FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

The Public Works Department Street Division (406-447-1566) is responsible for snow and ice control on city streets.  Major arterials and other collector streets are cleared first so that vehicular traffic can continue to move safely and efficiently through the city's street network.  The following operational priorities are adhered to: 

1. designated emergency snow routes
2. major arterials
3. selected collector streets
4. most residential streets. 

After priorities one through three are accomplished, special requests will be responded to if the Street Division verifies a need.  To view our snow route map, visit the City Street Division web page at http://www.ci.helena.mt.us/departments/public-works/streets.html.

It is the duty of every property owner, lessee or occupant to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to his or her property to prevent a hazardous situation for pedestrians.  To report snow and ice accumulation on public sidewalks, call the Code Enforcement Officer at 406-447-8458.  If you are unable to clear sidewalks abutting your property because of a bona fide disability or advanced age, you may call the Community Service Supervisor at 406-447-8227 to request assistance.  This is free of charge for qualifying individuals.

Please call the Public Works Department Street Division at 406-447-1566.

Report any streetlight outages to Northwestern Energy by calling 1-888-467-2669.

Yes, the Helena Police Department processes parade permit applications. 
Please call 406-447-8478 to request a permit. 

Building permits are required when changes in the structure of a building will be made. 

To obtain a permit, you may visit the Community Development Department Building Division, in person at the City/County Building, 316 North Park Avenue.  You may also call 406-447-8438 or visit the City Building Division web page at http://www.ci.helena.mt.us/departments/community-development/building.html for further information.

Yes, visit the Community Development Website, Type of Permit Required page to view and print the permit form required.

Building permits are required when changes in the structure of a building will be made. 

Call 406-447-8438 to find out what to do to obtain a permit. You may also visit - in person, the Community Development Department Building Division, City/County Building, 316 North Park Avenue.  For information, visit the City Building Division web page at http://www.ci.helena.mt.us/departments/community-development/building.html.

Please contact the Community Development Department Planning Division at 406-447-8490.

This can be a multi-step process, please contact the Community Development Department Planning Division at 406-447-8490 for direct assistance.

Call the Public Works Department Solid Waste Division at 406-447-1585 to request a pick-up.

Yes, the city provides the blue bag curbside recycling program. Click here for more information, or call 406-447-8086.

Copies of birth or death certificates can be obtained by contacting the Lewis and Clark County Clerk and Recorder at 316 North Park Avenue, Helena MT  59623 or by calling 406-447-8337.

The City Codes may be accessed at http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=401 or contact the City Clerk’s Office at 406-447-8410.

The Weed Control Division of the City Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Lands has responsibility to see that Helena’s Weed Control Ordinance (City Code 7-7-1 through 9) is complied with both on city-owned properties and on private property within the city limits of Helena.  This includes both nuisance and noxious weeds.  Please call 406-447-8458 to report a weed problem.

Helena’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Lands, Tree Maintenance Division, (406-447-8485) is responsible for trimming trees located in the city’s street rights of way (boulevards), public parks and other city-owned properties.  City crews will not enter private property to trim trees.

Please contact the Department of Parks, Recreation and Open Lands at 406-447-8463.

Residential users must show permits in order to use the Transfer Station.  Residential solid waste fees are paid for on residential property taxes.  If you are renting, please check with your landlord.  Helena property owners may obtain permits by taking proof of residency to the Transfer Station.

The Transfer Station is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. daily.  It is closed on all major holidays.

If possible, get the vehicle make, model, year, color and license plate number.  Make a note of the street address and/or the nearest cross streets where the vehicle is located and call the Helena Police Department at 406-442-3233.  A vehicle is considered abandoned if it has not been moved for 72 hours; the 72 hours begins once police mark the vehicle tire.  If the vehicle has not been moved after 72 hours, a parking citation/warning placard will be placed on the vehicle.  If the vehicle is not moved in five days, the vehicle will be towed.

Yes, noise levels are measured in decibels and vary for different areas of the community defined as districts.  You may view Helena City Code, Title 5, Chapter 7, Loud, Excessive Noises, at http://www.sterlingcodifiers.com/codebook/index.php?book_id=401.

Yes, animals are not allowed to run at large in the city.  All animals not within an enclosure on private property, or on the owner’s property must be on a leash or held to prevent the animal from running at large.  Exceptions to this are on Mount Helena, Mount Ascension and City of Helena Open Lands where all dogs must be kept under control, either on a leash or within sight and under voice control.  Dogs must be on a leash within one hundred (100) yards of a trailhead.  To report an animal at large, call the Animal Control Officer at 406-447-8461.