How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Fallon County, MT?

Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are calculated as 1-2 percent of building valuation. Plan check fee: Additional plan review fees apply; contact Building Codes Bureau for details.

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

Typical processing time is 2-3 weeks (state average for complete plans).

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Fallon County, 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 containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests such as hotels); Private garages and private storage buildings used solely for the owner's own use (not part of a business or commercial enterprise). Note: Additional work may qualify for exemptions upon inquiry to the Building Codes Bureau

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: . 24 hours advance notice required.

County Building Permits

Fallon County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Fallon County fall under state-level building code enforcement for areas that do not have a certified local program

Department: Montana Department of Labor and Industry - Building Codes Bureau
Address: 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59601
Phone: (406) 841-2056
Email: BUILDINGCODES@MT.GOV
Website: https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open EBIZ.MT.GOV

Platform: Montana Accela portal and EBIZ.MT.GOV • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Montana Accela Portal

Application Process

Contact Fallon County Planning Department for any local zoning or planning requirements
Prepare complete construction documents including architectural drawings, structural plans, site plans, and specifications
Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
Submit application with required documents to Montana Building Codes Bureau via EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail
Bureau reviews plans and sends comment letters (if revisions needed)
Applicant responds to plan review comments in writing
Upon resolution of all comments and payment of fees, building permit is issued

Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks (state average for complete plans)

Source: Montana Department of Labor and Industry - Building Codes Bureau

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs except for exempt work

Required Documents

Complete construction documents with architectural seals if required
Site plans
Structural drawings
Engineering reports
Energy code compliance documentation
Mechanical/plumbing/electrical specifications

Permit validity: Not explicitly specified in state regulations; check with the Building Codes Bureau for specific validity period
Building code: Montana adopted the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2017 ICC A117.1, and 2018 NFPA 99. Montana plans to adopt the 2024 ICC codes in mid-2026.
Owner-builder: Montana supports owner-builders with minimal restrictions. Owner-builders may obtain permits for their own construction without a contractor license.
Contractor requirements: Contractor licenses are not required by Montana at the state level for independent contractors without employees. However, contractors with employees, corporations, or manager-managed LLCs must register with the state. Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) have separate licensing requirements.

Fees

Plan check fee: Additional plan review fees apply; contact Building Codes Bureau for details
Permit fee formula: Building permit fees are calculated as 1-2 percent of building valuation
Trade permit fee: Separate permits and fees are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work

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 containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests such as hotels)
Private garages and private storage buildings used solely for the owner's own use (not part of a business or commercial enterprise)

Important: Additional work may qualify for exemptions upon inquiry to the Building Codes Bureau

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Scheduling deadline: 24 hours advance notice required
Time windows: Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform the requested inspection

Typical inspection sequence: After permit approval, owners or contractors schedule required inspections including foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspections. All inspections must pass before a certificate of occupancy is issued.

Additional Resources

Building code: Montana adopted the 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2017 ICC A117.1, and 2018 NFPA 99. Montana plans to adopt the 2024 ICC codes in mid-2026.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building permit FAQ
State permit status determination
Fallon County website
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 Montana Department of Labor and Industry - Building Codes Bureau before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fallon County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Fallon County, MT?: Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs except for exempt work
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Fallon County, MT?: Fees are calculated as: Building permit fees are calculated as 1-2 percent of building valuation. Plan check fee: Additional plan review fees apply; contact Building Codes Bureau for details.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Fallon County, MT?: 1. Contact Fallon County Planning Department for any local zoning or planning requirements 2. Prepare complete construction documents including architectural drawings, structural plans, site plans, and specifications 3. Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application form 4. Submit application with required documents to Montana Building Codes Bureau via EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail 5. Bureau reviews plans and sends comment letters (if revisions needed) 6. Applicant responds to plan review comments in writing 7. Upon resolution of all comments and payment of fees, building permit is issued
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Fallon County, MT?: Typical processing time is 2-3 weeks (state average for complete plans).
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Fallon County, 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 containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests such as hotels); Private garages and private storage buildings used solely for the owner's own use (not part of a business or commercial enterprise). Note: Additional work may qualify for exemptions upon inquiry to the Building Codes Bureau
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Fallon County, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: . 24 hours advance notice required.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Fallon County (Unincorporated Areas) can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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