Whitefish, MT — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

City of Whitefish - Planning and Building Department

Street address

418 E 2nd Street, Whitefish, MT 59937

Phone

(406) 863-2410

buildingdept@cityofwhitefish.gov

Coverage

Whitefish is an incorporated city with its own building and planning authority administering permits within city limits

Online portal

Citizen Portal

Civic online portal

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Whitefish

All new construction within city limits for structures greater than 200 square feet; residential and commercial structures; accessory structures (sheds, decks, porches, etc.)

Note: Not detailed in available sources; contact Whitefish Building Department at (406) 863-2410

Required documents

Signed building permit application
Construction plans (one set digital)
Fire risk assessment (new construction/additions)
Site plan with property line setbacks and lot size
Erosion control plan
Plumbing fixture count form (residential)
Detailed drainage and erosion control for projects changing footprint or adding impervious area

Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 UPC, 2020 NEC, 2021 ISPSC, 2021 IWUIC
Permit validity: Not specified in available sources; contact building department
Owner-builder: Not specifically detailed in available sources
Contractor requirements: State registration required for construction contractors; Whitefish requires state-licensed contractors

Source: City of Whitefish - Planning and Building Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Not specified in available sources; contact city

01

Call Building Department at (406) 863-2410 before starting construction to determine if permit required
02

Determine architectural review requirements (some projects may require approval first)
03

Submit complete signed Building Permit Application (residential or commercial form) through Citizen Portal or in person
04

Submit construction plans meeting 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 UPC, 2020 NEC, 2021 ISPSC, 2021 IWUIC
05

For residential: submit one set digital plans, fire risk assessment (new construction/additions), site plan with setbacks, erosion control plan, plumbing fixture count form
06

Pay permit fees
07

Obtain permit and post at job site
08

Schedule inspection appointment via phone at (406) 863-2414 (24 hours minimum notice required)
09

Building Department performs required inspections
10

Obtain final inspection sign-off and certificate of occupancy (if applicable)

Typical processing time: Not specified in available sources; contact city

Source: City of Whitefish - Planning and Building Department ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2021-10-18

Fee type

Amount

Permit fee formula

Specific fee amounts available in fee schedule PDF

Fees required upon application

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2021-10-18) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Call (406) 863-2414 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: 24 hours minimum advance notice

Typical sequence: Varies by project type; code-required inspections (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final typically required)

Source: City of Whitefish - Planning and Building Department ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Whitefish permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Whitefish, MT? ▸

All new construction within city limits for structures greater than 200 square feet; residential and commercial structures; accessory structures (sheds, decks, porches, etc.)

02 How much does a building permit cost in Whitefish, MT? ▸

Building permit fees in Whitefish, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Specific fee amounts available in fee schedule PDF.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Whitefish, MT? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Whitefish, MT, follow these steps: 1. Call Building Department at (406) 863-2410 before starting construction to determine if permit required 2. Determine architectural review requirements (some projects may require approval first) 3. Submit complete signed Building Permit Application (residential or commercial form) through Citizen Portal or in person 4. Submit construction plans meeting 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 UPC, 2020 NEC, 2021 ISPSC, 2021 IWUIC 5. For residential: submit one set digital plans, fire risk assessment (new construction/additions), site plan with setbacks, erosion control plan, plumbing fixture count form 6. Pay permit fees 7. Obtain permit and post at job site 8. Schedule inspection appointment via phone at (406) 863-2414 (24 hours minimum notice required) 9. Building Department performs required inspections 10. Obtain final inspection sign-off and certificate of occupancy (if applicable)

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Whitefish, MT? ▸

Building permit processing times in Whitefish, MT typically run Not specified in available sources; contact city. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Whitefish, MT? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Whitefish, MT via: Call (406) 863-2414. 24 hours minimum advance notice.

last verified March 2026 source City of Whitefish - Planning and Building Department ↗ entry id permits/montana/flathead/whitefish

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Whitefish - Planning and Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Whitefish

Other jurisdictions in Flathead County.