Bolthole Index

Stillwater County, Montana

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Stillwater County, Montana

65Index Score / 100
#25 of 56 in Montana

Stillwater County, Montana has county development regulations but no certified local building-code program12. County conditional-use permits apply to new multifamily, planned-unit, commercial and industrial development, while state permits cover nonexempt construction34. Septic permits go through Stillwater County Environmental Health5.

At a glance

County development permit
Conditional-use permit required for new multifamily, planned-unit, commercial and industrial development3
Building-code program
No certified county program; state rules cover only nonexempt projects24
Land-use rules
County development regulations apply outside excluded Columbus, state and federal jurisdictions1
Residential setbacks
No county setback for residential property; special and local rules can still apply67
Septic permit
Required through County Environmental Health; published permit fee is $20058
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed countywide; ask Planning about the parcel and proposed use9
Agricultural use
Qualifying agricultural uses are exempt from the county development permit10
Floodplain development
A separate permit is required in regulated flood-hazard areas11

Who to call

Zoning

Stillwater County Planning Office

Land-use planning, zoning, subdivision review and county development-permit questions

406-322-8050

431 Quarry Road, Columbus, MT 59019

Floodplain permits

Stillwater County Floodplain Administrator

Floodplain determinations and development permits in regulated flood-hazard areas

406-322-8064

[email protected]

431 Quarry Road, Columbus, MT 59019

Septic permits

Stillwater County Environmental Health Department

Onsite wastewater permits and inspections

406-322-8055

431 Quarry Road, Columbus, MT 59019

Roads & driveways

Stillwater County Road & Bridge Department

County-road maintenance and encroachment-permit applications

406-322-5335

865 Highway 10 West, Columbus, MT 59019

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Stillwater County, Montana?

Stillwater County does not operate a certified local building-code program, so state jurisdiction applies to nonexempt construction212. Montana requires a state building permit for covered work, but exempts farm and ranch buildings, qualifying owner-use garages and storage buildings, and residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units unless they serve transient guests4. Separately, Stillwater County requires a conditional-use permit before construction of new multifamily, planned-unit, commercial and industrial development3. Qualifying agricultural uses are exempt from the county development permit10. Ask Planning to classify the proposed use, and ask the Montana Building Codes Program which state building, plumbing, mechanical or electrical permits apply1314.

Who handles permits in Stillwater County, and how do you reach them?

Start with the Stillwater County Planning Office at 431 Quarry Road, Columbus, MT 59019, or 406-322-8050 for land-use, subdivision and county permit questions15. The county process sends applications to Environmental Health, the Floodplain Administrator, GIS/Rural Addressing, and Road & Bridge when needed3. Onsite wastewater permits and inspections belong to Environmental Health at 431 Quarry Road and 406-322-80551617. The Floodplain Administrator works from the same address and can be reached at 406-322-8064 or [email protected]11. County-road encroachment applications go to Road & Bridge at 865 Highway 10 West, Columbus, MT 59019, or 406-322-533518. Direct state building-code questions to the Montana Building Codes Program because Stillwater County has no certified local program2.

Does Stillwater County have zoning?

Stillwater County's development regulations govern land-use changes and development in unincorporated areas, except the City of Columbus extra-territorial zoning jurisdiction and state and federal land1. Columbus and other local jurisdictions may apply separate zoning rules, so confirm which authority controls the parcel7. Stillwater County sets no general setback for residential property, but the county's conditional-use standards require setbacks for new multifamily, planned-unit, commercial and industrial projects619. The countywide answers for RV living, tiny homes, minimum dwelling size and lot coverage could not be confirmed; ask Planning about the exact use and parcel. Land division remains regulated, including staff review of exempt subdivisions20.

How do septic permits work in Stillwater County?

