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This is PermitBase’s published record for Hardin as of 2026-07-04. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.

Hardin building permits

Verified

Hardin, Montana — as published 2026-07-04.

Verified 2026-07-03 · Source

Codes adopted

Montana has a mandatory statewide building code administered by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) Building Codes Bureau, amended by the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 24, Chapter 301. Cities, counties, and towns may become 'certified' to locally administer permitting and inspection for all or part of the code; non-certified trades — and, where a city's Building certification is itself partial (e.g. residential-only), non-certified project types — fall under direct state administration by the DLI Building Codes Bureau. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, Certified City, County and Town Programs (bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits).Hardin is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Building (B), RESIDENTIAL ONLY, within city limits; certified official on file with DLI: Joseph Connolly (listed on City of Hardin's own site as 'Joe Connelly'), (406) 665-9264. Verified directly against the DLI Building Codes Bureau's 'Montana Certified Local Government Program' roster PDF, updated 04/22/2026 (fetched and text-extracted directly from the source PDF): 'Hardin | B (residential only) | Joseph Connolly | 665-9264 | City Limits'. This is a NARROWER certification than the B-only-but-all-project-types pattern seen in Choteau/Conrad/Cut Bank/Glasgow/Lewistown/Red Lodge — Hardin's own certification does not cover COMMERCIAL building work at all, meaning commercial building permits in Hardin route to the state DLI Building Codes Bureau exactly as they would in a non-certified jurisdiction, in addition to Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical for all project types. Source: https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/building-codes-permits/certified-city.pdfHardin, MT Code of Ordinances, Title 4 Building Regulations, Chapter 1 Building Codes (current through Ord. 2025-04, passed 12-4-2025) contains three sections: 4-1-1 Adoption Of Codes And Regulations, 4-1-2 Building Code Adopted, and 4-1-3 Other Codes Enforced By State Officials — a notably thin chapter (no locally-authored fee schedule or plan-review-timeline section), consistent with a small, partially-certified jurisdiction that enforces state-adopted code editions rather than authoring independent code text or a distinct administrative process. Section 4-1-3's title ('Other Codes Enforced By State Officials') is itself corroborating evidence of the residential-only/state-routed-commercial split described by the DLI roster. Source: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/hardinmt/latest/hardin_mt/0-0-0-994Per the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau's Current Codes page (statewide effective date June 11, 2022, applicable uniformly to all certified and state-enforced jurisdictions): 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IECC, 2021 ISPSC, 2021 UPC, 2020 NEC, 2017 ICC A117.1 Accessibility. Hardin's own Building Permit Application form cites Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 104, MCA and ARM 24.301.131 (the same statutory/administrative basis as the state's own BCP-1 form), consistent with a residential-certified jurisdiction enforcing the state-adopted editions without independently amended local code text. Source: bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/current-codes; City of Hardin Building Permit Application PDF (hardinmontana.info/Building_Permit_application011019.pdf)

Permit types & fees

Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Alteration / Re-Roof)

Verified

Required for new single-family/two-family home construction, additions, alterations, and re-roofing on RESIDENTIAL property within Hardin city limits. Issued by the City of Hardin under its DLI certification for Building (B), RESIDENTIAL ONLY, reviewed by Building Inspectors Joe Connelly and Nathan McConnell against the state-adopted 2021 IBC/IRC/IECC editions. This certification does NOT extend to commercial building work — see the separate commercial-building-permit-state entry.

Verified 2026-07-03 · Source

Requirements

  • Complete the City of Hardin Application For Building Permit: property address, county, whether the job is inside city limits, 17-digit GEOCODE, parcel number, lot/block, section/township/range, property owner and general contractor/design professional contact information
  • Select Type of Work: Addition, ReRoofing, Other, Emergency Repair, Fire Suppression, Change of Use, New Construction, Moved Building, or Alteration/Remodel
  • Provide project valuation
  • Electronic plan submittal is preferred per the City's own application form
  • Applicant must indicate 'Primary Contact' as Owner, General Contractor, or Designer
  • The application form itself flags 'Other Work Being Done On Site' checkboxes for Boiler, Elevator, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and HVAC — these are separate state-issued permit types and are NOT covered by this city-issued residential building permit

