Virginia City, MT — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Town of Virginia City Planning & Building

Street address

110 W Wallace Street, Virginia City, MT 59755

Phone

406-843-5321

townofvc@3rivers.net

Coverage

Virginia City administers Development and Site Zoning Permits under Ordinance 503. Design Review Guidelines apply to all new construction and modifications to maintain historic character

Online portal

Town of Virginia City Official Website

Paper-based; some coordination with state portal

Additional resources

Virginia City Design Review Guidelines ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Virginia City

All new construction and exterior modifications within Town of Virginia City require development and site zoning permits under Ordinance 503

Scope of work

Permit?

Interior-only work (non-visible)

Exempt

Routine maintenance and repairs

Exempt

Minor landscaping

Exempt

Exempt Interior-only work (non-visible)
Exempt Routine maintenance and repairs
Exempt Minor landscaping

Note: Design Review Ordinance 503 applies broadly to maintain historic character. Limited detail available; exemptions not clearly specified online. Design review may still apply to visible work. Contact Town Planning Department for exemption confirmation

Required documents

Plot plan drawing (scaled or dimensioned)
Property name/address
Development permit application
Site zoning permit application
Design Review documentation per Guidelines
Architect or designer drawings showing historic compatibility
Site plan details: property lines, adjacent lands, utilities, setbacks, footprint, height

Building code: 2015 International Building Code and 2015 International Fire Code

Source: Town of Virginia City Planning & Building ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Typically 2-4 weeks; varies based on design review complexity

01

Verify project location is within Virginia City limits
02

Obtain Design Review Guidelines from Town Planning Department
03

Prepare plot plan with required details (property lines, utilities, setbacks, footprint, overhangs, relationship to adjacent properties)
04

Complete Development Permit and Site Zoning Permit applications (Ordinance 503)
05

Submit applications with site plan to Town Hall or County Planning Office
06

Town Council or Planning Commission reviews for design compatibility
07

Upon approval, coordinate with state/county for building code compliance
08

Obtain permit and begin work

Typical processing time: Typically 2-4 weeks; varies based on design review complexity

Source: Town of Virginia City Planning & Building ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Virginia City building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Permit fee formula

Typically based on project valuation and complexity of design review

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Contact Town Hall to schedule building and design compliance inspections (phone)

Typical sequence: Design review approval required before construction; building inspections follow standard sequence. Required inspections include foundation, framing, systems (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), final, and design review inspection before occupancy

Source: Town of Virginia City Planning & Building ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Virginia City permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Virginia City, MT? ▸

All new construction and exterior modifications within Town of Virginia City require development and site zoning permits under Ordinance 503

02 How much does a building permit cost in Virginia City, MT? ▸

Building permit fees in Virginia City, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Typically based on project valuation and complexity of design review.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Virginia City, MT? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Virginia City, MT, follow these steps: 1. Verify project location is within Virginia City limits 2. Obtain Design Review Guidelines from Town Planning Department 3. Prepare plot plan with required details (property lines, utilities, setbacks, footprint, overhangs, relationship to adjacent properties) 4. Complete Development Permit and Site Zoning Permit applications (Ordinance 503) 5. Submit applications with site plan to Town Hall or County Planning Office 6. Town Council or Planning Commission reviews for design compatibility 7. Upon approval, coordinate with state/county for building code compliance 8. Obtain permit and begin work

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Virginia City, MT? ▸

Building permit processing times in Virginia City, MT typically run Typically 2-4 weeks; varies based on design review complexity. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Virginia City, MT? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Virginia City, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Interior-only work (non-visible); Routine maintenance and repairs; Minor landscaping. Note: Design Review Ordinance 503 applies broadly to maintain historic character. Limited detail available; exemptions not clearly specified online. Design review may still apply to visible work. Contact Town Planning Department for exemption confirmation When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Virginia City, MT? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Virginia City, MT via: Contact Town Hall to schedule building and design compliance inspections.

last verified March 2026 source Town of Virginia City Planning & Building ↗ entry id permits/montana/madison/virginia-city

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Virginia City Planning & Building before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Virginia City

Other jurisdictions in Madison County.