Paver patios and hardscaping in Orchard Homes
Patios and paths for the larger, flat lots between the Clark Fork and the Bitterroot just west of Missoula.
Orchard Homes is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Missoula County, bordering the city on its west side about 3 miles from downtown. It had 5,377 residents at the 2020 census. The Clark Fork forms its northern edge and the Bitterroot River wraps around the west and south, so much of the area is low, level river-bottom ground at roughly 3,130 feet.
What do Orchard Homes homeowners ask for?
- Large patios and outdoor kitchens on roomy, level lots
- Paver paths out to gardens, chicken coops and shops
- Parking pads for a trailer, boat or camper beside the driveway
- Patios with seating that look out over pasture or the river corridor
Is your lot in the floodplain?
Because two rivers border the community, some properties fall inside the regulatory floodplain. Missoula County requires a floodplain permit, approved by the county floodplain administrator, before development activity in that area, and its online parcel check uses FEMA maps dated March 7, 2019. Ask your contractor to check the map for your parcel early, before you settle on raising a patio with fill or building walls near the water.
County rules instead of city rules
Since Orchard Homes sits outside city limits, the Missoula County Building Division handles building permits. If a new driveway or pad will connect along a public road, the county says an address and approach permit is required, and any digging in the right-of-way may need an excavation permit as well.
Common questions
Do contractors serve Orchard Homes?
Yes. Call with your address and we'll try to connect you with a contractor that works west of the city.
Who handles floodplain questions in Orchard Homes?
The Missoula County floodplain administrator, since Orchard Homes is outside city limits. A permit must be approved before development in the regulatory floodplain.
Services in Orchard Homes
- Paver patiosNew backyard patios and slab replacements on a compacted stone base that drains well and handles freeze-thaw.
- Paver walkways and drivewaysFront walks, side-yard paths, steps, driveway borders and full paver driveways with a base sized for the load.
- Gas fire featuresPropane and natural gas fire pits and tables built into a paver patio, with seating around them.
- Seat walls and retaining wallsBlock seat walls, raised beds and low retaining walls that frame a patio or terrace a sloped yard.
- Paver repair and sealingReset sunken or lifted pavers, fix spreading edges, re-sand joints and clean or seal faded surfaces.
Nearby areas
Ready for a patio that drains well and stays flat through a Missoula winter?
Call the number above and a Missoula-area paver contractor will talk through your yard and set up a visit.