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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Boulder
Required before constructing, erecting, expanding, altering or modifying any building or structure within city limits.
Residential buildings: Less than five dwelling units (state exemption, not serving transient guests)
Private garages: For owner's use only, not part of commercial enterprise
Storage buildings: Non-commercial use, owner's own use
Minor additions: Covered entries, porches, patios, and lean-to structures on residential buildings (non-habitable storage only)
Decks: Unattached decks not serving as primary entrance
- Exempt Residential buildings: Less than five dwelling units (state exemption, not serving transient guests)
- Exempt Private garages: For owner's use only, not part of commercial enterprise
- Exempt Storage buildings: Non-commercial use, owner's own use
- Exempt Minor additions: Covered entries, porches, patios, and lean-to structures on residential buildings (non-habitable storage only)
- Exempt Decks: Unattached decks not serving as primary entrance
Note: Local city requirements may be stricter than state exemptions; verify with Boulder city planning before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Site plan with property boundaries, existing structures, and proposed improvements
- Building plans drawn to scale showing dimensions and specifications
- Number of dwelling units or rental units proposed
- Proof of property ownership
- Zoning compliance certification
- Building code
- Montana Building Code 2021 (International Building Code 2021), effective June 11, 2022
Source: City of Boulder ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Estimated 2-3 weeks for plan review
- 01 Complete zoning permit application with required information
- 02 Prepare site plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed buildings, and property uses
- 03 Submit application to City of Boulder with all required documentation
- 04 City staff reviews for zoning compliance and planning requirements
- 05 Approval issued upon verification of compliance
- 06 Building permit issued after planning approval
Typical processing time: Estimated 2-3 weeks for plan review
Source: City of Boulder ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Boulder building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Follows Montana state guidelines (1-2% of building valuation) plus 35% plan review fee
Contact City of Boulder directly for current fees and payment methods
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact City of Boulder (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch)
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing/wall sheathing, final inspections before occupancy required
Source: City of Boulder ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Boulder permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Boulder, MT? ▸
Required before constructing, erecting, expanding, altering or modifying any building or structure within city limits.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Boulder, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in Boulder, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Follows Montana state guidelines (1-2% of building valuation) plus 35% plan review fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Boulder, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Boulder, MT, follow these steps: 1. Complete zoning permit application with required information 2. Prepare site plan showing lot dimensions, existing and proposed buildings, and property uses 3. Submit application to City of Boulder with all required documentation 4. City staff reviews for zoning compliance and planning requirements 5. Approval issued upon verification of compliance 6. Building permit issued after planning approval
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Boulder, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Boulder, MT typically run Estimated 2-3 weeks for plan review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Boulder, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Boulder, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Residential buildings: Less than five dwelling units (state exemption, not serving transient guests); Private garages: For owner's use only, not part of commercial enterprise; Storage buildings: Non-commercial use, owner's own use; Minor additions: Covered entries, porches, patios, and lean-to structures on residential buildings (non-habitable storage only); Decks: Unattached decks not serving as primary entrance. Note: Local city requirements may be stricter than state exemptions; verify with Boulder city planning before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Boulder, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Boulder, MT via: Contact City of Boulder.
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Boulder before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.