Powder River County, MT Building Permits & Land Rules

An ordinary single-family home in unincorporated Powder River County, Montana is exempt from the state building permit, and the county does not offer its own building-permit program¹². Nonexempt work falls under the Montana State Building Codes Program because Powder River County is not listed as a certified local code jurisdiction³. Septic systems go through the Powder River County Sanitarian⁴. Countywide zoning remains unconfirmed, while the incorporated Town of Broadus has its own zoning ordinance⁵⁶.

At a glance

Single-family building permit: Exempt from the state permit in unincorporated areas unless a local government requires one¹
Other building permits: Nonexempt work goes to the Montana State Building Codes Program³
County zoning: No county ordinance was located, but the countywide answer is not confirmed⁵
Broadus zoning: The incorporated town has a zoning ordinance⁶
Septic permit: Required through the Powder River County Sanitarian⁴⁷
RV and tiny-home living: Private-land occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask the Planning Board and Sanitarian⁵
Well permit: State water permit above 35 gpm or 10 acre-feet per year; smaller qualifying wells require a Notice of Intent⁸
Floodplain development: A local permit is required in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area⁹

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Powder River County Planning Board

Preliminary subdivision plat and certificate-of-survey applications

(406) 436-2361

[email protected]

119 North Park Avenue, Broadus, MT 59317

Septic permits

Powder River County Sanitarian

Applications for wastewater treatment systems in Powder River County

(406) 850-4544

[email protected]

119 North Park Avenue, Broadus, MT 59317

Roads & driveways

Powder River County Road Department

Road-encroachment, utility-occupancy, road-crossing and cattle-guard applications

(406) 436-2248

[email protected]

PO Box 200, Broadus, MT 59317

Floodplain permits

Powder River County Floodplain Administrator

Local floodplain administration for Powder River County

(406) 935-2242

[email protected]

PO Box 659, Broadus, MT 59317

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 Powder River County, Montana?

An ordinary single-family residence in unincorporated Powder River County is exempt from Montana's state building permit unless a local government has adopted its own permit requirement¹⁰. Powder River County does not offer a county building-permit program, but the county website does not state that answer expressly, so confirm the parcel with the Planning Board²¹¹. Farm and ranch buildings and qualifying private garages or storage buildings are also among the state exemptions³.

The exemption is not a blanket exemption for every project. A nonexempt building, alteration, addition, repair, move or change of occupancy in the unincorporated county requires a permit from the Montana State Building Codes Program before construction starts¹². Required state projects also receive state inspections, and the permit holder must notify the inspector when work is ready¹³. Separate electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits may still apply even when a house itself is exempt from the building permit¹⁴.

Who issues permits in Powder River County, and how do you reach them?

Powder River County has no confirmed county building department; the Montana State Building Codes Program handles building permits and inspections for nonexempt work because the county is not on the state's certified-jurisdiction list³¹³.

For land divisions, contact the Powder River County Planning Board at (406) 436-2361 or [email protected]; its page provides preliminary-subdivision-plat and certificate-of-survey applications¹¹. For onsite wastewater, contact the Powder River County Sanitarian at (406) 850-4544 or [email protected]¹⁵. For work that encroaches on a county road, contact the Road Department at (406) 436-2248 or [email protected]¹⁶. The county road application says the Road Supervisor contacts the applicant within 7 days to arrange the required onsite inspection¹⁷. For development in a mapped flood hazard area, contact the Powder River County Floodplain Administrator at (406) 935-2242 or [email protected]¹⁸.

Does Powder River County have zoning?

We could not confirm a zoning ordinance for unincorporated Powder River County. The county's Planning Board materials list subdivision and survey applications but do not expressly say whether county zoning exists, so do not treat the lack of a published ordinance as permission for any use⁵. Montana counties that have adopted a growth policy may adopt zoning regulations, which means the county has legal authority even though a local ordinance was not confirmed¹⁹. Ask the Planning Board about the parcel's current zoning status, setbacks, lot coverage and building-height rules before designing a project¹¹.

