Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Lake County, Montana
79Index Score / 100 #1 of 56 in Montana
In unincorporated Lake County, Montana, Planning handles building-notification permits, zoning and floodplain permits1. Building-code permits come from Polson or Ronan inside their city limits and from the Montana Building Codes Program elsewhere234. Septic permits on fee-status land come from Lake County Environmental Health5. Tribal and Individual Trust land in the Flathead Indian Reservation is exempt from county zoning6.
At a glance
Building permit
Planning handles building notification; state code applies outside Polson and Ronan, subject to exemptions12
Zoning
Yes: 16 districts, 13 run directly by the county, plus a City/County district shared with Polson76
Tribal/trust land
Land in Tribal or Individual Trust status on the Flathead Reservation is exempt from county land-use regulations6
Septic permits
Lake County Environmental Health; $400 installation/use permit, $200 alteration permit89
RV living
District-specific: seasonal or temporary use may be allowed, but not permanent RV living in the Polson planning area101112
Swan Sites homes
New homes under 500 square feet are prohibited; 500–999 square feet needs conditional-use approval1314
Driveway / road approach permit
Required for any new or improved approach onto a county public road15
Owner plumbing
In state jurisdiction, a homeowner may do plumbing without a permit only for a personal-use, non-rental home16
Zoning Conformance and Building Notification Permits, zoning district administration, subdivision review, floodplain permits, and agricultural-exemption applications for Lake County
Wastewater treatment (septic) installation, alteration and use permits, vacation-rental inspections, and well-related environmental health questions for Lake County
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Do you need a building permit in Lake County, Montana?
Lake County Planning handles building-notification and land-use approvals, but its page does not say every project needs a Building Notification Permit1. The published 2026 fee schedule lists a $250 Building Notification Permit, with separate extension and after-the-fact charges17. Polson's certified city program covers building, plumbing, electrical and mechanical codes inside Polson city limits, while Ronan issues its own building permits inside city limits318. All other Lake County areas fall under Montana's statewide code program because Montana assigns places without a certified local program to the state19. In state jurisdiction, exemptions include private, non-transient residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units, farm and ranch buildings, and private garages or storage buildings for the owner's own use19. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits may still apply to a building exempt from the structural permit20.
Who issues building permits and zoning approval in Lake County, and how do you reach them?
Lake County Planning, at the Dave Stipe Annex Building, 500 1st St E, Polson, MT 59860, phone 406-883-7235, handles building-notification permits, zoning administration, subdivision review, floodplain permits and agricultural-exemption applications211. Most applications, aside from subdivision exemptions and survey review, go through Cloudpermit, where applicants can track status and message the assigned planner22. Building-code permits are separate from the county's building-notification permit: contact Polson inside Polson city limits, Ronan inside Ronan city limits, and the Montana Building Codes Program everywhere else in Lake County2318. Lake County Environmental Health, at 500 1st Street East, Polson, MT 59860, phone 406-883-7236, email envhealth@lakemt.gov, handles septic permits23.
Does Lake County have zoning?
Lake County Planning administers zoning for unincorporated land in county-run districts; Lake County has 16 districts, 13 directly administered by Planning, with the City/County district administered by Polson inside city limits and Lake County outside24. Ronan sets its own zoning inside city limits; Lake County Environmental Health remains the septic authority for covered fee-status land, excluding municipal or publicly owned systems255. Tribal and Individual Trust land within the Flathead Indian Reservation is exempt from county land-use regulations6. Swan Sites limits average building height to 30 feet; impervious surfaces may cover up to 29% of buildable area, 30–49% requires Board of Adjustment conditional-use approval, and coverage over 49% is prohibited26272829. Newly developed or subdivided Swan Sites lakefront land also has a separate vegetative-buffer coverage limit30.
What setbacks apply in Lake County zoning districts?
East Shore and Finley Point generally require 50 feet from Flathead Lake's high-water mark, 20 feet from property lines, and the greater of 100 feet from Highway 35's centerline or 50 feet from its right-of-way3132. East Shore also requires 50 feet from neighboring orchards except agricultural accessory structures; Finley Point requires 50 feet from county-road rights-of-way3132. Masumola and Upper West Shore generally require 50 feet from the lake and 20 feet from property lines and public roads, using the specified right-of-way or driving-surface measurement3334. Narrow-lot exceptions vary: Finley Point allows 10% of width for lots averaging 200 feet or less; Masumola and Upper West Shore use widths under 200 feet, while East Shore also requires the lot to predate zoning; each has a 10-foot property-line minimum32333431. Swan Sites Sub-Districts C, D and E require 20 feet from property lines; Sub-District A has separate front, side, rear and waterway setbacks3536.
Who issues septic permits in Lake County, and how do they work?
Lake County Environmental Health administers and enforces the county's on-site wastewater regulations for fee-status land; municipal or publicly owned systems and property not held in fee status are excluded5. Every wastewater system installed, altered or repaired on covered land needs a valid Installation or Alteration Permit before construction starts239. The installation/use permit runs $400 and an alteration permit runs $200; minor work such as replacing a broken sewer line, pumping the tank or cleaning the effluent filter can skip the permit9. Only 8.3% of Lake County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so budget for a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system37. Notify Environmental Health and the designer at least 48 hours before completion for final inspection, unless Environmental Health waives inspection in writing; a Use Permit cannot issue until the system complies38. Holding tanks, pit privies and waste-segregation systems are allowed only under specific conditions and require their own applications39.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Lake County?
