How much does a building permit cost in Billings, MT?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per International Building Code Section 109.2 fee table. Updated fee schedule effective March 2026 -- example: residential home valued at $350,000 approximately $1,154; commercial project valued at $2.5 million approximately $8,246.. Plan check fee: 35% of the building permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in Billings, MT?

1. Determine project type and whether a permit is required. 2. Create an account at https://cityview.billingsmt.gov/Portal/ (PIN number issued upon plan submission and needed for inspection scheduling). 3. Prepare construction documents: site plan, dimensioned floor plan, cross-sections, elevations, roof truss diagrams (engineer-sealed if required), insulation R-values, and any trade-specific submittals. 4. Submit plans electronically through the CityView portal or GoPost plan review system. Residential roofing, siding, windows, and doors may alternatively be submitted by email. 5. Pay applicable fees (plan review fee due at submission; permit fee due at issuance). 6. Await plan review. Reviewer may issue comment letters requiring revisions or additional information. 7. Address all comments and resubmit if required. 8. Permit is issued once review is complete and all fees are paid. 9. Post permit on job site and begin construction. 10. Schedule required inspections through the CityView portal or by calling (406) 657-8270 (minimum 24-hour notice for final inspections). 11. Receive final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable).

What work is exempt from building permits in Billings, MT?

The following work is generally exempt: Detached sheds not exceeding 200 square feet; Painting and wallpapering; Interior finish work (non-structural); Sidewalks or driveways on private property that will not support structures; Fences under 8 feet in height (fences between 4-6 feet require contact with Planning at 406-657-8247 for zoning compliance).

How do I schedule a building inspection in Billings, MT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: CityView portal, (406) 657-8270, permits@billingsmt.gov. Minimum 24-hour notice for final inspections..

City Building Permits

Billings, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Yellowstone County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Certified local building code program. Covers building, plumbing (including medical gas), electrical, mechanical, and swimming pool permits within Billings city limits. Zoning jurisdiction also extends to unincorporated areas of Yellowstone County jointly with the county.

Department: City of Billings Building Division
Address: 316 N 26th St, 5th Floor, Billings, MT 59101
Phone: (406) 657-8270
Email: permits@billingsmt.gov
Website: https://www.billingsmt.gov/67/Building

Online Permit Portal

Open CityView Live

Platform: CityView Live • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine project type and whether a permit is required.
Create an account at https://cityview.billingsmt.gov/Portal/ (PIN number issued upon plan submission and needed for inspection scheduling).
Prepare construction documents: site plan, dimensioned floor plan, cross-sections, elevations, roof truss diagrams (engineer-sealed if required), insulation R-values, and any trade-specific submittals.
Submit plans electronically through the CityView portal or GoPost plan review system. Residential roofing, siding, windows, and doors may alternatively be submitted by email.
Pay applicable fees (plan review fee due at submission; permit fee due at issuance).
Await plan review. Reviewer may issue comment letters requiring revisions or additional information.
Address all comments and resubmit if required.
Permit is issued once review is complete and all fees are paid.
Post permit on job site and begin construction.
Schedule required inspections through the CityView portal or by calling (406) 657-8270 (minimum 24-hour notice for final inspections).
Receive final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable).

Typical processing time: Residential single-family/duplex: 4-7 business days. Commercial minor: 2-4 weeks. Commercial major: 3-6 weeks.

Source: City of Billings Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for almost any type of construction on private property, including: new construction, additions, remodels, roofing, siding, decks, garages, fences exceeding 8 feet in height, retaining walls over 4 feet, and parking lots.

Required Documents

Building Permit Application
Site plan showing property lines and building locations
Dimensioned floor plan
Cross-section drawings from footing to roof
Elevation drawings
Roof truss diagrams (engineer-sealed when required)
Insulation R-values
Trade submittals for mechanical/plumbing/electrical as applicable
Commercial projects require additional checklists

Permit validity: Contact Building Division at (406) 657-8270 for current expiration policy.
Building code: 2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code (chapters 11-14 and 16-43 deleted, chapter 15 adopted as alternative to IMC for certain residential uses); 2021 International Energy Conservation Code; 2021 International Existing Building Code; 2021 International Fuel Gas Code; 2021 International Mechanical Code; 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code; 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; 2020 National Electrical Code; 2021 NFPA 99c (medical gas). All codes modified by Administrative Rules of Montana. Adopted per Administrative Order #150 (September 1, 2022).
Owner-builder: Owner is responsible for obtaining permits. Owner may designate a contractor to obtain permits. Homeowner Electrical Acknowledgment form available for owner-performed electrical work.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold valid Montana DLI registration (required for any construction project over $2,500 in total contract value). Electrical and plumbing permits may only be issued to licensed electricians and licensed plumbers. City may require additional local registration for certain programs.

