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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Philipsburg
Zoning compliance permit for properties in Georgetown Lake Zoning District; floodplain permit for properties within floodplain before alterations; septic permit from Tri-County Sanitarian; state building permit may be required for commercial or multi-family housing; electrical/plumbing permits from State of Montana
Farm and ranch buildings (state level)
Private storage buildings used for owner's own use (state level)
Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units not serving transient guests (state level)
Sheds: Up to 200 square feet, max 12 feet high, respecting setbacks (state level; not for habitable purposes or vehicle parking)
Additions to residential buildings: Non-habitable space (covered entries, decks, lean-tos) (state level)
Owner-performed plumbing in residential property (sanitary and potable water piping only) (state level)
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings (state level)
- Exempt Private storage buildings used for owner's own use (state level)
- Exempt Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units not serving transient guests (state level)
- Exempt Sheds: Up to 200 square feet, max 12 feet high, respecting setbacks (state level; not for habitable purposes or vehicle parking)
- Exempt Additions to residential buildings: Non-habitable space (covered entries, decks, lean-tos) (state level)
- Exempt Owner-performed plumbing in residential property (sanitary and potable water piping only) (state level)
Required documents
- For zoning permit: Sketch plans showing setback and height of structures, project description
- For floodplain permit: Proof of location, floodplain status, project description
- Building code
- Montana state building codes apply. Philipsburg does not enforce a separate municipal building code.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Contact Granite County Planning & Zoning at (406) 859-7023 or visit 220 N Sansome St, Philipsburg, MT 59858
- 02 Determine permit type needed: zoning compliance, floodplain, or state building permit (for commercial/multi-family)
- 03 For zoning permit: Prepare application with sketch plans showing setback and height of structures
- 04 For floodplain permit: Check FEMA flood maps at https://msc.fema.gov/; prepare floodplain permit application if applicable
- 05 Submit application, sketch plans, and fee
- 06 County processes application and issues permit
- 07 Proceed with construction per approved permit
§ 04
Fee schedule
Philipsburg building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
100
02
Permit fee formula
Zoning Compliance Permit: $100; State Building Permit (if required): 1–2% of building valuation
No comprehensive fee schedule URL identified. Contact Granite County Planning directly at (406) 859-7023 for current fees. Septic permit varies; contact Tri-County Sanitarian at (406) 563-4035.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Not specified for local permits. For state-level building permits: Contact Montana Building Codes Bureau at (406) 841-2056 for inspection scheduling, required inspections, and procedures.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Philipsburg permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Philipsburg, MT? ▸
Zoning compliance permit for properties in Georgetown Lake Zoning District; floodplain permit for properties within floodplain before alterations; septic permit from Tri-County Sanitarian; state building permit may be required for commercial or multi-family housing; electrical/plumbing permits from State of Montana
02 How much does a building permit cost in Philipsburg, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in Philipsburg, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is 100. Fees are calculated as: Zoning Compliance Permit: $100; State Building Permit (if required): 1–2% of building valuation.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Philipsburg, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Philipsburg, MT, follow these steps: 1. Contact Granite County Planning & Zoning at (406) 859-7023 or visit 220 N Sansome St, Philipsburg, MT 59858 2. Determine permit type needed: zoning compliance, floodplain, or state building permit (for commercial/multi-family) 3. For zoning permit: Prepare application with sketch plans showing setback and height of structures 4. For floodplain permit: Check FEMA flood maps at https://msc.fema.gov/; prepare floodplain permit application if applicable 5. Submit application, sketch plans, and fee 6. County processes application and issues permit 7. Proceed with construction per approved permit
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Philipsburg, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Philipsburg, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings (state level); Private storage buildings used for owner's own use (state level); Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units not serving transient guests (state level); Sheds: Up to 200 square feet, max 12 feet high, respecting setbacks (state level; not for habitable purposes or vehicle parking); Additions to residential buildings: Non-habitable space (covered entries, decks, lean-tos) (state level); Owner-performed plumbing in residential property (sanitary and potable water piping only) (state level). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified March 2026
source Granite County Planning & Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/montana/granite/philipsburg
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Granite County Planning & Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.