On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Richland County
Building construction, remodels, additions, septic systems, structural/mechanical/electrical/plumbing work
Painting, wallpapering, finish work
Agricultural structures (specific criteria apply; contact county)
Minor repairs not involving system changes
Non-structural maintenance
- Exempt Painting, wallpapering, finish work
- Exempt Agricultural structures (specific criteria apply; contact county)
- Exempt Minor repairs not involving system changes
- Exempt Non-structural maintenance
Required documents
- Building Permit Application
- Site plan
- Construction drawings
- Project description
- Estimated cost
- Zoning verification
- Building code
- International Building Code 2012 Edition; Uniform Plumbing Code 2012; International Mechanical Code 2012; National Electrical Code 2014
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-3 weeks for plan review
- 01 Contact Richland County Building Inspector at (406) 433-2809 or Richland County Planning at (406) 433-6886
- 02 Download Building Permit Application from richland.org
- 03 Complete application in Word or print and fill by hand
- 04 Print 3 copies of application
- 05 Obtain required signatures and approvals
- 06 Submit application and supporting documents
- 07 Plan review (2-3 weeks)
- 08 Address any review comments
- 09 Pay fees per county fee schedule
- 10 Receive permit and begin construction
- 11 Schedule inspections with Building Inspector
- 12 Pass all required inspections
- 13 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy
Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks for plan review
§ 04
Fee schedule
Richland County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Percentage of estimated construction cost plus state fees
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call Building Inspector at least 24 hours before inspection needed (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hours advance notice required
- Time windows
- Inspector must perform inspection within 72 hours of notification
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, final building inspection
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Richland County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Richland County, MT? ▸
Building construction, remodels, additions, septic systems, structural/mechanical/electrical/plumbing work
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Richland County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Richland County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Percentage of estimated construction cost plus state fees.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Richland County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Richland County, MT, follow these steps: 1. Contact Richland County Building Inspector at (406) 433-2809 or Richland County Planning at (406) 433-6886 2. Download Building Permit Application from richland.org 3. Complete application in Word or print and fill by hand 4. Print 3 copies of application 5. Obtain required signatures and approvals 6. Submit application and supporting documents 7. Plan review (2-3 weeks) 8. Address any review comments 9. Pay fees per county fee schedule 10. Receive permit and begin construction 11. Schedule inspections with Building Inspector 12. Pass all required inspections 13. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Richland County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Richland County, MT typically run 2-3 weeks for plan review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Richland County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Richland County, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Painting, wallpapering, finish work; Agricultural structures (specific criteria apply; contact county); Minor repairs not involving system changes; Non-structural maintenance. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Richland County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Richland County, MT via: Call Building Inspector at least 24 hours before inspection needed. 24 hours advance notice required.
last verified March 2026
source Richland County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/montana/richland/crane
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Richland County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.