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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Blaine County
New structures, alterations, additions, repairs, substantial electrical/plumbing work, structure demolition, change of use of structure (unless specifically exempted)
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)
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings (structures used for agricultural operations)
- Exempt Mining buildings on mining property
- Exempt Private garages and storage buildings used solely for owner's personal use (not commercial)
- Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office and shop buildings)
- Exempt Residential buildings containing fewer than five dwelling units (except when used for transient guests)
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Architectural/engineering plans
- Site plan
- Construction cost estimate
- Property description
- Owner and contractor information
- 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
- Permit validity
- Typically one year from issuance; check with county for specific duration
- 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
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 2-3 weeks for plan review if plans are complete; subject to county workload
- 01 Contact Blaine County Planning and Zoning Department to determine if permit is required and gather required documents
- 02 Complete building permit application form provided by county
- 03 Prepare architectural plans, site plans, and construction specifications
- 04 Submit completed application and plans to county office
- 05 County reviews for compliance with Blaine County Code and 2021 International Building Code
- 06 Pay plan review fee (typically 1-2% of project valuation, subject to county fee schedule)
- 07 County issues permit upon approval and fee payment
- 08 Work may commence after permit issuance
Typical processing time: Approximately 2-3 weeks for plan review if plans are complete; subject to county workload
§ 04
Fee schedule
Blaine County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Variable based on county schedule; typically 1-2% of project valuation
02
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
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Blaine County to schedule inspections; no online scheduling available (phone)
Typical sequence: Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation inspection, framing inspection, electrical/plumbing rough-in inspection, final inspection upon completion
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Blaine County permits
01 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)
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Blaine County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Blaine County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, MT, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Blaine County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Blaine County, MT typically run Approximately 2-3 weeks for plan review if plans are complete; subject to county workload. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Blaine County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Blaine County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Blaine County, MT via: Contact Blaine County to schedule inspections; no online scheduling available.
last verified March 2026
entry id permits/montana/blaine/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Blaine County Planning and Zoning Department / Building and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.