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Boards and Commissions

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1. How can I apply to serve on a City Advisory Board?

Please review the various advisory boards and associated terms here.  If you would like to volunteer to serve on one of the City's advisory Boards, fill out this application form. 

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Building

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1. Do I need a building permit?

Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the codes adopted by the City of Belgrade, shall submit an application to the Building Department, and obtain the required permit.  A list of work exempt from permits are listed here: 

• Residential accessory buildings less than 200 square feet 

2. What building code year has the City of Belgrade most recently adopted?

The City of Belgrade has currently adopted (as of 8/8/22) the 2021 versions of the International Residential Code (IRC), IBC, IMC, IFGC, IEBC, UPC, IECC, ISPSC; the 2017 version of the Standard for Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities and 2020 NEC. 

3. What is a CUP?

A CUP, or Conditional Use Permit, is a permit that requires discretionary approval from the city.  In each zoning district is a list of permitted uses, and a list of conditional uses.  Those uses listed as conditional, will need to go through the Conditional Use Permitting process.  The first step for that is to fill out a CUP application.  

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City Council

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1. How can I find out which Council Members represent my Ward?

Council Members and their assigned Ward may be found here.  A map showing Ward locations may be found here. 

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Community Development

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1. What is the Community Development Department?

The Community Development Department is made up of the Building Division and the Planning Division.

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Court

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1. When is the Court Clerk’s office open?

The court clerk's office is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to noon and from 1 pm to 5 pm.

2. What time will the Judge see me on my ticket?

You can come on Mondays at 1:30 pm or Tuesdays at 8:30 am.

3. Can I just pay my ticket and not come to Court?

Sometimes you can pay money and not appear. The money you pay is called a bond. The court will forfeit your bond to pay the fines and fees. A bond forfeiture is a conviction. You have 90 days from the date of forfeiture to appear and contest your charges.

If you don't know the bond amount or if you have to come to court, call the court clerks.

4. Who do I make a check out to when making a payment?

Make your check out to Belgrade City Court.

5. Where do I mail my payment?

Belgrade City Court
91 E Central
Belgrade, MT 59714

6. How do I find out how much I owe the Court?

If you don’t know your payment amount, call the Court Clerk.

7. What information do I need to put on my check?

Write the name of the person whose account you are making a payment on the memo line. It is helpful to include the ticket or case number.

8. How can I make a payment to the Court?

In person
You may pay by cash, check, or money order at the large city window (across from the court). Card payments can be processed at the city window or telephonically.

By mail
You may mail a check or money order for your payment to the court. Do not mail cash.

Drop Box - For After Hours Payments
Put your check or money order in an envelope, seal it, and write Belgrade City Court on the outside. The drop box is located at the North Entrance to City Hall.

Online
You may make an online payment for certain types of payments. You will be charged a convenience fee to use this service. You will need your date of birth, and your ticket or case number. If you do not know the ticket or case number, please call the court. Visit the CitePayUSA website to make online payments.

9. My case is in collections. Where do I make my payment?

The court uses a collection agency for past due accounts.

Municipal Services Bureau
8325 Tuscany Way Building Number 4
Austin, TX 78754-4734

Toll Free: 800-616-0166

Phone: 512-454-4757

10. How do I find out why my driver’s license is suspended?

If you have a Montana driver's license, call the Department of Motor Vehicles at 406-444-3288. They can tell you all of the reasons why your license is suspended and when you are eligible for reinstatement. If a court suspended your license because of a failure to appear or comply, you must contact the individual court to find out what you need to do to get your license back.

11. When must the court give me a lawyer for my criminal or traffic case?

If you qualify, the judge must give you a lawyer in any case where you might go to jail.