The incorporated Town of Broadus is different: Broadus confirms that its zoning is set out in a town zoning ordinance, and its Planning and Zoning Commission reviews zoning amendments, site plans and plat applications⁶. We could not confirm a minimum dwelling size or minimum lot size for the unincorporated area, so ask the Planning Board rather than assuming there is no threshold⁵¹¹. Land divisions can still trigger Montana subdivision and surveying law even where county zoning is not confirmed²⁰.

How do septic permits work in Powder River County?

A Montana drainfield permit is required from the local health authority even when a property already has a state Certificate of Subdivision Approval⁷. In Powder River County, the County Sanitarian administers wastewater-treatment applications⁴. The published county application lists fees of $200 for a gravity system, $350 for pressure dose and an additional $200 for Level I review²¹. A permit lasts 12 months; a $50 fee continues it for another year, and the permit becomes void if the system is not installed within 24 months²¹.

Before backfilling, the applicant must give at least 24 hours' inspection notice or obtain preapproval for as-built documentation and photographs²². A site without DEQ approval needs professional site information that includes an 8-foot soil profile, a percolation test, groundwater information, water-quality results and a well log²². Only 12.9% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drainfield, so make the septic evaluation a purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard system will work²³.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Powder River County?

We could not confirm a Powder River County rule that allows or prohibits long-term RV living on private land, temporary camping on private land, tiny-home occupancy or manufactured-home occupancy. County planning materials do not answer those questions, and countywide zoning itself remains unconfirmed⁵. Ask the Planning Board about land use and siting, then ask the County Sanitarian how wastewater must be handled before moving an RV or small dwelling onto a parcel¹¹¹⁵.

The Montana camping limit for Fish, Wildlife & Parks public-use sites does not answer what is allowed on private rural property²⁴. A tiny home used as a residence may fit the state permit exemption for a small residential building, but that building-permit exemption does not itself approve occupancy, septic, setbacks or use of the parcel²⁵. Inside Broadus, consult the town because its zoning ordinance applies independently of the unresolved countywide question⁶.

Building a home in Powder River County: the steps, in order

Ask the Powder River County Planning Board whether the parcel is in unincorporated county territory, whether any county zoning applies, and whether a land division or survey review is needed¹¹⁵.
Confirm the building-permit exemption. A single-family residence in state jurisdiction is exempt unless a local government requires a permit, while nonexempt work must go through the Montana State Building Codes Program¹¹².
Apply to the County Sanitarian for the wastewater system, complete the required site work and arrange inspection before backfilling²².
For a new well, obtain a state water permit when use exceeds 35 gallons per minute or 10 acre-feet per year; a qualifying smaller well requires a Notice of Intent before use⁸.
Ask the local Floodplain Administrator whether the site is in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area and obtain a development permit when required⁹.
Apply to the Road Department if the work encroaches on a county road, or to the Montana Department of Transportation for a new or modified state-highway approach¹⁷²⁶.

What should you check before buying land in Powder River County?

Start with septic feasibility and water. Only 12.9% of Powder River County soils are rated without severe limits for conventional drainfields, annual precipitation is about 15.6 inches, and severe drought occurs in 15.8% of years²³²⁷²⁸. For groundwater use over 35 gallons per minute or 10 acre-feet per year, Montana requires a water permit; qualifying smaller developments follow the state's Notice of Intent process⁸.

Check legal access and flood exposure before closing. A county-road encroachment requires an application and onsite inspection, while a state-highway approach follows the state permit path¹⁷²⁶. Development in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area requires a local floodplain permit⁹. Federal land accounts for 28.2% of the county, so verify that apparent map access is legal access and identify adjoining public ownership²⁹. Finally, confirm whether the parcel is inside Broadus, where town zoning exists, or in the unincorporated county, where zoning remains unconfirmed⁶⁵.

Watch-outs

The county website does not expressly confirm the building-permit or zoning answer for unincorporated Powder River County; ask the Planning Board about the specific parcel, while using the state program for any nonexempt building work²⁵³.
Broadus has its own zoning ordinance, so a parcel inside town limits cannot be evaluated using the unresolved countywide zoning answer⁶.
A county road-encroachment permit does not apply to every private driveway; it applies when the work constitutes an encroachment on a county road¹⁷.
The wastewater application contains a stray reference to Madison County floodplain even though the form is published by Powder River County; confirm that field with the County Sanitarian before submitting²².

