Planning Department

** All new residential and commercial structures require a permit in Powell County. Residential structures include any new structure that will be used as a private dwelling place or a sleeping place for one or more people. Please call the Powell County Planning office to obtain the appropriate Development Certificate or Conditional Use Permit. An address will be assigned at the issuance of a certificate, if needed.

Planning staff provides services to residents and developers by reviewing and processing proposed projects within the county, with the exception of the City of Deer Lodge. It administers the county’s Zoning & Development regulations and Subdivision regulations as well its Floodplain Ordinance and reviews all applications for consistency with the Growth Policy. It also supports the Powell County Planning Board and Board of Adjustment.

The staff reviews and processes development certificates, conditional use permits, floodplain development permits and subdivision applications as well as applications for exemption from subdivision review. It monitors county land use and investigates zoning complaints and violations.

It is the responsibility of staff to ensure that subdivision, zoning and development, and variance applications comply with local regulations and state law before presenting recommendations to the Planning Board.

While performing these duties, an emphasis is continually placed on customer service and community involvement. The staff of two strives to recognize public needs and respond in a timely and courteous manner.

Hearings

All agenda items for either the Board of Adjustment or Planning Board must be submitted to the Planning Department at least four weeks before the hearing date. To ensure the request is applicable, the Department requires the petitioners schedule pre-submittal meetings to present their application materials to staff. Staff then prepares the agenda and individual reports for distribution to the Board of Adjustment and/or Planning Board one week before the hearing. The public may obtain the application materials and staff reports for any hearing via the links found on this page or contacting staff.

The Planning Department requires a two week notice to place items on the County Commissioner’s agenda.

The primary purpose for regulating land use is to promote orderly growth and development while protecting the natural environment, and public health and safety. With that statement, the Powell County Planning Department’s responsibilities are broad based and consist of current and long range planning.