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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Reserve
State permits required for new buildings, additions, alterations, repairs to structural elements. Contact state program to determine if your project qualifies.
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)
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings
- Exempt Mining buildings on mining property
- Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (excluding office/shop buildings)
- Exempt Residential buildings with fewer than 5 dwelling units (excluding transient guest facilities)
- Exempt Private garages and private storage buildings for owner's own use (not part of business)
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
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-3 weeks for plan review
- 01 Call Montana Building Codes Program (406) 841-2056 to determine if state permit required
- 02 Obtain state Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
- 03 Prepare complete construction plans and specifications
- 04 Submit application with plans and fee to state
- 05 Receive plan review comments within 2-3 weeks (if complete)
- 06 Address review comments and resubmit
- 07 Receive permit approval and schedule inspections
- 08 Notify inspector 24 hours before each inspection phase
- 09 Obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy
Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks for plan review
§ 04
Fee schedule
Reserve building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
1-2% of total building valuation. Fee calculated by state program.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Permit holder calls inspector minimum 24 hours before inspection (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hours before inspection
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Reserve permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Reserve, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in Reserve, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: 1-2% of total building valuation. Fee calculated by state program..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Reserve, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Reserve, MT, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Reserve, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Reserve, 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 Reserve, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Reserve, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Reserve, MT via: Permit holder calls inspector minimum 24 hours before inspection. 24 hours before inspection.
last verified March 2026
source Montana Building Codes Program / Sheridan County ↗
entry id permits/montana/sheridan/reserve
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montana Building Codes Program / Sheridan County before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.