Sources

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.

How Powder River County scores

Seclusion90100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency23100% ev.

Admin Boringness8090% ev.

Durability34100% 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

0.8%Property tax

$957Land / acre

15.6"Annual rain

15.8% of yrsSevere drought

12.7 / yr (+9.8)Mid-century 100°F days

20.6 daysMid-century dry spell

1.02" (+4.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.28×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

state median fallbackInsurance basis

259Radius comparison (15 mi)

0.5People / sq mi

28.2%Federal land

45.6%Land at 15% slope or less

12.9%Septic soil without severe limits

266,455 acWorkable land screen

10.3%Wooded land

8.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac

45.7°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Powder River County

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

Powder River County rules

Who permits septicCounty
Administration of on-site wastewater treatment applications in Powder River County.
“County Sanitarian Applications Application for Wastewater Treatment System Contact Information Josh Juarez, Accurate Regulation Management”
County Sanitarian ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Driveway accessLimited
Work constituting a road encroachment on Powder River County roads; the source does not establish a permit requirement for every private driveway.
- The application concerns road encroachments, not all driveway construction.
- Upon receipt, the Road Supervisor will contact the applicant within 7 days to arrange an on-site inspection.
- Inspection is required before the application is considered for approval.
“Inspection will be required before application is considered for approval.”
Application for Road Encroachment Permit ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
New development and other development activities within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area or Regulated Flood Hazard Area administered by Powder River County's local floodplain administrator.
- The requirement applies when the project is within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area; 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, new construction or development, placement or replacement of manufactured homes, and new construction, additions, or substantial improvements to residential and commercial buildings.
- Application fees and timelines are established by the local government and vary widely throughout Montana.
- The DNRC administrator list identifies Powder River County as having a county floodplain administrator and separately lists the Town of Broadus.
- The DNRC model regulations state that permits are not required for uses specifically exempted in Section 5 and that prohibited uses are governed by Section 6; the model regulations are not treated here as a county-specific adoption.
“Anyone planning new development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).”
Stream Permitting ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Powder River County wastewater treatment system permits administered through the County Sanitarian.
- Incomplete applications will not be processed.
- All permits are valid for 12 months from date of issuance.
- After 12 months, a $50.00 fee continues the permit for another year.
- The permit is void if the system is not installed within 24 months, and another permit must be purchased.
- The application states a permit fee of $200.00 for a gravity system, $350.00 for pressure dose, and an additional $200.00 Level I fee in accordance with the County's Regulations for Wastewater Treatment Systems.
- The application instructs applicants to make the check out to the county where the onsite system is located.
gravity system permit fee: 200 USD · pressure dose permit fee: 350 USD · Level I additional fee: 200 USD · permit continuation fee after 12 months: 50 USD (continues the permit for another year)
“A permit fee of $200,00 for cravity System, $350.00 for Pressure Dose”
County's Application for Wastewater Treatment System ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Applications for wastewater treatment systems in Powder River County.
- The application is returned to the County Sanitarian.
- The wastewater treatment system must be installed according to the County's Regulations for Wastewater Treatment Systems and the DEQ.
- The applicant must provide a minimum of 24-hour notice for inspection before the system is backfilled or pre-approved as-built and pictures.
- As-built documentation is required either way for records and the lending institution.
- If the property does not have DEQ approval, the application requires a site evaluator or engineer, qualifications, a soil profile to a minimum depth of 8 feet, estimated seasonal high groundwater depth and method of determination, one percolation test with its location on the site plan, nitrate/nitrite background test results from the closest well, specific conductance test results, an attached well log, and the direction and percent of land slope across the proposed absorption system on the site plan.
- The site plan must include the parcel shape and size, house site and all buildings, slope, nearby water supplies including wells, open bodies of water, streams and floodplain within 100 feet of the property, high groundwater areas, and the wastewater treatment system area for 100% replacement absorption.
minimum inspection notice: >= 24 hours (before backfilling or pre-approved as-built and pictures) · soil profile depth when DEQ approval is absent: >= 8 feet · floodplain and related features shown on site plan: 100 feet (within 100 feet of the property)
“As-built required either way for records and lending institution.”
County's Application for Wastewater Treatment System ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
County-wide zoningAbsent
The Planning Board offers only subdivision plat and certificate-of-survey forms; no county zoning regulations were found.
Powder River County Planning Board ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Montana rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Non-exempt buildings, alterations, additions, repairs, moves, or changes of occupancy in unincorporated Powder River County where the State Building Codes Program has jurisdiction.
