City Building Permits

Havre, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Hill County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City limits only. Havre is currently decertified for building code enforcement due to lack of a certified building inspector on staff. The city can issue permits for ordinance items (fences, driveways, sidewalks) only. Building code enforcement matters fall to state jurisdiction.

Department
City of Havre Public Works Department
Address
520 4th Street, Havre, MT 59501
Phone
406-265-6719

Application Process

  1. Download permit forms (Building, Demolition, Roofing, Sign, Miscellaneous) from City Hall or in person
  2. Fill out completed application
  3. Submit to Public Works Department at City Hall (520 4th Street)
  4. Public Works reviews and approves
  5. Pay fees at City Hall
  6. Permit issued

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified; contact Public Works directly

Source: City of Havre Public Works Department

General Requirements

Building permits required for any building, structure, or alteration that exceeds local ordinance limits. Due to decertification, state building code enforcement (state permits) also applies to structural work.

Building code
City of Havre adopted building codes including 2018 IRC and 2021 IRC with Montana amendments

Fees

Permit fee formula
Established by City Council Resolution; call for current rates
Payment note
Contact City Hall at 406-265-6719 for current fee schedule

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Havre Public Works Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • ()
Scheduling deadline
At least 24 hours before inspection (state inspectors for building code matters)

Typical inspection sequence: Because Havre lacks a certified building inspector, state inspectors handle building code matters. For state inspections, permit holder must call state inspector at least 24 hours before requested inspection; inspector has 72 hours to perform inspection. Process unclear given decertified status.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Havre Public Works Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Havre Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Havre, MT?
Building permits required for any building, structure, or alteration that exceeds local ordinance limits. Due to decertification, state building code enforcement (state permits) also applies to structural work.
How much does a building permit cost in Havre, MT?
Fees are calculated as: Established by City Council Resolution; call for current rates.
How do I apply for a building permit in Havre, MT?
1. Download permit forms (Building, Demolition, Roofing, Sign, Miscellaneous) from City Hall or in person 2. Fill out completed application 3. Submit to Public Works Department at City Hall (520 4th Street) 4. Public Works reviews and approves 5. Pay fees at City Hall 6. Permit issued
How long does it take to get a building permit in Havre, MT?
Typical processing time is Not publicly specified; contact Public Works directly.
What work is exempt from building permits in Havre, MT?
The following work is generally exempt: Building and construction work that falls outside city zoning/ordinance enforcement; Properties under state jurisdiction (structural/building code enforcement). Note: Consult with Public Works for specific exemptions given current decertified status
How do I schedule a building inspection in Havre, MT?
Inspections can be scheduled via: . At least 24 hours before inspection (state inspectors for building code matters).

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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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