Stillwater County Environmental Health issues the local septic permit after the required sanitation approval21. Properties under 20 acres require a Montana DEQ Certificate of Subdivision Approval, while properties over 20 acres require Stillwater County sanitary approval22. The local permit is still required, and construction cannot begin until the county issues authorization5. The published septic permit fee is $2008. Before the system is covered, a sanitarian inspection or licensed-installer verification is required23. Only 7.6% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make site evaluation an early purchase contingency24. Holding tanks, outhouses, porta-potties and unapproved gray-water systems are prohibited; an authorized consultant must design a system the county approves25.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Stillwater County?

Stillwater County's general rules for residential or long-term RV occupancy and tiny-home occupancy could not be confirmed. Ask the Planning Office whether the proposed dwelling and occupancy are allowed on the parcel, especially where Columbus or another local jurisdiction controls zoning7. No general county minimum dwelling size was confirmed. A tiny home or RV used as a dwelling still needs an approved wastewater solution: Stillwater County prohibits holding tanks, outhouses, porta-potties and unapproved gray-water systems26. The rules for temporary camping, manufactured homes and accessory dwellings also could not be confirmed, so identify the exact structure, duration and wastewater plan in a written inquiry to Planning.

Building a home in Stillwater County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Planning which jurisdiction controls the parcel and whether the proposed use needs county review73.
  1. Ask the Floodplain Administrator whether the site is regulated; grading, fill, excavation and construction in a regulated flood-hazard area require a floodplain permit27.
  1. Secure the correct sanitation approval, then apply to Environmental Health for the local septic permit before construction285.
  1. Before using a qualifying exempt well, file the required Notice of Intent; uses over 35 gallons per minute or 10 acre-feet per year require a water permit29.
  1. Ask the Montana Building Codes Program which state building and trade permits apply14.
  1. Confirm legal and physical access; county conditional-use review may require road agreements, while a state-highway approach needs MDT approval3031.

What should you check before buying land in Stillwater County?

Make septic suitability, legal access, flood status and water rights purchase contingencies. Only 7.6% of Stillwater County soils are rated without severe limitations for conventional drain fields, so obtain a site evaluation before treating a homesite as buildable24. A qualifying exempt well requires a Notice of Intent before use, and groundwater use over 35 gallons per minute or 10 acre-feet per year requires a water permit29. Ask the Floodplain Administrator about the exact building area because regulated floodplain work needs a permit, including grading, excavation and fill32. Confirm whether access meets a county road or state highway because the permitting authority changes1831. If future division matters, the county reviews subdivisions and exempt-subdivision filings20. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual bill is about $2,1313334.

Watch-outs

  • County and state approvals are separate: county conditional-use review covers specified development types, while Montana permits nonexempt construction34.
  • Stillwater County prohibits holding tanks, outhouses, porta-potties and unapproved gray-water systems35.
  • Floodplain grading, excavation, fill and construction require a county floodplain development permit27.
  • No Stillwater County-specific owner-builder exemption was confirmed; ask Planning and the Montana Building Codes Program before relying on one36.

Sources

  1. Stillwater County Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  2. Stillwater County, MT Planning (2026 county census)
  3. Frequently Asked Questions - Stillwater County, quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Permits (Montana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  5. How to Obtain a Septic Permit in Stillwater County, quoted and re-checked
  6. Planning | Stillwater County, MT, quoted and re-checked
  7. Planning | Stillwater County, MT, quoted and re-checked
  8. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  9. Stillwater County Development Regulations (2026 county census)
  10. Stillwater County Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Stillwater County Floodplain Administrator (stillwatercountymt.gov)
  12. Montana Building Codes Program, quoted and re-checked
  13. Stillwater County Development and Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Permits (Montana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Stillwater County Planning Office (stillwatercountymt.gov)
  16. Stillwater County Environmental Health Department (stillwatercountymt.gov)
  17. How to Obtain a Septic Permit in Stillwater County, quoted and re-checked
  18. Stillwater County Road & Bridge Department (stillwatercountymt.gov)
  19. Stillwater County Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Planning | Stillwater County, MT, quoted and re-checked
  21. How to Obtain a Septic Permit in Stillwater County, quoted and re-checked
  22. How to Obtain a Septic Permit in Stillwater County, quoted and re-checked
  23. Stillwater County Wastewater Disposal Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  25. How to Obtain a Septic Permit in Stillwater County, quoted and re-checked
  26. How to Obtain a Septic Permit in Stillwater County, quoted and re-checked
  27. Planning, quoted and re-checked
  28. How to Obtain a Septic Permit in Stillwater County, quoted and re-checked
  29. Exempt Well Updates | Montana DNRC, quoted and re-checked
  30. Stillwater County Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  31. Approach Manual for Landowners and Developers (Montana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  32. Developing in the Floodplain?, quoted and re-checked
  33. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  34. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  35. How to Obtain a Septic Permit in Stillwater County, quoted and re-checked
  36. (2026 county census)

