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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for McCone County
State permit required for any building (except exempt categories) prior to construction start, including new buildings, alterations, additions, and changes of occupancy
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)
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings
- Exempt Mining buildings on mining property
- Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (office/shop buildings must have permit)
- Exempt Residential buildings with fewer than 5 dwelling units (except transient guest facilities)
- Exempt Private garages and storage buildings used solely by owner for personal (non-commercial) use
- Exempt Mining facilities regulated under Montana Title 82, Chapter 4, MCA
- Exempt 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
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
Source: McCone County Clerk & Recorder ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 3 weeks average for plan review
- 01 Determine whether your project requires a state building permit (contact state program if uncertain)
- 02 Prepare detailed construction plans, specifications, and site plans per state code requirements
- 03 Complete Building Permit/Plan Review Application form (available via EBIZ.MT.GOV or by mail request)
- 04 Submit application, plans, and fees to Montana Building Codes Program via EBIZ portal or mail
- 05 Wait for plan review (average 3 weeks); respond to any review comments in writing
- 06 Pay fees when all review comments are resolved
- 07 Receive building permit authorization
- 08 Begin construction per permit terms and schedule inspections as required
Typical processing time: 3 weeks average for plan review
Source: McCone County Clerk & Recorder ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
McCone County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Must be paid along with permit fee; varies by complexity
02
Permit fee formula
1–2% of building valuation (estimated $5–$15 per $1,000 of project value for residential; flat fee for smaller projects)
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
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact state program to identify assigned inspector and schedule inspections (phone)
- Time windows
- HUD 309 Inspections: 10-day inspection window from notification date (if applicable to project)
Typical sequence: Inspections occur at foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, and final completion stages
Source: McCone County Clerk & Recorder ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated McCone County permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McCone County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated McCone County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated McCone County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated McCone County, MT, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McCone County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated McCone County, MT typically run 3 weeks average for plan review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated McCone County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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 When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McCone County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McCone County, MT via: Contact state program to identify assigned inspector and schedule inspections.
last verified March 2026
source McCone County Clerk & Recorder ↗
entry id permits/montana/mccone/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with McCone County Clerk & Recorder before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.