How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McCone County, MT?

Fees are calculated as: 1–2% of building valuation (estimated $5–$15 per $1,000 of project value for residential; flat fee for smaller projects). Plan check fee: Must be paid along with permit fee; varies by complexity.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McCone County, MT?

Typical processing time is 3 weeks average for plan review.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated McCone County, MT?

The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (office/shop buildings must have permit); Residential buildings with fewer than 5 dwelling units (except transient guest facilities); Private garages and storage buildings used solely by owner for personal (non-commercial) use; Mining facilities regulated under Montana Title 82, Chapter 4, MCA; Repairs, painting, flooring, and non-structural cosmetic work (verify with state program as some structural repairs may require permits). Note: Always verify with Montana Building Codes Program before assuming exemption

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McCone County, MT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: .

County Building Permits

McCone County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated McCone County, Montana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Montana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Department: McCone County Clerk & Recorder
Address: 1004 C. Avenue, Circle, MT 59215
Phone: (406) 485-3505
Email: clerk@midrivers.com
Website: https://mcconecountymt.gov/departments/clerk-recorder

Online Permit Portal

Open Montana EBIZ Online Portal

Platform: State Building Codes Program • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether your project requires a state building permit (contact state program if uncertain)
Prepare detailed construction plans, specifications, and site plans per state code requirements
Complete Building Permit/Plan Review Application form (available via EBIZ.MT.GOV or by mail request)
Submit application, plans, and fees to Montana Building Codes Program via EBIZ portal or mail
Wait for plan review (average 3 weeks); respond to any review comments in writing
Pay fees when all review comments are resolved
Receive building permit authorization
Begin construction per permit terms and schedule inspections as required

Typical processing time: 3 weeks average for plan review

Source: McCone County Clerk & Recorder

General Requirements

State permit required for any building (except exempt categories) prior to construction start, including new buildings, alterations, additions, and changes of occupancy

Required Documents

Detailed construction plans
Site plans
Structural drawings if applicable
Proof of ownership or authorization
Building valuation estimate

Building code: Montana 2021 International Building Code series (effective June 11, 2022); future 2024 ICC codes planned for mid-2026
Contractor requirements: Licensed design professional required for publicly owned buildings, non-conventional light-frame construction, foundations less than 3–4 feet depth, moderate-to-severe snow/seismic loads, or complex designs

Fees

Plan check fee: Must be paid along with permit fee; varies by complexity
Permit fee formula: 1–2% of building valuation (estimated $5–$15 per $1,000 of project value for residential; flat fee for smaller projects)
Payment note: Both permit and plan review fees must be paid before permit issuance. Contact Montana Building Codes Program, (406) 841-2056 or buildingcodes@mt.gov for quote

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the McCone County Clerk & Recorder to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Time windows: HUD 309 Inspections: 10-day inspection window from notification date (if applicable to project)

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections occur at foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, and final completion stages

Additional Resources

Building code: Montana 2021 International Building Code series (effective June 11, 2022); future 2024 ICC codes planned for mid-2026
Owner-builder rules: View rules
License lookup guide: Montana Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Montana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Montana hub: Montana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the McCone County Clerk & Recorder before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

McCone County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated McCone County, MT?: State permit required for any building (except exempt categories) prior to construction start, including new buildings, alterations, additions, and changes of occupancy
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McCone County, MT?: Fees are calculated as: 1–2% of building valuation (estimated $5–$15 per $1,000 of project value for residential; flat fee for smaller projects). Plan check fee: Must be paid along with permit fee; varies by complexity.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated McCone County, MT?: 1. Determine whether your project requires a state building permit (contact state program if uncertain) 2. Prepare detailed construction plans, specifications, and site plans per state code requirements 3. Complete Building Permit/Plan Review Application form (available via EBIZ.MT.GOV or by mail request) 4. Submit application, plans, and fees to Montana Building Codes Program via EBIZ portal or mail 5. Wait for plan review (average 3 weeks); respond to any review comments in writing 6. Pay fees when all review comments are resolved 7. Receive building permit authorization 8. Begin construction per permit terms and schedule inspections as required
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McCone County, MT?: Typical processing time is 3 weeks average for plan review.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated McCone County, MT?: The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (office/shop buildings must have permit); Residential buildings with fewer than 5 dwelling units (except transient guest facilities); Private garages and storage buildings used solely by owner for personal (non-commercial) use; Mining facilities regulated under Montana Title 82, Chapter 4, MCA; Repairs, painting, flooring, and non-structural cosmetic work (verify with state program as some structural repairs may require permits). Note: Always verify with Montana Building Codes Program before assuming exemption
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McCone County, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: .

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in McCone County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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