Chouteau County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Jurisdiction covers all tribal lands and enrolled tribal members. Tribal government is sovereign and independent of county and municipal authorities. Building permits on tribal lands are governed by tribal law and Chippewa Cree Tribal Code. Work on trust lands requires tribal approval regardless of state permits.

Department

Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation (Tribal Government)

Address

96 Clinic Road, Box Elder, MT (tribal headquarters; planning/permits may be at separate office)

Website

https://www.chippewa-cree.org/

Application Process

1. Contact Chippewa Cree Tribe Planning and Development department for permit requirements and application process
2. Obtain tribal development permit application form
3. Tribal code provides for permits under Chapter 1 (Administration) of Chippewa Cree Tribal Law and Order Codes
4. Submit application with required information to tribal offices
5. Tribal government reviews and issues permit if approved
6. All necessary tribal permits must be obtained before beginning work on tribal lands

Source: Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation (Tribal Government)

General Requirements

All development on tribal lands administered by the Chippewa Cree Tribe. Work on trust lands and tribal property requires tribal approval.

Required Documents

• Varies by tribal code and permit type; contact tribal offices for requirements

Building code

Chippewa Cree Tribe establishes own building standards. Tribe coordinates with external engineering firms (e.g., Water & Environmental Technologies) to ensure permits meet both tribal and regulatory standards for residential and infrastructure projects.

Fees

Payment note

Contact tribal government for fee information

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation (Tribal Government) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: For residential projects, the tribe has contracted with professional engineering firms to handle permits, design, construction oversight, and compliance verification to ensure homes meet both tribal and regulatory standards.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Chippewa Cree Tribe establishes own building standards. Tribe coordinates with external engineering firms (e.g., Water & Environmental Technologies) to ensure permits meet both tribal and regulatory standards for residential and infrastructure projects.
• Chippewa Cree Tribe website
• Chippewa Cree Tribal Code (1987 codification)
• Montana Indian Law website (tribal codes)
• National Indian Law Library (Chippewa Cree codes)
• License lookup guide: Montana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Montana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Montana hub: Montana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Chouteau County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Chouteau County, MT?

All development on tribal lands administered by the Chippewa Cree Tribe. Work on trust lands and tribal property requires tribal approval.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chouteau County, MT?

1. Contact Chippewa Cree Tribe Planning and Development department for permit requirements and application process 2. Obtain tribal development permit application form 3. Tribal code provides for permits under Chapter 1 (Administration) of Chippewa Cree Tribal Law and Order Codes 4. Submit application with required information to tribal offices 5. Tribal government reviews and issues permit if approved 6. All necessary tribal permits must be obtained before beginning work on tribal lands