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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Butte-Silver Bow
New constructionExpansion or structural modification of existing structuresSubstantial electrical or plumbing workMoving a structureChanging the use of a structureDemolition
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, playhouses and similar uses
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall (unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids)
Ordinary repairs to structures
Replacement of lamps or connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles
Temporary testing systems for testing or servicing electrical equipment
Portable heating appliances, ventilation equipment, and cooling units with replacement of minor parts that don't alter approval or create unsafe conditions
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, playhouses and similar uses
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall (unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids)
- Exempt Ordinary repairs to structures
- Exempt Replacement of lamps or connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles
- Exempt Temporary testing systems for testing or servicing electrical equipment
- Exempt Portable heating appliances, ventilation equipment, and cooling units with replacement of minor parts that don't alter approval or create unsafe conditions
Note: Exemption from permit requirements does not grant authorization to perform work in violation of code or other laws/ordinances.
Required documents
- Building Permit Application form
- Site Plan with location of all buildings, dimensions from other buildings/lot lines, height of new construction
- Contractor information (must have current edition of International Building Code on-site per BSMB 15.040.090)
- Documents specified in applicable checklists
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code
- Contractor requirements
- Must have current edition of International Building Code on-site per BSMB 15.040.090
Source: Building & Code Enforcement ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 3 weeks for initial plan review
- 01 Complete Building Permit Application (available online or at courthouse)
- 02 Prepare Site Plan showing location of all buildings on site, dimensions from other buildings/lot lines, and height of new construction
- 03 Compile all required documents (no partial packages accepted)
- 04 Submit via GovWell online portal or in-person at courthouse
- 05 Building & Code Enforcement reviews and approves plans
- 06 Permit is issued upon approval
- 07 Applicant schedules required inspections
- 08 Upon final inspection approval, permit is closed
Typical processing time: Approximately 3 weeks for initial plan review
Source: Building & Code Enforcement ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Butte-Silver Bow building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee; no separate plan check surcharge documented
02
Permit fee formula
Percentage-based on project valuation (specific formula available in municipal code or from department)
03
Reinspection fee
Available for failed inspections; additional costs possible (contact department for details)
Contact Building & Code Enforcement office or check Butte-Silver Bow Municipal Code Title 15 for current fees
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Building & Code Enforcement in advance (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- One business day in advance
- Inspection hours
- Typical business hours
- Time windows
- Typical business hours (specific times available from department)
Typical sequence: Standard building inspection sequence follows International Building Code (framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, final)
Source: Building & Code Enforcement ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Butte-Silver Bow permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Butte-Silver Bow, MT? ▸
New constructionExpansion or structural modification of existing structuresSubstantial electrical or plumbing workMoving a structureChanging the use of a structureDemolition
02 How much does a building permit cost in Butte-Silver Bow, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in Butte-Silver Bow, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Percentage-based on project valuation (specific formula available in municipal code or from department). Plan check fee: Included in permit fee; no separate plan check surcharge documented.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Butte-Silver Bow, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Butte-Silver Bow, MT, follow these steps: 1. Complete Building Permit Application (available online or at courthouse) 2. Prepare Site Plan showing location of all buildings on site, dimensions from other buildings/lot lines, and height of new construction 3. Compile all required documents (no partial packages accepted) 4. Submit via GovWell online portal or in-person at courthouse 5. Building & Code Enforcement reviews and approves plans 6. Permit is issued upon approval 7. Applicant schedules required inspections 8. Upon final inspection approval, permit is closed
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Butte-Silver Bow, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Butte-Silver Bow, MT typically run Approximately 3 weeks for initial plan review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Butte-Silver Bow, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Butte-Silver Bow, MT. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, playhouses and similar uses; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall (unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids); Ordinary repairs to structures; Replacement of lamps or connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles; Temporary testing systems for testing or servicing electrical equipment; Portable heating appliances, ventilation equipment, and cooling units with replacement of minor parts that don't alter approval or create unsafe conditions. Note: Exemption from permit requirements does not grant authorization to perform work in violation of code or other laws/ordinances. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Butte-Silver Bow, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Butte-Silver Bow, MT via: Contact Building & Code Enforcement in advance. One business day in advance.
last verified March 2026
source Building & Code Enforcement ↗
entry id permits/montana/silver-bow/butte-silver-bow
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building & Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.