C. Montana Floodplain and Floodway Management Act
Who Must Apply
Anyone planning new construction within a designated l00 year floodplain. Check with local planning officials or the Floodplain Management Section of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to determine whether a 100 year floodplain has been designated for the stream of interest.
Activities Requiring a Permit
New construction including, but not limited to, placement of fill, roads, bridges, culverts, transmission lines, irrigation facilities, storage of equipment or materials, and excavation; new construction, placement, or replacement of manufactured homes; and new construction, additions, or substantial improvements to residential and commercial buildings.
Purpose of the Law
To restrict floodplain and floodway areas to uses that will not be seriously damaged or present a hazard to life, if flooded, thereby limiting the expenditure of public tax dollars for emergency operations and disaster relief.
Who Administers the Law
Floodplain Development Permits are available from the local floodplain administrator, who may be the city/county planner, sanitarian, building inspector, town clerk, or county commissioner.
Application Procedure/Timeline
Permit applications are available from the local floodplain administrator or from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Application fees are established by the local government and vary widely throughout the state. The application process may take up to 60 days. Joint application participant-see Permitting Tips section.
For more information, contact:
Floodplain Management Section
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
1424 Ninth Avenue
P.O. Box 201601
Helena, MT 59620-1601
(406) 444-0860
or
or your Local Floodplain Administrator
