Wheatland County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Wheatland County; state oversight applies as county does not maintain a certified local building code enforcement program

Department

Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau

Address

PO Box 200513, Helena, MT 59620-0513

Phone

406-841-2056

Email

BUILDINGCODES@MT.GOV

Website

https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine if your project requires a permit (consult state exemptions list)
2. Prepare construction documents prepared by a registered design professional if required
3. Gather supporting documentation: statement of special inspections, geotechnical reports, site plans
4. Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application with all required documents to Montana Building Codes Program via EBIZ.MT.GOV
5. Pay plan review fee (35% of building permit fee) before plan review begins
6. Wait for plan review (average 2-3 weeks if plans are complete)
7. Receive permit approval and building permit
8. Schedule required inspections 24 hours in advance
9. Obtain final approval after all inspections pass

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

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

General Requirements

Building permits are required prior to the start of construction for new buildings, structural alterations or additions, substantial electrical or plumbing work, moving a structure, changing use of a structure, and demolishing a structure

Required Documents

• Building Permit/Plan Review Application form
• Construction documents (prepared by registered design professional if required)
• Statement of special inspections
• Geotechnical report (if applicable)
• Site plans
• Documentation of code compliance

Building code

Montana Building Code 2021 (based on International Building Code 2021); Montana plans to adopt the 2024 ICC codes in mid-2026

Fees

Plan check fee

35% of the building permit fee

Permit fee formula

1% to 2% of the building valuation (calculated by the Bureau)

Payment note

Requested Inspection Fee: $75.00 per hour (portions of hour rounded to next full hour); Travel and Per Diem charged per State of Montana standard rates; Contact State Building Codes Program for current minimum fee schedule

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Scheduling deadline

24 hours in advance

Typical inspection sequence: Common inspections include: (1) Foundation inspection (before concrete pour), (2) Framing inspection (after framing complete, before insulation/drywall), (3) Electrical inspection (after all electrical work complete), (4) Plumbing inspection (after plumbing installation complete), (5) Final inspection (after all work complete and approved)

Additional Resources

• Building code: Montana Building Code 2021 (based on International Building Code 2021); Montana plans to adopt the 2024 ICC codes in mid-2026
• Montana Building Codes Program
• Current Adopted Codes
• Inspection Areas & Contact Information
• Building Permit FAQ
• Online Permit Portal (Accela)
• License lookup guide: Montana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Montana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Montana hub: Montana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Wheatland County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Wheatland County, MT?

Building permits are required prior to the start of construction for new buildings, structural alterations or additions, substantial electrical or plumbing work, moving a structure, changing use of a structure, and demolishing a structure

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

Fees are calculated as: 1% to 2% of the building valuation (calculated by the Bureau). Plan check fee: 35% of the building permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wheatland County, MT?

1. Determine if your project requires a permit (consult state exemptions list) 2. Prepare construction documents prepared by a registered design professional if required 3. Gather supporting documentation: statement of special inspections, geotechnical reports, site plans 4. Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application with all required documents to Montana Building Codes Program via EBIZ.MT.GOV 5. Pay plan review fee (35% of building permit fee) before plan review begins 6. Wait for plan review (average 2-3 weeks if plans are complete) 7. Receive permit approval and building permit 8. Schedule required inspections 24 hours in advance 9. Obtain final approval after all inspections pass

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

The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings (not for commercial purposes); Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (office and shop buildings excluded); Residential buildings containing fewer than 5 dwelling units (transient guest buildings excluded); Private garages and private storage buildings used solely for owner's own use (not part of commercial enterprise or business). Note: Rural agricultural buildings not intended for human habitation or commercial use on parcels classified as Agricultural may qualify for exemption; consult state program for Agricultural Land Classification Application requirements

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: . 24 hours in advance.