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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Sheridan County
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).
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)
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings
- Exempt Mining buildings on mining property
- Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (excluding office/shop buildings)
- Exempt Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units (excluding transient guest facilities)
- Exempt Private garages and private storage buildings used solely for owner's own use (not part of commercial business)
- Exempt Some minor work may be exempt (contact state to confirm)
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)
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-3 weeks for plan review
- 01 Determine if your project requires a state building permit (call (406) 841-2056 if uncertain)
- 02 Prepare complete construction plans and specifications (architectural drawings, site plans, engineering reports)
- 03 Obtain Montana Building Permit/Plan Review Application form from state Building Codes Program
- 04 Submit application with all required documentation to state program
- 05 Pay applicable permit fee (1-2% of building valuation)
- 06 Receive plan review comments within 2-3 weeks (assuming complete application)
- 07 Address all plan review comments and resubmit
- 08 Once approved, receive building permit and schedule required inspections
- 09 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Sheridan County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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.
Exact fee structure determined by state program at time of application.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Permit holder must notify inspector minimum 24 hours before inspection (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hours before inspection
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Sheridan County permits
01 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).
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Sheridan County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Sheridan County, 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 on total construction cost including finish work, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and all permanent equipment..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sheridan County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sheridan County, MT, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Sheridan County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Sheridan 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 Sheridan County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Sheridan County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Sheridan County, MT via: Permit holder must notify inspector minimum 24 hours before inspection. 24 hours before inspection.
last verified March 2026
source Montana Building Codes Program / Sheridan County Planning ↗
entry id permits/montana/sheridan/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montana Building Codes Program / Sheridan County Planning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.