Written September 29, 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

Stillwater County in Montana

65
County map
Stillwater County highlighted among the Montana counties · colored by Index score

How Stillwater County scores

Seclusion78100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency38100% ev.
Admin Boringness5590% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy83100% ev.
Carry Cost76100% 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 →

$505kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$1,747Land / acre
18.4"Annual rain
11.6% of yrsSevere drought
4.9 / yr (+4.4)Mid-century 100°F days
19.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.22" (+5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.26×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,192Home insurance / yr
1.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.32%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
200,085People within 2 hr
4,402Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.1People / sq mi
18.2%Federal land
68.2%Land at 15% slope or less
7.6%Septic soil without severe limits
70,101 acWorkable land screen
18.2%Wooded land
14.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac
43.8°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Stillwater County

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

Stillwater County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use changes and development in unincorporated Stillwater County.

    • The regulations except the City of Columbus extra-territorial zoning jurisdiction and State and Federal lands.
    • Where future County regulations or state or federal law impose additional standards, the most restrictive standard applies.
    • Private agreements are not nullified; where they are less restrictive than the regulations, the regulations apply.
    “The area included within the jurisdiction of these Regulations and governed by them shall be the unincorporated areas of Stillwater County, Montana, excepting the City of Columbus extra-territorial zoning jurisdiction, as well as State and Federal lands.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across unincorporated Stillwater County and incorporated/local jurisdictions.

    • The county administers county regulations in unincorporated areas, while the City of Columbus and other local jurisdictions may administer separate zoning rules.
    • The County Planning Office states that it administers Stillwater County and Town of Columbus subdivision regulations and advises the Columbus Town Council on planning and zoning issues.
    “Columbus Town Council on planning and zoning issues”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Published zoning and development district materials administered or linked by Stillwater County, including Columbus materials.

    • The county Planning page links both the Zoning and Development Regulation and the Columbus Zoning Districts Web Map; the materials distinguish county and Columbus jurisdictional controls.
    “Zoning and Development Regulation Columbus Zoning Districts Web Map”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    New multi-family, planned unit, commercial, and industrial development requiring a County conditional use permit.

    • A conditional use permit must issue before construction begins for the listed development types.
    • No building or structure may be built within rights-of-way or easements.
    • The County development regulations exclude the City of Columbus extra-territorial zoning jurisdiction and State and Federal lands.

    structure-height setback: one half the height of the proposed structure · front property line or right-of-way setback: >= 10 feet · side and rear property line setback: >= 5 feet

    “Setbacks: all development shall be set back a minimum of one half the height of the proposed structure, and at least 10 (ten) feet from the front property line or right-of-way and 5 (five) feet from all side and rear property lines. No building or structure shall be built within rights-of-way or easements.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — Residential properties in Stillwater County.
      “There are no setback regulations in Stillwater County for residential properties however, it is always in the property owner’s best interest to provide a setback, even if only minimal, from the property line to any structure.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater approvals and septic permitting in Stillwater County.

    • An approval statement may be issued by either Montana DEQ or Stillwater County.
    • Properties less than 20 acres require a Certificate of Subdivision Approval from MTDEQ.
    • Properties greater than 20 acres require sanitary approval issued by Stillwater County.

    acreage threshold: < 20 acres (Certificate of Subdivision Approval from MTDEQ required) · acreage threshold: > 20 acres (Stillwater County sanitary approval required)

    “In order to get a construction authorization and subsequent permit for a septic system in Stillwater County you must first have an approval statement issued by either the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (MTDEQ) or by Stillwater County.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction and operation of septic systems in Stillwater County.

