing a complete application.
A new-system permit is issued only after application approval and payment of required permit fees, and is valid for two years if construction has not begun.
Repairs to existing sewer systems may be made without a permit, including replacing a septic tank, repairing a collapsed or broken sewer line, or removing a blockage.
A valid permit is required before replacement of an existing system; a variance is required for a replacement that does not meet the regulations.
A homeowner constructing or altering an individual sewage treatment system for their own residence on their own property does not need an MCS contractor license, but the permit requirement still applies.
The regulations do not apply to subdivision-created parcels under a Montana state agency's authority pursuant to the Montana Sanitation in Subdivision Act.
complete-application decision time: 20 working days · new-system permit validity: 2 years (If construction has not begun, the applicant must reapply under current regulations.)
“It is a violation of this regulation to construct, alter or make load increases to any on-site wastewater treatment system without compliance with the provisions of these regulations and the possession of a valid permit issued under these regulations. [...] Repairs may be made to existing sewer systems without a permit. This includes replacing a septic tank, a collapsed or broken sewer line or removal of a blockage in the sewer line.”
Septic inspectionRequired
New and owner-installed on-site wastewater systems regulated by McCone County.
For certified-installer systems, the installer must notify the MCS forty-eight hours before expected completion; the MCS decides whether a self-inspection or MCS inspection will occur.
If authorized for self-inspection, the self-inspection form must be submitted within ten days; no further permits will be issued until it is received.
For owner-installed systems, no backfilling may occur until the system has been inspected and approved or authorized for self-inspection, subject to the stated site-restriction exception.
The MCS inspects completed owner-installed systems no later than six working days after notice of completion, during normal working hours excluding weekends and holidays.
A noncompliant system must be corrected and inspected before final approval; use before final inspection and approval is a violation.
certified-installer inspection notice: 48 hours · self-inspection form submission deadline: 10 days · owner-installed inspection deadline: <= 6 working days (After notice of completion)
“The Certified Installer must notify the MCS forty-eight hours in advance of the expected completion time to arrange for an inspection time. Once notified by the installer, the MCS will determine whether a self-inspection or a MCS inspection will be conducted. [...] The MCS will inspect completed systems no later than 6 working days after the day notice of completion is given.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Non-standard sanitation systems, including sealed pit privies and holding tanks, in McCone County.
Sealed pit privies may be approved only when the facility has no piped water supply.
Holding tanks may be approved only for seasonal use and must be at least 50 feet horizontally from specified surface waters or the 100-year flood elevation of a watercourse.
Holding tanks must be stabilized against flotation, waterproofed, tested annually for watertightness, periodically pumped by a licensed septic tank pumper, and discontinued when public wastewater mains become available within 500 feet and permission to connect is granted.
Holding tanks require an electronic level indicator, unless a mechanical device is approved where electricity is unavailable.
Absorption beds may be used only for replacement systems and not in unstabilized fill.
holding tank minimum horizontal separation: >= 50 feet (From any lake, stream, irrigation ditch, surface water body, or 100-year flood elevation of any watercourse) · holding tank watertightness testing: per 1 per year
“Sealed pit privies may only be approved if the facility to be served does not have a piped water supply. [...] Holding Tank systems may be approved if: a) The facility to be served is for seasonal use only; b) The holding tank system is located at least 50 feet horizontally from any lake, stream, irrigation ditch or surface water body, or the 100-year flood elevation of any watercourse;”
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Dwelling units, commercial structures, recreational developments, and other structures generating wastewater in McCone County.
Connection to a public wastewater system is required only when the public sewer system is within 500 feet of the property line, accessible, has sufficient capacity, and the governing authority accepts the additional load.
The existing on-site treatment system must have failed or have been installed in violation of the McCone County regulations.
Holding tanks must be disconnected or discontinued when public wastewater mains become available within 500 feet and permission to connect is granted.
public sewer distance from property line: <= 500 feet (The system must also be accessible, have sufficient capacity, and accept the additional load.)
“Any dwelling unit, commercial structure, recreational development or other structure where wastewater is generated must be connected to a public wastewater system when the following conditions exist: a) The public sewer system (PSS) comes within 500 feet of the property line of the unit and is accessible, the PSS has sufficient capacity to handle the additional load, and the governing authority that owns or operates the PSS will accept the additional load, and the present on-site sewer treatment system has failed or the sewer system was installed in violation of the McCone County On-Site Wastewater Treatment Regulations.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision review and certificate-of-survey exemption review administered for McCone County through its Planning Board and County Clerk and Recorder.