12. How do I ask the judge for a lawyer on my criminal or traffic case?

• Most people ask for a lawyer the first time they see the judge
• When you check-in with the court clerk, ask for the public defender application
• You must complete the public defender application
• Be sure to sign, date, and return it to the court clerk
• If you might go to jail, the judge will give an order giving you a lawyer
• Once you have an order, the public defender must qualify you for their services

13. The judge gave me an order giving me a lawyer, what do I need to do for the public defender to qualify me?

Your lawyer is:

Office of the State Public Defender
Farm Bureau Building
502 S 19th, Suite 211
Bozeman, MT 59715

Phone: 406-582-2450

You must immediately call the public defender:

• Ask to talk to the person who handles the applications
• Ask "Do you have my application?"
• Ask "Do you need anything else from me?"

In 10 days, you must give the public defender:

• A completed application
• The other information they need
• Be ready to give proof of your income, like paycheck stubs, bank statements, and tax returns. Or you can bring a letter from your employer, social security, or the welfare office
• Be ready to give proof of your expenses, like rent, insurance, utility bills, payments due to other courts, or medical bills
• Be ready to talk about other expenses, like gas for your car, food, child-care costs, or child-support

The public defender will review your application:

• If you qualify, they will continue as your lawyer
• If you don't qualify, they will stop being your lawyer
• They will tell you their decision

14. The Public Defender says I don’t qualify, can I ask the Judge to decide?

• Yes. You must complete a Motion to Review Public Defender Denial Form (PDF) and ask for a hearing. File your papers with the court.
• The judge will schedule a hearing.
• At your hearing, you can tell the judge why you can't pay for a lawyer.

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Criminal Forms & Motions

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1. What is a Motion?

A Motion is the name of the papers you file to ask the Judge to make a ruling or take some other action.

2. What papers do I need?

• Select the form that describes what you are asking the judge to do
• Fill out the form completely
• Sign and date the form

3. Do I need to tell the Prosecutor?

Yes. Call the Prosecutor at 406-222-6037 and ask if he agrees or disagrees with your motion.

4. What do I need to do for the Judge to see my Motion?

• You file a Motion with the Court Clerk
• You may mail the papers by regular mail or hand-deliver them to the Prosecutor at:
  • Jon Hesse
    411 East Callender Street
    Livingston, MT 59047
  • Phone: 406-222-6037
  • Fax: 406-222-6040
  • Jon Hesse Website
• The prosecutor could file a Response (A Response is the name of the papers filed opposing a Motion)
• You may file a Reply (A Reply is the name of the papers you may file after a Response. Often, people don't file a Reply)

5. When will the Judge decide?

Sometimes, the Judge will decide after reading your Motion and the Prosecutor's response. Sometimes, the Judge will need more information and schedule a hearing. The Judge will send you a copy of the order scheduling your hearing.

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Finance

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1. How do I sign up for garbage services?

Garbage services are provided by L&L Site Services and Republic Services which can be found in the External Non-City Utilities tab. 

2. I live in River Rock, do I pay the City of Belgrade for my utilities?

No. River Rock and Royal Village utilities are operated separately from the City of Belgrade. To set up utility services call The River Rock Property Owner's Association at (406)388-2863. 

3. How do I sign up for water and sewer service as a new owner?

To sign up for water and sewer service, go to the forms tab and fill out a New Services Form. 

4. I think my water meter is leaking or isn't working. Can I fix it myself or call a plumber?

No. Breaking seals or tampering with the water meter or water meter piping is a misdemeanor and may be subject to a $500.00 fine, up to 6 months imprisonment, or both. If you suspect an issue with your water meter, contact the Utility Billing Department at [email protected] or give us a call at (406)388-3760 to schedule a visit from the cities trained meter technician.

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Home - FAQs

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1. How do I pay my city water bill?

Pay my water bill.

2. How do I apply for a job with the City?

View current employment openings.

3. How can I see the agenda for an upcoming City Council or Board meeting?

View agendas and minutes.

4. What do I need to do for the Judge to see my Motion?

• You file a Motion with the Court Clerk
• You may mail the papers by regular mail or hand-deliver them to the Prosecutor at:
  • Jon Hesse
    411 East Callender Street
    Livingston, MT 59047
  • Phone: 406-222-6037
  • Fax: 406-222-6040
  • Jon Hesse Website
• The prosecutor could file a Response (A Response is the name of the papers filed opposing a Motion)
• You may file a Reply (A Reply is the name of the papers you may file after a Response. Often, people don't file a Reply)

5. How do I get a library card?

To get a library card you need to present a photo ID and proof of residency (something with your name and address on it: driver's license, check, lease agreement, etc.). Library cards are free for residents of Gallatin County and $25 for non-residents.