    • Required approval statements and all other county and state permits must be obtained first.
    • Construction must not begin without a valid construction authorization form.
    • Applications are processed in order received; processing is stated as 7-14 days, with up to 30 days before authorization to begin construction.

    processing time: 7-14 days (Up to 30 days before construction authorization)

    “In order to get a septic permit in Stillwater County, there are a few things you must have first.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation, alteration, repair, extension, or connection to wastewater treatment or disposal systems in Stillwater County.
      “unless the Department has issued an Installation Permit.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    County-approved septic systems in Stillwater County.

    • The contractor must call before 3 p.m. the day before readiness for inspection.
    • The sanitarian issues the county septic permit after a compliant inspection.
    “inspected for compliance before backfilling”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationProhibited

    Holding tanks, outhouses, porta-potties, and unapproved gray-water systems in Stillwater County.

    • The prohibition is stated in the County septic-permitting process and applies under current regulations.
    • Only systems designed by an authorized consultant and approved by Stillwater County are allowed.
    “Holding tanks, outhouses, porta-potties, etc. are not allowed”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Prohibited — Holding tanks, outhouses, porta-potties, and unapproved gray-water disposal systems in Stillwater County.
      “Holding tanks, outhouses, porta-potties, etc. are not allowed”
    • Limited — Off-grid wastewater and gray-water disposal in Stillwater County.
      “Please know that only systems (including gray water disposal) that are designed by an authorized consultant and approved by Stillwater County are allowed. Holding tanks, outhouses, porta-potties, etc. are not allowed under current regulations.”
    • Prohibited — Holding tanks, outhouses, porta-potties, and similar off-grid sanitation methods in Stillwater County.
      “Holding tanks, outhouses, porta-potties, etc. are not allowed under current regulations.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Agricultural uses under the Stillwater County Development Regulations.

    • The regulations define agriculture to exclude commercial agriculture and commercial feed operations.
    • The regulations exclude the City of Columbus extra-territorial zoning jurisdiction and State and Federal lands.
    “Agricultural Uses – Agricultural uses are allowed without the requirement of obtaining a development permit.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision and land division in Stillwater County, with separate City of Columbus rules where applicable.

    • Montana subdivision law requires local governments to adopt consistent subdivision regulations.
    • A subdivision includes division creating one or more parcels under 160 acres, excluding public roadways, that cannot be described as a one-quarter aliquot part of a U.S. government section and can be sold or transferred.

    parcel acreage threshold: < 160 acres (Subject to the statutory definition quoted by the county)

    “The Montana Subdivision and Platting Act requires all local governments to adopt subdivision regulations that are consistent with the State’s regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and exempt-subdivision review administered by the Stillwater County Planning Office and, where applicable, the Town of Columbus.
      “Stillwater County and Town of Columbus Subdivision Regulations”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Development requiring county conditional-use review in Stillwater County.

    • Legal and physical access must be provided.
    • The County may require road-maintenance agreements and bonding requirements.
    “legal and physical access shall be provided to the tract of land where the development is proposed.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development or activity within a Regulated Flood Hazard Area in Stillwater County.

    • Placement of fill, bank stabilization, excavation, grading, new construction, and alterations require a Floodplain Development Permit.
    • If a structure is damaged or improved by more than 50% of market value, it must comply with current regulations and be elevated 2 feet above designated floodplain elevation.

    substantial damage or improvement threshold: > 50 percent of market value (structure must be brought into compliance and elevated 2 feet above designated floodplain elevation)

    “require a Floodplain Development Permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Grading, excavation, fill, bank stabilization, construction, or alterations within regulated flood-hazard areas.
      “Activities such as grading, excavation, placement of fill, bank stabilization work, construction or alterations to a property within the Regulated Flood Hazard Areas require a Floodplain Development Permit.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    County development and septic permitting fees.

