How much does a building permit cost in Great Falls, MT?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Fees are calculated on the total value of the project using either the applicant's stated value (total bid price) or the International Code Council Building Valuation Data (BVD) table, whichever is higher.. Plan check fee: Included in overall permit fee structure.

How do I apply for a building permit in Great Falls, MT?

1. Confirm address assignment prior to permit application (E911 addresses must be assigned before the Building Division will accept an application). 2. Download or pick up the applicable permit application and checklist from Room 112, Civic Center, or from https://greatfallsmt.net/planning/building-forms. 3. Prepare a complete submittal: application form, site plan, construction drawings, and all supporting documents listed on the applicable checklist. 4. Submit the application package in person at Room 112 of the Civic Center, or by mail. Include the contractor license verification form and copies of state licensing if a licensed contractor is pulling the permit. 5. The plan review staff will review plans for code compliance. Initial residential review takes 5-10 working days; commercial varies by project complexity. 6. When the review is complete, the applicant is notified by telephone to pick up plans and pay permit fees. Fees must be paid before the permit is issued. 7. The permit card and approved plans must be posted at the job site before construction begins. 8. Schedule required inspections by calling (406) 455-8430 at least one day in advance, or before 7:00 a.m. on the same day for same-day scheduling. 9. After all required inspections pass, the Building Division issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new structures.

What work is exempt from building permits in Great Falls, MT?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural components, load-bearing elements, or changes to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground; Sheds up to 200 square feet with maximum height up to 12 feet that comply with setbacks; Fences not over 7 feet in height; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing. Note: Even exempt structures must comply with zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Confirm current thresholds with the Building Safety Division at (406) 455-8430.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Great Falls, MT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (406) 455-8430. Call at least one day in advance, or before 7:00 a.m. on the same day for same-day scheduling..

City Building Permits

Great Falls, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Great Falls, Montana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Montana Cascade County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City limits only. Great Falls is a Montana-certified local building code jurisdiction with authority over building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, swimming pools, and wildland-urban interface (WUI) code enforcement.

Department: Planning and Community Development Department, Building Safety Division
Address: Civic Center, Room 112, 2 Park Drive South, Great Falls, MT 59401
Phone: (406) 455-8430
Email: permit@greatfallsmt.net
Website: https://greatfallsmt.net/planning/building-safety

Online Permit Portal

Open Planning & Community Development

Platform: No dedicated online portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm address assignment prior to permit application (E911 addresses must be assigned before the Building Division will accept an application).
Download or pick up the applicable permit application and checklist from Room 112, Civic Center, or from https://greatfallsmt.net/planning/building-forms.
Prepare a complete submittal: application form, site plan, construction drawings, and all supporting documents listed on the applicable checklist.
Submit the application package in person at Room 112 of the Civic Center, or by mail. Include the contractor license verification form and copies of state licensing if a licensed contractor is pulling the permit.
The plan review staff will review plans for code compliance. Initial residential review takes 5-10 working days; commercial varies by project complexity.
When the review is complete, the applicant is notified by telephone to pick up plans and pay permit fees. Fees must be paid before the permit is issued.
The permit card and approved plans must be posted at the job site before construction begins.
Schedule required inspections by calling (406) 455-8430 at least one day in advance, or before 7:00 a.m. on the same day for same-day scheduling.
After all required inspections pass, the Building Division issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new structures.

Typical processing time: 5-10 working days for residential; commercial varies by project complexity.

