Streets

NOTE: Fiscal Year 2026 Assessment Option for Street Maintenance and Improvement Districts

The Helena City Commission created Street Maintenance District No. 1 (“District”) for the maintenance and improvements of all or part of the public streets in the District. The City Commission adopted City Ordinance No. 3213 amending section 7-1-8 of the Helena City Code to provide the methods of providing maintenance and improvements and paying for street maintenance and improvements within the District. 

Property owners of commercial land, have the opportunity to apply to the City Transportation Services Department no later than September 1 of each year to apply for a re-evaluation of their property to be assessed as vacant land for the upcoming tax year assessment.  If a property owner proves their commercial lot is 40% or more undeveloped, the lot is assessed at the Commercial rate per square foot for the developed area for the 1st million square feet plus the flat rate established for a vacant lot for the undeveloped area. 

Developed area means any portion of a commercial lost which has been altered from its original state by the creation or addition of buildings, structures, pavement, parking or storage areas, landscaping or other improvements. 

Each lot or parcel of land, within the District, may be assessed for that part of the cost that its assessable area bears to the assessable area of the entire District.  

The FY26 rates are as follows: 

• Vacant or Residential - $216.47 annually (current $206.16)

• Mobile Homes - $86.58 annually (current $82.46)

• Commercial (Less than 6,000 sq. ft.) - $378 annually (current $360)

• Commercial (6,000 sq. or more) - $.063 per sq/ ft., (current $0.06 per sq. ft);):  maximum $63,000 annually (current $60,000 annually)

• Who is responsible for snow and ice on city streets?

  • The 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 and (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, follow this link: City of Helena Snow Plow Routes Map.
  • 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 406-447-8443. If you are unable to clear sidewalks abutting your property because of a disability or advanced age, you may call the Community Service Supervisor at 447-8227 to request assistance. This is free of charge for qualifying individuals.

• Who should I call to report a dangerous pothole in the street?

  • Please use the City App or call the Public Works Department, Street Division at 406-447-1566.

• The streetlight in front of my house is not working. Who should I call?

  • Report any streetlight outages to Northwestern Energy using their on-line service form or by calling 1-888-467-2669. Call Center Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. Reporting to the city will delay repairs as the city does not have authority to maintain streetlights.

• Who is responsible for processing noise, event street closure and block party permit applications?

  • The Traffic Division does not process event (no alcohol, with alcohol), road closure (parades, races, etc.), or noise permit applications. To obtain one or any of these items, contact the Helena Police Department processes parade/special event permit applications. Online forms are available making it easier to apply for Noise Permits, Parade or Race Permits, and block parties with or without alcohol. If you need assistance contact the event coordinator by email or call 406-447-8284.