Sheridan County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Sheridan County default to Montana state building code authority. Sheridan County has not established a certified local building code enforcement program, so state permits apply.

Department

Montana Building Codes Program / Sheridan County Planning

Address

100 W. Laurel Ave, Plentywood, MT 59254-1699

Phone

(406) 841-2056

Email

buildingcodes@mt.gov

Website

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

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine if your project requires a state building permit (call (406) 841-2056 if uncertain)
2. Prepare complete construction plans and specifications (architectural drawings, site plans, engineering reports)
3. Obtain Montana Building Permit/Plan Review Application form from state Building Codes Program
4. Submit application with all required documentation to state program
5. Pay applicable permit fee (1-2% of building valuation)
6. Receive plan review comments within 2-3 weeks (assuming complete application)
7. Address all plan review comments and resubmit
8. Once approved, receive building permit and schedule required inspections
9. Contractor/owner calls inspector minimum 24 hours before each inspection phase
10. Obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy

Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks for plan review

Source: Montana Building Codes Program / Sheridan County Planning

General Requirements

State building permits required for new buildings, additions, alterations, repairs to structural elements, and change of use. Farm/ranch buildings and certain residential structures exempt (see Exempt Work section).

Required Documents

• Complete construction plans with architectural/engineering seals (if required)
• Detailed specifications of all construction work
• Site plan showing property lines and setbacks
• Building valuation estimate (used for fee calculation)
• Any city/county additional forms if located within incorporated jurisdiction

Building code

Montana Uniform Building Code (based on current International Building Code standards)

Fees

Permit fee formula

1-2% of total building valuation. Fee calculated by state on total construction cost including finish work, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and all permanent equipment.

Payment note

Exact fee structure determined by state program at time of application.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Montana Building Codes Program / Sheridan County Planning 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: Typical inspection schedule includes: Foundation/footing inspection, Framing inspection, Rough-in inspection (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), Final inspection before certificate of occupancy, Additional inspections as required by code. Inspector has 72 hours to perform inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Montana Uniform Building Code (based on current International Building Code standards)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Building Permit FAQ
• Montana Building Codes Program
• Sheridan County Planning Website
• License lookup guide: Montana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Montana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Montana hub: Montana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Sheridan County Building Permit FAQ

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

State building permits required for new buildings, additions, alterations, repairs to structural elements, and change of use. Farm/ranch buildings and certain residential structures exempt (see Exempt Work section).

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

Fees are calculated as: 1-2% of total building valuation. Fee calculated by state on total construction cost including finish work, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and all permanent equipment..

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

1. Determine if your project requires a state building permit (call (406) 841-2056 if uncertain) 2. Prepare complete construction plans and specifications (architectural drawings, site plans, engineering reports) 3. Obtain Montana Building Permit/Plan Review Application form from state Building Codes Program 4. Submit application with all required documentation to state program 5. Pay applicable permit fee (1-2% of building valuation) 6. Receive plan review comments within 2-3 weeks (assuming complete application) 7. Address all plan review comments and resubmit 8. Once approved, receive building permit and schedule required inspections 9. Contractor/owner calls inspector minimum 24 hours before each inspection phase 10. Obtain final approval and certificate of occupancy

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

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

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

The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (excluding office/shop buildings); Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units (excluding transient guest facilities); Private garages and private storage buildings used solely for owner's own use (not part of commercial business); Some minor work may be exempt (contact state to confirm).

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

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