FAQs
The minimum net opening area in accordance with the 2021 IRC section R310.1 is 5.7 square feet. Minimum net opening height is 24 inches and the minimum net opening width is 20 inches. The bottom sill height shall be no more than 44 inches from the floor. The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet, with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches. Ladder and steps are required when the depth is greater than 44 inches. To obtain more information please call (406) 455-8431.
Contact the Police Department at (406) 455-8599 in order to report the incident. It is the property owner's responsibility to remove the graffiti.
Internships are generally set up through universities which oversee internships for their criminal justice students. The university will initiate the process with the GFPD.
A GeoTech report is required for new Residential construction, new Commercial construction including Commercial additions, and any foundation replacement on existing buildings. The report may be waived if there is a geotechnical investigation where satisfactory data from adjacent/adjoining areas is available that demonstrates soil conditions.
First you need to stop and render aid if possible. You must notify Animal Control or the Police Department as quickly as possible. Let them know about the collision and the injuries to the animal.
Call the Planning & Community Development Department at (406) 455-8430. All inspections need to be called in the day PRIOR to the inspection day needed. Or you may call BEFORE 7:00 a.m. of the inspection day and leave a message to ensure an inspection time may be scheduled that same day.
It is prohibited to own, harbor, or maintain a Wild Animal within the incorporated City limits.
Contact the GFPD Volunteer Coordinator at (406) 455-8408. You can also visit the Volunteers in Policing Service
Every permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced within 180 days after its issuance, or if the work authorized by such permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days after the work is commenced.
The City of Great Falls does not have a Design Review Board. Please refer to Chapter 28 - Design Review within Title 17 - Land Development Code the Official Code of the City of Great Falls (OCCGF) which provides design standards and guidelines. These standards and guidelines are administered by City planning staff.
Please call the Evidence and Property Technician at (406) 455-8537. Property is also posted monthly. See the Unclaimed Property Page.
It's a good idea to call anytime you plan on digging. Whether it is digging holes for a fence or doing major construction, you can use "One Call" by dialing 811. They will be able to assist you by contacting the various companies that have utilities buried in the ground.
There is no longer a local police auction. Generally, items are auctioned online at www.propertyroom.com
Fingerprints can be taken at the Police Department. Prior arrangements should be made by calling (406) 455-8548 or (406) 455-8508.
A sex offender book is available at the front counter at the Police Department. You can also check the Montana State Sex Offender Registry online.
Contact the Victim Witness Assistance Services (VWAS) office at (406) 315-1111.
Call the Police Department at (406) 727-7688 and request to speak with a supervisor. You can also use our on-line format at, Make a Compliment.
You cant contact our Public Information Officer at, (406) 455-8522.
If you are interested in issues that are occurring with in your neighborhood, it is good idea to attend the Neighborhood Council meetings in your area. If you would like a crime prevention presentation, contact the Public Information Officer at (406) 455-8522. Information on our Neighborhood Councils can be found at, Great Falls Neighborhood Councils.
The GFPPA is an association made up of sworn officers of the Police Department. The GFPPA sponsors youth teams and performs community fundraisers throughout the year. The GFPPA also represents the sworn officers during contract negotiations with the City of Great Falls.
Per City Ordinance a False Alarm means, "An alarm signal actuated by error, mistake, inadvertence, negligence, or unintentional act necessitating response by the public safety personnel, including but not limited to Great Falls Police Department, Great Falls Fire Rescue, and/or ambulance services, including alarms caused by the malfunction of the alarm system, except the following:
- alarms caused by repair of telephone or communication equipment or lines;
- alarms caused by earthquakes, flood, windstorm, thunder, and lightning;
- alarms caused by an attempted illegal entry or analogous causes of which there is visible evidence;
- and alarms caused by power outages.
5.3.6.050 Penalty.
A. Knowingly activating a false alarm when no unauthorized entry, fire or hazardous conditions exist is a violation of the provisions of Mont. Code Ann. 45-7-204, punishable by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisonment for a term not to exceed six (6) months, or both.
B. A first or second false alarm during any three hundred sixty-five (365) day period will result in a written notice being provided to the owner, licensee and/or other person responsible for the premises. A third or subsequent false alarm during any three hundred sixty-five (365) day period will result in an assessed administrative fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00) being imposed on the owner, licensee, and/or other person responsible for the premises.
C. Any fee under this article that remains unpaid for thirty (30) days or more is deemed delinquent and may be assessed against the premises as a special charge for current service or, in addition to any penalties listed in this Chapter, the City may refer any outstanding fees, pursuant to this Chapter, to collections by a collection agency authorized to conduct business in Montana.
D. This penalty section shall not be applicable to residential fire alarms in one or two-family
