Installation Zones Map

Explore the map to find out what devices can be installed throughout Missoula County

Inside the Missoula Air Stagnation Zone - Pellet Stoves

Since October 1, 1994, only pellet stoves with particulate emissions at 1 gram per hour or less may be installed inside the Missoula Air Stagnation Zone. 

General information on wood and pellet stoves, that can legally be sold at retail outlets, can be found on the EPA web page.  Pellet stoves on the current List of EPA Certified Wood Stoves that have particulate emissions of 1 gram particulate per hour or less may be installed inside the Missoula Air Stagnation Zone. 

For the pre 2015 used pellet stove market, check the approved pellet stoves list to find pellet stoves that may be installed inside the Missoula Air Stagnation Zone.  This list does not apply to new pellet stoves manufactured and sold since 2015.  This list will no longer be updated or changed and only applies to older pellet stoves.  See EPA web pages linked to above for current pellet stoves approved for installation in the Missoula Air Stagnation Zone.

Pellet fueled central heater that meet the 2020 EPA Method (Subpart QQQQ) and have particulate matter emissions less than or equal to 0.1 pounds per million Btu heat output for each burn rate may also be installed in the Air Stagnation Zone.

To install a pellet stove inside Missoula City limits, first obtain a permit at the Missoula City-County Health Department.

To install a pellet stove in the county outside city limits, obtain a mechanical permit from the County Building Department.

Missoula County Outside the Missoula Air Stagnation Zone and Outside the Seeley Lake Wood Stove Zone*

The only devices that may be installed in the county and outside the are stagnation zone are as follows:

1. Woodstoves and pellet stoves with the EPA emissions certification label and emissions less than or equal to 4.5 grams particulate matter per hour. An EPA-certified woodstove or pellet stove can be identified by a readily visible permanent label, affixed to the stove in a location where it can be easily viewed before and after the appliance is installed.

2. Outdoor wood-fired or pellet-fired hydronic heaters that meet the Department's testing and emission requirements or haves been certified to meet the 2020 EPA Hydronic Heater Program emission limit of 0.15 pounds per million Btu output .

3. Devices approved by the Missoula City-County Health Department with average emissions of 4.5 grams per hour or less.

*NOTE that these requirements do not apply to the Swan River Drainage of Northern Missoula County

Inside the Seeley Lake Wood Stove Zone

The only devices that may be installed in the Seeley Lake Wood Stove Zone:

1. Pellet stoves with emissions that do not exceed 2.0 gram per hour when labeled and tested in conformance with the EPA method (Subpart AAA).  Pellet stoves must be 70% energy efficient or greater using the EPA method (Subpart AAA).

2. Solid fuel burning devices with emissions that do not exceed 2.0 grams per hour when tested with crib wood or solid fuel burning devices with emissions that do not exceed 2.5 grams per hour when tested with cord wood.  The solid fuel burning devices must be labeled and tested in accordance with the EPA method (Subpart AAA).  Solid fuel burning devices must be 70% energy efficient or greater using the EPA method (Subpart AAA).

3. Central heater the meet the 202 EPA Method (Subpart QQQQ) standard, have particulate matter emissions less than or equal to 0.15 pounds per million Btu heat output for each individual burn rate, and have permanent label affixed specifying the EPA standard met.

Installation Permits

Inside City Limits

To install a device in Missoula City first obtain a permit from the Missoula City-County Health Department, 301 W. Alder Street, top floor.

Outside City Limits