- The permit must be issued before construction starts.
- The state requirement excludes projects within the jurisdictional limits of a certified local-government program.
- State exemptions listed by the source 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 part of a commercial enterprise or business.
- Required building permits must be issued before plumbing, mechanical, or electrical permits can be issued and before work under those permits starts.
- Plan submission, plan review, payment of permit and plan-review fees, and satisfactory resolution of plan-review comments are required before issuance.
residential dwelling units: < 5 dwelling units (Residential buildings containing fewer than five dwelling units are listed as exempt in the state's jurisdiction, 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.”
Building Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
5 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Non-exempt buildings, alterations, additions, and repairs in areas of Powder River County under the Montana State Building Codes Bureau rather than a certified local-government program.
  “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.”
  Certified City, County and Town Programs ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Not required — Single-family residences in the state building-code jurisdiction of Powder River County, outside any local-government jurisdiction that requires a permit by ordinance or resolution.
  “A building permit is not required for a single family residence, unless you live inside a local government's jurisdiction, which requires the permit by ordinance or resolution.”
  Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Not required — Single-family residences in unincorporated Powder River County within the state's jurisdiction.
  “A building permit is not required for a single family residence, unless you live inside a local government's jurisdiction, which requires the permit by ordinance or resolution.”
  Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Limited — Building permits in areas of Powder River County outside a certified local government building-code program.
  “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.”
  Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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.”
  Building Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
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.”
Current Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — Residential and commercial buildings statewide, including applicable areas of Powder River County.
  “In addition, the program is responsible for adopting a uniform state building code, which is enforced statewide for residential and commercial buildings across Montana.”
  Montana Building Codes Program ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Projects in unincorporated Powder River County that require a state building permit and are under State Building Codes Bureau jurisdiction.
- The permit holder must notify the inspector when work is ready for inspection and provide access for required inspections.
- Projects within a certified local-government program may instead be inspected by the certified city or county for the applicable permit type.
- Buildings exempt from the state building-permit process are outside this claim unless another state or local requirement applies.
Powder River County building inspector: Nicholas Crowe · Powder River County building inspector phone: 406-202-4347
“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.”
Building Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Building inspections in areas of Powder River County under the Montana State Building Codes Bureau rather than a certified local government program.
  “The Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau has highly qualified inspectors assigned geographically throughout the state that perform the inspections required by Montana law.”
  Inspection Areas & Contact Information ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Limited — Buildings and other projects requiring permits under Montana state building-code jurisdiction; certified local governments may perform inspections within their certified jurisdictional areas.
  “The BC Program establishes and enforces statewide codes by issuing permits and performing inspections.”
  Building Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
50-60-107. Certificate of occupancy, MCA ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Installation of a drainfield in Montana, including property already covered by a Certificate of Subdivision Approval.
- A Certificate of Subdivision Approval does not replace the drainfield permit.
- The cited page identifies the local health department as the permitting authority.
“Yes, even thought you have a COSA, a drainfield permit is still required by the local health department.”
Engineering Infrastructure & Subdivisions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Well permitLimited
New or expanded groundwater uses, including wells, in Montana, including Powder River County.
- A Beneficial Water Use Permit is required for new or expanded groundwater uses unless an exception applies.
- A water permit is required for groundwater uses over 35 gallons per minute or 10 acre-feet per year.
- Small groundwater developments using 35 gallons per minute or less and not exceeding 10 acre-feet per year may qualify for an exception and receive a Groundwater Certificate rather than a water permit.
- Beginning January 1, 2026, users intending to develop water through a permit exception must file a Notice of Intent with DNRC before using water from an exempt well.
- DNRC states that a complete Notice of Intent is reviewed within 10 business days; an eligible use is authorized for five years to complete the project and file a Notice of Completion; an ineligible use is directed to the water-right permit process.
- The Notice of Intent form fee is $400.
groundwater use threshold for water permit: > 35 gallons per minute (Uses at or below 35 gallons per minute may qualify for a permit exception.) · annual groundwater use threshold for water permit: > 10 acre-feet per year (Uses at or below 10 acre-feet per year may qualify for a permit exception.) · Notice of Intent review period: 10 business days (Applies when the Notice of Intent is correct and complete.) · Notice of Intent form fee: 400 USD · Notice of Intent authorization period: 5 years (One 5-year extension opportunity is stated.)
