City Building Permits
Belgrade, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Belgrade, Montana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All construction within Belgrade city limits. Belgrade is a certified local program and enforces its own building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing codes.
- Department
- City of Belgrade Building Department
- Address
- 111 N. Kennedy St., Belgrade, MT 59714
- Phone
- 406-388-3560
Online Permit Portal
Platform: CityWorks • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Review the Building Permit Guidelines document available on the city website.
- Create an account in the CityWorks online portal.
- Submit the permit application online, including all required plans and documents.
- City staff performs plan review. You receive notification of any corrections required.
- Respond to corrections and resubmit as needed.
- Pay permit fees (assessed based on project valuation using the Master Fee Schedule).
- Permit is issued. Post the permit and approved plans on the job site.
- Schedule inspections through the CityWorks portal or by calling/emailing before 3pm the day prior for next-day inspection.
- Pass all required inspections and receive Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval.
Typical processing time: Processing time not specified in public sources. Contact 406-388-3560 for current timelines.
General Requirements
All new construction, additions, and alterations to existing buildings within Belgrade city limits require a building permit. All building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits must be obtained through the Belgrade Building Department.
Required Documents
- Site plan
- Floor plans
- Construction drawings
- Energy compliance documentation
- Permit validity
- Contact 406-388-3560 or refer to the Building Permit Guidelines document for expiration details.
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) for commercial buildings; 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for insulation requirements. Residential code follows state-adopted 2021 IRC with Montana amendments.
- Owner-builder
- Contact 406-388-3560 for owner-builder specific requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- State Construction Contractor Registration required (Montana DLI, $70 non-refundable fee, renewed every two years). Active business license may be required for subcontractors listed on permits.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Included in fee schedule. Refer to Master Fee Schedule.
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based. Refer to the Master Fee Schedule for the current table of permit fees by project valuation range. ICC Building Valuation Data methodology is commonly used.
- Payment note
- Fees paid through the CityWorks online portal or in person at City Hall.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Routine maintenance and minor repairs that do not affect structural or life-safety elements
- Painting and finish work
- Replacement of existing fixtures with equivalent units
Important: Belgrade's Building Department follows the 2021 IBC/IRC exemption framework. Contact 406-388-3560 or review the Building Permit Guidelines for Belgrade's specific exemption list.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- CityWorks portal (online)
- 406-388-3560 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Schedule by phone/email before 3pm the day prior for next-day inspection.
- Inspection hours
- Business hours at 111 N. Kennedy St. Contact 406-388-3560 for current inspection scheduling hours.
- Time windows
- Contact Building Department for available windows.
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footings, foundations, framing, insulation, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, electrical, final inspection, Certificate of Occupancy.
Contact Building Department regarding remote inspection availability.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) for commercial buildings; 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) for insulation requirements. Residential code follows state-adopted 2021 IRC with Montana amendments.
- Verify contractor license: Montana Contractor Registration
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Building Permit Guidelines
- Adopted Codes
- 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 City of Belgrade Building Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Belgrade Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Belgrade, MT?
- All new construction, additions, and alterations to existing buildings within Belgrade city limits require a building permit. All building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits must be obtained through the Belgrade Building Department.
- How much does a building permit cost in Belgrade, MT?
- Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Refer to the Master Fee Schedule for the current table of permit fees by project valuation range. ICC Building Valuation Data methodology is commonly used.. Plan check fee: Included in fee schedule. Refer to Master Fee Schedule..
- How do I apply for a building permit in Belgrade, MT?
- 1. Review the Building Permit Guidelines document available on the city website. 2. Create an account in the CityWorks online portal. 3. Submit the permit application online, including all required plans and documents. 4. City staff performs plan review. You receive notification of any corrections required. 5. Respond to corrections and resubmit as needed. 6. Pay permit fees (assessed based on project valuation using the Master Fee Schedule). 7. Permit is issued. Post the permit and approved plans on the job site. 8. Schedule inspections through the CityWorks portal or by calling/emailing before 3pm the day prior for next-day inspection. 9. Pass all required inspections and receive Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Belgrade, MT?
- Typical processing time is Processing time not specified in public sources. Contact 406-388-3560 for current timelines..
- What work is exempt from building permits in Belgrade, MT?
- The following work is generally exempt: Routine maintenance and minor repairs that do not affect structural or life-safety elements; Painting and finish work; Replacement of existing fixtures with equivalent units. Note: Belgrade's Building Department follows the 2021 IBC/IRC exemption framework. Contact 406-388-3560 or review the Building Permit Guidelines for Belgrade's specific exemption list.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Belgrade, MT?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: CityWorks portal, 406-388-3560. Schedule by phone/email before 3pm the day prior for next-day inspection..
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