Planning guides
Each guide covers one question that comes up when planning a deck around Big Sky.
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Checking a Montana deck contractor
Since January 1, 2026, Montana has issued a contractor license in place of the old registration. A solo contractor with no employees can be exempt. Check the license, then ask about insurance, plans, and the contract before you sign.
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Who approves a deck around Big Sky
Big Sky has no local building department, but a deck still faces approvals: a county Land Use Permit on the Gallatin side, committee review under covenants, floodplain rules, and a state electrical permit.
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Snow load and footing depth for a Big Sky deck
There is no single snow-load number or frost depth for Big Sky. Outside local code jurisdictions such as Bozeman, the state points designers to a site-specific lookup. Ask your designer where each number came from.
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Decks near the Gallatin River: setbacks and floodplain permits
On the Gallatin County side of Big Sky, structures stay 100 feet from the Gallatin River's main branch and 50 feet from other watercourses. Floodplain permits are a separate question, with their own maps and ordinance.
Planning a deck in Big Sky?
Describe the lot and the project. The request goes to an independent local contractor.
Service area
- Big Sky
- Bozeman
- Gallatin Gateway
- West Yellowstone
- Ennis
- Moonlight Basin
- Spanish Peaks
Landmarks
- Lone Mountain
- Spanish Peaks
- Gallatin River
- Big Sky Town Center
- Meadow Village
- Mountain Village
- Yellowstone National Park