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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Broadwater County
Prior to start of construction for new buildings, alterations, additions, repairs, roofing, septic system installation/repair, demolition, fencing (large), and changes affecting fire/building code compliance
Private garages and storage buildings used for owner's own use (not commercial)
Farm and ranch buildings (owner-builder exemption)
Residential buildings with less than 5 dwelling units, single-family homes (owner-builder exemption)
Decks less than 30 inches in height measured from grade to deck surface
Minor repairs and maintenance (specific types determined by jurisdiction)
Mining buildings on mining property (owner-builder exemption)
Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills, except office and shop buildings (owner-builder exemption)
- Exempt Private garages and storage buildings used for owner's own use (not commercial)
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings (owner-builder exemption)
- Exempt Residential buildings with less than 5 dwelling units, single-family homes (owner-builder exemption)
- Exempt Decks less than 30 inches in height measured from grade to deck surface
- Exempt Minor repairs and maintenance (specific types determined by jurisdiction)
- Exempt Mining buildings on mining property (owner-builder exemption)
- Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills, except office and shop buildings (owner-builder exemption)
Note: Local zoning and other land use regulations may still apply even if a building permit is not required. Check with Broadwater County Community Development Office.
Required documents
- Construction plans
- Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
- Proof of property ownership
- Valuation estimate
- Building code
- Montana currently adopts International Building Code (IBC) and related codes
- Owner-builder
- Montana state law exempts owner-builders from state permits for: farm and ranch buildings, residential buildings with less than 5 dwelling units (except transient use), private garages and storage buildings for owner's own use (not commercial), mining buildings on mining property, petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office/shop buildings)
- Contractor requirements
- Local requirements not specified; contractor licensing varies by trade (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) and may be required at state or local level
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 3 weeks for plan review at state level
- 01 Determine if your project requires a permit (consult with Broadwater County Community Development or state BC Program)
- 02 Obtain construction plans and prepare application
- 03 Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application to Montana Building Codes Program via EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail
- 04 Pay building permit fee and plan review fee (calculated as percentage of building valuation)
- 05 Wait for plan review (average 3 weeks)
- 06 Upon approval, receive building permit
- 07 Schedule and complete required inspections
- 08 Obtain certificate of occupancy or completion
Typical processing time: Approximately 3 weeks for plan review at state level
§ 04
Fee schedule
Broadwater County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
35% of the building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Building permit fee is 1-2% of building valuation; plan review fee is 35% of the building permit fee (for state-level permits)
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Permit holder must call building inspector at least 24 hours before requested inspection (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, electrical/plumbing rough-in, final inspection upon completion
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Broadwater County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT? ▸
Prior to start of construction for new buildings, alterations, additions, repairs, roofing, septic system installation/repair, demolition, fencing (large), and changes affecting fire/building code compliance
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Building permit fee is 1-2% of building valuation; plan review fee is 35% of the building permit fee (for state-level permits). Plan check fee: 35% of the building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT, follow these steps: 1. Determine if your project requires a permit (consult with Broadwater County Community Development or state BC Program) 2. Obtain construction plans and prepare application 3. Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application to Montana Building Codes Program via EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail 4. Pay building permit fee and plan review fee (calculated as percentage of building valuation) 5. Wait for plan review (average 3 weeks) 6. Upon approval, receive building permit 7. Schedule and complete required inspections 8. Obtain certificate of occupancy or completion
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT typically run Approximately 3 weeks for plan review at state level. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Private garages and storage buildings used for owner's own use (not commercial); Farm and ranch buildings (owner-builder exemption); Residential buildings with less than 5 dwelling units, single-family homes (owner-builder exemption); Decks less than 30 inches in height measured from grade to deck surface; Minor repairs and maintenance (specific types determined by jurisdiction); Mining buildings on mining property (owner-builder exemption); Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills, except office and shop buildings (owner-builder exemption). Note: Local zoning and other land use regulations may still apply even if a building permit is not required. Check with Broadwater County Community Development Office. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT via: Permit holder must call building inspector at least 24 hours before requested inspection. Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection.
last verified March 2026
entry id permits/montana/broadwater/spokane-creek
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Broadwater County Community Development & Planning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.