On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Beaverhead County
State building permit required for new buildings, alterations, additions, repairs, and installations. See exemptions for farm/ranch buildings and other categories.
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)
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings (state law exemption)
- Exempt Mining buildings on mining property
- Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except office and shop buildings)
- Exempt Residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests)
- Exempt 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: State plan review average 3 weeks; County zoning compliance processing time varies
- 01 Obtain construction plans and project scope
- 02 Determine zoning district and applicable regulations with Beaverhead County Land Services
- 03 Complete Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
- 04 Submit construction plans with sufficient detail for construction and code compliance verification
- 05 Submit completed application and plans via Accela portal or mail to Montana BCB
- 06 State BCB conducts plan review (average 3 weeks processing time)
- 07 Applicant responds in writing to any plan review comments
- 08 Payment of permit fees (1%-2% of building valuation)
- 09 State BCB issues building permit
- 10 Schedule required inspections as work progresses
- 11 Final inspection and permit closure
Typical processing time: State plan review average 3 weeks; County zoning compliance processing time varies
§ 04
Fee schedule
Beaverhead County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$0-$150 (varies based on construction value)
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee percentage calculation
03
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 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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact state BCB or local inspection area coordinator (phone)
- Inspections scheduled by arrangement with inspector (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Standard business hours (confirm with inspection contact); after-hours emergency inspections available for urgent situations
Typical sequence: Foundation inspection, framing inspection, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in inspection, final inspection. Sequence may vary based on project type.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Beaverhead County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT typically run State plan review average 3 weeks; County zoning compliance processing time varies. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Beaverhead County, MT via: Contact state BCB or local inspection area coordinator, Inspections scheduled by arrangement with inspector.
last verified March 2026
source Montana Building Codes Bureau (State Authority); Beaverhead County Land Use and Planning Department (Local Zoning) ↗
entry id permits/montana/beaverhead/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montana Building Codes Bureau (State Authority); Beaverhead County Land Use and Planning Department (Local Zoning) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.