Current Planning

Civic Center Photo

Current Planning deals physical development and redevelopment of real property in the community including the review and analysis of proposed land subdivisions, zone changes, conditional uses, and annexations.

The Planning Advisory Board/Zoning Commission and planning staff are responsible for reviewing land subdivisions within the City of Great Falls, including those proposed for annexation to the City. City zoning, subdivision, annexation and other land development regulations may be found in the City’s online Municipal Code (see also web link below) and related Zoning Map. The members of the Planning Advisory Board also serve as the City Zoning Commission. In that capacity, the Commission reviews zoning and conditional use petitions, holds public hearings, and makes recommendations to the City Commission.

The Board of Adjustment/Appeals and planning staff are responsible for hearing and deciding appeals regarding administration of Title 17 or the housing/building regulations and hears and decides requests for variances consistent with Title 17.

City building permits, Safety Inspection Certificates, floodplain permits, design review, and zoning enforcement are the responsibility of the Planning and Community Development Department. However, prior to issuance of a building permit or a new business license or safety certificate, a zoning permit is required.

The following links offer a synopsis of the various development review procedures:

Questions on subdivision, zoning and land use in Cascade County outside of the City of Great Falls, as well as floodplain permits, zoning enforcement and placement of structures outside the City limits, should be directed to the Cascade County Planning Office. The office can be contacted at 406-454-6905.