6. How do I view items for auction?

Please visit the Public Surplus website, select "region" Montana, and select "Agency" City of Belgrade to view a current list of available items.

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Library

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1. How do I place a hold on an item?

Once you find a book in the catalog, you can place a hold on an item that is currently not available by clicking the Place Hold button on the left side of the screen. Fill in the user ID (complete library bar code number) and PIN information, and then click on Place Hold. When the hold is successfully placed, click on OK.

2. How do I renew an item online?

Log in to the card catalog using all 14 digits of your library bar code number, with no spaces, as the user ID. Everyone automatically has the PIN changeme (once you log in, you can click on My Library Account and create a new PIN. Your PIN can be any combination of numbers or letters, 4 to 10 characters long). To renew items, click on My Library Account, then Renew My Materials. A list of items checked out appears - check either the small box beside individual items or the circle next to Renew All. The next page will show what items were renewed, or if an item was unable to be renewed. Click OK, then Logout (in the blue line).

3. How do I check when my items are due?

Log in to the card catalog using all 14 digits of your library bar code number, with no spaces, as the user ID. Everyone automatically has the PIN changeme (once you log in, you can click on My Library Account and create a new PIN. Your PIN can be any combination of numbers or letters, 4 to 10 characters long). Click on My Library Account then Renew My Materials. A list of items checked out appears along with their due dates.

4. How do I get an item that the library does not have?

If you have searched the card catalog and the book is owned by one of the other BridgerNet libraries, (Bozeman, West Yellowstone, Three Forks, Manhattan) you may simply place the item on hold with your Belgrade library card. The item will be transported to the Belgrade Library via our courier service and you will receive a notification when it is available for pick up. If the item does not appear in the card catalog, please visit the library and speak with a staff member to place an Inter-Library Loan request.

5. How do I recommend that the library purchase a book it does not have?

Please visit the library and speak with a staff member to fill out a Book Order Request Form. You may also fill out the Item Order Request Form online.

6. How much are fines?

The Belgrade Library is fine free. There are only a few items that will accrue fines. These items include mobile hotspots, Inter-Library Loans, and damaged materials.

7. What if I lose library materials?

If you lose an item that belongs to the library, you will be charged for the replacement cost of the item.

8. How long can I keep library materials?

New books check out for 14 days. Books, audio books, and magazines check out for 28 days. Items can be renewed twice as long as they are not on hold for another patron.

9. Are there any limits to how many library materials I can check out?

There is no limit on any items for checkout.

10. Who do I call if I have a concern?

You may call the Library Director. The Library Advisory Board also welcomes calls about the Library. The Library phone number is 406-388-4346.

11. Does the library accept donations?

We are not currently taking donations unless the book has been published within the last twelve months. This is due to a lack of space in our current building. 

All donations are tax deductible. You will be given a receipt at the time you bring in your donation.

Financial donations will likely be used to purchase new materials and update our collection.

When we are accepting donations:

We accept donations of fiction and nonfiction books up to 5 years old if they are in good condition. We accept current year magazines. All DVDs, videos, books on cassette and books on CD are accepted. Textbooks and encyclopedias are not accepted. The library reserves the right to either add items to the collection or put items in the book sale to raise funds for the library.

12. Does the library have a meeting room available?

Yes, please call us at 406-388-4346 for more information.

13. Who created the art that is hanging on your walls?

The library displays art created by local artists. Usually the featured artist displays their work for 1 or 2 months. Learn about the current artist.

14. How can I have my art displayed on your walls?

Please contact the library at 406-388-4346.

15. When is the next board meeting?

The Board of Trustees generally meets the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm. Please check the Library Calendar for specific dates.

