Park County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Department

Park County Planning & Zoning Department

Address

414 East Callender Street, Livingston, MT 59047

Phone

(406) 222-4102

Email

planning@parkcounty.org

Website

https://www.parkcounty.org/Government-Departments/Planning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Park County Planning Department at (406) 222-4102 to obtain building permit application forms
2. Submit completed application with plans and specifications sufficient to determine code compliance
3. Include warranty deed showing property ownership
4. Plans must include all required content
5. Building Department conducts plan review for code compliance
6. Applicant is notified when permit is ready or additional information is required
7. Upon approval, permit is issued by County Building Department
8. Applicant must schedule inspections and obtain final Certificate of Occupancy before occupying structure

Typical processing time: Approximately 3 weeks for plan review; total time depends on completeness of application and inspection scheduling

Source: Park County Planning & Zoning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure in unincorporated Park County

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Plans and specifications showing code compliance
• Warranty deed to establish ownership
• Site plan showing property location and setbacks
• Building code compliance documentation

Building code

Montana Statewide Building Code (2024 ICC codes planned for mid-2026 adoption; prior adoption likely 2021 ICC). International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) are the primary referenced codes

Fees

Minimum permit fee

50

Permit fee formula

Tiered fee structure based on project valuation: Accessory buildings $50, Projects $5,000-$9,999 $100, Projects $10,000-$49,999 base fee applies, Projects $50,000+ contact department for calculation

Payment note

Contact Park County Planning Department for specific fee calculation for your project; fees based on estimated valuation and complexity

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Park County Planning & Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ()

Typical inspection sequence: 1. Foundation/footing inspection (before concrete is poured) 2. Framing inspection (before walls are enclosed) 3. Electrical rough-in inspection (if required; state-regulated, county may coordinate) 4. Plumbing rough-in inspection (if required; state-regulated, county may coordinate) 5. Final inspection (after state approvals for electrical/plumbing; verifies code compliance). Certificate of Occupancy issued after final inspection passed; occupancy prior to CO issuance is a code violation and may void insurance coverage

Additional Resources

• Building code: Montana Statewide Building Code (2024 ICC codes planned for mid-2026 adoption; prior adoption likely 2021 ICC). International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) are the primary referenced codes
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Montana Building Codes Program
• Current Codes
• Park County RID Information
• Park County Subdivision Regulations
• Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building Codes Bureau
• License lookup guide: Montana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Montana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Montana hub: Montana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Park County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Park County, MT?

A building permit is required to erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure in unincorporated Park County

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

The minimum permit fee is 50. Fees are calculated as: Tiered fee structure based on project valuation: Accessory buildings $50, Projects $5,000-$9,999 $100, Projects $10,000-$49,999 base fee applies, Projects $50,000+ contact department for calculation.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Park County, MT?

1. Contact Park County Planning Department at (406) 222-4102 to obtain building permit application forms 2. Submit completed application with plans and specifications sufficient to determine code compliance 3. Include warranty deed showing property ownership 4. Plans must include all required content 5. Building Department conducts plan review for code compliance 6. Applicant is notified when permit is ready or additional information is required 7. Upon approval, permit is issued by County Building Department 8. Applicant must schedule inspections and obtain final Certificate of Occupancy before occupying structure

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

Typical processing time is Approximately 3 weeks for plan review; total time depends on completeness of application and inspection scheduling.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Private garage or storage buildings (detached, typically under specific square footage); Minor repairs and maintenance; Agricultural structures in rural areas; Certain interior remodeling projects; Decks under specific size and height. Note: Exemptions may vary; contact Park County Planning Department to determine if specific work requires a permit

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: .