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Building Division

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1. Where do I obtain a building permit?

The Building Division is on the Fourth floor of the Parmly Billings Library, 510 North Broadway, in downtown Billings.

2. What permits are required?

A building permit is required for almost any type of construction on private property including:

• Roofing


• Fences


• Siding


• Decks


• Parking lots

Some of the items that do not require a permit are:

• Detached sheds not exceeding 120 square feet


• Fences less than 36 inches in height


• Painting


• Wallpapering and similar finish work


• Sidewalks or driveways when they will not support a structure and are located entirely on private property

In addition, certain construction activities in the public right of way may require permits.

3. Are separate permits required? If so, why?

Some of the reasons a separate permit may be required are:

-By law, most electrical and plumbing permits can only be issued to licensed electricians and licensed plumbers.
-Certain permits are requested before the primary permit is ready (e.g., temporary use permits).
-Some projects are divided among different contractors, each with responsibility for only certain aspects of the job.
-Work in the right of way requires a licensed and bonded contractor.
-Certain permits are administered by different city or county departments.

4. Can you expedite my permit?

Plans are reviewed by the type of project and the order in which they are received. Expediting a permit would necessitate delaying another permit. There are seldom instances where each applicant is not in a hurry. The best way to expedite your permit is to submit a quality set of plans with complete and detailed information.

We also offer the opportunity for architects and designers to sit down with key City staff members to discuss the project prior to plan submittal.

5. Do I need sidewalks, curb and gutter, and other improvements as part of my development?

City Ordinance requires sidewalk, curb, gutter, and necessary street widening on all projects at the time of development.

6. Do I need site, architectural, mechanical, or electrical plans?

Part of the plan review process is to examine submitted plans for conformance with all codes, laws, and ordinances. This includes all phases of construction including site, structural, architectural, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical drawings.

The plumbing and electrical detail may be excluded on single-family residences provided the location of the mechanical equipment is shown.

Commercial plans need to be wet stamped by a Montana-licensed architect or engineer.

Handouts are available from the Building Division.

7. How are priorities established?

The Building and Engineering Divisions normally review plans in the order in which they are received. However, single-family residential and other projects of a minor nature are mixed in with the review of more complex plans to maintain desired time frames.
The City-County Planning Department establishes priorities based on a first-come, first-served basis.

8. How is the cost of a permit calculated?

Fees are based on the valuation assigned to each individual project. On large commercial projects valuation may be determined by a competitive bid process. Other commercial and single family structures are assigned a value based on square footage. Remodels are determined by contract price or the estimated value of material and labor.

9. How long will it take to get a building permit?

Once a complete plan has been submitted, and special issues have been addressed (i.e., variances, special reviews, subdivisions, etc.), the initial review takes:

Residential (single-family and duplex): 4-7 working days
Commercial - Minor: 2-4 weeks
Commercial - Major: 3-6 weeks

10. How many sets of plans do I need?

Residential (new): 3 building plans and 5 site plans
Residential (remodel): 2 building plans
Commercial (new) 4 building plans and 7 site plans
Commercial (remodel) 3 building plans
A handout is available on each of these at the Building Division front counter.

11. What are setbacks?

A "building setback" is the distance between a structure and a property line. An "arterial setback" is that distance between a structure and the center of an arterial street right of way. Setbacks are unique to each zoning district.
Please contact City-County Planning at (406) 657-8246 for further assistance.

12. What codes do you use (years)?

2006 International Residential Code
2006 International Building Code
2006 International Mechanical Code
2006 International Fuel Gas Code
2006 Uniform Plumbing Code
2005 National Electrical Code
2003 International Energy Code
2006 International Fire Code

City of Billings' Building Codes were last adopted on 2/27/2007 per Administrative Order #105.

A handout specifying each code and edition year is available at the Building Division front counter on the 4th floor of the Library building.

13. What if I am not in the Billings jurisdiction?

The State of Montana governs the area outside the city limits. You may call (406) 841-2040 for additional information.

14. What is the status of my permit?

You will be notified by telephone as soon as plans have been reviewed by all departments and divisions. If you would like to check the staus, enter the permit number at the following link. http://www.cityofbillings.org/Click2GovBP/iMore...

15. When can I use a waiver?

In cases where curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements are not appropriate at the time of development (e.g., gravel streets, no curbs adjacent to property, etc.), the City Engineer may accept a SID Waiver of Protest in lieu of construction.

16. Why is a building permit required?

Besides being a legal requirement, obtaining a permit helps to protect you, your family, and your property. Trained staff will review plans before construction begins, and will perform inspections during the project construction. While this does not guarantee a "perfect building" it does add protection and value to the structure.

17. Who is responsible for the permits?

The owner is responsible for obtaining permits, or he or she may designate this responsibility to the contractor. When this happens the owner should be sure the contractor has obtained all the appropriate permits, and that the contractor receives all the inspection approvals.

18. Where do I direct my flood plain questions?

Inside the city limits, call the Building Division at (406) 657-8270.
Outside the city limits, call Emergency and General Services at (406) 256-2775.

19. Where is my property line?

Contact a private surveyor. You can find a list of surveyors in the Yellow Pages. City staff is prohibited from surveying private property lines.

20. Why do I need a plan?

While there are instances where a plan is not required, such as re-siding or re-roofing, many so-called "small jobs" are affected by building codes. The adding or deletion of a wall down the middle of a room can dramatically affect the existing and structural integrity of the building. A plan that clearly indicates the work to be done can avoid surprises and conflicts at the job site.

21. Why is my review taking so long?

Review time is based upon the number of plans currently in for plan review and current staffing levels. In most cases, plans are reviewed in the order in which they were submitted.

22. What are the requirements for egress windows?

The minimum opening area in accordance with the 2006 IRC section 310 is 5.7 square feet. Minimum opening height is 24 inches and the minimum opening width is 20 inches. The bottom sill height shall be no more that 44 inches from the floor. To obtain more information please call 657-8270.