    • The Planning page links a Development Regulations Fee Schedule.
    • The septic process separately links a fee schedule; the reviewed septic fee schedule states a $200 septic system permit fee.

    septic system permit fee: 200 USD

    “STILLWATER COUNTY: SEPTIC SYSTEM PERMIT FEE $200”
  • Permit processPartial

    County development-permit process in Stillwater County.

    • New multi-family, planned unit development, commercial, and industrial development requires a conditional-use permit.
    • The Planning Office routes submissions to the County Sanitarian, Floodplain Administrator, GIS/Rural Addressing, and Road and Bridge Department as needed.
    • The County FAQ directs other building questions to the State Building Code Bureau.
    “route the submitted form(s) to the internal permitting departments”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Stillwater County coordinated development and conditional-use permit processes.
      “A Conditional Use Permit (PDF) is required for all new multi-family, planned unit developments, and commercial or industrial development. The Planning Office will then route the submitted form(s) to the internal permitting departments for comment and instructions to follow up if necessary with the County Sanitarian, Floodplain Administrator in Environmental Health, GIS/ Rural Addressing, and Road and Bridge Department.”

Montana rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction, remodeling, moving, alterations, additions, repairs, or changes of occupancy for buildings subject to Montana state building-code jurisdiction.

    • A state building permit is required before construction for certain types of new buildings and for certain alterations, additions, and repairs.
    • The state permit requirement does not apply to projects within the jurisdictional limits of a certified local government program; local requirements may apply there.
    • In the state's jurisdiction, state law exempts 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 as part of a commercial enterprise or business.
    • Building permits must be issued on required projects before plumbing, mechanical, or electrical permits can be issued and before work authorized under those permits can start.
    “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 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential and commercial buildings across Montana, including Stillwater County where state jurisdiction 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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

    Groundwater use through Montana exempt-well permit exceptions.

    • Beginning January 1, 2026, a Notice of Intent (Form 602I) is required before using water from an exempt well.
    • Water permits are required for groundwater uses over 35 gallons per minute or 10 acre-feet per year.
    • Exempt wells at or below both thresholds may qualify for an exception, subject to current law and DNRC review.

    flow threshold: <= 35 gallons per minute (Uses over 35 gpm require a water permit.) · annual volume threshold: <= 10 acre-feet per year (Uses over 10 acre-feet per year require a water permit.) · Notice of Intent effective date: 2026-01-01

    “Small groundwater developments that use 35 gpm or less and do not exceed 10 acre-feet per year are known as “exempt wells””
  • 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”
  • 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”

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 exemption from building permits or inspections.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Stillwater County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Stillwater County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Stillwater County.
  • Building height — General building-height limits in Stillwater County.
6 more unanswered
  • 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.

Water rights & wells in Stillwater County

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

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

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) ↗
  • Horse Creek Controlled Groundwater Arealocalized of county

    Inside the CGWA a completed well may serve domestic/stock use at a maximum 35 gpm not to exceed 1 acre-ft/yr (versus the statewide 10 acre-ft exemption); larger uses need a permit.

    Montana DNRC — Water Rights Permit Exceptions ↗

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 Stillwater County, Montana

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

Stillwater County scores 65/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and deep seclusion — about 4,402 people within 15 miles. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.4″/yr rainfall).

Do you need a building permit in Stillwater County, Montana?

Stillwater County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Stillwater County Environmental 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 Stillwater County, Montana?

Land in Stillwater County runs about $1,747 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Stillwater County?

Stillwater County gets about 18.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 11.6% of years. On water rights, Stillwater County lies in the Horse Creek Controlled Groundwater Area — Inside the CGWA a completed well may serve domestic/stock use at a maximum 35 gpm not to exceed 1 acre-ft/yr (versus the statewide 10 acre-ft exemption); larger uses need a permit..

How remote is Stillwater County?

A typical private-land location has about 4,402 people within 15 miles and 408,847 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Stillwater compares in Montana

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