On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Toole County
State building permits required for most new buildings and significant alterations/additions, with specific exemptions.
Farm and ranch buildings
Mining buildings on mining property
Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office/shop buildings)
Residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests)
Private garages and private storage buildings used for owner's own use (not commercial)
Agricultural buildings not intended for human habitation or commercial use (with Agricultural Land Classification approval from Montana Department of Revenue)
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings
- Exempt Mining buildings on mining property
- Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office/shop buildings)
- Exempt Residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests)
- Exempt Private garages and private storage buildings used for owner's own use (not commercial)
- Exempt Agricultural buildings not intended for human habitation or commercial use (with Agricultural Land Classification approval from Montana Department of Revenue)
Required documents
- Complete construction documents with architectural seals if required
- Site plans
- Engineering reports (if applicable)
- Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
- Building code
- Montana Building Code 2021 (based on International Building Code 2021), with amendments. Adoption effective September 21, 2024. State also adopted ICC/MBI Standards 1200 and 1205 for off-site construction (September 2024). Transition to 2024 ICC family of codes planned for mid-2026.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Three weeks for plan review
- 01 Determine if a state building permit is required for your project type
- 02 Complete Building Permit/Plan Review Application with full construction documents
- 03 Submit application through online portal or contact Bureau for guidance
- 04 Bureau reviews plans (average three weeks for review)
- 05 Address any plan review comments and submit written responses
- 06 Pay Building Permit/Plan Review fee
- 07 Building permit is issued upon approval and fee payment
- 08 Conduct work in compliance with approved plans
- 09 Request inspections as required during construction
- 10 Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon final approval
Typical processing time: Three weeks for plan review
§ 04
Fee schedule
Toole County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
1-2% of building valuation; fee calculated by the Bureau
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Permit holder notifies inspector at least 24 hours before requesting inspection (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hours advance notice required
Typical sequence: Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection. Standard inspections required: foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical. Final inspection required before Certificate of Occupancy issued.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Toole County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Toole County, MT? ▸
State building permits required for most new buildings and significant alterations/additions, with specific exemptions.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Toole County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Toole County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: 1-2% of building valuation; fee calculated by the Bureau.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Toole County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Toole County, MT, follow these steps: 1. Determine if a state building permit is required for your project type 2. Complete Building Permit/Plan Review Application with full construction documents 3. Submit application through online portal or contact Bureau for guidance 4. Bureau reviews plans (average three weeks for review) 5. Address any plan review comments and submit written responses 6. Pay Building Permit/Plan Review fee 7. Building permit is issued upon approval and fee payment 8. Conduct work in compliance with approved plans 9. Request inspections as required during construction 10. Receive Certificate of Occupancy upon final approval
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Toole County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Toole County, MT typically run Three weeks for plan review. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Toole County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Toole County, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except office/shop buildings); Residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests); Private garages and private storage buildings used for owner's own use (not commercial); Agricultural buildings not intended for human habitation or commercial use (with Agricultural Land Classification approval from Montana Department of Revenue). When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Toole County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Toole County, MT via: Permit holder notifies inspector at least 24 hours before requesting inspection. 24 hours advance notice required.
last verified March 2026
source Montana Building Codes Bureau (State) ↗
entry id permits/montana/toole/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montana Building Codes Bureau (State) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.