Phillips County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Department

Montana Department of Labor & Industry – Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau

Address

301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59620

Phone

(406) 841-2056

Email

BUILDINGCODES@MT.GOV

Website

https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Prepare complete construction plans and specifications (architectural drawings, structural plans, site plans, engineering reports as needed)
2. Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
3. Submit application and plans via EBIZ portal (https://ebiz.mt.gov/) or by mail to the Montana Building Codes Program, P.O. Box 200517, Helena, MT 59602
4. Pay building permit fee and plan review fee (35% of permit fee) before permit issuance
5. Receive permit from the Building Codes Program
6. Commence construction according to approved plans
7. Schedule required inspections with assigned state inspector (minimum 24-hour notice)
8. Pass all required inspections (foundation, framing, rough-ins, insulation, final)
9. Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval

Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry – Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau

General Requirements

Building permits required for new building construction, alterations, additions, and repairs to existing structures, structures other than residential buildings with less than 5 dwelling units (unless local jurisdiction requires), and plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work

Required Documents

• Detailed construction plans and specifications
• Architectural drawings with architect seal (if required)
• Structural plans (if applicable)
• Site plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, utilities, setbacks
• Engineering reports (if applicable)
• Floor plans, elevations, cross-sections
• Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans
• Energy compliance documentation

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (adopted June 9, 2022; Montana plans to adopt 2024 ICC codes in mid-2026)

Owner-builder

Residential buildings with fewer than 5 dwelling units may be exempt from state-level building permit requirements unless otherwise required locally

Fees

Plan check fee

35% of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Based on building valuation per Table 109.2 (valuation rounded to nearest $1,000)

Reinspection fee

$75.00 per hour (fractions rounded up to next full hour)

Payment note

Both permit fee and plan review fee must be paid before permit issuance. Travel and per diem charged per state of Montana rates. Wind farm turbines: $200 first turbine, $100 each additional. Solar fields: $100 per megawatt.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Montana Department of Labor & Industry – Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ()

Scheduling deadline

Minimum 24-hour notice required for all inspection requests

Time windows

Same-day inspections accommodated as schedules allow

Typical inspection sequence: 1. Foundation inspection (before concrete placement or excavation backfill); 2. Framing and rough-ins inspection (after electrical, plumbing, mechanical rough-in; before insulation and drywall); 3. Insulation and energy inspection (verification of R-values and air sealing); 4. Final inspection (before certificate of occupancy; verifies code compliance and life safety); 5. Additional inspections may be required based on project type

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (adopted June 9, 2022; Montana plans to adopt 2024 ICC codes in 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Phillips County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits required for new building construction, alterations, additions, and repairs to existing structures, structures other than residential buildings with less than 5 dwelling units (unless local jurisdiction requires), and plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work

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

Fees are calculated as: Based on building valuation per Table 109.2 (valuation rounded to nearest $1,000). Plan check fee: 35% of building permit fee.

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

1. Prepare complete construction plans and specifications (architectural drawings, structural plans, site plans, engineering reports as needed) 2. Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application form 3. Submit application and plans via EBIZ portal (https://ebiz.mt.gov/) or by mail to the Montana Building Codes Program, P.O. Box 200517, Helena, MT 59602 4. Pay building permit fee and plan review fee (35% of permit fee) before permit issuance 5. Receive permit from the Building Codes Program 6. Commence construction according to approved plans 7. Schedule required inspections with assigned state inspector (minimum 24-hour notice) 8. Pass all required inspections (foundation, framing, rough-ins, insulation, final) 9. Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon final inspection approval

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

The following work is generally exempt: Residential buildings with fewer than 5 dwelling units (except transient guest facilities); Private garages and private storage buildings for owner's own use (not part of commercial enterprise); Accessory structures: covered entryways, covered patios/porches, covered decks, lean-to structures when added to existing residential buildings (non-habitable storage only); Interior painting, wallpapering, carpeting; Roof coating or waterproofing; Window replacement (in-kind); Repair and maintenance of existing structures (minor work without structural changes). Note: Exemptions vary by local jurisdiction; check with Phillips County or specific city for local variations

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: . Minimum 24-hour notice required for all inspection requests.