City Accepting Proposals for Residential Building Plan Library

Published on October 16, 2026

HELENA, Mont. — The City of Helena has issued a request for informal proposals for the new Ready-to-Issue Residential Model Plan Library with the goal of making it easier and less expensive to build smaller, attainable homes in Helena.

The online plan library will feature residential building plans that have been pre-reviewed by the City. By making commonly used plans available to residents, builders and property owners, the initiative could help reduce design costs, simplify the permitting process and lower barriers to creating new housing.

Phase 1 of the proposed library will focus on accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and small residential homes. A potential, future Phase 2 could expand the library to include additional “missing middle” housing types, such as duplexes, cottage courts, townhouses and small multiplexes.

“Helena needs more housing choices, and we are looking for practical ways to make it easier to add homes to our community,” said City Community Development Director Chris Brink. “A pre-reviewed plan library can help reduce some of the cost, time and complexity involved in getting smaller housing projects built.”

The City will accept informal proposals starting Oct. 16 through Dec. 3, 2026. For detailed information on the request for informal proposals, visit: www.helenamt.gov/bids-rfp-rfq.

The proposed plan library builds on the City’s ongoing efforts to expand housing choices, encourage smaller housing types and accessory dwelling units, reduce barriers to development and support creative approaches to increasing the local housing supply. It is one of three new affordable housing initiatives currently under development at the City, including a Specialty License Plate program which will raise funds for the City’s Affordable Housing Trust and an Affordable Housing Showcase.

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