The floodplain administration program includes permitting and regulatory work associated with the floodplain in Missoula County outside Missoula City limits. The City has a separate floodplain administration office.
Floodplain management is the operation of a community program of preventive and corrective measures to reduce the risk of current and future flooding, resulting in a more resilient community. These measures take a variety of forms, are carried out by multiple stakeholders with a vested interest in responsible floodplain management, and generally include requirements for zoning, subdivision or building, building codes and special-purpose floodplain ordinances.
State and federal agencies, local communities and property owners have a role in reducing flood risk and helping communities become more resilient. From states providing strong model ordinances, to communities adopting and enforcing higher-standard building practices, to property owners elevating their homes, everyone can play a part in making communities safer and more resistant to flood disasters.
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127 E. Main St. Suite 2 Missoula, MT 59802
9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Floodplain Information and Resources
- Floodplain Regulations (adopted March 25, 2024)
- Floodplain Permit Application
A Floodplain Permit Application must be submitted and approved by the floodplain administrator prior to all development activity to assure the County and the property owner that all applicable flood code standards have been met.
Subdivision Development
Missoula County’s Subdivision Regulations require that proposed subdivisions contain flood hazard area comply with Chapter 3: General Design Standards of the Missoula County Subdivision Regulations.
For more information regarding any development within or near a flood hazard area please contact us at 406-258-4657.
Click here to view the interactive floodplain map of the entire county. Floodplain status of County parcels per the FEMA floodplain maps can be checked online. By entering the parcel's address or geocode number, you can view the approximate boundaries of the March 7, 2019 FEMA maps including the July 29, 2015 Milltown LOMR.
Septic permitting is in place to protect public health and environmental quality from risks associated with improper disposal of wastewater.
Before making any improvements to your property, visit missoulacounty.build for a step-by-step guide to the permit process.
There are numerous resources available for landowners who are looking for ideas, technical support or funding assistance for stream or riparian protection on their land. Browse our growing list:
- The Missoula Conservation District offers Riparian Planting Mini-Grants to help Missoula County landowners looking for help with projects involving maintenance or restoration of riparian areas. The District also runs a Cost Share Program.
- Guide to Montana Water Management – Who Does What with Water Resources from Montana Water Course
- Landowners’ Guide to Montana Wetlands from Montana Water Course
- Landowner’s Guide to Fixing Streams on Working Lands from the Clark Fork Coalition.
- National Center for Appropriate Technology
- The Montana Lake Book
Click here for the Riparian Resource Protection Information Center.
The Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability has created this page to provide information on the riparian resource protection buffers for selected rivers, streams and wetlands in Missoula County as described in Chapter 7 of the Missoula County Zoning Regulations. The resources on this page will help you learn more about the regulations and protection buffers and how they apply to you.
If you have questions, please contact us.
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- FEMA Map Service Center (including FIRM maps)
- FEMA Elevation Certificate
- FEMA Revalidation Letter for Letters of Map Change
- Montana Department of Natural Resources Floodplain Management
- National Council For Home Safety and Security
- National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
- Association of State Floodplain Managers
- USGS Stream Gauges in Missoula County
- Water Rights in Montana
- A Guide to Montana Water Quality Regulation
- Mold and Mildew Cleanup (FEMA F-606)