On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Valley County
New construction of buildings; substantial alterations, additions, or repairs; electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or structural work; building relocation or use changes; demolition
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
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings (residential and utility structures on farm/ranch property)
- Exempt Mining buildings on mining property
- Exempt Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except office and shop buildings)
- Exempt Residential buildings containing fewer than five dwelling units (except transient guest facilities)
- Exempt Private garages and storage buildings for owner's own use
- Exempt Mechanical permits: farm and ranch buildings also exempt from mechanical permit requirements
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2–3 weeks for plan review if plans are complete
- 01 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)
- 02 Prepare complete construction plans and specifications including architectural drawings, site plans, and structural details
- 03 Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application form available through EBIZ.MT.GOV
- 04 Submit application and plans through the online EBIZ portal or mail to the state office
- 05 Pay the plan review fee portion (typically 1% of building valuation, calculated by the bureau)
- 06 Await plan review (average 2–3 weeks if plans are complete)
- 07 Review comments from plan reviewer; address any deficiencies
- 08 Resubmit revised plans as needed until approval
- 09 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
Typical processing time: 2–3 weeks for plan review if plans are complete
§ 04
Fee schedule
Valley County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Owners or contractors contact assigned state inspector to schedule inspections (phone)
Typical 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)
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Valley County permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Valley County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Valley County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Valley County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Valley County, MT, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Valley County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Valley County, MT typically run 2–3 weeks for plan review if plans are complete. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Valley County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Valley County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Valley County, MT via: Owners or contractors contact assigned state inspector to schedule inspections.
last verified March 2026
source Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau, Building Codes Program ↗
entry id permits/montana/valley/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau, Building Codes Program before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.