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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Chester
Per Montana state law and local ordinances; determined on case-by-case basis by Town Office
Residential buildings with fewer than 4 dwelling units (state exempt, electrical/plumbing still required)
Farm and ranch buildings
Mining buildings
Private residential garages (vehicles only)
Private storage for personal effects
Minor repair and maintenance
- Exempt Residential buildings with fewer than 4 dwelling units (state exempt, electrical/plumbing still required)
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings
- Exempt Mining buildings
- Exempt Private residential garages (vehicles only)
- Exempt Private storage for personal effects
- Exempt Minor repair and maintenance
Note: Same exemptions as Montana state law apply within Chester city limits. Local variations may apply. Verify specific exemptions with Town Office before starting work.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Site plan or property sketch
- Construction plans appropriate to project scope
- Building valuation estimate
- Any applicable zoning approvals or variance documents
- Building code
- Montana Building Code 2021 and Montana Residential Code 2021; 2021 International Energy Conservation Code with Montana amendments; Chester must adopt the same building codes as Montana state per ARM 24.301.202
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Contact Town of Chester Town Office to request building permit application
- 02 Complete permit application form with project details and estimated valuation
- 03 Provide site plan or sketch showing building location on property
- 04 Provide basic construction plans or drawings for the project
- 05 Submit application to Town Office with supporting documents
- 06 Town Office will review application and determine if additional documentation is needed
- 07 Upon approval, pay permit fee
- 08 Receive permit and post it visibly at job site
- 09 Request inspections as work phases are completed
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Town of Chester to schedule inspections (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hours notice typically required (verify with office)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed weekends and state holidays)
- Time windows
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Typical sequence: Permit holder responsible for requesting inspections at appropriate construction phases
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Chester permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Chester, MT? ▸
Per Montana state law and local ordinances; determined on case-by-case basis by Town Office
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Chester, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Chester, MT, follow these steps: 1. Contact Town of Chester Town Office to request building permit application 2. Complete permit application form with project details and estimated valuation 3. Provide site plan or sketch showing building location on property 4. Provide basic construction plans or drawings for the project 5. Submit application to Town Office with supporting documents 6. Town Office will review application and determine if additional documentation is needed 7. Upon approval, pay permit fee 8. Receive permit and post it visibly at job site 9. Request inspections as work phases are completed
03 What work is exempt from building permits in Chester, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Chester, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Residential buildings with fewer than 4 dwelling units (state exempt, electrical/plumbing still required); Farm and ranch buildings; Mining buildings; Private residential garages (vehicles only); Private storage for personal effects; Minor repair and maintenance. Note: Same exemptions as Montana state law apply within Chester city limits. Local variations may apply. Verify specific exemptions with Town Office before starting work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Chester, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Chester, MT via: Contact Town of Chester to schedule inspections. 24 hours notice typically required (verify with office).
last verified March 2026
entry id permits/montana/liberty/chester
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Chester Town Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.