Planning

Welcome to the City of Helena Planning Division

The Planning Division is responsible for coordinating the City’s comprehensive and long-range planning efforts in accordance with the Montana Land Use Planning Act (MLUPA). This includes preparation, maintenance, and implementation of the City’s Land Use Plan, Helena Forward, as well as supporting neighborhoods in the development of neighborhood plans that reflect community values and statutory land use planning objectives.

The Division administers and implements land use regulations adopted to carry out the Land Use Plan, including the Subdivision Regulations, Zoning Ordinance, and other applicable city ordinances. These regulations are intended to promote coordinated development, protect public health, safety, and welfare, preserve neighborhood character, and enhance the overall quality of life within the community.

In addition, the Planning Division provides outreach and education to promote informed public participation in land use planning and decision-making, and to increase awareness of the City’s planning goals, development standards, and historic and cultural resources.

Planning Division staff serve as a technical resource to elected and appointed officials, City departments, applicants, and the general public. Staff also provide professional and administrative support to the City of Helena Planning Commission, the Helena Urban Renewal District Tax Increment Financing Advisory Board, and the ADA Compliance Committee.

Question & Comment Form

Reports

New Permit System - Civic Access

The City of Helena is pleased to offer an online Licensing and Permitting experience through Civic Access. Within Civic Access, you can:

• Apply for and manage Planning and Zoning cases
• Apply for and manage Building related permits
• Apply for various Business, Liquor and Pet Licenses
• Pay invoices
• Schedule inspections
• And more

Visit Civic Access

We have detailed user guides available to help you navigate the new system. These guides are available atwww.helenamt.gov/business/civic-access/.