County Building Permits
Teton County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Teton County, Montana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
- Department
- Teton County Planning Department
- Address
- 19 Main Avenue South, PO Box 610, Choteau, MT 59422
- Phone
- 406-466-3130
Online Permit Portal
Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Contact Teton County Planning Department to determine permit jurisdiction and requirements
- For floodplain permits: submit floodplain permit application with site plans and proposed improvements documentation
- For building permits: determine if county-enforced or state-enforced; if state, submit building permit application through EBIZ.MT.GOV
- Provide complete construction documents including plans, specifications, and engineering reports as applicable
- Pay applicable fees
- Receive permit issuance upon approval
Typical processing time: Two to three weeks average
General Requirements
New structures and substantial additions, structural modifications to existing structures, changes of use of existing structures, demolition of structures, floodplain activities requiring compliance review, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Construction plans and specifications
- Site plans showing property boundaries and proposed work
- Engineering reports if structural work involved
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Floodplain certification if applicable
- Building code
- Title 6 Building Regulations (references International Residential Code and Montana Building Code standards)
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- 1-2% of estimated building valuation
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Teton County Planning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- ()
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-hour advance notice required
Typical inspection sequence: 1. Permit issuance (issued after plan review; no work before permit) 2. Underground rough-in inspection (drainage and vent lines before burial) 3. Framing and trade rough-in inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical before concealment) 4. Insulation and energy verification inspection 5. Final inspection for Certificate of Occupancy
Additional Resources
- Building code: Title 6 Building Regulations (references International Residential Code and Montana Building Code standards)
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Teton County Growth Policy (2023-2028)
- Montana Building Codes Program
- Certified Local Programs List
- 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 Teton County Planning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teton County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Teton County, MT?
- New structures and substantial additions, structural modifications to existing structures, changes of use of existing structures, demolition of structures, floodplain activities requiring compliance review, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Teton County, MT?
- Fees are calculated as: 1-2% of estimated building valuation.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Teton County, MT?
- 1. Contact Teton County Planning Department to determine permit jurisdiction and requirements 2. For floodplain permits: submit floodplain permit application with site plans and proposed improvements documentation 3. For building permits: determine if county-enforced or state-enforced; if state, submit building permit application through EBIZ.MT.GOV 4. Provide complete construction documents including plans, specifications, and engineering reports as applicable 5. Pay applicable fees 6. Receive permit issuance upon approval
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Teton County, MT?
- Typical processing time is Two to three weeks average.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Teton County, MT?
- The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings without residential use; Private storage buildings under owner's use (typically under 200 sq ft); Private garages used for owner's own use, not commercial; Mining-related structures on mining property; Petroleum refineries, pulp and paper mills (excluding office/shop buildings); Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units (excluding hotels).
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Teton County, MT?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: . 24-hour advance notice required.
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