Lake County RV and small-home rules depend on the zoning district40. In Swan Sites, a temporary dwelling may be occupied without a permit for no more than 14 days in a 30-day period if it stays at least 50 feet from a waterway's high-water elevation and meets other development rules; longer occupancy needs Board of Adjustment approval, and RV campgrounds are prohibited41. In the Polson planning area outside city limits, an RV cannot be a permanent year-round dwelling10. Swan Sites prohibits a new single-family home with less than 500 square feet of ground-floor area and requires conditional-use approval from 500 through 999 square feet1314. Swan Sites permits manufactured housing as single-family housing, although older single- and double-wide homes can require conditional approval42. Swan Sites preserves legally existing nonconforming uses, but bars expansion and ends the right after 18 months of discontinued use or destruction of the structure; disaster replacements must meet zoning rules13. Swan Sites' published ADU rules include owner occupancy, which conflicts with Montana's county-zoning ADU statute; ask Planning to resolve the applicable requirements before designing an ADU4344.
How do you build a home in Lake County, step by step?
Confirm the zoning district and whether the parcel is Tribal or Individual Trust land exempt from county rules with Lake County Planning216.
Ask Planning which building-notification and land-use approvals apply; covered floodplain work requires a Floodplain Development Permit application before permitting begins145.
Order a septic site evaluation and apply through Lake County Environmental Health375.
Obtain advance authorization before drilling a new-use well inside the Flathead Reservation; off-reservation, confirm DNRC permitting or Notice of Intent requirements4647.
Apply to Polson or Ronan inside its city limits, or to the state program elsewhere, for every applicable code permit234. A homeowner in state jurisdiction may perform plumbing without a plumbing permit only when doing the work personally for a personal-use home that is neither speculative construction nor a rental; code compliance and inspection before covering the work still apply16.
Obtain a Road Approach Permit before building or improving access onto a county public road15.
Schedule required building and septic inspections before covering work4838.
What should you check before buying land in Lake County?
Confirm the zoning district and Tribal or Individual Trust status before relying on county land-use rules406. In Swan Sites Sub-District E (Swan Sites No. 5), the density limit is one dwelling per 5.5 acres, expressly not a minimum lot size; smaller lots may qualify if the subject parcel meets the overall average density4935. Lots 1–5 of Swan Sites No. 7 may be subdivided only once into lots of at least 2 acres, with state and local approval50. Lake County reviews subdivisions before state environmental approval51. The agricultural land-division exemption requires exclusive agricultural use and a recorded covenant; the application costs $75, and buildings requiring water or sewer are barred under the exemption5253. New-use wells inside the Flathead Reservation need advance authorization; off-reservation, ask DNRC about water-right permits and the Notice of Intent process4647.
Watch-outs
A proposed vacation rental needs zoning clearance, a public-accommodation license, plan review and an Environmental Health inspection before opening; a septic application may also apply5455.
Montana's general owner exemption concerns contractor licensing, not building-code permits or inspections; the separate state-jurisdiction plumbing exemption applies only when a homeowner personally performs plumbing for a qualifying personal-use home5616.
Land held in Tribal or Individual Trust status within the Flathead Indian Reservation is exempt from the county's zoning and land-use regulations described in this guide; confirm your parcel's land status before relying on any county rule here6.
Written October 12, 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.
Lake County highlighted among the Montana counties · colored by Index score
How Lake County scores
Seclusion82100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency62100% ev.
Admin Boringness5590% ev.
Durability53100% ev.
Property Autonomy83100% ev.
Carry Cost72100% 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 →
$606kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$2,120Land / acre
24.8"Annual rain
10.1% of yrsSevere drought
0.6 / yr (+0.6)Mid-century 100°F days
18.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.21" (+5.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.33×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,836Home insurance / yr
2.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.11%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
141,893People within 2 hr
11,615Radius comparison (15 mi)
22.4People / sq mi
20.3%Federal land
44.6%Land at 15% slope or less
8.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Lake County
Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Lake County rules
Building permitLimited
Lake County Planning Department building-notification permitting and related county land-use approvals.
The cited county page identifies building notification permitting as a Planning Department task but does not state that a Building Notification Permit is required for every building project.
The county page does not establish that Lake County administers the state building code or state building-code inspections.
“Tasks assigned to the Planning Department include: [...] Building notification permitting”
InspectionsLimited
Vacation rentals operating in Lake County.
Yearly inspections are not required for vacation rentals.
An inspection by Lake County Environmental Health is required before opening every vacation rental.
An additional inspection may be required if a complaint is filed with Lake County Environmental Health.
“No, however an inspection by LCEH is required prior to opening all Vacation Rentals. A Vacation Rental may be required to undergo an additional inspection if a complaint is filed with LCEH.”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Lake County zoning districts and county-administered zoning areas, including the thirteen districts administered by the Lake County Planning Department.
Lake County has 16 zoning districts, but the county page states that 13 are administered by the Lake County Planning Department.
The City/County Zoning District is jointly administered by the City of Polson within city limits and the Lake County Planning Department outside city limits.
Zoning regulations may be updated and new districts may be created.
The county zoning primer states that land held in Tribal and Individual Trust status within the Flathead Indian Reservation is exempt from County land-use regulations.
Lake County zoning districts: 16 districts (13 are administered by the Lake County Planning Department) · county-administered zoning districts: 13 districts (The City/County Zoning District is jointly administered with the City of Polson)
“There are 16 zoning districts in Lake County. Thirteen of those districts are administered by the Lake County Planning Department.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
The county aggregate of local zoning within Lake County, including county-administered districts, the jointly administered City/County district, and municipal or town-specific districts.
This is an aggregate countywide claim and does not mean Lake County administers every local ordinance.
Different zoning districts may have different regulations, including development densities, setbacks, permitted uses, and sub-district rules.
The Swan Sites regulations apply only to the specified district and lands added to parcels or lots within that district under Lake County jurisdiction.
Within the Swan Sites district, a Zoning Conformance Permit is generally required before construction or specified modifications, with exceptions for structures 120 square feet or less and temporary dwellings occupied no more than 14 days in any 30-day period when the stated waterway setback and other requirements are met.
