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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fallon County
Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, and repairs except for exempt work
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)
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings
- Exempt Mining buildings on mining property
- Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except office and shop buildings)
- Exempt Residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests such as hotels)
- Exempt 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
Required documents
- Complete construction documents with architectural seals if required
- Site plans
- Structural drawings
- Engineering reports
- Energy code compliance documentation
- Mechanical/plumbing/electrical specifications
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not explicitly specified in state regulations; check with the Building Codes Bureau for specific validity period
- 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.
Source: Montana Department of Labor and Industry - Building Codes Bureau ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-3 weeks (state average for complete plans)
- 01 Contact Fallon County Planning Department for any local zoning or planning requirements
- 02 Prepare complete construction documents including architectural drawings, structural plans, site plans, and specifications
- 03 Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
- 04 Submit application with required documents to Montana Building Codes Bureau via EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail
- 05 Bureau reviews plans and sends comment letters (if revisions needed)
- 06 Applicant responds to plan review comments in writing
- 07 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Fallon County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Additional plan review fees apply; contact Building Codes Bureau for details
02
Permit fee formula
Building permit fees are calculated as 1-2 percent of building valuation
03
Trade permit fee
Separate permits and fees are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact the building inspector at least 24 hours before requesting an inspection (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hours advance notice required
- Time windows
- Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform the requested inspection
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Fallon County permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Fallon County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Fallon County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Fallon County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Fallon County, MT, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Fallon County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Fallon County, MT typically run 2-3 weeks (state average for complete plans). Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Fallon County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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 When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Fallon County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Fallon County, MT via: Contact the building inspector at least 24 hours before requesting an inspection. 24 hours advance notice required.
last verified March 2026
source Montana Department of Labor and Industry - Building Codes Bureau ↗
entry id permits/montana/fallon/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montana Department of Labor and Industry - Building Codes Bureau before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.