“Small groundwater developments that use 35 gpm or less and do not exceed 10 acre-feet per year are known as “exempt wells””
Apply for Water Rights ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Divisions of land in Powder River County made outside platted subdivisions for agricultural use under Montana Code Annotated 76-3-207(1)(c)
- The division must be made outside of a platted subdivision.
- The division must be made by gift, sale, or agreement to buy and sell.
- The landowner must enter into a covenant for purposes of the Subdivision and Platting Act with the governing body.
- The covenant runs with the land and provides that the divided land will be used exclusively for agricultural purposes.
- The exemption is subject to MCA 76-3-211.
- The method of disposition may not be adopted for the purpose of evading the chapter.
- The division is not a subdivision under the chapter but remains subject to survey requirements for non-subdivision divisions and applicable zoning regulations.
- A change to any use other than agricultural subjects the division to subdivision review under parts 5 and 6, unless the governing body exercises discretion to revoke the covenant because original lot lines are restored through aggregation, a government or public entity seeks public use under the governing body's review criteria, or the land is annexed into a municipality.
- For a revocation proposed for public use, the governing body must hold a public hearing, issue written findings and a decision within 15 days of the hearing, and record an approved revocation with the clerk and recorder.
- Revocation does not affect sanitary restrictions under Title 76, chapter 4.
“A change in use for anything other than agricultural purposes subjects a division of land that received an exemption under 76-3-207 (1)(c) to subdivision review under parts 5 and 6 of this chapter.”
76-3-207. Divisions or aggregations of land exempted from review but subject to survey requirements and zoning regulations, MCA ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Land divisions in Powder River County subject to Montana's Subdivision and Platting Act
- A subdivision comprises parcels containing less than 160 acres that cannot be described as a one-quarter aliquot part of a United States government section when segregated from the original tract.
- The subdivision plat must show all parcels, whether contiguous or not.
- Certain divisions are not subdivisions under the chapter unless the method is used to evade the chapter, including outside-platted-subdivision common-boundary relocations, one immediate-family gift or sale per county, agricultural-covenant divisions, specified boundary relocations within or adjoining platted subdivisions, and aggregations eliminating original parcel boundaries.
- Those exempt divisions remain subject to surveying requirements and applicable zoning regulations.
- Within a filed platted subdivision, a division, redesign, or rearrangement increasing the number of lots or redesigning or rearranging six or more lots requires governing-body review and approval before an amended plat may be filed.
- A division under 76-3-207 requires certification that real-property taxes and special assessments have been paid, subject to the statute's centrally assessed-property proration rules.
- The governing body must examine the division, may charge a reasonable examination fee not exceeding $400, must approve or deny a complete application within 20 working days, and may impose only conditions necessary to ensure survey compliance.
- The application must include the attorney-general form affidavit stating the applicant's intentions and that the exemption is not being used to evade the chapter.
parcel threshold: < 160 acres (Parcels that can be described as a one-quarter aliquot part of a United States government section are outside this definition.) · examination fee maximum: <= 400 USD · complete-application examination deadline: 20 working days
“Except as provided in subsection (2), unless the method of disposition is adopted for the purpose of evading this chapter, the following divisions or aggregations of tracts of record of any size, regardless of the resulting size of any lot created by the division or aggregation, are not subdivisions under this chapter but are subject to the surveying requirements of 76-3-401 for divisions or aggregations of land other than subdivisions and are subject to applicable zoning regulations adopted under Title 76, chapter 2:”
76-3-104. What constitutes subdivision, MCA ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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”
Property Management Program ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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;”
Public Use Rules and Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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”
76-2-201. County zoning authorized, MCA ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Inside cities and towns in Powder River County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land use and development within the incorporated Town of Broadus, Powder River County, Montana.
- The Town of Broadus states that all zoning is outlined in its Town Zoning Ordinance.
- The Town of Broadus states that its Zoning Board is commissioned by the Town Council when necessary; as of January 2026, the board had no active members.
- The Town's ordinances page lists a 2011-01 Zoning Ordinance.
“The Town of Broadus has a Zoning Board that the Town Council comissions when necessary. As of Janaury 2026, the board has not been requried and does not contain any active members. All zoning is outlined in the Town of Broadus Zoning Ordinance found at:”
Planning & Zoning | Town of Broadus ↗Re-checked Sep 23, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Present (with conditions) — Zoning within the Town of Broadus, Powder River County, Montana.
  “All zoning is outlined in the Town of Broadus Zoning Ordinance found at: Ordinances | Town of Broadus”
  Planning & Zoning ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