The Swan Sites regulations state that Tribal and Individual Trust land is exempt from County land-use regulations.
Swan Sites structure permit threshold: <= 120 square feet (No permit is required under the stated district rule if the structure is 120 square feet or less and the other listed conditions are met) · Swan Sites temporary dwelling occupancy: <= 14 days per 30-day period (The exemption applies only when the dwelling is not within 50 feet of the high water elevation of a waterway and meets all other land-development and structure requirements)
“The process is highly flexible-regulations may be very limited or fairly strict, depending on the perceived need. [...] A zoning district may have sub-districts where different land uses are prevalent and different regulations apply.”
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
Zoning districts and district materials published for Lake County, including county-administered districts and the jointly administered City/County Zoning District.
Lake County states that it has 16 zoning districts, of which 13 are administered by the Lake County Planning Department.
The City/County Zoning District is jointly administered by the City of Polson within city limits and the Lake County Planning Department outside city limits.
Each jurisdiction uses a version of the Polson Development Code tailored to that jurisdiction.
The county page publishes district materials including East Shore, Finley Point, Historic Kootenai Lodge, Kings Point, Lake County Zoning Districts, Lake Mary Ronan, Lower Bug Creek, Masumola, Melita Island Road, Merritt Ranch, South Ronan, Stone Ridge Estates, Swan Sites, Town of St Ignatius, and Upper West Shore.
Zoning regulations are updated from time to time, and new zoning districts may be created.
Lake County zoning districts: 16 districts (Thirteen administered by Lake County Planning Department)
“There are 16 zoning districts in Lake County. Thirteen of those districts are administered by the Lake County Planning Department.”
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Single-family residential structures in the Swan Sites zoning district.
Structures with less than 500 square feet of ground-floor area are prohibited.
Single-family residential structures from 500 to 999 square feet of ground-floor area require conditional-use approval.
This claim is limited to the Swan Sites zoning district and does not establish a countywide standard.
minimum ground-floor area: >= 500 square feet (Structures from 500 to 999 square feet require conditional-use approval.)
“Single family residential structures from 500 to 999 square feet of ground floor area.”
Minimum lot sizeNone
The Swan Sites No. 5 sub-district.
The district imposes a density limit of one dwelling unit per 5 ½ acres.
Lots smaller than the density limitation may be allowed if the overall average density of the subject parcel does not exceed the required density per acre.
maximum density: 1 dwelling unit per 5 ½ acres (The density requirement is expressly not construed as a minimum lot size requirement.)
“not be construed as a minimum lot size requirement”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
District specific (with conditions) — Lots 1-5 of Swan Sites No. 7, within the Swan Sites zoning district.
“Lots 1-5 of Swan Sites No. 7 (Amended Plat of the Airport on Swan Sites #1) may be subdivided one time, into lots of not less than 2 acres each, upon review and approval by State and local government.”
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Structures in the Finley Point Zoning District.
For lots with average width of 200 feet or less, the property-line setback is 10% of lot width, with a 10-foot minimum.
Accessory structures must meet all setback requirements.
Only lake-related structures are permitted within the Lakeshore Protection Zone, governed by Lake County Lakeshore Protection Regulations.
Driveway or walkway portions used for ingress and egress are exempt from Section 5 setback standards.
Completely buried pipelines and utility structures are exempt from the stated permit, structure, and setback standards.
Flathead Lake setback: 50 feet (Measured from highwater mark.) · property-line setback: 20 feet (10% of lot width applies to lots averaging 200 feet or less, with a 10-foot minimum.) · Highway 35 setback: 100 feet (From centerline, or 50 feet from right-of-way, whichever is greater.) · county road right-of-way setback: 50 feet
“1. 50 feet from the highwater mark of Flathead Lake in compliance with Section VIII. 2. 20 feet from property lines 3. For lots with an average width of 200 feet or less, the setback from property lines shall be 10 percent of the lot width provided that no structure shall be located within 10 feet of a property boundary 4. 100 feet from the centerline of Highway 35 or 50 feet from the right-of-way, whichever is greater 5. 50 feet from county road rights-of-way”
5 more reviewed findings on this topic
District specific (with conditions) — Structures in Swan Sites Sub-District A, Swan Sites Nos. 1 and 7.
“2. Setbacks: a. From the lake, river or stream in compliance with Section VI: 50 feet for Lots 1-35, Lots 128-165, Lots 172-180, Lots 60-100 and Lots 166-171. b. From the front property line, other than lake lots: 20 feet. c. From side property line: 10 feet. d. From rear property line: 20 feet.”
District specific (with conditions) — Structures in Swan Sites Sub-Districts C, D, and E.
“C. Sub-District C - Swan Sites No. 3 [...] 2. Setback: a. 20 feet from any property line. D. Sub-District D - Swan Sites No. 4 [...] 2. Setback: a. 20 feet from any property line. E. Sub-District E - Swan Sites No. 5 [...] 2. Setback: a. 20 feet from any property line.”
District specific (with conditions) — Buildings in the East Shore Zoning District.
“1. 50 feet from the high-water mark of Flathead Lake with required vegetative buffer 2. 100 feet from the centerline of Hwy 35, or 50 feet from the right-of-way, whichever is greater. 3. 20 feet from other property lines except for on lots that exist at the time zoning was adopted which contain an average width less than 200 feet the setback shall be 10% of the lot width, provided that no structure shall be located closer than 10 feet to a property line. 4. 50 feet from neighboring orchards, except for accessory structures for agricultural purposes.”
District specific (with conditions) — Structures in the Masumola Zoning District.