Source: Planning and Community Development Department, Building Safety Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing and proposed structures
Floor plan with dimensions
Foundation plan
Framing plan
Elevation drawings
Energy compliance documentation
Contractor license verification form and copies of state license (if using a contractor)
Three full sets of construction documents for commercial permits

Permit validity: Contact (406) 455-8430 for current expiration policy; standard IBC/IRC practice is 180 days of inactivity triggers expiration.
Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC/NFPA 70), 2017 ICC A117.1 (accessibility), 2018 NFPA 99 (health care facilities). Adopted effective September 9, 2022.
Owner-builder: Not specifically documented in available public sources for Great Falls. Contact the Building Safety Division at (406) 455-8430 to confirm owner-builder applicability.
Contractor requirements: Contractors working in Great Falls city limits must hold a valid city contractor registration AND provide copies of their state-level licensing. All construction contractors with employees must register with the state. Independent contractors with no employees must obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) from Montana DLI. State contractor registration is required for projects over $2,500 in total contract value. Electricians and plumbers must hold specific state trade licenses.

Fees

Plan check fee: Included in overall permit fee structure
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based. Fees are calculated on the total value of the project using either the applicant's stated value (total bid price) or the International Code Council Building Valuation Data (BVD) table, whichever is higher.
Payment note: Fees are paid at the Civic Center Room 112 when picking up approved plans. Payment methods not specified in available sources; contact (406) 455-8430.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective October 5, 2023).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural components, load-bearing elements, or changes to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground
Sheds up to 200 square feet with maximum height up to 12 feet that comply with setbacks
Fences not over 7 feet in height
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing

Important: Even exempt structures must comply with zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Confirm current thresholds with the Building Safety Division at (406) 455-8430.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(406) 455-8430 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Call at least one day in advance, or before 7:00 a.m. on the same day for same-day scheduling.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: footing/foundation, framing/rough-in, insulation, final inspection. Commercial sequence varies.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC/NFPA 70), 2017 ICC A117.1 (accessibility), 2018 NFPA 99 (health care facilities). Adopted effective September 9, 2022.
Verify contractor license: Montana Contractor Registration
Zoning information: View zoning info
Hire a Registered Contractor
Contractor Licensing FAQs
Neighborhood Code Guide
Development Review Town Hall
Montana DLI Building Codes Program
Montana State Certified Jurisdictions List
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 Planning and Community Development Department, Building Safety Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Great Falls Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Great Falls, MT?: A building permit is required for any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system.
How much does a building permit cost in Great Falls, MT?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Fees are calculated on the total value of the project using either the applicant's stated value (total bid price) or the International Code Council Building Valuation Data (BVD) table, whichever is higher.. Plan check fee: Included in overall permit fee structure.
How do I apply for a building permit in Great Falls, MT?: 1. Confirm address assignment prior to permit application (E911 addresses must be assigned before the Building Division will accept an application). 2. Download or pick up the applicable permit application and checklist from Room 112, Civic Center, or from https://greatfallsmt.net/planning/building-forms. 3. Prepare a complete submittal: application form, site plan, construction drawings, and all supporting documents listed on the applicable checklist. 4. Submit the application package in person at Room 112 of the Civic Center, or by mail. Include the contractor license verification form and copies of state licensing if a licensed contractor is pulling the permit. 5. The plan review staff will review plans for code compliance. Initial residential review takes 5-10 working days; commercial varies by project complexity. 6. When the review is complete, the applicant is notified by telephone to pick up plans and pay permit fees. Fees must be paid before the permit is issued. 7. The permit card and approved plans must be posted at the job site before construction begins. 8. Schedule required inspections by calling (406) 455-8430 at least one day in advance, or before 7:00 a.m. on the same day for same-day scheduling. 9. After all required inspections pass, the Building Division issues a Certificate of Occupancy for new structures.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Great Falls, MT?: Typical processing time is 5-10 working days for residential; commercial varies by project complexity..
What work is exempt from building permits in Great Falls, MT?: The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural components, load-bearing elements, or changes to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons, and are installed entirely above ground; Sheds up to 200 square feet with maximum height up to 12 feet that comply with setbacks; Fences not over 7 feet in height; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing. Note: Even exempt structures must comply with zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Confirm current thresholds with the Building Safety Division at (406) 455-8430.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Great Falls, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (406) 455-8430. Call at least one day in advance, or before 7:00 a.m. on the same day for same-day scheduling..

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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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