16. Can I come to the board meeting?

Yes, the Library Advisory Board meetings are open to the public. Anyone may come to observe. If you have an item you would like placed on the agenda, please inform Gale Bacon at least one week in advance.

17. How do I get a library card?

To get a library card you need to present a photo ID and proof of residency (something with your name and address on it: driver's license, check, lease agreement, etc.). Library cards are free for residents of Gallatin County and $10 for non-residents.

18. Does the Library have internet-enabled computers available to the public?

Yes, the Library has work stations with word processing and internet access. Most of these stations have 30 minute access periods. Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. We also provide the ability to check out laptops and iPads for use within the library. These items cannot be checked out for use outside of the library building.

19. Does the Library have free wireless internet access available?

Yes, the Library has free wireless internet access. You should be able to connect without a password or login. However, the Library staff may not be able to provide any technical support for your personal computer.

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Planning

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1. Is it possible to subdivide my property?

All subdivisions are reviewed under the applicable subdivision regulations dependent on their location. Site specific conditions and impacts are taken into account during the review of subdivision applications. Anyone who is interested in subdividing their property should consult a licensed surveyor or engineer with questions about the specifics of subdividing their property. 

2. Are short-term rentals allowed in the City of Belgrade?

The City of Belgrade has no specific regulations on short term rentals so long as all other zoning regulations are met. Contact Central Valley Fire Department to schedule a fire inspection for all new short term rentals.

3. Where do I find interactive maps from the City of Belgrade?

All City of Belgrade interactive maps are located here.

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Police

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1. How can I get a Belgrade Police Patch?

The Belgrade Police Department does not currently provide patches for trading or public dissemination. 

2. How do I obtain a police report?

Complete the report request form and return it to the Belgrade Police Department. Email to [email protected] fax 406-388-4708 Click link Request for Report Form (DOC) 

3. How do I report a crime?

Please contact the Belgrade Police Department by phone at 406-388-4262.

4. What is the nonemergent phone number for the police department?

406-388-4262

5. Does the City of Belgrade have an ordinance for cats at large?

At this time, there is no ordinance pertaining to at large cats. 

6. How do I dispose of unused medications?

The Belgrade Police Department has a dug disposal box on the main floor of the City Hall Building. This box is available Monday through Friday 8 AM-5 PM.

7. How do I dispose of unwanted ammunition?

Please reach out to a local gun range. The Belgrade Police Department does not accept ammunition.

8. How do I pay a parking ticket?

There are three options.  1. Pay online - click here     2. Present to the finance office at Belgrade City Hall to pay with cash, check or credit card. 3. Check by mail.  Please have your parking ticket available for important necessary details. 

9. I am in need of a home security check when I am out of town, how do I request this?

 Please click on this link to access the form. Home security request form  

Return this completed form to the Belgrade Police Department office, email [email protected] or fax 406-388-4708.  

10. Why is there a mark on my tire?

In an effort to enforce the City of Belgrade Parking Ordinance, tires are chalk marked to determine how many days they have been parked in one location. Our officers work an entire zone and mark all vehicles parked at that time. 

11. Where is lost and found property listed?

If you have lost any property and wish to check if your belongings have been turned into the Belgrade Police Department, you can check the found property report located at Portal Website. This report runs every day. It shows all found property that has been turned in to the Belgrade Police Department over the past 90 Days and is currently in the custody of the Belgrade Police Department.

If you believe any of the property listed on this report belongs to you, please call the Belgrade Police Department at 406-388-4262 to describe the property and to begin the claim process.

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Public Works

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1. How can I get my utilities (water/sewer) turned on?

Call the City Finance department at 406-388-3760 and speak to the Utility Billing Clerk.

2. When will the streets be plowed after it snows?

The City of Belgrade will plow snow after 3 inches have fallen and it will be focused on primary routes first. Once subdivisions are considered for plowing, the starting point will rotate so no one area is always first or last.

3. When is the Splash Park open?

The Splash Park typically runs between Memorial Day and Labor Day or visit fb: PW Belgrade Montana for more information.