“The required setbacks for structures shall be: 1. 50 feet from the highwater mark of Flathead Lake. 2. 20 feet from any public road (right-of-way or driving surface). 3. 20 feet from property lines, except for lots with an average lot width less than 200 feet, the setback shall be 10 % of the lot width, provided that no structure shall be located closer than 10 feet to a property line.”
District specific (with conditions) — Structures in the Upper West Shore Zoning District.
“The required setback for structures shall be: a. 50 feet from high water mark of Flathead Lake that complies with Section IV.E. b. 20 feet from any public road (right-of-way or driving surface, whichever is greater). c. 20 feet from property lines, except for lots with an average width less than 200 feet the setback shall be 10% of the lot width, provided that no structure shall be located closer than 10 feet to a property line.”
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
Impervious surface coverage in the East Shore Zoning District.
Up to 29% is permitted.
Coverage between 30% and 49% is conditional.
Coverage over 49% is prohibited, except that a variance may be considered for pre-existing lots if a professional engineer submits a written storm-drainage mitigation plan.
The district regulations state an effective date of April 22, 2025.
permitted coverage: <= 29 percent of buildable area · conditional coverage: 30-49 percent of buildable area · prohibited coverage: > 49 percent of buildable area (Variance may be considered for lots existing before implementation if the stated engineering plan is submitted.)
“E. Impervious surface area covering up to 29% of the buildable area of the lot [...] N. Impervious surface area covering between 30 and 49 percent of the buildable area of the lot. [...] G. Impervious surface area covering more than 49% of the buildable area of the lot. If the lot existed prior to the implementation of the zoning district regulations, a variance to this provision may be considered by the Board of Adjustment provided a written plan is submitted by a professional engineer demonstrating that concerns with storm drainage can be mitigated.”
7 more reviewed findings on this topic
Specified — Impervious-surface coverage in the 20-to-50-foot area from the high-water elevation of the lake within newly developed or subdivided lakefront properties in the Swan Sites zoning district.
“total impervious surfaces [...] shall not exceed 2 times”
District specific — Impervious surface coverage in the Swan Sites Zoning District.
“4. Impervious surface areas covering up to 29% of the buildable area of the lot.”
District specific (with conditions) — Impervious surface coverage in the Swan Sites Zoning District.
“The following uses may be allowed after public review and approval of the Lake County Board of Adjustment. Prior to granting a conditional use approval, the Board must determine that the use is compatible with the purpose of these regulations. [...] 7. Impervious surface areas covering between 30 – 49% of the buildable area on each lot.”
District specific — Impervious surface coverage in the Swan Sites Zoning District.
“C. Prohibited Uses [...] 9. Coverage of more than 49% of the buildable area of any lot with impervious surface area.”
District specific (with conditions) — Impervious surface coverage in the Finley Point Zoning District and its sub-units.
“4. Impervious surface area covering up to 15,000 square feet or 29% of the buildable area of the lot, which ever is less. [...] l. Impervious surface areas covering between 15,001 and 20,000 square feet or 30 and 49 percent of the buildable area of the lot, which ever is less. [...] h. Impervious surface area covering more than 20,001 square feet or 49% of the buildable area of the lot, which ever is less.”
District specific (with conditions) — Impervious surface coverage in the Masumola Zoning District.
“c. Impervious surface area covering up to 29 percent of the buildable area of the lot [...] d. Impervious surface area covering between 29 and 49 percent of the buildable area of a lot [...] j. Impervious surface are covering more than 49 percent of the buildable area of a lot”
District specific (with conditions) — Impervious surface coverage in Stone Ridge Estates Sub-District A.
“(6) Impervious surface area covering up to 25 percent of the buildable area of a lot. Impervious surface area can be increased to up to 100 percent of the buildable area on lots in which it was contemplated during subdivision review and if off-site easements are recorded for stormwater management purposes specific to that lot. [...] (5) Impervious surface area covering greater than 26 percent of the buildable area of a lot. Impervious surface area can be increased to up to 100 percent of the buildable area without a conditional use permit on lots in which it was contemplated during subdivision review and if off-site easements are recorded for stormwater management purposes specific to that lot.”
Building heightSpecified
Structures in the Swan Sites zoning district.
No structure may exceed an average building height of 30 feet.
Average building height is calculated under the district's definition, which excludes typical roofline extensions such as chimneys and antennas.
Variances may be available under the district regulations.
maximum average building height: <= 30 feet (Measured according to the district's average-building-height definition.)
“No structure shall exceed an average building height of 30 feet (see average building height definition and example calculation).”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Structures in the Swan Sites zoning district.
“No structure shall exceed an average building height of 30 feet (see average building height definition and example calculation).”
Living in an RVLimited
Temporary and seasonal recreational-vehicle use in residential zoning districts within the Polson Master Plan area, outside Polson city limits, administered through the Lake County Planning Department.
Landowners’ guests may use an RV for no more than 14 days without a zoning conformance permit.
A recreational vehicle may be used seasonally on waterfront properties outside Polson city limits with a zoning conformance permit.
The number of recreational vehicles may not exceed one per lot without a special use permit.
RVs may not be rented.
The RV must meet district specifications, setbacks, shoreline buffers, and other Polson Development Code performance standards.
The RV must have sewage-disposal facilities meeting local and state sanitation requirements.
The RV may not be used as a permanent year-round dwelling.
An RV may not stand on a public street, highway, road, alley, or other right-of-way for more than 24 hours.
guest occupancy without zoning conformance permit: <= 14 days (Temporary use in residential zoning districts within the Polson Master Plan area.) · RV count: <= 1 vehicle per lot (More than one requires a special use permit.) · public-right-of-way parking: <= 24 hours (If parked less than 24 hours, it must be parallel to the edge of the right-of-way and safely out of moving traffic.)
