FLOODPLAIN PERMIT

AGENCY: Local City or County Floodplain Administrator

WHAT IS A FLOODPLAIN PERMIT?

A Floodplain Permit is required for certain development or construction within a regulated floodplain. It helps reduce flood risk and ensures projects meet local floodplain requirements.

  • WHO IS THIS PERMIT FOR?

    A Floodplain Permit may apply to property owners, businesses, government agencies or other entities planning development within a regulated floodplain.

    Unlike SPA 124, this permit is not limited to government projects. The important question is where the project is located and what work is being proposed. Local city or county floodplain administrators handle permitting within their jurisdictions

    SEE EXAMPLES OF FLOODPLAIN PROJECTS

  • DO I NEED FLOODPLAIN PERMIT?

    You may need a Floodplain Permit if your project is located within a mapped or regulated floodplain and involves development such as:

    • New construction

    • Expanding or modifying an existing structure

    • Roads, driveways or bridges

    • Bank protection or flood-control work

    • Placement of fill or other material

    • Utilities

    • Docks or boat ramps

    • Other work that changes the land or may affect how floodwater moves

    Exact requirements vary by community, so the local Floodplain Administrator determines whether a permit is required.

    Not sure? Check with your local city or county Floodplain Administrator to determine whether your project is within a regulated floodplain and whether a permit is required.

    Find your local floodplain administrator:

    https://dnrc.mt.gov/water-resources/Floodplains/Contacts

    DNRC also provides statewide floodplain mapping resources and more information here.

    https://dnrc.mt.gov/Water-Resources/Floodplains/

HOW TO APPLY

  • 1. COMPLETE JOINT APPLICATION IN GILLY

    • Create an account or log in

    • Start a new application

    • Select Floodplain Permit under the permits that apply to your project

    • Complete the required application information

    • Save your progress and return as needed

  • 2. DOWNLOAD FROM GILLY

    • Download your completed Joint Application

  • 3. SUBMIT TO YOUR LOCAL FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR

    After completing the Joint Application in Gilly, download it and submit it to the city or county Floodplain Administrator responsible for your project location.

    DNRC oversees Montana’s Floodplain Management Program and may participate in the review, but floodplain permits are administered locally.

    More information and find your local floodplain administrator:

    https://dnrc.mt.gov/water-resources/Floodplains/Contacts

OTHER DETAILS

  • FEE:

    Varies by city or county.

  • REVIEW TIME:

    Varies by local jurisdiction and project complexity.

  • ADDITIONAL PERMITS NEEDED:

    Depends on the project.

MONTANA FLOODPLAIN PROJECT EXAMPLES MAY INCLUDE:

  • BUILDINGS & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:


    New construction, additions or expansion of existing structures, grading, excavation and placing fill within the floodplain.

  • ROADS & ACCESS:


    New roads, driveways, bridges and other crossings.

  • STREAMBANK & FLOOD CONTROL:


    Bank stabilization, riprap, flood-control structures and modifications to surface-water diversions.

  • UTILITIES & INFRASTRUCTURE:


    Buried or suspended utility lines, water or sewer infrastructure and related development.

  • RECREATION & WATER ACCESS:


    Docks, boat ramps and similar structures.

  • MATERIAL STORAGE:

    Storage or placement of equipment, materials or other obstructions within the regulated floodplain