The McCone County Planning Board administers McCone County Subdivision Regulations and reviews certificates of survey before filing with the County Clerk and Recorder.
The county's local process operates under the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act.
The Town of Circle has separate subdivision regulations; this claim concerns the McCone County component and does not treat the town's rules as countywide.
“the Planning Board administrates the McCone County Subdivision Regulations [...] and reviews certificate of surveys prior to filing with the County Clerk and Recorder”
Permit processPartial
Subdivision and certificate-of-survey review processes administered through McCone County's Planning Board.
The Planning Board administers McCone County Subdivision Regulations and reviews certificates of survey before filing with the County Clerk and Recorder for land-division exemptions under the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act.
The page also describes Town of Circle subdivision responsibilities; this claim does not treat the Town of Circle's regulations as county-administered.
The page does not establish a general county building-permit process or a countywide floodplain-permit procedure.
“the Planning Board administrates the McCone County Subdivision Regulations [...] and reviews certificate of surveys prior to filing with the County Clerk and Recorder”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Partial — County subdivision-regulation administration and certificate-of-survey review for land divisions in McCone County; this is not a general construction-permit process.
“Planning Board administrates the McCone County Subdivision Regulations [...] and reviews certificate of surveys prior to filing with the County Clerk and Recorder”
County-wide zoningAbsent
The county's official site states McCone County is still 'developing Zoning Regulations,' indicating no countywide zoning has yet been adopted.
Montana's uniform state building code for residential and commercial buildings statewide.
The currently listed codes are amended and adopted through Administrative Rules of Montana Title 24, Chapter 301.
Cities, counties, and towns may enforce local building codes, all or in part, only through certified local building-code-enforcement programs.
State-owned agencies must be permitted through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
The listed 2021 International Building, Residential, and Existing Building Codes and related codes are effective June 11, 2022; the listed ASME boiler and pressure-vessel codes are effective November 6, 2021.
International Building Code edition: 2021 · International Residential Code edition: 2021 · effective date for listed principal codes: 2022-06-11 (ASME boiler and pressure-vessel codes listed on the official page are effective 2021-11-06)
“In addition, the program is responsible for adopting a uniform state building code, which is enforced statewide for residential and commercial buildings across Montana.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — The Montana uniform state building code, including residential and commercial buildings in McCone County unless a certified local building-code jurisdiction applies or a statutory exception applies.
“In addition, the program is responsible for adopting a uniform state building code, which is enforced statewide for residential and commercial buildings across Montana.”
Adopted — Montana's statewide building-code framework, including areas of McCone County that are not within a certified local building-code jurisdiction and construction subject to the state code.
“In addition, the program is responsible for adopting a uniform state building code, which is enforced statewide for residential and commercial buildings across Montana.”
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.”
Well permitLimited
New groundwater wells and other groundwater developments in McCone County subject to Montana's statewide water-right permitting rules.
A groundwater permit is not required for a well, spring, pit, or pond using 35 gallons per minute or less and not exceeding 10 acre-feet per year.
Beginning January 1, 2026, use under the permit exception requires a Notice of Intent to Appropriate Groundwater filed with DNRC before putting the water to use.
DNRC authorizes or denies a complete Notice of Intent; an authorized notice provides five years to complete the project and submit a Notice of Completion.
A Well Log Report (Form 603) is completed by the driller and sent to the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology within 60 days for a new groundwater well.
A water permit is required for groundwater uses over 35 gallons per minute or 10 acre-feet per year, and for uses that do not qualify for the exception.
groundwater permit-exception flow limit: <= 35 gallons per minute (Use must also not exceed 10 acre-feet per year) · groundwater permit-exception annual volume limit: <= 10 acre-feet per year · Notice of Intent effective date: 2026-01-01 (Must be filed before putting exempt groundwater to use) · authorized Notice of Intent completion period: 5 years · Well Log Report filing period: <= 60 days (For a new groundwater well; submitted by the driller to Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology)
“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 (Section 85-2-306, MCA). 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 — New or expanded groundwater uses and wells in McCone County, subject to Montana DNRC water-right exceptions and current Notice of Intent requirements
“Small groundwater developments that use 35 gpm or less and do not exceed 10 acre-feet per year are known as “exempt wells””
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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Roads or private driveways connecting to a controlled-access highway or facility in Montana, including any such connection in McCone County.
“On any controlled-access highway or facility, it is unlawful for any person to construct, operate, or maintain any road or private driveway connecting with the highway or facility without first obtaining permission in writing from the highway authority having jurisdiction and, with the exception of an interstate highway, from the local governing body.”
