| Zoning / CUP | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Great Falls Community Development Dept / Cascade County Planning or local planning office — fee: Contact required |
| Health permit authority | Montana DPHHS — Quality Assurance Division, Child Care Licensing — fee: Contact required |
| Fire inspection | Pre-opening: Yes — required before opening; annual re-inspection required |
| Business license | Verify — may be city or county depending on location — fee: 2025 schedule pending — fees increasing |
| Last verified | 2022 Fee Schedule available |
Explore by license type
Zoning requirements in Cascade County
Local zoning rules determine where you can operate a childcare program in Cascade County and whether a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) or special use permit is required before opening. Zoning approval is typically required alongside your state licensing application.
| Zoning authority | City of Great Falls Community Development Dept / Cascade County Planning |
| CUP required? | Varies by zone — confirm with City of Great Falls Community Development Dept / Cascade County Planning or local planning office |
| CUP / permit fee | Contact required |
| State preemption | No statewide preemption — local zoning applies |
Health permit requirements in Cascade County
In addition to your state childcare license, many counties require a separate local health or environmental permit before operating a childcare program. Requirements and fees vary by county.
| Health / licensing authority | Montana DPHHS — Quality Assurance Division, Child Care Licensing |
| Permit required? | Yes — DPHHS child care facility license required |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual permit fee | Contact required |
| Inspection frequency | Pre-licensing and annual inspections |
| Key requirements | Physical environment, staff qualifications, ratios per ARM Title 37, Chapter 95 |
State-level licensing only; local fire marshal and sanitarian also inspect
Fire safety requirements in Cascade County
Fire marshal approval is typically required before your state childcare license is issued in Cascade County. A pre-opening fire inspection is required, and annual re-inspections are generally required for license renewal.
| Fire authority | Great Falls Fire Rescue |
| Pre-opening inspection | Yes — required before opening |
| Annual re-inspection | Yes — annual fire safety inspection |
| Key requirements | Exits, emergency lighting, smoke detectors, fire extinguisher certification, fire alarm system (where required) |
Business license requirements in Cascade County
A local business license is required to legally operate a childcare program in Cascade County. This is typically required before your state childcare license application can be completed.
| Licensing authority | City of Great Falls Finance Dept — Business License |
| Required? | Verify — may be city or county depending on location |
| Application | Apply here |
| Annual fee | 2025 schedule pending — fees increasing |
Verify whether Cascade County or the relevant incorporated city is the issuing authority for your specific address.
Frequently asked questions: Cascade County childcare compliance
Stay compliant in Cascade County with brightwheel
Brightwheel helps childcare providers in Montana manage the documentation requirements that come with operating a licensed program — from CCDBG attendance tracking to staff records.