FAQs • Cascade County, MT • CivicEngage

How do I check to see if a property is in compliance with local land use regulations and ordinances?: One can check if a property is in compliance by submitting a Determination Request form. This form provides the Planning Department the relevant information that they need in order to help fulfill your inquiry. Please see the Forms & Permit Application page on our website or click the Determination Request form.

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Planning Department

1. Do I need a permit to build a foundation or even to build a building/structure, like a shed or a garage?: Yes, Cascade County Zoning Regulations (CCZR) requires all signs, structures, foundations, buildings, and changes of use to obtain a permit with Cascade County Planning Department, as mention in CCZR §9.2.1 under Permits Authorized:
Pursuant to MCA §76-2-207, a Location/Conformance Permit shall be required for all proposed buildings, structures, signs, land uses, and changes in land use within the Zoning Jurisdictional Area except where exempted under Section 9.2.3. Legal Location/Conformance Permits shall be approved and authorized by the Zoning Administrator. A separate Location/Conformance Permit shall be issued for each tract of land and for each distinct use in a project proposal.

Cascade County Zoning Regulations

2. Do I need a permit for a change of use on my land/building?: Yes, Cascade County Zoning Regulations (CCZR) requires all signs, structures, foundations, buildings, and changes of use to obtain a permit with Cascade County Planning Department, as mention in CCZR §9.2.1 under Permits Authorized:
Pursuant to MCA §76-2-207, a Location/Conformance Permit shall be required for all proposed buildings, structures, signs, land uses, and changes in land use within the Zoning Jurisdictional Area except where exempted under Section 9.2.3. Legal Location/Conformance Permits shall be approved and authorized by the Zoning Administrator. A separate Location/Conformance Permit shall be issued for each tract of land and for each distinct use in a project proposal.

3. Do I need a permit for starting a business or for my business?: Yes, Cascade County Zoning Regulations (CCZR) requires businesses, signs, structures, foundations, buildings, and changes of use to obtain a permit with Cascade County Planning Department, as mention in CCZR §8-10.

4. Do I need a permit to put a sign up?

Yes, Cascade County Zoning Regulations (CCZR) requires all signs, structures, foundations, buildings, and changes of use to obtain a permit with Cascade County Planning Department, as mention in CCZR §9.2.1 under Permits Authorized:

Pursuant to MCA §76-2-207, a Location/Conformance Permit shall be required for all proposed buildings, structures, signs, land uses, and changes in land use within the Zoning Jurisdictional Area except where exempted under Section 9.2.3. Legal Location/Conformance Permits shall be approved and authorized by the Zoning Administrator. A separate Location/Conformance Permit shall be issued for each tract of land and for each distinct use in a project proposal.

To find more information on regulations regarding signs in Cascade County, please check our Cascade County Zoning Regulations §8.1 "Uses, Signs, Lots".

5. Does the Planning Department enforce building codes?

No, Cascade County Planning Department does not enforce building codes. Building Codes are enforced by the Building Codes Program (BC Programs is a part of the Commercial Measurements Bureau within the Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s Business Standards Division). The Cascade County Planning Department is responsible for the administration and enforcement of the County’s:

Growth Policy
Subdivision Regulations
Zoning Regulations
Building for Lease or Rent Regulations
Floodplain Regulations
Fireworks Regulations
Community Decay Ordinance
Litter Ordinance
Tax Abatement Ordinance

In addition, the Planning Department oversees road abandonments, conflicts, and questions regarding land use and land use regulations, junk vehicle removal and disposal, as well as assist in the administration of the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

6. Does Cascade County issue a Certificate of Occupancy?: No, Cascade County Planning Department does not issue a Certificate of Occupancy.

7. How do I check to see if a property is in compliance with local land use regulations and ordinances?: One can check if a property is in compliance by submitting a Determination Request form. This form provides the Planning Department the relevant information that they need in order to help fulfill your inquiry. Please see the Forms & Permit Application page on our website or click the Determination Request form.

8. How do I check to see if I can build or start a business on a piece of property?: One can check if they can build or start a business on a piece of property by submitting a Determination Request form. This form provides the Planning Department the relevant information that they need in order to help fulfill your inquiry. Please see the Forms & Permit Application page on our website or click the Determination Request form.

9. How do I submit a land use complaint on a property located in the County?

You can submit a Citizen Complaint form to the Planning Department. Once a formal Complaint form is made, the Planning Department will investigate any allegations to determine whether the alleged property is in violation or not. If a violation has been found, the Department will notify the property owner(s) in writing of the violation and work with the property owner(s) to come into compliance.

10. How do I get my junk vehicle(s) removed?

You can have your junk vehicle(s) removed by submitting the following completed form: