Building Permit Information & Applications

Building Code Information

Building code information can be found here.

Applications

Residential

Residential applications are required to be submitted through our Citizen Portal and require document submissions to be upload in PDF format through the portal. If you are not a current portal user, registration will be required prior to being able to submit for permits. Please follow the registration instructions on the portal website. Paper is no longer being accepted for residential permits.

Legal description information (required for some permits) can be obtained from our Parcel / Address / Sewer Program.

Commercial

All commercial applications are required to be submitted through our Citizen Portal and require document submissions to be upload in PDF format through the portal. If you are not a current portal user, registration will be required prior to being able to submit for permits. Please follow the registration instructions on the portal website. Paper is no longer being accepted for commercial permits.   

Required Documentation

When making an application for a building permit, you must submit:

  • A complete online building permit application, including the legal description of the property, the owner, and contractor information
  • A completed site plan checklist
  • Commercial:
    • A complete plan set in a single PDF file to include photometric drawing
    • Supplemental documents in PDF format
    • Asbestos letters in PDF format
    • Energy Compliance Certifications (ComCheck) in PDF format
  • Residential:
    • A complete plan set in a single PDF file
    • Supplemental documents in PDF format
    • Energy Compliance Certifications (ComCheck) in PDF format
    • Lateral and gravity engineering if applicable
    • Energy Compliance Certifications (ResCheck) in PDF format

Site Plan Checklist

The site plan checklist must be printed and scaled to fit on 8.5" by 14" legal paper in order for this office to accept and process your application. If any of this information is incomplete or missing, the application process will be stopped. These forms may also be obtained from our office.

Residential-Site-Plan-Checklist

When Building Permits are Required

Building permits are required for the following:

  • Additions
  • Commercial building projects
  • Commercial storage buildings and garages of any size
  • Decks
  • Demolition
  • Most new residential construction projects
  • Remodeling
  • Siding
  • Signs or fences over 7' in height
  • Swimming pools
  • Residential or commercial roofing
  • Residential storage buildings and garages over 200 sq. ft. of floor area *
  • Retaining wall

More Requirements

This list does not contain all types of work requiring a permit. Please call our office at 406-552-6630 before starting any type of work to determine whether you need a permit. Any residential buildings with interior dimensions of 200 sq. ft. or less may not require a building permit if it is also an independent structure not attached to a residential home. More detailed information regarding required forms is available for commercial permits and for residential permits. If planning on upsizing water meter, water and sewer development fees will be charge in addition to the cost of the meter itself. Please review the development fee schedule here. 

Form Size

All building permit forms must be submitted on legal size paper (8.5" x 14"). When using from Adobe Acrobat Reader, set the paper size to legal before printing. 

* Storage buildings under 200 sq. ft. may require a permit or approval from zoning.