Required — New or modified approaches connecting property to a Montana state highway, including such approaches in McCone County.
“ALL NEW OR MODIFIED APPROACHES REQUIRE EITHER AN APPROACH PERMIT OR A RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
New development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area in Montana.
The applicant must check with the local floodplain administrator to determine whether an SFHA has been designated.
Covered development includes placement of fill, roads, bridges, culverts, transmission lines, irrigation facilities, storage of equipment or materials, excavation, new construction or development, placement or replacement of manufactured homes, and new construction, additions, or substantial improvements to residential and commercial buildings.
Permit applications are obtained from the local floodplain administrator.
Application fees and timelines are established by the local government and vary widely throughout the state.
“Anyone planning new development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).”
Short-term rentalsLimited
Short-term rentals operated in Montana.
A Property Manager license is required unless the operator qualifies for an exemption under MCA § 37-56-104 or MCA § 50-51.
Local land-use, lodging, tax, and public-accommodation requirements may also apply.
application fee: 50 USD
“Short Term Rentals: A Property Manager license is required for short term rentals unless an operator qualifies for an exemption”
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
State building permit and plan-review fees for state-administered building permits.
The building permit fee is calculated by the bureau under IBC Section 109.2 as modified by ARM 24.301.138.
A plan review fee is charged in addition to the building permit fee and equals 35 percent of the building permit fee.
Both fees must be paid before the building permit is issued.
Local governments certified to enforce the state building code may establish their own permit fees and valuation method.
plan review fee: 35 percent of building permit fee
“The plan review fee is 35 percent of the building permit fee as established in Table 109.2.”
Campground & park staysLimited
Camping in Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks public-use sites.
Camping is prohibited except in areas specifically designated or marked for camping.
A camping unit, vehicle, equipment, or personal items may not be left overnight without a person present.
Camping longer than 7 nights at one or more campsites in a public use area during any consecutive 30-day period is prohibited unless otherwise posted by the department.
Designated occupancy limits must not be exceeded.
Special-use-permit terms must be followed unless otherwise posted.
Campsites must be vacated by 1 p.m. on the day of departure; camping facilities must be vacated by 12 p.m. on the day of departure.
maximum camping duration: <= 7 nights per consecutive 30-day period (unless otherwise posted by the department) · campsite departure time: 1 p.m. · camping-facility departure time: 12 p.m.
“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”
Inside cities and towns in McCone County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Building and zoning permitting within the Town of Circle, Montana.
The application states that permit approval is subject to post-construction inspection by the Town of Circle site inspector.
Separate permits are required for electrical or plumbing.
The permit becomes null and void if authorized work is not commenced within 365 days.
Residential application filing fee is $50.00 and commercial application filing fee is $100.00.
The fine for construction beginning before permit approval is $250.00 residential or $500.00 commercial.
The application states that all applicable state and local construction laws and ordinances must be complied with.
residential application filing fee: 50 USD · commercial application filing fee: 100 USD · residential fine for construction before permit approval: 250 USD · commercial fine for construction before permit approval: 500 USD · permit commencement period: 365 days (The permit becomes null and void if work or construction authorized is not commenced within 365 days.)
“The Uniform Building Code of the International Conference of Building Officials is hereby adopted by reference as the Building Code of the town, and made a part hereof as fully as though set out in length herein, together with all subsequent revisions, additions, and amendments thereto, and of which two copies shall be and remain on file with the Town Clerk.”
Living in an RVProhibited
Motor homes, fifth wheels, and camper trailers in the Town of Circle Class A residence district.
The prohibition is district-specific and does not establish a rule for Class B, C, I, or U districts.
The code is identified as current through the 2024 S-2 supplement, but the publisher advises that the official printed municipal copy controls.
“Motor homes, fifth wheel, and camper trailers are not allowed in Class “A” districts.”
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 inspection requirements in unincorporated McCone County.
Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across McCone County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — County zoning districts in unincorporated McCone County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in McCone County
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements in McCone County
7 more unanswered
Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
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 McCone County, Montana
Is McCone County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
McCone County scores 44/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 532 people within 15 miles and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 13.6″ of rain a year and elevated current hazard exposure.
Do you need a building permit in McCone County, Montana?
McCone 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 McCone County Sanitarian / McCone County Health Department. 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 McCone County, Montana?
Land in McCone County runs about $1,055 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in McCone County?
McCone County gets about 13.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 17.2% of years.
How remote is McCone County?
A typical private-land location has about 532 people within 15 miles and 61,539 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in McCone County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
