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

The minimum permit fee is Variable based on county schedule; typically 1-2% of project valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; calculated as percentage of total construction cost (1-2% range typical); building valuation rounded to nearest $1,000 for fee calculation.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings (structures used for agricultural operations); Mining buildings on mining property; Private garages and storage buildings used solely for owner's personal use (not commercial); Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office and shop buildings); Residential buildings containing fewer than five dwelling units (except when used for transient guests).

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: .

County Building Permits

Blaine County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Blaine County building codes apply to unincorporated areas outside incorporated city limits of Chinook and Harlem

Department: Blaine County Planning and Zoning Department / Building and Zoning
Address: 420 Ohio Street, Chinook, MT 59523 (Courthouse Annex)
Phone: (406) 357-2345 or (406) 357-3240
Website: https://blainecounty-mt.gov/

Application Process

Contact Blaine County Planning and Zoning Department to determine if permit is required and gather required documents
Complete building permit application form provided by county
Prepare architectural plans, site plans, and construction specifications
Submit completed application and plans to county office
County reviews for compliance with Blaine County Code and 2021 International Building Code
Pay plan review fee (typically 1-2% of project valuation, subject to county fee schedule)
County issues permit upon approval and fee payment
Work may commence after permit issuance

Typical processing time: Approximately 2-3 weeks for plan review if plans are complete; subject to county workload

General Requirements

New structures, alterations, additions, repairs, substantial electrical/plumbing work, structure demolition, change of use of structure (unless specifically exempted)

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
Architectural/engineering plans
Site plan
Construction cost estimate
Property description
Owner and contractor information

Permit validity: Typically one year from issuance; check with county for specific duration
Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC 2021), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC 2021), 2020 National Electrical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2017 ICC A117.1, 2018 NFPA 99; adopted statewide June 9, 2022
Owner-builder: Property owners may self-perform work but must obtain permit and comply with building code standards
Contractor requirements: Montana requires construction contractors to register with Montana Department of Labor and Industry; registration fee is $70 for contractor with employees, $125 for independent contractor with no employees

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Variable based on county schedule; typically 1-2% of project valuation
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based; calculated as percentage of total construction cost (1-2% range typical); building valuation rounded to nearest $1,000 for fee calculation

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Farm and ranch buildings (structures used for agricultural operations)
Mining buildings on mining property
Private garages and storage buildings used solely for owner's personal use (not commercial)
Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office and shop buildings)
Residential buildings containing fewer than five dwelling units (except when used for transient guests)

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation inspection, framing inspection, electrical/plumbing rough-in inspection, final inspection upon completion

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC 2021), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC 2021), 2020 National Electrical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2017 ICC A117.1, 2018 NFPA 99; adopted statewide June 9, 2022
Zoning information: View zoning info
Blaine County - How Do I
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 Blaine County Planning and Zoning Department / Building and Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Blaine County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, MT?: New structures, alterations, additions, repairs, substantial electrical/plumbing work, structure demolition, change of use of structure (unless specifically exempted)
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Blaine County, MT?: The minimum permit fee is Variable based on county schedule; typically 1-2% of project valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based; calculated as percentage of total construction cost (1-2% range typical); building valuation rounded to nearest $1,000 for fee calculation.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, MT?: 1. Contact Blaine County Planning and Zoning Department to determine if permit is required and gather required documents 2. Complete building permit application form provided by county 3. Prepare architectural plans, site plans, and construction specifications 4. Submit completed application and plans to county office 5. County reviews for compliance with Blaine County Code and 2021 International Building Code 6. Pay plan review fee (typically 1-2% of project valuation, subject to county fee schedule) 7. County issues permit upon approval and fee payment 8. Work may commence after permit issuance
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, MT?: Typical processing time is Approximately 2-3 weeks for plan review if plans are complete; subject to county workload.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Blaine County, MT?: The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings (structures used for agricultural operations); Mining buildings on mining property; Private garages and storage buildings used solely for owner's personal use (not commercial); Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office and shop buildings); Residential buildings containing fewer than five dwelling units (except when used for transient guests).
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Blaine County, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: .

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Blaine 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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