How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Valley County, MT?

Fees are calculated as: 1%–2% of total building valuation, calculated by the bureau; includes all construction aspects (finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators, fire systems, permanent equipment).

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Valley County, MT?

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

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Valley County, MT?

The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings (residential and utility structures on farm/ranch property); Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except office and shop buildings); Residential buildings containing fewer than five dwelling units (except transient guest facilities); Private garages and storage buildings for owner's own use; Mechanical permits: farm and ranch buildings also exempt from mechanical permit requirements.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Valley County, MT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: .

County Building Permits

Valley County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Valley County fall under state jurisdiction. The state BC Program administers permits, plan review, and inspections for building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes in jurisdictions without certified local enforcement programs.

Department: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau, Building Codes Program
Address: 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 59602
Phone: (406) 841-2056
Email: BUILDINGCODES@MT.GOV
Website: https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open EBIZ.MT.GOV

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Determine if your project requires a state building permit (use the state's criteria; most new construction, substantial alterations, structural changes, or use changes require permits)
Prepare complete construction plans and specifications including architectural drawings, site plans, and structural details
Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application form available through EBIZ.MT.GOV
Submit application and plans through the online EBIZ portal or mail to the state office
Pay the plan review fee portion (typically 1% of building valuation, calculated by the bureau)
Await plan review (average 2–3 weeks if plans are complete)
Review comments from plan reviewer; address any deficiencies
Resubmit revised plans as needed until approval
Pay the balance of the permit fee once plans comply with code
Receive building permit
Schedule required inspections (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final) with assigned state inspector
Complete work and pass final inspection
Receive Certificate of Occupancy

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

Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau, Building Codes Program

General Requirements

New construction of buildings; substantial alterations, additions, or repairs; electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural work; building relocation or use changes; demolition

Required Documents

Complete construction plans with architectural seals (if commercial)
Site plans
Structural and MEP drawings
Building valuation estimate
Completed Building Permit/Plan Review Application

Building code: Montana Building Code 2021 (based on International Building Code 2021 / IBC 2021) with state amendments under ARM Rule 24.301.146. Future transition to 2024 ICC codes planned for mid-2026.

Fees

Permit fee formula: 1%–2% of total building valuation, calculated by the bureau; includes all construction aspects (finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators, fire systems, permanent equipment)

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau, Building Codes Program to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/footing inspection (after excavation and reinforcing steel installed); Concrete slab/under-floor inspection (before concrete placement); Framing and structural inspection; Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-ins; Final inspection (after all work completed)

Additional Resources

Building code: Montana Building Code 2021 (based on International Building Code 2021 / IBC 2021) with state amendments under ARM Rule 24.301.146. Future transition to 2024 ICC codes planned for mid-2026.
Owner-builder rules: View rules
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 Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau, Building Codes Program before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Valley County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Valley County, MT?: New construction of buildings; substantial alterations, additions, or repairs; electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural work; building relocation or use changes; demolition
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Valley County, MT?: Fees are calculated as: 1%–2% of total building valuation, calculated by the bureau; includes all construction aspects (finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, elevators, fire systems, permanent equipment).
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Valley County, MT?: 1. Determine if your project requires a state building permit (use the state's criteria; most new construction, substantial alterations, structural changes, or use changes require permits) 2. Prepare complete construction plans and specifications including architectural drawings, site plans, and structural details 3. Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application form available through EBIZ.MT.GOV 4. Submit application and plans through the online EBIZ portal or mail to the state office 5. Pay the plan review fee portion (typically 1% of building valuation, calculated by the bureau) 6. Await plan review (average 2–3 weeks if plans are complete) 7. Review comments from plan reviewer; address any deficiencies 8. Resubmit revised plans as needed until approval 9. Pay the balance of the permit fee once plans comply with code 10. Receive building permit 11. Schedule required inspections (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final) with assigned state inspector 12. Complete work and pass final inspection 13. Receive Certificate of Occupancy
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Valley County, MT?: Typical processing time is 2–3 weeks for plan review if plans are complete.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Valley County, MT?: The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings (residential and utility structures on farm/ranch property); Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except office and shop buildings); Residential buildings containing fewer than five dwelling units (except transient guest facilities); Private garages and storage buildings for owner's own use; Mechanical permits: farm and ranch buildings also exempt from mechanical permit requirements.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Valley County, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: .

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Valley County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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