How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Garfield County, MT?

Fees are calculated as: State-level: 1-2% of estimated construction cost. Exact fees specified in screening letter from Montana Building Codes Program based on project valuation. Plan check fee: Included in screening letter estimate.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Garfield County, MT?

The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Private garages and storage buildings used for owner's own use only (not commercial); Residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests); Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office/shop buildings); Sheds less than 200 square feet (if not for habitable purposes, storage only); Non-habitable additions to existing residential buildings (covered porches, decks, lean-tos) if constructed to foundation standards; Painting, flooring, cosmetic repairs, non-structural modifications. Note: Check with Garfield County Planning Department for any additional local exemptions or restrictions within specific subdivisions

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Garfield County, MT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: . At least 24 hours before inspection is requested.

County Building Permits

Garfield County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, Montana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Montana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Building permits and zoning enforcement for residential and commercial structures in unincorporated areas outside Jordan city limits

Department: Garfield County Planning Department
Address: 352 Leavitt Avenue, Jordan, MT 59337
Phone: (406) 557-2760
Email: clerk@garfieldco.us
Website: https://garfieldcountymt.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Open Montana Building Codes Program Online Portal

Platform: Accela • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Montana Building Codes Program Permit Applications

Application Process

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Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks for plan review if application is complete; inspections within 72 hours of notification

Source: Garfield County Planning Department

General Requirements

New residential buildings and structures, commercial buildings and structures, additions exceeding certain thresholds, alterations or repairs involving structural work, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan showing property boundaries, structure location, and setbacks
Architectural/engineering plans showing code compliance
Proof of ownership or authorization
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans if applicable
Subdivision approval documentation for properties in subdivisions

Building code: Garfield County has adopted the 2015 IRC (International Residential Code), 2015 IBC (International Building Code), 2015 IFGC (International Fuel Gas Code), 2015 IMC (International Mechanical Code), 2015 IPC (International Plumbing Code), and 2009 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code). Montana Building Codes Program enforces 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2020 NEC, and 2021 UPC (with amendments effective June 2022). Frost depth: 36 inches for elevations up to 8,000 feet; 42 inches for elevations above 8,001 feet. Winter design temperature: minus 2°F for elevations 0-7,000 feet; minus 16°F for elevations above 7,000 feet.

Fees

Plan check fee: Included in screening letter estimate
Permit fee formula: State-level: 1-2% of estimated construction cost. Exact fees specified in screening letter from Montana Building Codes Program based on project valuation
Trade permit fee: Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits required separately; fees typically included in or separate from building permit
Payment note: Fees due upon approval of plan review before permit issuance

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Garfield County Planning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Scheduling deadline: At least 24 hours before inspection is requested
Time windows: Inspector must perform inspection within 72 hours of notification

Typical inspection sequence: Standard sequence: (1) Footing/foundation inspection before concrete pour, (2) Framing/structural inspection before insulation/drywall, (3) Mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in inspection before concealment, (4) Final inspection after completion of all work. For county-level zoning/subdivision compliance inspections, contact Garfield County Planning Department directly.

Additional Resources

Building code: Garfield County has adopted the 2015 IRC (International Residential Code), 2015 IBC (International Building Code), 2015 IFGC (International Fuel Gas Code), 2015 IMC (International Mechanical Code), 2015 IPC (International Plumbing Code), and 2009 IECC (International Energy Conservation Code). Montana Building Codes Program enforces 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2020 NEC, and 2021 UPC (with amendments effective June 2022). Frost depth: 36 inches for elevations up to 8,000 feet; 42 inches for elevations above 8,001 feet. Winter design temperature: minus 2°F for elevations 0-7,000 feet; minus 16°F for elevations above 7,000 feet.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
Montana Building Codes Current Codes
Garfield County Department Contacts
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 Garfield County Planning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garfield County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, MT?: New residential buildings and structures, commercial buildings and structures, additions exceeding certain thresholds, alterations or repairs involving structural work, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Garfield County, MT?: Fees are calculated as: State-level: 1-2% of estimated construction cost. Exact fees specified in screening letter from Montana Building Codes Program based on project valuation. Plan check fee: Included in screening letter estimate.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, MT?: 1. [object Object] 2. [object Object] 3. [object Object] 4. [object Object] 5. [object Object] 6. [object Object] 7. [object Object] 8. [object Object] 9. [object Object] 10. [object Object]
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Garfield County, MT?: Typical processing time is 2-3 weeks for plan review if application is complete; inspections within 72 hours of notification.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Garfield County, MT?: The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Private garages and storage buildings used for owner's own use only (not commercial); Residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests); Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office/shop buildings); Sheds less than 200 square feet (if not for habitable purposes, storage only); Non-habitable additions to existing residential buildings (covered porches, decks, lean-tos) if constructed to foundation standards; Painting, flooring, cosmetic repairs, non-structural modifications. Note: Check with Garfield County Planning Department for any additional local exemptions or restrictions within specific subdivisions
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Garfield County, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: . At least 24 hours before inspection is requested.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Garfield County Unincorporated Areas can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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