“the temporary use of a recreational vehicle for landowners’ guests shall be permitted for a time period not to exceed 14 days”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Recreational vehicles used as temporary dwellings in the Swan Sites Zoning District, Lake County, Montana.
“A recreational type vehicle or structure without a foundation or footings that may be removed when the designated time period, activity, or use for which the temporary structure was allowed ceases. Use of a temporary dwelling may be: 1. for a maximum occupancy of 14 days within any 30-day period without a permit, or after conditional use approval”
Camping on your landLimited
Temporary-dwelling occupancy, including recreational vehicles or similar temporary structures, within the Swan Sites Zoning District in Lake County.
The Swan Sites district covers Swan Sites Subdivisions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 and Swan Sites No. 5 in portions of Sections 10–14, Township 26 North, Range 19 West, Lake County, Montana.
Temporary dwellings may be occupied for a maximum of 14 days within any 30-day period without a permit, only if they are not within 50 feet of the high water elevation of a waterway and meet all land-development and structure requirements.
Temporary-dwelling occupancy exceeding 14 days within a 30-day period is a conditional use requiring public review and approval by the Lake County Board of Adjustment.
Campgrounds and recreational vehicle campgrounds are expressly prohibited in the district.
Other local and state laws may apply, including septic, well, stormwater, lakeshore, floodplain, and state building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical-code requirements.
Property covenants may impose more restrictive development or use requirements.
maximum temporary-dwelling occupancy without permit: 14 days within any 30-day period (Must not be within 50 feet of the high water elevation of a waterway and must meet all applicable land-development and structure requirements.) · conditional-use threshold: > 14 days within any 30-day period (Requires public review and Lake County Board of Adjustment approval.)
“No permit shall be required [...] for temporary dwellings with a maximum occupancy of 14 days within any 30-day period”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Temporary dwelling use, including temporary RV occupancy, in Upper West Shore Zoning District sub-districts A, B, C, and D.
“g. Temporary dwelling [...] g. Temporary dwelling [...] j. Temporary dwelling [...] n. Temporary dwelling”
Tiny homesLimited
Single-family residential structures from 500 through 999 square feet of ground-floor area used as tiny homes in the Lake County-administered Swan Sites Zoning District.
The use requires public review and approval by the Lake County Board of Adjustment.
Before granting conditional-use approval, the Board must determine that the use is compatible with the purpose of the regulations.
The ordinance expressly preserves legally existing buildings, structures, lots, and premises in use when the ordinance was adopted on April 7, 1994; a nonconforming use may not be expanded.
The right to a legally existing use terminates after cessation of the use for 18 months or when the structure housing the use is destroyed; a replacement structure after fire or other natural disaster must meet the zoning regulations.
Other local and state laws may apply, including septic, well, stormwater, lakeshore, floodplain, and state building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical requirements.
Property covenants may impose more restrictive requirements.
ground-floor area: >= 500 square feet (The conditional-use category ends at 999 square feet.) · ground-floor area: <= 999 square feet (Structures in this range require conditional-use approval.)
“Single family residential structures from 500 to 999 square feet of ground floor area.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Prohibited — New single-family residential structures under 500 square feet of ground-floor area used as tiny homes in the Lake County-administered Swan Sites Zoning District.
“Single-family residential structures less than 500 square feet of ground floor area.”
Manufactured homesAllowed
Manufactured housing used as single-family residential housing in the Swan Sites Zoning District, Lake County, Montana.
Single-family residential housing, including manufactured housing, is a permitted use.
Single-wide mobile houses older than 10 years on non-waterfront lots require conditional use approval.
Double-wide mobile homes older than 10 years on all lots require conditional use approval.
A Zoning Conformance Permit is generally required before construction, modification, change, or expansion of a use or structure.
Other state and local permits may apply.
single-wide mobile-house age threshold: > 10 years (older than 10 years requires conditional use approval on non-waterfront lots) · double-wide mobile-home age threshold: > 10 years (older than 10 years requires conditional use approval on all lots)
“A. Permitted Uses 1. Single family residential housing, including manufactured housing. [...] B. Conditional Uses [...] 4. Single-wide mobile houses older than 10 years on non-water front lots. 5. Double-wide mobile homes older than 10 years on all lots.”
Accessory dwellingsLimited
Accessory dwelling units in the Polson City-County Planning Area outside Polson city limits, where the applicable district regulations and Polson Development Code performance standards apply.
An accessory apartment is customary accessory use in all single-family dwellings unless a detached accessory dwelling unit is also located on the same lot.
A detached ADU may be permitted only in zoning districts whose district regulations list it as a permitted accessory residential use.
Only one ADU is permitted per lot.
Except for a manager or guard ADU on commercial or industrial property, ADUs are allowed only on lots developed with single-family residences.
The ADU must comply with principal-dwelling standards including setbacks, lot coverage, and height; variances may be used for compliance.
A separate access approach to a public street is not allowed.
At least one off-street parking space is required.
Montana DEQ or Lake County Environmental Health approval may be required before a zoning conformance permit is issued.
If rented, one of the two dwellings must be occupied by the landowner and the ADU may not be rented for fewer than 30 days.
ADU count: 1 per lot · minimum ADU rental period: >= 30 days (Rental of an accessory dwelling for less than 30 days is prohibited.) · required off-street parking: >= 1 space per ADU
“Only one accessory dwelling unit is permitted per lot; [...] Rental of an accessory dwelling for less than 30-days is prohibited.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units in the Swan Sites Zoning District, Lake County, Montana.
“5. Accessory dwelling unit (ADU). [...] The property owner must live on the same property in either the house or the attached or detached accessory dwelling unit.”
Who permits septicCounty
On-site wastewater treatment systems in Lake County, excluding municipal or publicly owned systems and systems on property not held in fee status.