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 permits or inspections in Powder River County, including unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Powder River County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size for residential dwellings in unincorporated Powder River County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Powder River County.
Setbacks — Building setbacks in unincorporated Powder River County.

10 more unanswered

Lot coverage
Building height
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Septic inspection
Off-grid sanitation
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.

Water rights & wells in Powder River County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Montana’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellExempt up to a limit

Montana's exempt-well exception (85-2-306 MCA) was tightened after Upper Missouri Waterkeeper v. DNRC (2024), and from Jan 1, 2026 appropriators must file a Notice of Intent with DNRC before putting exempt groundwater to use.

Limit: 35 gpm or less AND ≤10 acre-ft/yr; a combined appropriation exceeding 10 acre-ft needs a permit regardless of flow rate

Montana DNRC — Water Rights Permit Exceptions (Exempt Wells) ↗

Powder River Basin Controlled Groundwater Arealocalized of county
SE Montana coalbed-methane-area CGWA; new groundwater appropriations require a DNRC permit due to CBM-related aquifer effects.
Montana DNRC — Basin Closures and Controlled Ground Water Areas ↗

Prior-appropriation state (first in time, first in right). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Montana state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Powder River County, Montana

Is Powder River County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Powder River County scores 55/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 259 people within 15 miles and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: thin water margin (15.6″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Powder River County, Montana?

Powder River 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 Powder River County Sanitarian. 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 Powder River County, Montana?

Land in Powder River County runs about $957 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Powder River County?

Powder River County gets about 15.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 15.8% of years. On water rights, Powder River County lies in the Powder River Basin Controlled Groundwater Area — SE Montana coalbed-methane-area CGWA; new groundwater appropriations require a DNRC permit due to CBM-related aquifer effects..

How remote is Powder River County?

A typical private-land location has about 259 people within 15 miles and 214,948 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Powder River County, Montana

At a glance

Who to call

Do you need a building permit in Powder River County, Montana?

Who issues permits in Powder River County, and how do you reach them?

Does Powder River County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Powder River County?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Powder River County?

Building a home in Powder River County: the steps, in order

What should you check before buying land in Powder River County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Powder River County in Montana

How Powder River County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Powder River County

Powder River County rules

Montana rules that apply here

Inside cities and towns in Powder River County

Still unanswered

Water rights & wells in Powder River County

Living off-grid in Powder River County, Montana

Is Powder River County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Do you need a building permit in Powder River County, Montana?

How much does land cost in Powder River County, Montana?

What is the water situation in Powder River County?

How remote is Powder River County?

How Powder River compares in Montana