Building Permit Types

DEQ Montana Asbestos Control Program

Applications & Requirements

• Building Permit Application(PDF, 749KB)
• Alternative Energy Plan Submittal Requirements(PDF, 2MB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Alternative Energy Information(PDF, 221KB)
• Building and Plan Review Fees(PDF, 3MB)

Applications & Requirements

• Building Permit Application(PDF, 749KB)
• Multi-Family & Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements(PDF, 160KB)
• Foundation Permit Application Requirements(PDF, 494KB)
• Foundation Permit Application(PDF, 522KB)
• Fire Sprinkler System UG Piping, Riser Room Clearances and Signage(PDF, 154KB)
• Fire Protection Systems Third Party Review(PDF, 235KB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Building and Plan Review Fees(PDF, 3MB)

Work Exempt from Building Permit

Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet.
• Fences not over 7 feet high.
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
• Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
• Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 5000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
• Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one and two family dwellings.
• Window awnings In Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
• Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.

Applications & Requirements

• Building Permit Application(PDF, 749KB)
• Deck Policy for One & Two Family Dwellings(PDF, 459KB)
• Residential Wood Deck Construction Requirements(PDF, 9MB)
• Residential Plan Submittal Requirements(PDF, 640KB)
• Multi-Family and Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements(PDF, 160KB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Building and Plan Review Fees(PDF, 3MB)

Applications & Requirements

• Permit Application(PDF, 749KB)
• Demolition Plan Submittal Requirements(PDF, 134KB)
• Ordinance for Demolition of Historic Buildings(PDF, 407KB)
• Historic Buildings Demolition Review and Application Process(PDF, 1MB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.  For interior demolition(s) and/or partial demolition(s) please see Application Requirements for residential and commercial. Demolition permit cost is figured on the contract dollar amount of the project and the permit fee schedule is figured at 100 percent.

• Building and Plan Review Fees(PDF, 3MB)

Electrical permits are required for any installation in any new construction, remodeling or repair, except as provided by Section 50-60-602 MCA. Electrical permits need to be obtained by a State of Montana licensed Master electrical contractor and the wiring must be performed by a State of Montana licensed electrician.

Commercial Electrical Application & Requirements

• Commercial Electrical Permit Application(PDF, 483KB)
• Commercial Electrical Fees(PDF, 39KB)

Residential Electrical Application & Requirements

• Residential Electrical Permit Application(PDF, 481KB)
• Residential Electrical Fees(PDF, 35KB)

Work Exempt from Electrical Permit

• Repairs and Maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
• Radio and television transmitting stations: The provisions of this code shall not apply to electrical equipment used for radio and television transmissions but do apply to equipment and wiring for a power supply and the installations of towers and antennas.
• Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.

Fences over 7 feet in height will require a building permit.

• Building Permit Application(PDF, 749KB)
• Fence Guidelines(PDF, 335KB)

Applications & Requirements

• Irrigation Well Application(PDF, 370KB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Flat Fee of $50.00

A mechanical permit is required for any installation or alterations to heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, hood systems, boilers, wood stoves, or other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances.

• Mechanical Permit Application(PDF, 482KB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Mechanical Permit Fees(PDF, 38KB)

Work Exempt from Permit

• Portable heating appliance, ventilation equipment, cooling unit, or evaporative cooler.
• Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
• Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
• Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.

For more information about a Move Permit, please contact the City Building Division at (406) 447-8438.

A plumbing permit is required for any installation, removal, alteration, or repair of plumbing, water and sewer service lines, gas lines, and drainage systems or parts thereof. Plumbing permits need to be obtained by a State of Montana licensed Plumber. Exception see Home Owner Rule.

• Plumbing Permit Application(PDF, 311KB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Plumbing Permit Fees(PDF, 311KB)

Work Exempt from Permit

A home owner does not need to obtain a plumbing permit for the interior of their home provided he/she is doing the plumbing installation themselves and the residence is for the owner's personal use and not built on speculation of resale or intended as a rental property. If the home owner wishes to have the work inspected by the Building Division, then a plumbing permit must be obtained to cover the cost for inspections. See State of Montana Building Codes Bureau.

• The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
• The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

Applications & Requirements

• Building Permit Application(PDF, 749KB)
• City Address Application
• Multi-Family & Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements(PDF, 160KB)
• Egress Window Information(PDF, 203KB)
• Fire Protection Systems Third Party Review(PDF, 170KB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Building and Plan Review Fees(PDF, 3MB)

Work Exempt from Permit

Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet.
• Fences not over 7 feet high.
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or IIIA liquids.
• Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
• Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
• Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 5000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
• Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
• Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one and two family dwellings.
• Window awnings In Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
• Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.

Applications & Requirements

• Building Permit Application(PDF, 749KB)
• City Address Application
• Residential Plan Submittal Requirements(PDF, 640KB)
• Residential Code Summary Checklist(PDF, 713KB)
• Egress Window Information(PDF, 203KB)
• Fire Protection Systems Third Party Review(PDF, 170KB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Building and Plan Review Fees(PDF, 3MB)

Work Exempt from Permit

Permits shall not be required for the following. Exemption from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction.

• Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.
• Fences not over 7 feet high.
• Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1
• Sidewalks and driveways not located on public rights-of-way.
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
• Swings and other playground equipment.
• Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
• Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4

Retaining walls over 4 feet in height require a building permit.

• Building Permit Application(PDF, 749KB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Building and Plan Review Fees(PDF, 3MB)

Applications & Requirements

• Re-Roofing Application(PDF, 169KB)
• Roofing & Re-Roofing Code Requirements(PDF, 184KB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Building and Plan Review Fees(PDF, 3MB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Sidewalk: $5.00 for the first linear 70’ (feet) and $2.00 thereafter for 50’ linear (feet) or fraction.
• Curb Cuts: $30.00 (up to 2 approaches)

Applications & Requirements

• General Sign Regulations
• Sign Application(PDF, 337KB)

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check. The permit is based on the contract dollar which includes material and labor costs for the sign(s). An additional electrical permit may be required.

• Building and Plan Review Fees(PDF, 3MB)

Any person wishing to open a city street or alley, must complete the following steps before the City Building Division can issue permit(s):

1. Must have the required bond and insurance information on file with the City of Helena, Building Division, as outlined in Title 7 Chapter 2, (7-2-3).
2. Must complete a Street Opening/Sidewalk & Street Closure Application with the City of Helena, Engineering Division.
3. The excavator will bring the approved application and documents from the Engineering Department to the Building Division.

Applications & Requirements

• Street Opening/Sidewalk & Street Closure Application (City Engineering Division)

Water and Sewer tapping permits can be purchased at the City of Helena, Building Division. Permits can only be purchased by a Licensed Master Plumber with the State of Montana. Note: See Street Opening/Sidewalk & Street Closure section above for additional permit requirements.

Fees

Permit fees can be paid by credit/debit cards, cash or check.

• Water/Sewer System Development Fees & Water Taps(PDF, 667KB)