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§ MT Judith Basin County
City building permits

City of Geyser

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

Last verified
March 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Montana Building Codes Program (State Jurisdiction)

Street address
Montana Building Codes Program, Department of Labor & Industry, 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT; P.O. Box 200517, Helena, MT 59602
Phone
(406) 841-2056
Email
buildingcodes@mt.gov
Coverage
The City of Geyser is NOT a certified local building code jurisdiction in Montana. Building permits for Geyser fall under the state Building Codes Program, which operates under the Department of Labor & Industry's Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau. Local land use planning may occur through county/city authority, but building permits are issued by the state. Geyser does not maintain its own building permit office. All permits processed by state bureau. Contact county for zoning/planning questions.
Online portal
EBIZ (Montana eBusiness Center)
ACCELA
Website
Department website
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Geyser

New buildings and structures (except exempt categories); building additions and alterations; structural repairs and significant renovations; projects with electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work; residential buildings with more than one dwelling unit

Single-family residences (exempt from state building permit; electrical and plumbing permits still required)
Farm and ranch buildings not intended for human habitation on property with valid agricultural land classification
Storage and utility buildings: Up to 200 square feet, maximum 12 feet in height, all setbacks met, not for habitable use or vehicle storage
Decks: Unattached decks 30 inches or less in height from grade
Minor repairs and maintenance not involving structural alterations
Limited electrical and plumbing work under state exemption thresholds (contact bureau for specifics)
  • Exempt Single-family residences (exempt from state building permit; electrical and plumbing permits still required)
  • Exempt Farm and ranch buildings not intended for human habitation on property with valid agricultural land classification
  • Exempt Storage and utility buildings: Up to 200 square feet, maximum 12 feet in height, all setbacks met, not for habitable use or vehicle storage
  • Exempt Decks: Unattached decks 30 inches or less in height from grade
  • Exempt Minor repairs and maintenance not involving structural alterations
  • Exempt Limited electrical and plumbing work under state exemption thresholds (contact bureau for specifics)
Required documents
  • Completed Building Permit/Plan Review Application
  • Scaled construction plans (site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections)
  • Building valuation estimate
  • Site plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, access
  • Proof of property ownership or authorization
  • Electrical, plumbing, mechanical plans as applicable
Building code
2021 International Building Code with Montana amendments and modifications (effective Sept. 21, 2024). Future adoption of 2024 IBC expected mid-2026.

Source: Montana Building Codes Program (State Jurisdiction) ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 2-3 weeks typical for plan review; total timeline varies based on project scope and rework needed

  1. 01
    Develop Plans: Create construction plans compliant with 2021 Montana Building Standards Code
  2. 02
    File Application: Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application and complete plans through EBIZ portal
  3. 03
    Initial Screening: State bureau screens application; issues screening letter with plan review fee estimate
  4. 04
    Fee Payment: Submit plan review fee upon receipt of screening letter
  5. 05
    Plan Review: Bureau reviews plans (typical 2-3 weeks if complete)
  6. 06
    Respond to Comments: Address any deficiencies identified in plan review
  7. 07
    Final Approval & Permit Issuance: Upon satisfactory response and fee payment, building permit issued
  8. 08
    Inspection Scheduling: Contact assigned state inspector to schedule required inspections
  9. 09
    Construction & Inspections: Perform work; inspections required at multiple phases
  10. 10
    Final Inspection & Occupancy Clearance: Final inspection approval allows occupancy

Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks typical for plan review; total timeline varies based on project scope and rework needed

Source: Montana Building Codes Program (State Jurisdiction) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Geyser building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
1-2% of building valuation (state standard). Valuation definition: Total cost of all construction work including materials and labor—all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators, fire-suppression systems, and any permanent equipment.

Online through EBIZ after plan review approval. Separate electrical and plumbing permits may apply if not included in general building permit fee.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • Contact assigned state inspector directly (phone)
Scheduling deadline
24+ hours typical notice required

Typical sequence: Inspection sequence: (1) Foundation and footing inspection (before concrete placement), (2) Framing inspection (before drywall installation), (3) Electrical rough-in inspection (before concealment), (4) Plumbing rough-in inspection (before concealment), (5) Mechanical rough-in inspection (before concealment), (6) Insulation and drywall inspection (if applicable), (7) Final inspection (complete structure, all systems). Work cannot proceed to next phase until current phase passes inspection (mandatory stop-work between phases).

Source: Montana Building Codes Program (State Jurisdiction) ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Geyser permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Geyser, MT? ▸
New buildings and structures (except exempt categories); building additions and alterations; structural repairs and significant renovations; projects with electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work; residential buildings with more than one dwelling unit
02 How much does a building permit cost in Geyser, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in Geyser, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: 1-2% of building valuation (state standard). Valuation definition: Total cost of all construction work including materials and labor—all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators, fire-suppression systems, and any permanent equipment..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Geyser, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Geyser, MT, follow these steps: 1. Develop Plans: Create construction plans compliant with 2021 Montana Building Standards Code 2. File Application: Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application and complete plans through EBIZ portal 3. Initial Screening: State bureau screens application; issues screening letter with plan review fee estimate 4. Fee Payment: Submit plan review fee upon receipt of screening letter 5. Plan Review: Bureau reviews plans (typical 2-3 weeks if complete) 6. Respond to Comments: Address any deficiencies identified in plan review 7. Final Approval & Permit Issuance: Upon satisfactory response and fee payment, building permit issued 8. Inspection Scheduling: Contact assigned state inspector to schedule required inspections 9. Construction & Inspections: Perform work; inspections required at multiple phases 10. Final Inspection & Occupancy Clearance: Final inspection approval allows occupancy
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Geyser, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Geyser, MT typically run 2-3 weeks typical for plan review; total timeline varies based on project scope and rework needed. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Geyser, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Geyser, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Single-family residences (exempt from state building permit; electrical and plumbing permits still required); Farm and ranch buildings not intended for human habitation on property with valid agricultural land classification; Storage and utility buildings: Up to 200 square feet, maximum 12 feet in height, all setbacks met, not for habitable use or vehicle storage; Decks: Unattached decks 30 inches or less in height from grade; Minor repairs and maintenance not involving structural alterations; Limited electrical and plumbing work under state exemption thresholds (contact bureau for specifics). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Geyser, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Geyser, MT via: Contact assigned state inspector directly. 24+ hours typical notice required.
last verified March 2026 source Montana Building Codes Program (State Jurisdiction) ↗ entry id permits/montana/judith-basin/geyser
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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montana Building Codes Program (State Jurisdiction) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

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