Unincorporated Fergus County

Any construction work except specific exemptions listed below. State law requires permits for all structures except: farm/ranch buildings, mining buildings on mining property, petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (excluding office/shop buildings), residential buildings with less than 5 dwelling units (except transient guest structures), and private garages/storage buildings for owner's own use (non-commercial).

• Exempt Farm and ranch buildings
• Exempt Mining buildings on mining property
• Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (excluding office and shop buildings)
• Exempt Residential buildings containing less than 5 dwelling units (except when serving transient guests)
• Exempt Private garages and private storage buildings used for owner's own use (not part of commercial enterprise)
• Exempt Certain mechanical work covered under separate mechanical permits
• Exempt State-owned facilities not subject to local code

Note: Even if exempt from state permits, owner must verify compliance with Fergus County Planning Office requirements for land use/zoning.

Building code

2021 International Building Codes (IBC 2021, IEC 2021, IMC 2021, IPC 2021, IRC 2021) as of June 9, 2022

Permit validity

Building permits remain valid for 180 days from date of issuance, unless work is substantially started and diligently prosecuted. Extensions may be granted.

Owner-builder

The property owner is responsible for applying for the permit. The owner may rely on contractor/designer expertise to complete application.

Contractor requirements

All contractors working in Montana must either: (1) Register as a Construction Contractor with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry ($70 fee) if they have employees, or (2) Obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) if they have no employees ($125 fee). Specialty trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical) may have additional licensing requirements.

Source: Montana Building Codes Program (State Level) / Fergus County Planning Office (Local) ↗

1. 01
   Determine if your project requires a permit (contact Building Codes Program if uncertain)
2. 02
   Prepare construction plans meeting International Building Code standards adopted by Montana
3. 03
   Complete Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
4. 04
   Submit application with plans and fees via EBIZ portal, mail, or in person
5. 05
   Building Codes Program reviews plans (typically 2-3 weeks if complete)
6. 06
   Pay plan review fees upon receipt of plan review letter
7. 07
   Address any plan review comments in writing
8. 08
   Pay final building permit fees when all comments satisfied
9. 09
   Receive and display building permit on-site
10. 10
    Notify state inspector 24 hours before work is ready for inspection
11. 11
    Inspector will inspect within 72 hours of notification

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

Source: Montana Building Codes Program (State Level) / Fergus County Planning Office (Local) ↗

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• (406) 841-2056 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Call state building inspector at least 24 hours before work is ready for inspection

Time windows

Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection

Typical sequence: Multiple inspections required depending on project type (foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, final). Inspector provides written approval/correction notice after each inspection. All inspections must pass before Certificate of Occupancy issued.

Source: Montana Building Codes Program (State Level) / Fergus County Planning Office (Local) ↗