Shoreline Regulations

The purpose of the shoreline regulations is to conserve, protect and restore: natural lakes, ponds, wildlife, fisheries, riparian habitat, wetlands and shorelines because of their high scenic and resource values; the value of lakeshore property; the water quality of these lakes; and the scenic and recreational value of these lakes for the state’s residents and visitors.

These regulations govern alteration of the character of any lake, lakebed, or lakeshore, having a water surface area of at least twenty (20) acres and the area within the Shoreline Protection Zone, within the boundaries of Missoula County, Montana, excluding the portion of Missoula County which lies within the jurisdictional area of the City of Missoula, Montana.

These regulations supplement all other regulations required by other governmental entities or regulatory agencies having jurisdictional responsibilities over a lake, lakebed, lakeshore, pond, or wetland.  These regulations govern the private improvements installed whether on private land or on public land leased to a private individual, that alter the lake, lakebed, or lakeshore. 

Existing lakes in Missoula County that are over 20 acres, not in a designated wilderness area or Tribal Primitive area, include but are not limited to: