County Building Permits
Silver Bow County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Silver Bow County, Montana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Montana Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
- Department
- Building & Code Enforcement (Butte-Silver Bow)
- Address
- Courthouse, Room 108, 155 W. Granite Street, Butte, MT 59701
- Phone
- (406) 497-6210
Online Permit Portal
Platform: GovWell (CivicPlus-based) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Complete Building Permit Application (available online or at courthouse)
- Prepare Site Plan showing location of all buildings on site, dimensions from other buildings/lot lines, and height of new construction
- Compile all required documents (no partial packages accepted)
- Submit via GovWell online portal or in-person at courthouse
- Building & Code Enforcement reviews and approves plans
- Permit is issued upon approval
- Applicant schedules required inspections
- Upon final inspection approval, permit is closed
Typical processing time: Approximately 3 weeks for initial plan review
General Requirements
New constructionExpansion or structural modification of existing structuresSubstantial electrical or plumbing workMoving a structureChanging the use of a structureDemolition
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
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Included in permit fee; no separate plan check surcharge documented
- Permit fee formula
- Percentage-based on project valuation (specific formula available in municipal code or from department)
- Reinspection fee
- Available for failed inspections; additional costs possible (contact department for details)
- Payment note
- Contact Building & Code Enforcement office or check Butte-Silver Bow Municipal Code Title 15 for current fees
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Building & Code Enforcement (Butte-Silver Bow) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- ()
- Scheduling deadline
- One business day in advance
- Inspection hours
- Typical business hours
- Time windows
- Typical business hours (specific times available from department)
Typical inspection sequence: Standard building inspection sequence follows International Building Code (framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, final)
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 International Building Code
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Planning Department
- Code of Ordinances
- City-County Planning
- Subdivision Regulations
- 2025 Residential Building Permit Form
- New Residential Construction Checklist
- 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 Building & Code Enforcement (Butte-Silver Bow) before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Silver Bow County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Silver Bow County, MT?
- New constructionExpansion or structural modification of existing structuresSubstantial electrical or plumbing workMoving a structureChanging the use of a structureDemolition
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Silver Bow County, MT?
- 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.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Silver Bow County, MT?
- 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
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Silver Bow County, MT?
- Typical processing time is Approximately 3 weeks for initial plan review.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Silver Bow County, 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.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Silver Bow County, MT?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: . One business day in advance.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Silver Bow County (Unincorporated) can be complicated.
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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.