The Lake County Board of Health designates the Lake County Health Officer and Lake County Environmental Health Department to administer and enforce the regulations.
The regulations are authorized under Montana Code Annotated 50-2-116.
The 2026 regulations took effect January 5, 2026.
“The Lake County Board of Health has developed regulations regarding the permitting, design, installation, and operation of on-site wastewater treatment systems”
Septic permitRequired
Wastewater treatment systems installed, constructed, altered, or repaired on fee-status land in Lake County.
The permit must be issued before construction starts.
Minor repairs or maintenance may proceed without an Installation or Alteration Permit only when replacing a broken sewer line, pumping the septic tank, or cleaning the effluent filter.
The regulations exclude municipal and publicly owned sewage treatment systems and systems on property not owned in fee status.
“All wastewater treatment systems installed, constructed, altered or repaired on fee status land in Lake County must have a valid Installation or Alteration Permit”
Septic inspectionRequired
Wastewater treatment systems requiring a Lake County permit, after installation and before covering or use.
The installer must notify the Department and designing entity at least 48 hours before completion.
The Department may waive the final-inspection requirement in writing for certain permits.
A Use Permit cannot issue until the system complies with the regulations and permit.
A second or subsequent final inspection fee is $100.
The 2026 regulations took effect January 5, 2026.
advance inspection notice: 48 hours (The regulation permits negotiated arrangements if inspection cannot occur within 48 hours after notification.) · second or subsequent final inspection fee: 100 USD
“A final inspection by the Department is required”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Holding tanks, pit privies, composting toilets, incinerator toilets, and non-portable chemical toilets used for wastewater or sanitation on covered Lake County property.
Holding tanks may be allowed only when site constraints or special circumstances such as no piped water supply prevent another Circular DEQ 4-compliant system; off-site and other disposal alternatives are infeasible; and all other regulations are met.
Holding tanks require a permit application and fee, monitoring/alarm or telemetry, waterproofing, a recorded deed restriction, annual watertightness testing, periodic pumping by a licensed septic tank pumper, and other stated requirements.
Sealed pit privies generally require no piped water, seasonal recreational use, accessibility for pumping, and possibly an engineer-stamped stabilization design; with piped water they may be approved only as backup to an existing wastewater system.
Unsealed pit privies require no piped water, seasonal recreational use, remote location, and inaccessibility to septic tank pumpers.
Waste segregation systems are acceptable only after design and construction details are supplied with a permit application and approved; separate gray-water disposal is required.
The 2026 regulations took effect January 5, 2026.
installation/use permit fee for holding tanks, gray water systems, composting, incinerating, and non-portable chemical toilets: 400 USD
“holding tanks may only be allowed if the”
Well permitRequired
New wells for new uses on Lake County parcels within the external boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Advanced authorization is required before drilling a new well for a new use.
The requirement applies to both Tribal and Non-Tribal members.
The Flathead Reservation Water Management Board and its Office of the Water Engineer administer water-right applications on the Reservation.
For parcels outside the Reservation, DNRC retains jurisdiction.
“Everyone needs to get advanced authorization before drilling a new well for a new use, this includes Tribal and Non-Tribal members.”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Divisions of land outside a platted subdivision made for exclusive agricultural use under the Lake County Subdivision Regulations and Montana law.
The parcel must be outside a platted subdivision.
The parcel may be used only for production of livestock or agricultural crops.
No residential, commercial, or industrial buildings requiring water or sewer may be built on the parcel under this exemption.
An agricultural covenant running with the land is required and is revocable only by mutual consent of the governing body and landowner.
Removal of the covenant requires subdivision approval, except when original lot lines are restored through aggregation, the tract is used by a government entity for public purposes, or the property is annexed into a municipality under the cited statutory provision.
The covenant must be signed by the landowners, Lake County Commissioners, and applicable transaction parties, and recorded with the Lake County Clerk and Recorder.
Agricultural lands are exempt from DEQ review only when the applicable sanitation exemption is properly invoked.
The exemption may be presumed evasive if the intended use is nonagricultural, a nonagricultural building or water, wastewater, or solid-waste facilities exist or are proposed, or other stated evasion criteria apply.
agricultural-use restriction: exclusive agricultural use (Residential, commercial, and industrial structures are excluded unless the covenant is revoked through the stated process.) · covenant: required (Must be recorded and may be revoked only under stated conditions.)
“used exclusively for agricultural purposes”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Conditional — Certain proposed divisions of land outside platted subdivisions in Lake County that are proposed for agricultural use only.
“Attach a check payable to the Lake County Planning Department for $75.00 [...] enter a covenant running with the land [...] exclusively for agricultural purposes”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision applications submitted in Lake County, Montana.
All subdivision applications are submitted to the Lake County office for review and approval before being passed to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for final approval.
The Lake County Planning Department generally performs preliminary planning review; sanitation review is then performed through the county office under contract with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.
The sanitation review process for a complete application cannot exceed 55 days.
maximum sanitation review time for a complete application: <= 55 days
“All subdivision applications are submitted to the Lake County office for review and approval [...] cannot exceed 55 days for a complete application.”
Driveway accessRequired
New or improved approaches connecting to Lake County public roads or rights-of-way.
The permit applies to an approach on a County public roadway or right of way.
A map showing the location of the proposed or improved approach must be attached.
The Road Department Supervisor must be notified before work starts, and work must be performed under the Road Supervisor's supervision.
The permittee must construct and maintain the approach at the permittee's sole expense and modify it if it interferes with county-road drainage.
The approach must use non-settling materials, be compacted to the adjoining roadway shoulder level, prevent water from flowing onto the county roadway, and leave the roadside neat and presentable.
