On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Flathead County
New buildings; alterations; additions; repairs (with exceptions)
Farm and ranch buildings
Mining buildings on mining property
Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office/shop buildings)
Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units (except transient)
Private garages and storage buildings for owner's own use (not commercial)
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings
- Exempt Mining buildings on mining property
- Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office/shop buildings)
- Exempt Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units (except transient)
- Exempt Private garages and storage buildings for owner's own use (not commercial)
Required documents
- Building Permit/Plan Review Application
- Construction plans meeting state codes
- Building code
- Montana Building Code 2021 (2021 IBC-based) statewide
- Permit validity
- Contact state bureau for specific validity period
- Owner-builder
- Allowed with minimal restrictions
- Contractor requirements
- State registration required for construction contractors with employees
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 3 weeks average for plan review
- 01 Contact state Building Codes Program at (406) 841-2056 to confirm jurisdiction and requirements for specific property
- 02 Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application and construction plans to state bureau
- 03 Plans reviewed (3 weeks average)
- 04 Receive plan review comments and pay fees
- 05 Building permit issued
- 06 Schedule inspections with state inspector
- 07 Obtain final inspection approval
Typical processing time: 3 weeks average for plan review
§ 04
Fee schedule
Flathead County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Contact (406) 841-2056 or buildingcodes@mt.gov for current fees
Building Permit/Plan Review fees charged by state
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact state inspector (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hours notice recommended
- Time windows
- Inspection within 72 hours of notification
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final (as required)
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Flathead County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Flathead County, MT? ▸
New buildings; alterations; additions; repairs (with exceptions)
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Flathead County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Flathead County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Contact (406) 841-2056 or buildingcodes@mt.gov for current fees.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Flathead County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Flathead County, MT, follow these steps: 1. Contact state Building Codes Program at (406) 841-2056 to confirm jurisdiction and requirements for specific property 2. Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application and construction plans to state bureau 3. Plans reviewed (3 weeks average) 4. Receive plan review comments and pay fees 5. Building permit issued 6. Schedule inspections with state inspector 7. Obtain final inspection approval
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Flathead County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Flathead County, MT typically run 3 weeks average for plan review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Flathead County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Flathead County, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office/shop buildings); Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units (except transient); Private garages and storage buildings for owner's own use (not commercial). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Flathead County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Flathead County, MT via: Contact state inspector. 24 hours notice recommended.
last verified March 2026
source State of Montana Building Codes Program ↗
entry id permits/montana/flathead/bigfork
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with State of Montana Building Codes Program before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.