Construction Projects

New Construction

Construction Activity with regard to construction of a Single Family Dwelling.

All new construction of single family dwellings within the jurisdiction of the BSOA requires 2 Big Sky Architectural Committee (BSAC) reviews. A property owner or designated project representative must be available to participate in any meeting in which the project is on the agenda. Approval from the BSAC does not ensure compliance and approval from other associations or government entities, please click other approvals below to review more information on this topic.

A preliminary sketch plan review is designed to help guide the design process and offer the owner initial feedback on the home and site design. Sketch Plan application requirements are found within the new construction project application packet on page 2.

All requirements listed have to be submitted to the BSOA office 14 days prior to the scheduled BSAC meeting. See the BSOA Home Page for the link to the BSAC Meeting Calendar.

After review and approval of the sketch plan, the BSAC will review the final plan. Final plan submittal requirements are found on pages 3 & 4 of the new construction project application packet. Final plans should address any considerations noted by the BSAC during sketch plan review. Final plan applications are due 14 days prior to the scheduled BSAC meeting.  See the BSOA Home Page for the link to the BSAC Meeting Calendar.

After final plan approval and prior to any construction commencing, all conditions of the BSAC final plan approval need to be met. All projects are required to submit the Performance Agreement Form found on page 5 of the new construction project application packet and associated performance deposit which can be found on page 7.

Please keep in mind all applicable covenants and construction standards during the construction phase of the project. When the project is complete, please contact the BSOA Architectural Review & Compliance Coordinator to schedule a project review for refund of the performance deposit.


Major Alteration

Construction Activity that involves the construction or creation of new or additional square footage, removal of multiple exterior walls, addition of multiple exterior walls, or construction of a new structure or modification of an existing structure using a new or an existing foundation.

Any project fitting the description of a major renovation or addition must submit all items found in the major renovation/addition project application packet that may pertain to the project. A property owner or designated project representative must be available to participate in any meeting in which the project is on the agenda. Approval from the BSAC does not ensure compliance and approval from other associations or government entities, please click other approvals to review more information on this topic.

A preliminary sketch plan review is designed to help guide the design process and offer the owner initial feedback on the project. Sketch Plan application requirements are found within the major renovation/addition project application packet on page 2. All requirements listed that pertain to the proposed project need to be submitted to the BSOA office 14 days prior to the scheduled BSAC meeting. With questions regarding submittal requirements for specific projects please contact the Architectural Review Coordinator,

After review and approval of the sketch plan, the BSAC will review the final plan. Final plan submittal requirements are found on pages 3 & 4 of the major renovation/addition project application packet. Final plans should address any considerations noted by the BSAC during sketch plan review. Final plan applications are due 14 days prior to the scheduled BSAC meeting.

After final plan approval and prior to any construction commencing, all conditions of the BSAC final plan approval need to be met. All projects are required to submit the Performance Agreement Form found on page 5 of the major renovation/addition project application packet and associated performance deposit which can be found on page 7.

Please keep in mind all applicable covenants and construction standards during the construction phase of the project. When the project is complete, please contact the BSOA Architectural Review Coordinator to schedule a project review for refund of the performance deposit.


Minor Alterations

Small scale exterior construction or renovation construction projects to homes or properties in the BSAC jurisdiction are considered Minor Alteration projects.  Project examples include but are not limited to: repairing or replacing siding and decks, painting, roof repairs or replacements, small landscape alterations, and propane tank installations.

Small scale exterior construction or renovation construction projects to homes or properties in the BSAC jurisdiction are considered Minor Alteration projects.  Project examples include but are not limited to: repairing or replacing siding and decks, painting, roof repairs or replacements, small landscape alterations, and propane tank installations.

​Any project fitting the description of a minor alteration is required to submit any items found in the minor alteration project application packet that may pertain to the project. All application requirements must be submitted 14 days prior to the scheduled BSAC meeting. A property owner or designated project representative must be available to participate in any meeting in which the project is on the agenda. Approval from the BSAC does not ensure compliance and approval from other associations or government entities, please click other approvals to review more information on this topic.

After BSAC approval and prior to any construction commencing, all conditions of the BSAC approval need to be met. All projects are required to submit the Performance Agreement Form found on page 5 of the minor alteration project application packet and associated performance deposit which can be found on page 6.

Please keep in mind all applicable covenants and construction standards during the construction phase of the project. When the project is complete, please contact the BSOA Architectural Review Coordinator to schedule a project review for refund of the performance deposit.


Landscape Alterations

Landscape improvements associated with an existing Single Family Dwelling or vacant property. Project examples include but are not limited to: selective clearing of vegetation, test pits, geotechnical investigations, and the installation of permanent features (e,g., driveways, berms, significant clearing of vegetation, viewing platforms).

​Any project fitting the description of a landscape alteration must submit any items found in the landscape alteration project application packet that may pertain to the project. All application requirements must be submitted 14 days prior to the scheduled BSAC meeting. A property owner or designated project representative must be available to participate in any meeting in which the project is on the agenda. Approval from the BSAC does not ensure compliance and approval from other associations or government entities, please click other approvals to review more information on this topic.

After BSAC approval and prior to any construction commencing, all conditions of the BSAC approval need to be met. All projects are required to submit the Performance Agreement Form found on page of the landscape alteration project application packet and associated performance deposit which can be found on page.

Please keep in mind all applicable covenants and construction standards during the construction phase of the project. When the project is complete, please contact the BSOA Architectural Review Coordinator to schedule a project review for refund of the performance deposit.


Click HERE for the Geotechnical Application


Condominium & Commercial Construction

Any construction activity including new construction and modifications to existing associated with a commercial or condominium property.

Please contact the Architectural Review Coordinator to discuss project specific application requirements for BSAC review of any commercial or condominium improvements.


Variance

Where authorized by Covenants, a variance request may be made to the BSAC. The BSAC will review a variance request in accordance with the review criteria as stated in those specific Covenants. Any variances which could be granted shall be considered unique and will not set any precedent for future decisions.

Please consult with the BSOA Architectural Review & Compliance Manager for additional information in regard to a Variance Application or Building Envelope Relocation Application.


Other Approvals

Making application with the Big Sky Architectural Committee is an important part of the development process for your property it may not be the only review process or approval required.

As the owner, please be aware that your property may be subject to further review or additional permits may be required before work can begin.

Below is a list of questions and helpful references, but in no way is this list exhaustive or tailored for your specific project. It is the owner’s obligation to get educated and investigate what additional review processes or permits may apply for their particular project.

1. Do you live in a condominium or sub-association? Do you need prior approval from your particular association?
2. Is your property in a zoning district and subject to zoning regulations?
3. Do you have wetlands or water on your property? Do you need approval from the Army Corps of Engineers or a local conservation district?
4. Is your project on a hillside or ridgeline?
5. Do you need approval from the Big Sky Water and Sewer District?
6. Do you need a state building code permit?
7. Do you need a land use permit?
8. Do you need a septic permit?
9. Do you need approval from the Big Sky Fire Department?
10. What other approvals might you need from Gallatin or Madison Counties?

References:
Big Sky Water & Sewer District #363
Big Sky Fire Department
Gallatin County
Madison County
State of Montana
United States Government