The permit may be revoked on five days' notice, or immediately for violation of permit conditions, and is valid only if construction is completed within six months of issuance.
minimum approach width for farm/field or single residential: >= 12 feet · minimum approach width for commercial or multiple residential: >= 24 feet
“APPLICATION AND PERMIT FOR ROAD APPROACH ON LAKE COUNTY ROADS/RIGHT OF WAY”
Building in a floodplainRequired
New construction, substantial improvements, alterations, obstructions, or uses within Lake County's designated 100-year floodplain, floodway, or flood fringe that are subject to the county floodplain regulations.
A Floodplain Development Permit application must be submitted to the Floodplain Administrator before the permitting process begins.
The application must include a completed application signed by an interested owner of record and the required review fee.
Use allowances, design, and construction requirements vary by the specific floodway and flood fringe area.
After receipt of a complete application, the county must publish notice, mail adjacent property owners, serve notice to DNRC, and provide not less than 15 days for comments.
The Floodplain Administrator may require additional information, including hydraulic calculations assessing impacts on base flood elevation or velocities.
The permit does not replace other approvals required by federal, state, or local law; it is an added requirement, and becomes valid when all other necessary permits are in place.
The Floodplain Administrator may approve, conditionally approve, or deny the application.
An approved permit may include a completion deadline of up to one year, with a possible extension of up to one additional year if requested at least 30 days before the deadline; owner notification, deed-recording, inspection, interim reporting, and compliance/elevation-certificate requirements may also apply.
application comment period: >= 15 days (After complete-application notice; additional notice requirements apply if the project alters or relocates a watercourse.) · permit completion period: <= 1 year (An extension of up to one additional year may be requested at least 30 days before the completion deadline.) · review fee: required (The regulations state that reasonable fees may be adopted for applications, notices, variances, inspections, certifications, or other administrative actions.)
“A Floodplain Development Permit is required for a person to establish or alter an artificial obstruction, nonconforming use, or for other development within the 100-year Floodplain.”
Short-term rentalsLimited
Vacation rentals and other short-term rentals in Lake County, including county environmental-health licensing and county planning review.
Vacation rentals are public accommodations licensed by the State of Montana and administered by county environmental health departments.
The applicant must contact Lake County Planning to determine whether the property is in a subdivision or zoning district that may not allow vacation or short-term rentals.
A vacation-rental application and, where applicable, a septic application must be submitted.
The page states a $150 plan-review fee and a $100 conversion-to-vacation-rental septic application fee.
If the property is not on public water, a wastewater treatment system application must accompany the plan-review application.
Compliance with zoning must be demonstrated before licensing.
A Public Accommodation license is required for properties advertised on VRBO, Airbnb, or other rental platforms.
plan review fee: 150 USD · conversion to vacation rental septic application fee: 100 USD
“If you are advertising your property for short-term rental, you will need a Public Accommodation license.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Planning, zoning, lakeshore, subdivision, building notification, floodplain, and related permit fees administered by Lake County.
The fee schedule is effective 03/01/2026.
Fees vary by permit type, project cost, lot count, project scale, after-the-fact status, and other listed conditions.
After-the-fact fees, recurring-violation penalties, variance fees, appeal fees, certified-mail charges, repeat-offense penalties, third-party review costs, and credit-card charges may apply where specified.
The schedule states that a maximum after-the-fact fee of $300.00 may apply to designated processes if work is performed without a permit unless another application process already applied a fee.
The schedule states that a $150.00 repeat-offense penalty applies for each previously existing violation under the same ownership, while previous violations under different ownership are exempt.
building notification permit: 250 USD (Extension $75.00; after-the-fact $650.00 plus application fee) · floodplain small-scale project fee: 350 USD (Up to 1,000 ft3 or material movement, domestic well, water, or utility lines) · floodplain mid-scale project fee: 550 USD (More than 1,000 ft3 to 15,000 ft3 fill or material movement) · floodplain large-scale project fee: 850 USD (15,000 ft3 fill or material movement, bridge, levee, channelization, dam, or water diversion) · zoning map amendment: 900 + 50 per property included USD · zoning text amendment: 950 USD
“Effective 03/01/2026 Planning Department Fee Schedule”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County planning and zoning applications, permits, and approvals in Lake County.
Applications are submitted through Cloudpermit.
Applicants can track status, receive notifications, and message the assigned planner through the online system.
All applications are available for online submittal and permitting except subdivision exemptions and survey review.
Lakeshore variances do not have a standard online or hard-copy application and require a written narrative addressing lakeshore-regulation criteria.
Amendments and extensions to existing permits do not have separate applications; applicants must contact the Planning Department.
County processes do not displace any applicable municipal, state, health, transportation, or other approvals.
“All applications are now available for online submittal and permitting except subdivision exemptions and survey review.”
Montana rules that apply here
Owner-builder exemptionConditional
A homeowner performing the plumbing installation themselves for the owner's personal-use residence in Montana state jurisdiction, including applicable areas of Lake County outside certified local-government jurisdiction.
The homeowner must perform the plumbing installation themselves.
The residence must be for the owner's personal use.
The residence must not be built on speculation of resale.
The residence must not be intended as a rental property.
The exemption is stated for the state's jurisdiction; certified local governments may enforce the plumbing code within their jurisdictional area, and other areas fall under state jurisdiction.
All plumbing must meet the requirements of the Uniform Plumbing Code, and a plumbing inspection must be requested and conducted before any portion of the plumbing work is covered.
“Homeowners do not need to obtain a plumbing permit provided he/she is doing the plumbing installation themselves and the residence is for the owner's personal use and not built on speculation of resale or intended as a rental property.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Available — An owner working on the owner's property, or an owner contracting for work performed by a registered construction contractor, under Montana's construction-contractor licensing chapter.
“(13) to an owner working on the owner's property, whether occupied by the owner or not, but this exemption does not apply to an owner”
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.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code requirements applicable in Lake County through Montana's statewide building-code program, subject to statutory exemptions and any certified local-government program.
