County Building Permits
Golden Valley County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, Montana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated Golden Valley County areas administered by Montana Building Codes Program
- Department
- Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau
- Address
- P.O. Box 200517, Helena, MT 59602
- Phone
- (406) 841-2056
- BUILDINGCODES@MT.GOV
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Montana eBiz Portal • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Prepare detailed construction plans and specifications including architectural drawings, structural plans, site plans, and all relevant technical documentation
- Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application form (available from the Building Codes Program website)
- Review the application checklist to ensure completeness
- Submit plans and application through EBIZ.MT.GOV or by mail to the Building Codes Program
- Building Codes Program reviews plans (average review time: 3 weeks)
- Respond to any plan review comments in writing
- Pay applicable permit and plan review fees
- Receive building permit approval (issued when all comments addressed and fees paid)
- Perform construction in accordance with approved plans and applicable building codes
- Schedule required inspections throughout construction
- Upon final inspection approval, receive certificate of completion
Typical processing time: 3 weeks for initial plan review
Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau
General Requirements
Building permits are required for all new buildings and structures, alterations, additions, and repairs to existing buildings with certain statutory exemptions. Residential buildings containing fewer than 5 dwelling units are exempt from state building permit requirements if they meet other exemptions, though plumbing and electrical permits are still required.
Required Documents
- Detailed architectural and structural plans
- Site plans showing property lines and proposed structure location
- Engineering calculations as required for the project type
- Proof of ownership or authorization to construct
- Any other documentation required by the Building Codes Program for the specific project type
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and related ICC standards. Montana plans to adopt 2024 ICC family of codes in mid-2026.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder construction is subject to state building code requirements
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Fees vary based on project valuation and project type
- Payment note
- Contact Building Codes Program at (406) 841-2056 or BUILDINGCODES@MT.GOV for specific fee information
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- ()
- ()
- Time windows
- Foundation/footing inspectionFraming and structural inspectionElectrical rough-in inspectionPlumbing rough-in inspectionMechanical systems inspectionFinal building inspection
Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are required at key stages of construction to verify compliance with approved plans and applicable codes. Certificate of completion issued upon final approval.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and related ICC standards. Montana plans to adopt 2024 ICC family of codes in mid-2026.
- Owner-builder rules: View rules
- Current Codes Information
- Inspection Contact Information
- Montana eBiz Portal
- ICC Digital 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 Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Golden Valley County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT?
- Building permits are required for all new buildings and structures, alterations, additions, and repairs to existing buildings with certain statutory exemptions. Residential buildings containing fewer than 5 dwelling units are exempt from state building permit requirements if they meet other exemptions, though plumbing and electrical permits are still required.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT?
- Fees are calculated as: Fees vary based on project valuation and project type.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT?
- 1. Prepare detailed construction plans and specifications including architectural drawings, structural plans, site plans, and all relevant technical documentation 2. Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application form (available from the Building Codes Program website) 3. Review the application checklist to ensure completeness 4. Submit plans and application through EBIZ.MT.GOV or by mail to the Building Codes Program 5. Building Codes Program reviews plans (average review time: 3 weeks) 6. Respond to any plan review comments in writing 7. Pay applicable permit and plan review fees 8. Receive building permit approval (issued when all comments addressed and fees paid) 9. Perform construction in accordance with approved plans and applicable building codes 10. Schedule required inspections throughout construction 11. Upon final inspection approval, receive certificate of completion
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT?
- Typical processing time is 3 weeks for initial plan review.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT?
- The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings not intended for human habitation; Private garages and private storage buildings for owner's own use (not commercial); Detached utility buildings under certain size thresholds; Residential buildings containing fewer than 5 dwelling units (with qualifications); Minor repairs and maintenance including replacement of lamps, interior finish work (painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops); Replacement of approved portable electrical equipment connections to approved existing receptacles; Certain agricultural structures on properties classified as Agricultural. Note: Exemptions from permit requirements do not grant authorization to violate any provisions of the building code or other laws and ordinances.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: , .
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