Fence Permit Information
Requirements
Development Services is responsible for the administration of the City of Missoula Municipal Code (MMC) Fence Ordinance (MMC 12.31 (PDF)) and related information regarding visibility obstructions.
Resources
The following information is available to help you through the fence permitting process:
- MMC 12.31 (PDF)
- Current Permit Fees (PDF)
- Finding Property Lines (PDF)
- How To Guide: Apply for a Fence Permit Online
Completed Applications
Fence permit must be submitted electronically on the Missoula Citizen Portal.
Staff will review the application and email will be sent when the permit is ready to be paid and issued.
Standard fence permit fees and conditions apply to fences constructed entirely on private property. Encroaching fences are fences constructed partially or entirely on public property (Right-of-Way) and require a higher fee and are subject to additional conditions and restrictions.
Contact
Additional questions may be best addressed by meeting with one of the Engineering inspectors. You may schedule a meeting or ask questions by calling 406-552-6636.
Contact Us
Engineering Desk
For technical questions or to determine which permits are required, contact Engineering Desk.
406-552-6636 engdesk@ci.missoula.mt.us
Permit & Licensing Coordinators
For questions regarding permit application, processing, and to make payment, contact the Permit and Licensing Coordinators.
406-552-6060 9am-4pm coordinators@ci.missoula.mt.us
Call One Call at 811 to have utilities located before digging.
- I want to install a fence. What permit do I need?
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You need a Fence Permit to install a fence.
- Do I need a Fence Permit?
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Yes – You need a permit to construct any New Fence or any time you are repairing or replacing twenty-five (25’) feet or more of an existing fence.
- What is maximum height for a Front / Side Yard Fence?
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Four (4’) feet
- What is maximum height for a Back / Rear Yard Fence?
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Six (6’) feet
- Are there regulations regarding ‘Wildlife Fences’?
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Yes – wildlife fences are to protect backyard ‘Garden’ planting areas only, NOT the entire yard or property, for specifics please see Missoula Municipal Code (MMC) Section 12.30.070.C.
- Are barbed wire fences permitted?
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No, not on or in Residential Areas –only permitted on Commercial / Industrial or Agricultural properties may have barbed wire fences.
- Are electric fences permitted?
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No, not on or in Residential Areas – electric fences only permitted on Commercial / Industrial or Agricultural properties.
- Are there penalties for fence work without a Fence Permit?
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Yes – an investigation fee (amount is equal to the Fence Permit fee) for work without an approved Fence Permit AND a fine of up to five hundred ($500.00) dollars may be assessed.