Fees

Plan check fee: 35% of the building permit fee
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based per International Building Code Section 109.2 fee table. Updated fee schedule effective March 2026 -- example: residential home valued at $350,000 approximately $1,154; commercial project valued at $2.5 million approximately $8,246.
Payment note: Plan review fee must be paid before issuance; full building permit fee also due before permit issued. Online payment available through CityView portal.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective March 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Detached sheds not exceeding 200 square feet
Painting and wallpapering
Interior finish work (non-structural)
Sidewalks or driveways on private property that will not support structures
Fences under 8 feet in height (fences between 4-6 feet require contact with Planning at 406-657-8247 for zoning compliance)

Inspections

How to Schedule

CityView portal (online)
(406) 657-8270 (phone)
permits@billingsmt.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline: Minimum 24-hour notice for final inspections.
Inspection hours: Standard business hours; contact Building Division for current inspection windows.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/foundation; framing; rough-in (mechanical, electrical, plumbing); insulation; final inspection (requires minimum 24-hour notice).

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code; 2021 International Residential Code (chapters 11-14 and 16-43 deleted, chapter 15 adopted as alternative to IMC for certain residential uses); 2021 International Energy Conservation Code; 2021 International Existing Building Code; 2021 International Fuel Gas Code; 2021 International Mechanical Code; 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code; 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code; 2020 National Electrical Code; 2021 NFPA 99c (medical gas). All codes modified by Administrative Rules of Montana. Adopted per Administrative Order #150 (September 1, 2022).
Verify contractor license: Montana DLI Contractor Registration
Zoning information: View zoning info
Zoning Permits and Applications
City/County Planning Division
Applications and Forms
Adopted Codes
Public Works (Construction in Right-of-Way)
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 City of Billings Building Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Billings Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Billings, MT?: A building permit is required for almost any type of construction on private property, including: new construction, additions, remodels, roofing, siding, decks, garages, fences exceeding 8 feet in height, retaining walls over 4 feet, and parking lots.
How much does a building permit cost in Billings, MT?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per International Building Code Section 109.2 fee table. Updated fee schedule effective March 2026 -- example: residential home valued at $350,000 approximately $1,154; commercial project valued at $2.5 million approximately $8,246.. Plan check fee: 35% of the building permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Billings, MT?: 1. Determine project type and whether a permit is required. 2. Create an account at https://cityview.billingsmt.gov/Portal/ (PIN number issued upon plan submission and needed for inspection scheduling). 3. Prepare construction documents: site plan, dimensioned floor plan, cross-sections, elevations, roof truss diagrams (engineer-sealed if required), insulation R-values, and any trade-specific submittals. 4. Submit plans electronically through the CityView portal or GoPost plan review system. Residential roofing, siding, windows, and doors may alternatively be submitted by email. 5. Pay applicable fees (plan review fee due at submission; permit fee due at issuance). 6. Await plan review. Reviewer may issue comment letters requiring revisions or additional information. 7. Address all comments and resubmit if required. 8. Permit is issued once review is complete and all fees are paid. 9. Post permit on job site and begin construction. 10. Schedule required inspections through the CityView portal or by calling (406) 657-8270 (minimum 24-hour notice for final inspections). 11. Receive final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable).
How long does it take to get a building permit in Billings, MT?: Typical processing time is Residential single-family/duplex: 4-7 business days. Commercial minor: 2-4 weeks. Commercial major: 3-6 weeks..
What work is exempt from building permits in Billings, MT?: The following work is generally exempt: Detached sheds not exceeding 200 square feet; Painting and wallpapering; Interior finish work (non-structural); Sidewalks or driveways on private property that will not support structures; Fences under 8 feet in height (fences between 4-6 feet require contact with Planning at 406-657-8247 for zoning compliance).
How do I schedule a building inspection in Billings, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: CityView portal, (406) 657-8270, permits@billingsmt.gov. Minimum 24-hour notice for final inspections..

Need help with your project?

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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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