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§ MT Teton County
County building permits

Unincorporated Teton County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Teton County, Montana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Avg processing
Two to three weeks average
Last verified
March 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Teton County Planning Department

Street address
19 Main Avenue South, PO Box 610, Choteau, MT 59422
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Teton County

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

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)
  • Exempt Farm and ranch buildings without residential use
  • Exempt Private storage buildings under owner's use (typically under 200 sq ft)
  • Exempt Private garages used for owner's own use, not commercial
  • Exempt Mining-related structures on mining property
  • Exempt Petroleum refineries, pulp and paper mills (excluding office/shop buildings)
  • Exempt Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units (excluding hotels)
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)
§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Two to three weeks average

  1. 01
    Contact Teton County Planning Department to determine permit jurisdiction and requirements
  2. 02
    For floodplain permits: submit floodplain permit application with site plans and proposed improvements documentation
  3. 03
    For building permits: determine if county-enforced or state-enforced; if state, submit building permit application through EBIZ.MT.GOV
  4. 04
    Provide complete construction documents including plans, specifications, and engineering reports as applicable
  5. 05
    Pay applicable fees
  6. 06
    Receive permit issuance upon approval

Typical processing time: Two to three weeks average

§ 04

Fee schedule

Teton County building permit fees

Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
1-2% of estimated building valuation
§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • Contact Planning Department or state building program to schedule inspections (phone)
Scheduling deadline
24-hour advance notice required

Typical 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

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Teton County permits

01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Teton County, MT?
Building permit fees in unincorporated Teton County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: 1-2% of estimated building valuation.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Teton County, MT?
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Teton County, MT, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Teton County, MT?
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Teton County, MT typically run Two to three weeks average. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Teton County, MT?
Not all construction work requires a permit 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). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Teton County, MT?
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Teton County, MT via: Contact Planning Department or state building program to schedule inspections. 24-hour advance notice required.
last verified March 2026 entry id permits/montana/teton/unincorporated

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Teton County Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.