Wibaux County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas outside city limits

Department

Wibaux County Clerk and Recorder

Address

203 South Wibaux St., Wibaux, MT 59353

Phone

(406) 796-2481

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine if your project requires a building permit (most new construction and substantial renovations do; exemptions exist for residential units under 5 units and certain agricultural/accessory structures)
2. Prepare construction plans with building code compliance documentation
3. Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application and plans via EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail to Montana Building Codes Program
4. State reviewers examine plans (typically 2-3 weeks for plan review if complete)
5. Receive plan review comments via mail or email; address any deficiencies
6. Pay permit fee once plan review is approved
7. Receive permit and proceed with construction
8. Schedule and pass required inspections (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, etc.) as applicable
9. Receive certificate of occupancy once all inspections pass

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

Source: Wibaux County Clerk and Recorder

General Requirements

New buildings, additions, alterations involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; swimming pools; decks; gazebos (if attached or elevated)

Required Documents

• Detailed construction plans showing compliance with adopted building codes
• Property descriptions
• Applicant contact information
• Building valuation estimate for fee calculation

Building code

Montana 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Montana plans to adopt 2024 ICC codes in mid-2026.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Typically $50-$100 for small projects; exact amount varies by valuation

Permit fee formula

Generally 1-2% of building valuation, calculated by the Montana Building Codes Program

Payment note

Due upon plan approval before permit issuance

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Wibaux County Clerk and Recorder to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Time windows

Typically scheduled within 1-2 weeks of request, depending on inspector availability

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, final. Not all projects require all inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Montana 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Montana plans to adopt 2024 ICC codes in mid-2026.
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Montana Building Codes Program
• Current Montana Adopted Codes
• Permit Search (third-party)
• License lookup guide: Montana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Montana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Montana hub: Montana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Wibaux County Building Permit FAQ

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

New buildings, additions, alterations involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems; swimming pools; decks; gazebos (if attached or elevated)

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

The minimum permit fee is Typically $50-$100 for small projects; exact amount varies by valuation. Fees are calculated as: Generally 1-2% of building valuation, calculated by the Montana Building Codes Program.

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

1. Determine if your project requires a building permit (most new construction and substantial renovations do; exemptions exist for residential units under 5 units and certain agricultural/accessory structures) 2. Prepare construction plans with building code compliance documentation 3. Submit Building Permit/Plan Review Application and plans via EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail to Montana Building Codes Program 4. State reviewers examine plans (typically 2-3 weeks for plan review if complete) 5. Receive plan review comments via mail or email; address any deficiencies 6. Pay permit fee once plan review is approved 7. Receive permit and proceed with construction 8. Schedule and pass required inspections (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, etc.) as applicable 9. Receive certificate of occupancy once all inspections pass

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

Typical processing time is 2-3 weeks for plan review if complete.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Single-family residential buildings and duplexes/townhouses under 5 units; Private garages and private storage buildings for owner's own use (not commercial); Structures 200 square feet or less used as storage (varies by county certification); Decks less than 30 inches off grade (varies by jurisdiction); Gazebos, pergolas, and similar open structures (unless attached or elevated over 30 inches); Greenhouses for personal use only with no public access; Residential additions with no habitable space (covered patios, entry ways); Most agricultural and ranching structures on rural property. Note: Exemptions may vary if county has adopted its own certified code program. Verify with county clerk before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: .