Owning in Big Sky
Everything you need as a BSOA member — dues, covenants, community standards, new owner information, and guidance for navigating life in Big Sky.
What do you need to do?
Covenant Finder
Search your subdivision
These are our most-requested covenants. Covenants for every BSOA subdivision are available in the Member Portal, or contact the office and we'll be happy to send you a copy.
Services BSOA provides
Your annual assessments support road maintenance, snow removal, open space care and other services that help keep our neighborhoods safe and well maintained. They also support the priorities in BSOA's Strategic Plan: improving member services, strengthening compliance, connecting trails and planning for long-term infrastructure needs.
See Our Priorities: BSOA's Strategic Plan →Winter Road Maintenance
Plowing, sanding, and ice control on BSOA-maintained roads to keep neighborhoods accessible through Montana winters.
Street Lights
Dark-sky compliant street lighting throughout BSOA neighborhoods — protecting Big Sky's night skies while keeping roads safe.
Architectural Review
Design oversight that keeps construction consistent with Big Sky's character and your neighborhood's standards.
Weed & Pest Control
Coordinated invasive species management in partnership with Grow Wild and the Madison and Gallatin County Weed Districts to protect native vegetation across the jurisdiction.
Open Space Maintenance
Ongoing upkeep of common areas, trails, and BSOA open space properties, including active wildfire mitigation and cleanup to reduce risk.
Speed Control & Signage
Road signs, speed monitoring, and traffic safety measures throughout BSOA neighborhoods, including driver feedback signs in Meadow Village & Aspen Groves neighborhoods.
What every owner should know
Within the BSOA boundary, some areas are within the Architectural Committee's (BSAC) jurisdiction and some areas are not. Across the entire BSOA, we encourage all members to abide by a set of general guidelines. We hope these guidelines make all of our lives a little easier. If you are in BSAC's boundary, you will also need to follow the Design Regulations when building or modifying your home. Additionally, your subdivision's covenants may have additional requirements — always check both.
Read the Member Guidelines →Dark Sky Lighting
All exterior fixtures must be full cut-off (no upward glare, no visible bulb). Lighting shall operate only when the home is occupied and between dusk and midnight. Look for fixtures tagged "dark sky rated" by the manufacturer. This applies to new construction and replacement fixtures alike.
Read the Dark Sky Lighting Resolution →Read the Holiday & Seasonal Lighting Décor Resolution →Trash & Bears
We live in bear country, and our trash cans are a huge attractant. Please only roll your trash can out to the street at 6 PM or later the night before your service picks up. Then please make sure to roll the trash can back inside your garage or another secured location by 6 PM the night of trash service. All trash containers must be animal-proof and latched while at the curb.
Read the Trash Restrictions, Bear Feeding & Enforcement Resolution →Pets & Animals
Pets must be leashed and owners must clean up after them at all times on common areas and open space. Report loose animals or animal issues to Gallatin or Madison County authorities.
Construction & Noise
Construction noise must be limited to 7 AM – 7 PM. Heavy machinery must end by 5 PM. All exterior work — including paint colors and structural changes — requires ARC approval before beginning.
Firewood & Fire Safety
Firewood stored outside the garage must be kept at least 30 feet from flammable structures and screened from view of roads and neighboring properties. Do not store firewood on decks, balconies or against the house. New wood-burning fire pits are prohibited and general fire pit use is discouraged; propane-fueled fire pits are allowed. Open burning requires a permit from the Gallatin Canyon Rural Fire District. Defensible space — clearing beetle-kill, limbing trees up 10 feet — is strongly encouraged for all properties.
Weed Management
Having noxious weeds on your property is against Montana state law. However, we all have a weed problem, and it takes ongoing maintenance to keep them at bay. If you have a weed problem, BSOA is here to help.
Read the Noxious Weed Management Resolution →Ask BSOA for help with weeds →RV, Boat & Vehicle Parking
Boats, trailers, snowmobiles, motor homes and other recreational vehicles may only be kept on a lot in a covered, fenced and screened parking space approved in advance by BSAC. Temporary parking is allowed with advance notice to the BSOA office (in person, by phone, mail or email): up to 10 days per month and no more than 5 days in a row. Any vehicle left on a road or road right-of-way for more than 48 hours is considered abandoned.
Read the Parking Rules, Regulations & Enforcement Resolution →Read the RV, Boats, Trailers, Etc. Temporary Parking & Screening Resolution →Paint & Exterior Maintenance
Approved colors and exterior conditions must be maintained. Any repainting in a new color or material change requires ARC approval. Properties must be kept in good repair and tidy condition at all times.
Who handles what in Big Sky?
BSOA is often the first call — but not every issue is ours to resolve. We can help you figure out who to contact for anything in Big Sky.