Judith Basin County, MT — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Montana Building Codes Program (State Jurisdiction)

Street address

Montana Building Codes Program, Department of Labor & Industry, P.O. Box 200517, Helena, MT 59602

Phone

(406) 841-2056

buildingcodes@mt.gov

Coverage

All building permits in unincorporated areas fall under the state Building Codes Bureau. The county has a Planning Board for land development and zoning matters, but does not issue building permits for construction.

Online portal

EBIZ (Montana eBusiness Center)

ACCELA

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Judith Basin County

New buildings and structures (with exceptions noted); alterations, additions, and repairs to existing structures; interior demolition or significant renovation; state building permit required for residential buildings with more than one dwelling unit; plumbing and electrical permits required even for exempt residential work

Scope of work

Permit?

Single-family residences (exempt from state building permit, but must follow code for construction and require electrical/plumbing permits)

Exempt

Agricultural buildings used for farm/ranch operations (not for human habitation or commercial use) on property classified as agricultural land per MCA § 15-7-202

Exempt

Storage sheds and structures: Up to 200 square feet, maximum 12 feet height, all setbacks met, not for habitable use or motor vehicle storage

Exempt

Decks: Unattached decks not more than 30 inches high from grade to deck surface

Exempt

One-story residential buildings (exemption applies only outside local government jurisdictions requiring permits by ordinance)

Exempt

Minor repairs and maintenance not involving structural changes

Exempt

Electrical and plumbing work exempt: Limited low-risk work (consult bureau for specific exemption categories)

Exempt

Exempt Single-family residences (exempt from state building permit, but must follow code for construction and require electrical/plumbing permits)
Exempt Agricultural buildings used for farm/ranch operations (not for human habitation or commercial use) on property classified as agricultural land per MCA § 15-7-202
Exempt Storage sheds and structures: Up to 200 square feet, maximum 12 feet height, all setbacks met, not for habitable use or motor vehicle storage
Exempt Decks: Unattached decks not more than 30 inches high from grade to deck surface
Exempt One-story residential buildings (exemption applies only outside local government jurisdictions requiring permits by ordinance)
Exempt Minor repairs and maintenance not involving structural changes
Exempt Electrical and plumbing work exempt: Limited low-risk work (consult bureau for specific exemption categories)

Note: Agricultural exemption requires written approval of agricultural land classification from Montana Department of Revenue.

Required documents

Completed Building Permit Application
Construction plans/blueprints scaled to show site plan, floor plans, elevations, sections
Building valuation estimate
Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, access
Proof of property ownership or authorization
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical plans where applicable

Building code: Montana has adopted the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with amendments. The Montana Building Standards Code (MBSC) applies statewide.

Source: Montana Building Codes Program (State Jurisdiction) ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: 2-3 weeks average for plan review if plans are complete. Total project time varies based on project complexity and inspection scheduling.

01

Pre-Application Screening: Submit project details to Building Codes Program; screening letter issued with estimated plan review fees (typically 1-2% of building valuation)
02

Application Submission: Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application and complete construction plans through EBIZ portal
03

Plan Review: Bureau reviews submitted plans for compliance with Montana Building Standards Code (typically 2-3 weeks for complete plans)
04

Address Review Comments: Applicant addresses all plan review comments from bureau
05

Fee Payment: Pay approved plan review fees
06

Permit Issuance: Upon payment, state building permit is issued
07

Construction & Inspections: Contractor conducts work and schedules required inspections with state inspector
08

Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy: Final inspection approval allows occupancy

Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks average for plan review if plans are complete. Total project time varies based on project complexity and inspection scheduling.

Source: Montana Building Codes Program (State Jurisdiction) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Judith Basin County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Permit fee formula

1-2% of total building valuation (state standard). Total value includes all construction work including labor and materials—finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire systems, and permanent equipment.

Online through EBIZ portal after plan review approval. Electrical and plumbing permits may incur separate fees if not included in building permit.

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Contact state inspector directly (phone)

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: (1) Foundation/footing inspection (before concrete pour), (2) Framing inspection (before drywall installation), (3) Rough-in inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical before concealment), (4) Final inspection (upon completion before occupancy). Each phase must be approved before proceeding to next phase (stop-work requirement).

Source: Montana Building Codes Program (State Jurisdiction) ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Judith Basin County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Judith Basin County, MT? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Judith Basin County, MT? ▸

Building permit fees in unincorporated Judith Basin County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: 1-2% of total building valuation (state standard). Total value includes all construction work including labor and materials—finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, elevators, fire systems, and permanent equipment..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Judith Basin County, MT? ▸

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Judith Basin County, MT, follow these steps: 1. Pre-Application Screening: Submit project details to Building Codes Program; screening letter issued with estimated plan review fees (typically 1-2% of building valuation) 2. Application Submission: Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application and complete construction plans through EBIZ portal 3. Plan Review: Bureau reviews submitted plans for compliance with Montana Building Standards Code (typically 2-3 weeks for complete plans) 4. Address Review Comments: Applicant addresses all plan review comments from bureau 5. Fee Payment: Pay approved plan review fees 6. Permit Issuance: Upon payment, state building permit is issued 7. Construction & Inspections: Contractor conducts work and schedules required inspections with state inspector 8. Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy: Final inspection approval allows occupancy

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Judith Basin County, MT? ▸

Building permit processing times in unincorporated Judith Basin County, MT typically run 2-3 weeks average for plan review if plans are complete. Total project time varies based on project complexity and inspection scheduling.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Judith Basin County, MT? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Judith Basin County, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Single-family residences (exempt from state building permit, but must follow code for construction and require electrical/plumbing permits); Agricultural buildings used for farm/ranch operations (not for human habitation or commercial use) on property classified as agricultural land per MCA § 15-7-202; Storage sheds and structures: Up to 200 square feet, maximum 12 feet height, all setbacks met, not for habitable use or motor vehicle storage; Decks: Unattached decks not more than 30 inches high from grade to deck surface; One-story residential buildings (exemption applies only outside local government jurisdictions requiring permits by ordinance); Minor repairs and maintenance not involving structural changes; Electrical and plumbing work exempt: Limited low-risk work (consult bureau for specific exemption categories). Note: Agricultural exemption requires written approval of agricultural land classification from Montana Department of Revenue. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Judith Basin County, MT? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Judith Basin County, MT via: Contact state inspector directly.

last verified March 2026 source Montana Building Codes Program (State Jurisdiction) ↗ entry id permits/montana/judith-basin/unincorporated

Report a correction

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.

Unincorporated Judith Basin County