Building Setbacks & Zoning in Montana (2026)

6 rules on the books across Montana, 2 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.

Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions

Setback Rules

How far structures must be from property lines, streets, and other buildings. Different setbacks apply to front, side, and rear yards.

Montana setbacks are set by local zoning, but 2023 housing laws limit them: SB 323 requires cities over 5,000 to allow…

Billings sets minimum front, side, and rear setbacks by zoning district under Chapter 27: from 5-foot side yards in N1…

In the zoned Billings/Yellowstone County jurisdiction, setbacks are set by district. The N1 residential district…

Maximum building heights allowed by zoning, including how height is measured and exceptions for chimneys, antennas, and rooftop equipment.

In the N4 large-lot suburban district of unincorporated Yellowstone County, a principal house is capped at 3 stories…

The maximum percentage of your lot that can be covered by buildings and impervious surfaces like driveways and patios.

In Billings' N1 neighborhood district, principal and accessory buildings can cover at most 60% of the lot, rising to…

Unincorporated Yellowstone County caps how much of a lot a building can cover, and the limit changes by zoning…