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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Daniels County
State permits required for all buildings and structures, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work in unincorporated areas. County zoning approval required for subdivisions and major developments. Local zoning compliance required per 1983 Zoning Resolution.
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall (unless supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids)
Work that does not violate any other state or county codes or ordinances
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall (unless supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids)
- Exempt Work that does not violate any other state or county codes or ordinances
Note: Even exempt work must comply with all applicable zoning regulations and county development standards.
Required documents
- Construction plans meeting Montana Building Code standards
- Completed Building Permit/Plan Review Application
- Contractor license information
- Proof of ownership or authorization
- Building code
- Montana Building Code 2018 (based on International Building Code 2018 with Montana amendments). Montana Residential Code 2018 available for residential structures.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Average 3 weeks for plan review
- 01 Obtain construction plans prepared per Montana Building Code standards
- 02 Download Building Permit/Plan Review Application from https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/permit-applications/building-permits/ or print from paper form
- 03 Submit application with construction plans via EBIZ.MT.GOV online portal OR mail paper application to: Montana Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau, 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT
- 04 Bureau performs plan review (average 3 weeks)
- 05 Applicant receives written plan review comments and fee schedule via email or mail
- 06 Applicant addresses all comments and returns written response
- 07 Applicant pays permit fees
- 08 Permit is issued
- 09 Permit holder schedules inspections by calling state inspector at least 24 hours in advance
- 10 Inspections are performed per code requirements (inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection)
- 11 Final inspection approval issued upon completion
Typical processing time: Average 3 weeks for plan review
Source: Daniels County Planning Board / Montana Building Codes Program (State) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Daniels County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
1-2% of construction valuation, calculated by Montana Building Codes Program
02
Permit fee formula
1-2% of construction valuation
Specific fee amount provided after plan review submission
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Permit holder must call state building inspector at least 24 hours before requesting inspection (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 24 hours in advance
- Time windows
- Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection
Typical sequence: Footing/foundation inspection, framing inspection, rough-in inspections (plumbing, electrical, mechanical), final inspection upon completion. Sequence varies by project type.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Daniels County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Daniels County, MT? ▸
State permits required for all buildings and structures, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work in unincorporated areas. County zoning approval required for subdivisions and major developments. Local zoning compliance required per 1983 Zoning Resolution.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Daniels County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Daniels County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is 1-2% of construction valuation, calculated by Montana Building Codes Program. Fees are calculated as: 1-2% of construction valuation.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Daniels County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Daniels County, MT, follow these steps: 1. Obtain construction plans prepared per Montana Building Code standards 2. Download Building Permit/Plan Review Application from https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/permit-applications/building-permits/ or print from paper form 3. Submit application with construction plans via EBIZ.MT.GOV online portal OR mail paper application to: Montana Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau, 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 4. Bureau performs plan review (average 3 weeks) 5. Applicant receives written plan review comments and fee schedule via email or mail 6. Applicant addresses all comments and returns written response 7. Applicant pays permit fees 8. Permit is issued 9. Permit holder schedules inspections by calling state inspector at least 24 hours in advance 10. Inspections are performed per code requirements (inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection) 11. Final inspection approval issued upon completion
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Daniels County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Daniels County, MT typically run Average 3 weeks for plan review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Daniels County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Daniels County, MT. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall (unless supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids); Work that does not violate any other state or county codes or ordinances. Note: Even exempt work must comply with all applicable zoning regulations and county development standards. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Daniels County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Daniels County, MT via: Permit holder must call state building inspector at least 24 hours before requesting inspection. At least 24 hours in advance.
last verified March 2026
source Daniels County Planning Board / Montana Building Codes Program (State) ↗
entry id permits/montana/daniels/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Daniels County Planning Board / Montana Building Codes Program (State) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.