Required documents

  • RequiredApplication For Building PermitCity of Hardin residential building permit application (a City-branded reformatting of the state BCP-1 template); available at hardinmontana.info/Building_Permit_application011019.pdf or via the City of Hardin Citizen Portal (hardinmt2.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/hardinmt2)
  • RequiredConstruction PlansElectronic plan submittal preferred per the City's application form instructions

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Residential building permit feeNo fixed valuation-based fee table was found published on hardinmt.com, hardinmontana.info, or in the City's downloadable Building Permit Application form (which has a blank 'PROJECT VALUATION' field but no printed fee schedule) as of this review — an honest publication gap after direct review of the City's own permit materials, not an inferred or invented figure. Applicants must contact the Building Department at (406) 665-9260 Ext. 106 for a current fee quote.

Accessory Building Permit (Residential and Business)

Verified

Required for accessory structures (sheds, detached storage buildings, etc.) in Hardin. The City publishes a dedicated Application For Business Accessory Building for accessory structures on business/commercial property, governed by Hardin City Code 11-1-8-2, which caps accessory buildings at 200 square feet without a Variance Request. Residential accessory structures fall under the general residential-building-permit process.

Verified 2026-07-03 · Source

Requirements

  • Per Hardin City Code 11-1-8-2: the accessory building must not exceed 200 square feet; if larger, a Variance Request Form Application must also be submitted
  • A scale map is required showing dimensions, acreage, parking, main structure, intended location of the accessory structure, and the property location
  • A description of the water and sewer system serving the accessory structure is required
  • A design of the building and a picture of the structure (for existing/relocated structures) must be attached
  • Written authorization from the property owner is required if the applicant is not the owner
  • Applicant must appear before the Common Council when the application is considered
  • Applicant certifies that all State, County, and Local laws will be followed

Required documents

  • RequiredApplication For Business Accessory BuildingCity of Hardin form for accessory structures on business/commercial property, citing Hardin City Code 11-1-8-2; available at hardinmontana.info/Accessory_Building_Permit_010226.pdf
  • RequiredScale MapSite plan showing dimensions, acreage, parking, main structure, and proposed accessory structure location
  • OptionalVariance Request Form ApplicationRequired only if the proposed accessory building exceeds 200 square feet

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Accessory building permit / application feeNo fixed fee amount is printed on the City's Application For Business Accessory Building form or published elsewhere on hardinmt.com/hardinmontana.info as of this review. Contact the Building Department at (406) 665-9260 Ext. 106 (or the general city line, (406) 665-9260 Ext. 104) for a current quote.

Commercial Building Permit (State-Issued)

Verified

Because Hardin's DLI certification for Building covers RESIDENTIAL work only, any commercial building project within Hardin city limits — new construction, addition, alteration — requires a Building Permit/Plan Review Application issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Hardin, under the 2021 IBC.

Verified 2026-07-03 · Source

Requirements

  • Submit a Building Permit/Plan Review Application together with complete construction plans to the Building Codes Bureau
  • Plan review fee is generally 1%-2% of building valuation, calculated by the Bureau after initial screening
  • A state building permit must be obtained before construction begins; starting construction beforehand may result in an investigation fee and required corrective construction
  • Building permits must be issued before related Plumbing, Mechanical, or Electrical permits can be issued or that work can begin
  • Design professionals are encouraged for complex projects; complete plans expedite review
  • Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, MCA and ARM Title 24, Chapter 301

Required documents

  • RequiredBuilding Permit/Plan Review ApplicationMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form; mailed with payment to Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59602, or filed online at BuildingPermits.Mt.Gov
  • RequiredConstruction PlansComplete construction plans and details (site plan, floor plan, accessibility/restroom details, wall sections) are required and expedite plan review per the Bureau's own guidance

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Building Permit/Plan Review FeeGenerally 1%-2% of building valuation, calculated by the Building Codes Bureau after screeningMontana DLI Building Codes Bureau, 'Is a State Building Permit Needed?' guidance page — this is the Bureau's own stated fee-calculation method for state-issued building permits, which governs Hardin's commercial building projects since Hardin's own certification does not cover commercial building work

Electrical Permit (State-Issued)

Verified

Because Hardin holds no DLI certification in Electrical (only a residential-only Building certification), electrical work anywhere within Hardin city limits — residential or commercial — requires a Residential or Commercial Electrical Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Hardin, under the 2020 NEC.

