How much does a building permit cost in Reserve, MT?

Fees are calculated as: 1-2% of total building valuation. Fee calculated by state program..

How do I apply for a building permit in Reserve, MT?

1. Call Montana Building Codes Program (406) 841-2056 to determine if state permit required 2. Obtain state Building Permit/Plan Review Application form 3. Prepare complete construction plans and specifications 4. Submit application with plans and fee to state 5. Receive plan review comments within 2-3 weeks (if complete) 6. Address review comments and resubmit 7. Receive permit approval and schedule inspections 8. Notify inspector 24 hours before each inspection phase 9. Obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy

How long does it take to get a building permit in Reserve, MT?

Typical processing time is 2-3 weeks for plan review.

What work is exempt from building permits in Reserve, MT?

The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (excluding office/shop buildings); Residential buildings with fewer than 5 dwelling units (excluding transient guest facilities); Private garages and private storage buildings for owner's own use (not part of business).

How do I schedule a building inspection in Reserve, MT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: . 24 hours before inspection.

City Building Permits

Reserve, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Sheridan County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Reserve is not incorporated (Census-Designated Place with population 23 at 2010 census). Building permits handled by Montana state Building Codes Program.

Department: Montana Building Codes Program / Sheridan County
Address: P.O. Box 200517, Helena, MT 59602 (state); 100 W. Laurel Ave, Plentywood, MT 59254 (county)
Phone: (406) 841-2056 (state)
Email: buildingcodes@mt.gov
Website: https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open Montana Building Codes Program

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Call Montana Building Codes Program (406) 841-2056 to determine if state permit required
Obtain state Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
Prepare complete construction plans and specifications
Submit application with plans and fee to state
Receive plan review comments within 2-3 weeks (if complete)
Address review comments and resubmit
Receive permit approval and schedule inspections
Notify inspector 24 hours before each inspection phase
Obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy

Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks for plan review

Source: Montana Building Codes Program / Sheridan County

General Requirements

State permits required for new buildings, additions, alterations, repairs to structural elements. Contact state program to determine if your project qualifies.

Required Documents

Complete construction plans with architectural/engineering seals (if required)
Site plan showing property boundaries
Building valuation estimate
Engineering reports or specifications as applicable

Building code: Montana Uniform Building Code based on International Building Code standards

Fees

Permit fee formula: 1-2% of total building valuation. Fee calculated by state program.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Montana Building Codes Program / Sheridan County to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Scheduling deadline: 24 hours before inspection

Typical inspection sequence: Standard sequence: Foundation/footing inspection, Framing inspection, Rough-in inspection (electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems), Final inspection before certificate of occupancy. Inspector has 72 hours to complete inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: Montana Uniform Building Code based on International Building Code standards
Zoning information: View zoning info
Montana Building Codes Program
Building Permits FAQ
Sheridan County Planning
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 Montana Building Codes Program / Sheridan County before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reserve Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Reserve, MT?: State permits required for new buildings, additions, alterations, repairs to structural elements. Contact state program to determine if your project qualifies.
How much does a building permit cost in Reserve, MT?: Fees are calculated as: 1-2% of total building valuation. Fee calculated by state program..
How do I apply for a building permit in Reserve, MT?: 1. Call Montana Building Codes Program (406) 841-2056 to determine if state permit required 2. Obtain state Building Permit/Plan Review Application form 3. Prepare complete construction plans and specifications 4. Submit application with plans and fee to state 5. Receive plan review comments within 2-3 weeks (if complete) 6. Address review comments and resubmit 7. Receive permit approval and schedule inspections 8. Notify inspector 24 hours before each inspection phase 9. Obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy
How long does it take to get a building permit in Reserve, MT?: Typical processing time is 2-3 weeks for plan review.
What work is exempt from building permits in Reserve, MT?: The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (excluding office/shop buildings); Residential buildings with fewer than 5 dwelling units (excluding transient guest facilities); Private garages and private storage buildings for owner's own use (not part of business).
How do I schedule a building inspection in Reserve, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: . 24 hours before inspection.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Reserve 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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