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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Granite County
Zoning compliance permit for properties in Georgetown Lake Zoning District; floodplain permit for properties within floodplain; septic permit from Tri-County Sanitarian; state building permit may be required for commercial or multi-family structures; 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 existing 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 existing 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
- For floodplain permit: Proof of location and floodplain status, project description
- Building code
- Montana state building codes apply. Granite County does not enforce local building codes.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Contact Granite County Planning & Zoning by phone (406-859-7023) or visit in person at 220 N Sansome St, Philipsburg, MT 59858
- 02 Determine if your property is in the Georgetown Lake Zoning District or floodplain
- 03 For zoning permits: Prepare application with sketch plans showing setback and height of structures
- 04 For floodplain permits: Check FEMA flood maps at https://msc.fema.gov/ to determine floodplain status; submit floodplain permit application if applicable
- 05 Submit application and required documents with applicable fee
§ 04
Fee schedule
Granite County 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 central fee schedule URL located. Contact Granite County Planning directly for current septic and floodplain 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 County-level permits. For state-level permits: Contact Montana Building Codes Bureau at (406) 841-2056 for inspection scheduling and procedures.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Granite County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Granite County, MT? ▸
Zoning compliance permit for properties in Georgetown Lake Zoning District; floodplain permit for properties within floodplain; septic permit from Tri-County Sanitarian; state building permit may be required for commercial or multi-family structures; electrical/plumbing permits from State of Montana
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Granite County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Granite County, 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 unincorporated Granite County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Granite County, MT, follow these steps: 1. Contact Granite County Planning & Zoning by phone (406-859-7023) or visit in person at 220 N Sansome St, Philipsburg, MT 59858 2. Determine if your property is in the Georgetown Lake Zoning District or floodplain 3. For zoning permits: Prepare application with sketch plans showing setback and height of structures 4. For floodplain permits: Check FEMA flood maps at https://msc.fema.gov/ to determine floodplain status; submit floodplain permit application if applicable 5. Submit application and required documents with applicable fee
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Granite County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Granite County, 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 existing 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/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Granite County Planning & Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.