How much does a building permit cost in Baker, MT?

Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees typically 1-2% of total construction value; confirm local variations with city.

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

1. Contact City of Baker Clerk's Office to obtain required application forms and building permit requirements 2. Prepare complete construction documents (plans, specifications, site plan) 3. Complete City of Baker Building Permit Application 4. Submit application with all required documents to the City of Baker 5. City reviews submission for completeness and code compliance 6. Applicant addresses any city requests for clarification or revisions 7. Upon approval and fee payment, building permit is issued

What work is exempt from building permits in Baker, MT?

The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except office and shop buildings); Residential buildings with less than five dwelling units (except transient guest accommodations); Private garages and private storage buildings for owner's own use (not commercial). Note: Local exemptions may vary; check with City of Baker for any local variations

How do I schedule a building inspection in Baker, MT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: . Typically requires 24-48 hours advance notice.

City Building Permits

Baker, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Fallon County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Baker is the only incorporated city in Fallon County and administers building permits for the City of Baker jurisdiction

Department: City of Baker - Clerk's Office (Building Permits)
Address: PO Box 1512, 10 Fallon Ave W., Baker, MT 59313-1512
Phone: (406) 778-2692
Email: cityclerk@bakermontana.us
Website: https://www.bakermontana.us/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Baker City Forms

Platform: Direct contact with City of Baker Clerk's Office • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Contact City of Baker Clerk's Office to obtain required application forms and building permit requirements
Prepare complete construction documents (plans, specifications, site plan)
Complete City of Baker Building Permit Application
Submit application with all required documents to the City of Baker
City reviews submission for completeness and code compliance
Applicant addresses any city requests for clarification or revisions
Upon approval and fee payment, building permit is issued

Typical processing time: Contact City of Baker for specific timeframe; Montana state average is 3 weeks

Source: City of Baker - Clerk's Office (Building Permits)

General Requirements

Building permits required for new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs except as exempted by Montana law and local ordinance

Required Documents

Complete construction documents including architectural drawings
Structural plans
Site plans
Applicable energy code documentation

Permit validity: Check with City of Baker for specific validity period and extension procedures
Building code: Baker, Montana adopted the 2021 International Building Code and related codes consistent with Montana state adoption. Reference: City of Baker Code of Ordinances Title 17.1
Owner-builder: Montana supports owner-builders. Owner-builders may construct their own buildings without a general contractor license.
Contractor requirements: Montana does not require a general contractor license at the state level, but contractors with employees must register. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors are regulated at the state level.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Building permit fees typically 1-2% of total construction value; confirm local variations with city
Payment note: Fee structure consistent with Montana state building permit fee structure (1-2% of building valuation)

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Farm and ranch buildings
Mining buildings on mining property
Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except office and shop buildings)
Residential buildings with less than five dwelling units (except transient guest accommodations)
Private garages and private storage buildings for owner's own use (not commercial)

Important: Local exemptions may vary; check with City of Baker for any local variations

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Scheduling deadline: Typically requires 24-48 hours advance notice

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspections required. All inspections must pass before certificate of occupancy issued.

Additional Resources

Building code: Baker, Montana adopted the 2021 International Building Code and related codes consistent with Montana state adoption. Reference: City of Baker Code of Ordinances Title 17.1
City of Baker contact page
City of Baker Code of Ordinances
Montana Building Codes Program
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 City of Baker - Clerk's Office (Building Permits) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Baker Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Baker, MT?: Building permits required for new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs except as exempted by Montana law and local ordinance
How much does a building permit cost in Baker, MT?: Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees typically 1-2% of total construction value; confirm local variations with city.
How do I apply for a building permit in Baker, MT?: 1. Contact City of Baker Clerk's Office to obtain required application forms and building permit requirements 2. Prepare complete construction documents (plans, specifications, site plan) 3. Complete City of Baker Building Permit Application 4. Submit application with all required documents to the City of Baker 5. City reviews submission for completeness and code compliance 6. Applicant addresses any city requests for clarification or revisions 7. Upon approval and fee payment, building permit is issued
How long does it take to get a building permit in Baker, MT?: Typical processing time is Contact City of Baker for specific timeframe; Montana state average is 3 weeks.
What work is exempt from building permits in Baker, MT?: The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except office and shop buildings); Residential buildings with less than five dwelling units (except transient guest accommodations); Private garages and private storage buildings for owner's own use (not commercial). Note: Local exemptions may vary; check with City of Baker for any local variations
How do I schedule a building inspection in Baker, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: . Typically requires 24-48 hours advance notice.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Baker can be complicated.

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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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