How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT?

The minimum permit fee is $0-$150 (varies based on construction value). Fees are calculated as: 1%-2% of total building valuation (including finishes, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators, fire systems, and permanent equipment). Valuation rounded to nearest $1,000; fees rounded to nearest $1.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee percentage calculation.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT?

The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings (state law exemption); Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except office and shop buildings); Residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests); Private garages and private storage buildings used for owner's own use (not part of commercial enterprise). Note: County zoning compliance may still be required even for exempt work. Floodplain permits may be required separately via Montana DNRC. Contact county planning to confirm.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: , .

County Building Permits

Beaverhead County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Beaverhead County, Montana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Montana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Beaverhead County is NOT certified for local building code enforcement. Building permits for new construction, alterations, additions, and repairs in unincorporated areas are issued by the Montana Building Codes Bureau at the state level. County planning handles subdivision regulations, floodplain ordinances, zoning compliance, address assignment, and airport affected areas regulations. Work in Beaverhead County unincorporated areas may require BOTH a state building permit AND county zoning/floodplain compliance.

Department: Montana Building Codes Bureau (State Authority); Beaverhead County Land Use and Planning Department (Local Zoning)
Address: Montana Building Codes Bureau: 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT; Beaverhead County Land Services: 2 S. Pacific St, Ste #3, Dillon, MT
Phone: State BCB: (406) 841-2056; County Planning: (406) 683-3768
Email: BUILDINGCODES@MT.GOV
Website: https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open Accela State Building Permit Portal

Platform: Accela • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Obtain construction plans and project scope
Determine zoning district and applicable regulations with Beaverhead County Land Services
Complete Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
Submit construction plans with sufficient detail for construction and code compliance verification
Submit completed application and plans via Accela portal or mail to Montana BCB
State BCB conducts plan review (average 3 weeks processing time)
Applicant responds in writing to any plan review comments
Payment of permit fees (1%-2% of building valuation)
State BCB issues building permit
Schedule required inspections as work progresses
Final inspection and permit closure

Typical processing time: State plan review average 3 weeks; County zoning compliance processing time varies

Source: Montana Building Codes Bureau (State Authority); Beaverhead County Land Use and Planning Department (Local Zoning)

General Requirements

State building permit required for new buildings, alterations, additions, repairs, and installations. See exemptions for farm/ranch buildings and other categories.

Required Documents

Construction plans (must contain sufficient detail for construction and code compliance verification)
Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
Project description
Building valuation estimate
Proof of property ownership or authorization
Evidence of county zoning compliance (may be required concurrently)

Building code: Montana Uniform Building Code (MUBC), based on International Building Code (IBC) with Montana amendments
Owner-builder: Montana law allows owner-builders to obtain permits for their own residential projects; verify with state BCB or county
Contractor requirements: Contractor must be state-licensed if performing electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. Separate permits required for these trades. Inspectors and plan reviewers must be state-licensed journeymen or nationally certified.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $0-$150 (varies based on construction value)
Plan check fee: Included in permit fee percentage calculation
Permit fee formula: 1%-2% of total building valuation (including finishes, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators, fire systems, and permanent equipment). Valuation rounded to nearest $1,000; fees rounded to nearest $1.
Payment note: Payment must be received before permit issuance. Payment methods to be confirmed with state BCB portal or submit via check/money order to Helena office.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Farm and ranch buildings (state law exemption)
Mining buildings on mining property
Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except office and shop buildings)
Residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests)
Private garages and private storage buildings used for owner's own use (not part of commercial enterprise)

Important: County zoning compliance may still be required even for exempt work. Floodplain permits may be required separately via Montana DNRC. Contact county planning to confirm.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Inspection hours: Standard business hours (confirm with inspection contact); after-hours emergency inspections available for urgent situations

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation inspection, framing inspection, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in inspection, final inspection. Sequence may vary based on project type.

Additional Resources

Building code: Montana Uniform Building Code (MUBC), based on International Building Code (IBC) with Montana amendments
Zoning information: View zoning info
Montana Building Codes Program FAQ
Is a State Building Permit Needed?
Inspection Areas & Contact Information
Beaverhead County Subdivision Regulations (2024)
Beaverhead County Growth Policy
Montana DNRC Floodplain Management
Beaverhead County Clerk & Recorder
License lookup guide: Montana Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Montana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Montana hub: Montana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Montana Building Codes Bureau (State Authority); Beaverhead County Land Use and Planning Department (Local Zoning) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Beaverhead County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT?: State building permit required for new buildings, alterations, additions, repairs, and installations. See exemptions for farm/ranch buildings and other categories.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT?: The minimum permit fee is $0-$150 (varies based on construction value). Fees are calculated as: 1%-2% of total building valuation (including finishes, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators, fire systems, and permanent equipment). Valuation rounded to nearest $1,000; fees rounded to nearest $1.. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee percentage calculation.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT?: 1. Obtain construction plans and project scope 2. Determine zoning district and applicable regulations with Beaverhead County Land Services 3. Complete Building Permit/Plan Review Application form 4. Submit construction plans with sufficient detail for construction and code compliance verification 5. Submit completed application and plans via Accela portal or mail to Montana BCB 6. State BCB conducts plan review (average 3 weeks processing time) 7. Applicant responds in writing to any plan review comments 8. Payment of permit fees (1%-2% of building valuation) 9. State BCB issues building permit 10. Schedule required inspections as work progresses 11. Final inspection and permit closure
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT?: Typical processing time is State plan review average 3 weeks; County zoning compliance processing time varies.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT?: The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings (state law exemption); Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except office and shop buildings); Residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests); Private garages and private storage buildings used for owner's own use (not part of commercial enterprise). Note: County zoning compliance may still be required even for exempt work. Floodplain permits may be required separately via Montana DNRC. Contact county planning to confirm.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: , .

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Beaverhead County can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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