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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Big Timber
Any building, structure, or land use requiring occupancy must comply with Big Timber Zoning Ordinance and state building code; new buildings, additions, alterations; any project involving structural, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work; projects not listed under Exempt Work
Farm or ranch buildings (not intended for human occupancy)
Private storage buildings and garages
Sheds under 200 sq ft, 12 ft max height, respecting setbacks
Agricultural buildings on classified agricultural property, non-occupancy
Private homes and apartments with 4 or fewer units (not transient)
Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (office/shop buildings excepted)
Mine buildings on mine sites (MCA Title 82, Ch 4)
Internal remodeling only (no structural changes)
- Exempt Farm or ranch buildings (not intended for human occupancy)
- Exempt Private storage buildings and garages
- Exempt Sheds under 200 sq ft, 12 ft max height, respecting setbacks
- Exempt Agricultural buildings on classified agricultural property, non-occupancy
- Exempt Private homes and apartments with 4 or fewer units (not transient)
- Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (office/shop buildings excepted)
- Exempt Mine buildings on mine sites (MCA Title 82, Ch 4)
- Exempt Internal remodeling only (no structural changes)
Note: Confirm with City Planning (406-932-5470) that work meets Big Timber zoning and exemption criteria before proceeding without permit.
Required documents
- Land Use Permit Application (if zoning compliance verification needed)
- Building Permit/Plan Review Application (state form)
- Architectural and engineering drawings with professional seals (if code-required)
- Site plans showing property lines, footprint, setbacks, parking
- Floor plans, sections, elevations
- Electrical, mechanical, plumbing plans (if applicable)
- Building valuation with itemized costs
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Building code
- 2022 International Building Code (IBC) with Montana modifications; 2022 International Residential Code (IRC); 2022 International Mechanical Code (IMC); 2022 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC); 2024 IBC adoption planned for mid-2026
- Contractor requirements
- Inspectors must be state-certified. Montana Building Codes Bureau or designate. Big Timber, as a non-certified jurisdiction, typically relies on state inspectors for final approval.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2–3 weeks for plan review if complete
- 01 Contact City Planning Office at (406) 932-5470 to verify zoning compliance, setbacks, and land use permit requirements for location
- 02 Obtain building zoning permit from City Planning if required by Big Timber Zoning Ordinance (Title 11)
- 03 Prepare construction documents per Montana/International Building Code requirements: site plans with property boundaries, architectural/engineering drawings, electrical, mechanical, plumbing plans, building valuation estimate
- 04 Submit state building permit application via EBIZ.MT.GOV with Building Permit/Plan Review Application, complete construction plans, professional seals (if required), and proof of local zoning compliance
- 05 Plan review by Montana Building Codes Bureau (2–3 weeks average if complete)
- 06 Receive state building permit
- 07 Schedule inspections with state or designated inspector for foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, final
- 08 Coordinate final sign-off with city and state before occupancy
Typical processing time: 2–3 weeks for plan review if complete
§ 04
Fee schedule
Big Timber building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
State Building Permit: 1–2% of total project valuation; Local Land Use/Zoning Permit: Not specified in available documentation – contact City Planning Office at (406) 932-5470
Applicants should confirm whether Big Timber assesses separate local planning/zoning fees beyond the state building permit fee.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contractor or owner schedules inspections at least 24 hours in advance (phone)
- Contact Montana Building Codes Bureau or Big Timber Planning Office (phone)
- Inspections conducted by state-certified inspector (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Minimum 24 hours advance notice required
- Inspection hours
- City Hall: Monday–Friday 7:00 AM–3:30 PM; Planning Office: Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (Closed Fridays)
Typical sequence: Standard inspection sequence: (1) Foundation – Before concrete backfill; (2) Framing – After structural skeleton, before drywall; (3) Plumbing Rough-In – After framing, before walls closed; (4) Electrical Rough-In – After framing, before drywall; (5) Mechanical/HVAC – After framing; (6) Final – All work complete, before occupancy. All inspections must pass. Certificate of Occupancy issued by city upon final inspection approval. Deficient work requires correction and re-inspection before project sign-off.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Big Timber permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Big Timber, MT? ▸
Any building, structure, or land use requiring occupancy must comply with Big Timber Zoning Ordinance and state building code; new buildings, additions, alterations; any project involving structural, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work; projects not listed under Exempt Work
02 How much does a building permit cost in Big Timber, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in Big Timber, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: State Building Permit: 1–2% of total project valuation; Local Land Use/Zoning Permit: Not specified in available documentation – contact City Planning Office at (406) 932-5470.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Big Timber, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Big Timber, MT, follow these steps: 1. Contact City Planning Office at (406) 932-5470 to verify zoning compliance, setbacks, and land use permit requirements for location 2. Obtain building zoning permit from City Planning if required by Big Timber Zoning Ordinance (Title 11) 3. Prepare construction documents per Montana/International Building Code requirements: site plans with property boundaries, architectural/engineering drawings, electrical, mechanical, plumbing plans, building valuation estimate 4. Submit state building permit application via EBIZ.MT.GOV with Building Permit/Plan Review Application, complete construction plans, professional seals (if required), and proof of local zoning compliance 5. Plan review by Montana Building Codes Bureau (2–3 weeks average if complete) 6. Receive state building permit 7. Schedule inspections with state or designated inspector for foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, final 8. Coordinate final sign-off with city and state before occupancy
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Big Timber, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Big Timber, MT typically run 2–3 weeks for plan review if complete. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Big Timber, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Big Timber, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Farm or ranch buildings (not intended for human occupancy); Private storage buildings and garages; Sheds under 200 sq ft, 12 ft max height, respecting setbacks; Agricultural buildings on classified agricultural property, non-occupancy; Private homes and apartments with 4 or fewer units (not transient); Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (office/shop buildings excepted); Mine buildings on mine sites (MCA Title 82, Ch 4); Internal remodeling only (no structural changes). Note: Confirm with City Planning (406-932-5470) that work meets Big Timber zoning and exemption criteria before proceeding without permit. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Big Timber, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Big Timber, MT via: Contractor or owner schedules inspections at least 24 hours in advance, Contact Montana Building Codes Bureau or Big Timber Planning Office, Inspections conducted by state-certified inspector. Minimum 24 hours advance notice required.
last verified March 2026
source City of Big Timber – Planning Department (administered jointly with Sweet Grass County as City-County Planning Office) ↗
entry id permits/montana/sweet-grass/big-timber
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Big Timber – Planning Department (administered jointly with Sweet Grass County as City-County Planning Office) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.