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

Typical processing time is 2-3 weeks for state plan review (if plans complete).

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Custer County, MT?

The following work is generally exempt: Storage buildings less than 160 square feet; Agricultural structures less than 300 square feet (not intended for human habitation or commercial use); One-story detached structures used as tool sheds, playhouses, or similar (generally under state thresholds).

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: , .

County Building Permits

Custer County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Custer County unincorporated areas only. Zoning permits only; no local building code adopted. Building code enforcement falls under state jurisdiction via Montana Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau.

Department: Custer County Planning and Zoning Department
Address: Custer County Courthouse, 431 South 10th Avenue, Miles City, MT 59301
Phone: (406) 366-1424
Website: https://custercountymt.gov/services/land-use/

Application Process

Contact Custer County Zoning Administrator at (406) 366-1424 to determine if a zoning permit is required
Verify property has recorded access and meets minimum acreage (1 acre minimum for Custer County unincorporated)
Obtain zoning permit application from Courthouse (431 South 10th Avenue)
Submit completed application with property survey if required (setback verification: 50 feet for 3+ acres, 25 feet for 1-3 acres, 10 feet for less than 0.5 acre)
Pay zoning permit fee
Zoning permit issued
For structures requiring state building code review: Contact Montana Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau at (406) 841-2056 or buildingcodes@mt.gov
Submit state building permit application through EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail to Bureau
State performs plan review (2-3 weeks average if plans complete)
Address plan review comments and pay fees
State building permit issued
Conduct inspections as required by state at various stages
Final approval issued upon inspection completion

Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks for state plan review (if plans complete)

Source: Custer County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

All structures, buildings, or additions: feedlots, grain storage, signs, towers, confined feeding facilities, houses, home-based businesses, commercial businesses, bulk plants. State building permits required for certain new buildings and renovations exceeding thresholds.

Required Documents

Zoning permit application
Property survey (for setback verification on some parcels)
Completed state building permit application with plans and specifications if required
Architectural drawings
Structural plans
Site plans
Electrical plans (if applicable)
Plumbing plans (if applicable)
Proof of property access

Building code: No local building code. State codes adopted: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC - residential electrical only), Uniform Plumbing Code, ASME A17.1 (elevators), International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Effective June 11, 2022. Amendments in ARM 24.301.

Fees

Payment note: Contact Zoning Administrator at (406) 366-1424 for current fee schedule and fee structure details

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Storage buildings less than 160 square feet
Agricultural structures less than 300 square feet (not intended for human habitation or commercial use)
One-story detached structures used as tool sheds, playhouses, or similar (generally under state thresholds)

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Typical inspection sequence: Zoning: Zoning permit issued, final inspection on property. State: Plan review completed, foundation/footing inspection, framing inspection, plumbing/electrical rough-in inspection, final inspection. Septic systems inspected after installation and before backfill.

Additional Resources

Building code: No local building code. State codes adopted: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC - residential electrical only), Uniform Plumbing Code, ASME A17.1 (elevators), International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Effective June 11, 2022. Amendments in ARM 24.301.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Custer County Subdivision Regulations
Conditional Use Permit Information
Montana Building Codes Program
Certified Local Jurisdictions List
Montana Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau
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 Custer County Planning and Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Custer County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Custer County, MT?: All structures, buildings, or additions: feedlots, grain storage, signs, towers, confined feeding facilities, houses, home-based businesses, commercial businesses, bulk plants. State building permits required for certain new buildings and renovations exceeding thresholds.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Custer County, MT?: 1. Contact Custer County Zoning Administrator at (406) 366-1424 to determine if a zoning permit is required 2. Verify property has recorded access and meets minimum acreage (1 acre minimum for Custer County unincorporated) 3. Obtain zoning permit application from Courthouse (431 South 10th Avenue) 4. Submit completed application with property survey if required (setback verification: 50 feet for 3+ acres, 25 feet for 1-3 acres, 10 feet for less than 0.5 acre) 5. Pay zoning permit fee 6. Zoning permit issued 7. For structures requiring state building code review: Contact Montana Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau at (406) 841-2056 or buildingcodes@mt.gov 8. Submit state building permit application through EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail to Bureau 9. State performs plan review (2-3 weeks average if plans complete) 10. Address plan review comments and pay fees 11. State building permit issued 12. Conduct inspections as required by state at various stages 13. Final approval issued upon inspection completion
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Custer County, MT?: Typical processing time is 2-3 weeks for state plan review (if plans complete).
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Custer County, MT?: The following work is generally exempt: Storage buildings less than 160 square feet; Agricultural structures less than 300 square feet (not intended for human habitation or commercial use); One-story detached structures used as tool sheds, playhouses, or similar (generally under state thresholds).
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Custer County, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: , .

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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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