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

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.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT?

Typical processing time is Approximately 3 weeks for plan review at state level.

What work is exempt from building permits 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.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: . Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection.

County Building Permits

Broadwater County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Toston is an unincorporated census-designated place. Residents and property owners must follow Broadwater County unincorporated area procedures for permits. No individual permit office exists in this community; all permitting authority rests with either Broadwater County (if county is certified) or the state (Montana Building Codes Program).

Department: Broadwater County Community Development & Planning Office
Address: Broadwater County Courthouse, 515 Broadway Street, Townsend, MT 59644
Phone: (406) 266-9211
Email: planning@broadwatercountymt.gov
Website: https://www.broadwatercountymt.com/community-development-planning

Online Permit Portal

Open Montana Building Codes Program (EBIZ.MT.GOV)

Platform: EBIZ.MT.GOV (State of Montana online permit system) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Determine if your project requires a permit (consult with Broadwater County Community Development or state BC Program)
Obtain construction plans and prepare application
Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application to Montana Building Codes Program via EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail
Pay building permit fee and plan review fee (calculated as percentage of building valuation)
Wait for plan review (average 3 weeks)
Upon approval, receive building permit
Schedule and complete required inspections
Obtain certificate of occupancy or completion

Typical processing time: Approximately 3 weeks for plan review at state level

General Requirements

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

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

Fees

Plan check fee: 35% of the building permit fee
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. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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)

Important: 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.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Scheduling deadline: Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection

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

Additional Resources

Building code: Montana currently adopts International Building Code (IBC) and related codes
Zoning information: View zoning info
Broadwater County official website
Montana Building Codes Program
State permit application/FAQ
Certified jurisdictions list
Broadwater Conservation District (310 permits for stream construction)
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 Broadwater County Community Development & Planning Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Broadwater County Building Permit FAQ

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
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT?: 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.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT?: 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
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT?: Typical processing time is Approximately 3 weeks for plan review at state level.
What work is exempt from building permits 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.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Broadwater County, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: . Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Toston (Unincorporated CDP) 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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