On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Golden Valley County
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.
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
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings not intended for human habitation
- Exempt Private garages and private storage buildings for owner's own use (not commercial)
- Exempt Detached utility buildings under certain size thresholds
- Exempt Residential buildings containing fewer than 5 dwelling units (with qualifications)
- Exempt Minor repairs and maintenance including replacement of lamps, interior finish work (painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops)
- Exempt Replacement of approved portable electrical equipment connections to approved existing receptacles
- Exempt 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.
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
Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 3 weeks for initial plan review
- 01 Prepare detailed construction plans and specifications including architectural drawings, structural plans, site plans, and all relevant technical documentation
- 02 Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application form (available from the Building Codes Program website)
- 03 Review the application checklist to ensure completeness
- 04 Submit plans and application through EBIZ.MT.GOV or by mail to the Building Codes Program
- 05 Building Codes Program reviews plans (average review time: 3 weeks)
- 06 Respond to any plan review comments in writing
- 07 Pay applicable permit and plan review fees
- 08 Receive building permit approval (issued when all comments addressed and fees paid)
- 09 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
Typical processing time: 3 weeks for initial plan review
Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Golden Valley County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Fees vary based on project valuation and project type
Contact Building Codes Program at (406) 841-2056 or BUILDINGCODES@MT.GOV for specific fee information
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact the assigned inspector for your area through the Building Codes Program (phone)
- Inspectors will coordinate scheduling that is mutually convenient (phone)
- Time windows
- Foundation/footing inspectionFraming and structural inspectionElectrical rough-in inspectionPlumbing rough-in inspectionMechanical systems inspectionFinal building inspection
Typical 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.
Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Golden Valley County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees vary based on project valuation and project type.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT typically run 3 weeks for initial plan review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Golden Valley County, MT via: Contact the assigned inspector for your area through the Building Codes Program, Inspectors will coordinate scheduling that is mutually convenient.
last verified March 2026
source Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau ↗
entry id permits/montana/golden-valley/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.