Yellowstone County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

State program covers non-exempt commercial and multi-family (5+ units) buildings in all unincorporated Yellowstone County areas and in Broadview. Single-family residences (up to 4 units), farm/ranch buildings, private garages, and storage buildings are EXEMPT from state permit requirements in unincorporated areas.

Department

Montana Building Codes Program (Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau, Montana Department of Labor and Industry)

Address

301 South Park Ave., Floors 4-5, Helena, MT 59620

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 a state permit is required (see General Requirements and Exempt Work below).
2. Prepare construction documents: site plan with property lines and building locations; dimensioned floor plan showing walls, openings, and room uses; cross-section drawings from footing to roof; elevation drawings showing building height; roof truss diagrams (sealed by registered engineer when required); building insulation R-values.
3. Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application (available at https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/permit-applications/building-permits/ or via EBIZ portal).
4. Submit application and construction plans online at https://ebiz.mt.gov/ or mail to P.O. Box 200517, Helena, MT 59602.
5. Pay plan review fee (35% of permit fee) at time of submission.
6. Receive plan review comment letter (if applicable) by mail or email.
7. Address all comments and resubmit if required.
8. Pay building permit fee; permit is issued.
9. Post permit on job site; construction may begin.
10. Contact the regional inspector for required inspections.
11. Receive final inspection approval.

Typical processing time: Typically a few hours to several weeks depending on project complexity and department workload.

Source: Montana Building Codes Program (Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau, Montana Department of Labor and Industry)

General Requirements

Required prior to start of construction for all state-owned agencies or non-exempt buildings being built, remodeled, moved, or undergoing a change of occupancy. Building permits must be issued before plumbing, mechanical, or electrical permits can be issued.

Required Documents

• Building Permit/Plan Review Application
• Site plan
• Dimensioned floor plan
• Cross-section drawings
• Elevation drawings
• Roof truss diagrams (engineer-sealed if required)
• Insulation R-values
• Commercial Building Checklist for commercial projects

Permit validity

Not explicitly stated on public-facing pages; contact (406) 841-2056 for current policy.

Building code

2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2020 NEC, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 Wildland Urban Interface Code, 2017 ICC A117.1 (Accessibility), 2018 NFPA 99. All codes amended by Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM Title 24, Chapter 301). Effective June 11, 2022.

Owner-builder

The owner is the party responsible for the application. Contractors must also ensure permits are obtained before construction begins.

Contractor requirements

Montana DLI contractor registration required for projects over $2,500 in total contract value. Registration requires proof of Montana workers' compensation coverage and a $70 non-refundable application fee (renewed every 2 years at $70). Electrical and plumbing work requires licensed electricians/plumbers. Design professionals (licensed architects or engineers) required for: publicly owned buildings; non-conventional light-frame construction; non-compliant footing/foundation systems; buildings subject to moderate-to-severe snow/seismic loads; complex designs.

Fees

Plan check fee

35% of the building permit fee. If only plan review services are provided (no permit issued), plan review fee is 50% of the combined plan review and building permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based per IBC Section 109.2 fee table as adopted in ARM 24.301.138. Building valuation rounded to nearest $1,000; calculated fees rounded to nearest $1.

Payment note

Plan review fee and permit fee must both be paid before a building permit will be issued.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2022).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Farm or ranch buildings
• Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units (single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes)
• Private garages and storage buildings used solely by the owner for personal use (not for commercial or business purposes)
• Mine buildings on mining property regulated under Title 82, Chapter 4, MCA
• Industrial facilities: petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (excluding office and shop buildings)

Important: Note: Exempt residential construction may still require electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits from the state. Contact (406) 841-2056 if uncertain. Exempt structures are still subject to local zoning requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (406) 841-2056 (phone)
• EBIZ portal (online)

Inspection hours

Standard state business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation; framing; rough-in trades (if state-permitted); insulation; final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 International Existing Building Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2020 NEC, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 Wildland Urban Interface Code, 2017 ICC A117.1 (Accessibility), 2018 NFPA 99. All codes amended by Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM Title 24, Chapter 301). Effective June 11, 2022.
• Verify contractor license: Montana Contractor Registration
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Yellowstone County Public Works (Non-Building Permits)
• County Public Works Contact
• Zoning Compliance (Administered with City of Billings)
• License lookup guide: Montana Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Montana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Montana hub: Montana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Yellowstone County Building Permit FAQ

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

Required prior to start of construction for all state-owned agencies or non-exempt buildings being built, remodeled, moved, or undergoing a change of occupancy. Building permits must be issued before plumbing, mechanical, or electrical permits can be issued.

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

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based per IBC Section 109.2 fee table as adopted in ARM 24.301.138. Building valuation rounded to nearest $1,000; calculated fees rounded to nearest $1.. Plan check fee: 35% of the building permit fee. If only plan review services are provided (no permit issued), plan review fee is 50% of the combined plan review and building permit fee..

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

1. Determine if a state permit is required (see General Requirements and Exempt Work below). 2. Prepare construction documents: site plan with property lines and building locations; dimensioned floor plan showing walls, openings, and room uses; cross-section drawings from footing to roof; elevation drawings showing building height; roof truss diagrams (sealed by registered engineer when required); building insulation R-values. 3. Complete the Building Permit/Plan Review Application (available at https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/permit-applications/building-permits/ or via EBIZ portal). 4. Submit application and construction plans online at https://ebiz.mt.gov/ or mail to P.O. Box 200517, Helena, MT 59602. 5. Pay plan review fee (35% of permit fee) at time of submission. 6. Receive plan review comment letter (if applicable) by mail or email. 7. Address all comments and resubmit if required. 8. Pay building permit fee; permit is issued. 9. Post permit on job site; construction may begin. 10. Contact the regional inspector for required inspections. 11. Receive final inspection approval.

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

Typical processing time is Typically a few hours to several weeks depending on project complexity and department workload..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Farm or ranch buildings; Residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units (single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes); Private garages and storage buildings used solely by the owner for personal use (not for commercial or business purposes); Mine buildings on mining property regulated under Title 82, Chapter 4, MCA; Industrial facilities: petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (excluding office and shop buildings). Note: Note: Exempt residential construction may still require electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits from the state. Contact (406) 841-2056 if uncertain. Exempt structures are still subject to local zoning requirements.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (406) 841-2056, EBIZ portal.