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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Great Falls
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.
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
- Exempt Ordinary repairs that do not involve structural components, load-bearing elements, or changes to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Sheds up to 200 square feet with maximum height up to 12 feet that comply with setbacks
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet in height
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Contact (406) 455-8430 for current expiration policy; standard IBC/IRC practice is 180 days of inactivity triggers expiration.
- 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.
Source: Planning and Community Development Department, Building Safety Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 5-10 working days for residential; commercial varies by project complexity.
- 01 Confirm address assignment prior to permit application (E911 addresses must be assigned before the Building Division will accept an application).
- 02 Download or pick up the applicable permit application and checklist from Room 112, Civic Center, or from https://greatfallsmt.net/planning/building-forms.
- 03 Prepare a complete submittal: application form, site plan, construction drawings, and all supporting documents listed on the applicable checklist.
- 04 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.
- 05 The plan review staff will review plans for code compliance. Initial residential review takes 5-10 working days; commercial varies by project complexity.
- 06 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.
- 07 The permit card and approved plans must be posted at the job site before construction begins.
- 08 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.
- 09 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective October 5, 2023
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in overall permit fee structure
02
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.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective October 5, 2023) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Typical residential sequence: footing/foundation, framing/rough-in, insulation, final inspection. Commercial sequence varies.
Source: Planning and Community Development Department, Building Safety Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Great Falls permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Great Falls, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in Great Falls, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Great Falls, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Great Falls, MT, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Great Falls, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Great Falls, MT typically run 5-10 working days for residential; commercial varies by project complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Great Falls, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Great Falls, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Great Falls, MT 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..
last verified March 2026
source Planning and Community Development Department, Building Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/montana/cascade/great-falls
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning and Community Development Department, Building Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.