Unincorporated Sweet Grass County

All new buildings/structures requiring a foundation; alterations, additions, and repairs to existing structures; any work involving plumbing, mechanical, or electrical systems; projects not meeting exemption criteria

• Exempt Farm or ranch buildings not intended for human habitation
• Exempt Private storage buildings and garages
• Exempt Sheds under 200 square feet, maximum 12 feet height, respecting all setbacks
• Exempt Agricultural buildings on properties classified as Agricultural (Montana Department of Revenue) and not serving human occupancy or commercial use
• Exempt Private homes and apartments with four or fewer units not serving transient guests
• Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office and shop buildings)
• Exempt Mine buildings on mine sites regulated under MCA Title 82, Chapter 4
• Exempt Internal remodeling (interior-only work; structural alterations still require permits)

Note: Applicants must verify exemption status with county planning office before assuming work is exempt. Agricultural classification and zoning compliance are prerequisites.

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 family planned for mid-2026 adoption

Contractor requirements

Inspectors must be state-licensed journeymen or certified by nationally recognized entities

1. 01
   Contact county planning office at (406) 932-5470 to determine if project requires a land use permit and to discuss zoning compliance and setback requirements
2. 02
   Obtain building permit application forms from Montana Building Codes Bureau (state level) via EBIZ.MT.GOV or by contacting (406) 841-2056
3. 03
   Prepare construction documents including site plans, floor plans, architectural drawings, engineering calculations, and project valuation statement
4. 04
   Submit to state portal (EBIZ.MT.GOV) with completed Building Permit/Plan Review Application, full construction plans and specifications, architectural seals (if required by code), and site plan showing property location and footprint
5. 05
   Plan review conducted by Montana Building Codes Bureau (average 2–3 weeks if plans are complete)
6. 06
   Permit issuance upon approval
7. 07
   Schedule inspections with county or state (depending on jurisdiction) for foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final phases
8. 08
   Coordinate with county planning for zoning verification and compliance before construction begins

Typical processing time: 2–3 weeks for plan review if plans are complete

Source: Sweet Grass County Planning Department (City-County Planning Office) ↗

Payment due upon permit issuance. Since Sweet Grass County is not a certified local program, all fees flow to the state Building Codes Bureau. Local planning/zoning permit fees (if any) would be separate.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Contractor or owner responsible for requesting inspections (phone)
• Contact the local county office or state agency issuing the permit to schedule (phone)
• Contact: (406) 932-5470 (county) or (406) 841-2056 (state Montana Building Codes Bureau) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Minimum 24 hours advance notice required

Inspection hours

Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM (Closed Fridays)

Typical sequence: Standard inspection phases: (1) Foundation/Footing – Before concrete pour or backfill; (2) Framing – After structural frame is complete, before drywall/interior; (3) Plumbing Rough-In – After framing, before walls closed; (4) Electrical Rough-In – After framing, before drywall; (5) Mechanical/HVAC – After framing; (6) Final Inspection – All work complete before certificate of occupancy issued. All required inspections must pass before certificate of occupancy is issued. Deficiencies must be corrected and re-inspected. No work proceeds on next phase until prior inspection passes.