“All of the codes listed below are amended and adopted by: Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 24, Chapter 301 [...] International Building Code, 2021 Edition - Effective: June 11, 2022 International Residential Code, 2021 Edition - Effective: June 11, 2022”
Partial — Residential and commercial construction in Lake County areas under the Montana Building Codes Program, including areas outside certified local jurisdictions; Polson and Ronan have certified local building-code programs within their city limits.
“The remaining cities, counties and towns that have chosen not to enforce building codes, fall under the jurisdiction of the BC Program.”
Partial — Montana's statewide building-code framework for residential and commercial construction.
“In Montana, cities, counties and towns have the option to enforce local building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes, all or in part (except for state-owned agencies, which must be permitted through this Department). These local building code enforcement programs must be certified by the BC Program. The remaining cities, counties and towns that have chosen not to enforce building codes, fall under the jurisdiction of the BC Program. [...] the program is responsible for adopting a uniform state building code, which is enforced statewide for residential and commercial buildings across Montana.”
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.”
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;”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Dispersed and designated-campground temporary camping on legally accessible Montana state trust land administered by DNRC.
“Dispersed camping is allowed on state trust land with the appropriate permit and with certain restrictions.
Dispersed camping on state trust land is allowed with a Conservation License.
Camping that is incidental to hunting or fishing is permitted through your conservation license, and no additional permitting is required.
Group camping requires a special recreational use license.
On leased or licensed land: 2 days
On unleased/unlicensed land: 16 days within a 30-day period
Within designated campground: 16 days within a 30-day period”
county zoning authorityGeneral
Montana county boards of commissioners' authority to adopt zoning regulations, including in unincorporated portions of established jurisdictional areas.
The board of county commissioners must have adopted a growth policy pursuant to Title 76, chapter 1.
Zoning may be adopted for all or parts of the jurisdictional area in accordance with Title 76, chapter 2, part 2.
Within unincorporated portions of an established jurisdictional area, the board may establish zoning regulations by resolution or divide the county into zoning districts.
Zoning regulations may regulate the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, location, or use of buildings or structures and the use of land.
An action challenging creation of a zoning district or adoption of zoning regulations must be commenced within 6 months after the board's order.
Regulations in one district may differ from those in other districts.
The statute also states that zoning regulations may not treat manufactured housing or factory-built housing units differently from other residential units, subject to the statutory presumption concerning placement.
challenge period: 6 months (after the date of the board order creating the district or adopting the regulations)
“For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare, a board of county commissioners that has adopted a growth policy pursuant to chapter 1 is authorized to adopt zoning regulations for all or parts of the jurisdictional area in accordance with the provisions of this part.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
General — Montana county boards of commissioners adopting zoning regulations for all or parts of their jurisdictional areas, including unincorporated portions where the statutory prerequisites are met.
“a board of county commissioners that has adopted a growth policy pursuant to chapter 1 is authorized to adopt zoning regulations”
county building authorityGeneral
Montana counties may adopt and enforce building codes and require construction permits for residential construction in unincorporated county areas, subject to the statutory certification, geographic, code-content, and permit requirements.
A county may adopt a building code by ordinance or resolution, or authorize adoption by administrative action.
A county may adopt its building code on a countywide basis unless a city or town within the county has adopted a building code; the county may not enforce its county building code within that city or town.
The county code-enforcement program must be certified by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
The current adopted code, current fee list, and current enforcement plan must be filed with and approved by the Department.
Inspectors must satisfy the stated state-licensing or approved national-certification requirements.
Except for voluntary incentive-based energy-conservation standards, the county may not adopt or enforce a building code more stringent than the code adopted by the Department or required by state law.
The county may prohibit construction from commencing until the required permit is issued after compliance is shown.
The general construction-permit requirement applies to buildings subject to Title 50, chapter 60, parts 1 through 4.
State agency-owned buildings remain under state Department jurisdiction for plan review, permitting, and inspections.
“The local legislative body of a county, city, or town may adopt a building code to apply to the county, city, or town by an ordinance or resolution, as appropriate: (a) adopting a building code; or (b) authorizing the adoption of a building code by administrative action.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
General — Montana counties' authority to adopt and enforce building codes and require building-code administration for construction in county areas, including unincorporated areas.
“The local legislative body of a county, city, or town may adopt a building code to apply to the county, city, or town by an ordinance or resolution, as appropriate: (a) adopting a building code; or (b) authorizing the adoption of a building code by administrative action.”
Inside cities and towns in Lake County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Within the City of Polson city limits.
The certified local program covers building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes as listed by the Montana Building Codes Program.
“Polson | B, P, E, M | Office | 883-8214 | City Limits”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Within the City of Ronan city limits.
“Ronan | B | Dan Miller | 676-4231 | City Limits”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer utility connection requirements for development in Lake County.
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.
Living off-grid in Lake County, Montana
Is Lake County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Lake County scores 79/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop and sparse surroundings — about 11,615 people within 15 miles.
Do you need a building permit in Lake County, Montana?
Lake 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 Lake County Board of Health / Environmental Health. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. 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.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Lake County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Lake County is limited to specific cases: Statewide rule. RV, camper-trailer, and other trailer overnight use for general recreation on legally accessible Montana state trust land administered by DNRC. A Conservation License is required for dispersed camping on state trust land. RV or trailer camping must be within 50 feet of a customary access point; motorized vehicles must be parked within 50 feet of a customary access point, and the camper or trailer may not be set up farther away by driving beyond that point. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Lake County, Montana?
Land in Lake County runs about $2,120 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Lake County?
Lake County gets about 24.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.1% of years.
How remote is Lake County?
A typical private-land location has about 11,615 people within 15 miles and 446,985 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