Verified 2026-07-03 · Source

Requirements

  • Application must be signed and dated by the licensed electrical contractor's person in charge, or filed as a homeowner permit for owner-performed work
  • Payment must be submitted with the application; incomplete applications are returned unprocessed
  • Property address, GEOCODE/parcel/lot/block, owner information, and power company must be provided
  • Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 604, MCA and ARM 24.301.431

Required documents

  • RequiredApplication for Residential Electrical PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form; mailed with payment to Building Codes Program, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via ebiz.mt.gov / BuildingPermits.Mt.Gov

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — up to 200-amp service (includes meter base and attached garages if wired at the same time)$200Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22) — the same statewide fee schedule applied to all non-electrically-certified Montana jurisdictions; cross-verified against the identical schedule already confirmed for Choteau, MT and Conrad, MT in this same dataset
Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — 201 to 400-amp service$380Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22)
Residential Change of Service — exterior meter base & interior/exterior main disconnect only$45Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22)

Plumbing Permit (State-Issued, incl. Water Heater)

Verified

Because Hardin holds no DLI certification in Plumbing (only a residential-only Building certification), plumbing work anywhere within Hardin city limits — including water heater installation/replacement, residential or commercial — requires a Plumbing Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Hardin, under the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code.

Verified 2026-07-03 · Source

Requirements

  • Application must be signed by the Master Plumber and include the Master Plumber License Number, or filed as a homeowner permit for owner-performed work where allowed
  • Property address, county, and whether the job is inside city limits must be indicated
  • Type of Building and Type of Work must be indicated; sewer service type (public/septic) and potable water source must be indicated
  • Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 505, MCA and ARM 24.301.301 / 24.301.361

Required documents

  • RequiredApplication for Plumbing PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form (BCP-1); mailed with payment to Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via ebiz.mt.gov / BuildingPermits.Mt.Gov

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Each NEW water heater (or replacement)$25Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1) statewide Fee Schedule — the same schedule applied to all non-plumbing-certified jurisdictions; cross-verified against the identical schedule already confirmed for Choteau, MT and Conrad, MT in this same dataset
Each plumbing fixture or trap$10 per fixture/trapApplication for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1) statewide Fee Schedule

Mechanical / HVAC Permit (State-Issued)

Verified

Because Hardin holds no DLI certification in Mechanical (only a residential-only Building certification), mechanical/HVAC work anywhere within Hardin city limits — residential or commercial — requires a Mechanical Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Hardin, under the 2021 International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code.

Verified 2026-07-03 · Source

Requirements

  • Project Value must be provided; permit fee is calculated from the state's valuation-based fee schedule
  • Type of Building and Type of Work must be indicated
  • Boiler work requires a separate Boiler Permit form, not the Mechanical Permit
  • Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 104, MCA and ARM 24.301.172

Required documents

  • RequiredApplication for Mechanical PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form (BCP-1); mailed with payment to Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via ebiz.mt.gov / BuildingPermits.Mt.Gov

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Mechanical Permit — Project value $0-$10,000$48 for the first $1,000, plus $14 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereofMontana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Mechanical Permit (BCP-1) statewide Fee Schedule — the same schedule applied to all non-mechanically-certified jurisdictions; cross-verified against the identical schedule already confirmed for Choteau, MT and Conrad, MT in this same dataset

Demolition / Building Removal Permit

Verified

Required for demolishing or removing a structure within Hardin city limits, using the City's residential-building-permit process (Type of Work checkboxes on the same Application For Building Permit include 'Moved Building' and 'Other', the latter used with a full description of work for demolition scope) for residential property; commercial demolition follows the state-routed process since Hardin's certification excludes commercial building work.

Verified 2026-07-03 · Source

Requirements

  • Type of Work box 'Other' checked on the Application For Building Permit with a full description of the demolition scope attached, or 'Moved Building' for relocating a structure
  • Project valuation (prior value and completed/post-project value) must be provided
  • Property address, GEOCODE, parcel/lot/block information required as with any other permit type on this form
  • For commercial structures, submit instead to the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau since Hardin's certification does not cover commercial building work

Required documents

  • RequiredApplication For Building Permit (Other/Moved Building)Same City of Hardin form used for all residential building/zoning work, with 'Other' or 'Moved Building' selected and a full work-scope description attached

Fee schedule

Fee typeAmountNotes
Demolition/building permit feeNo fixed table was found published on hardinmt.com, hardinmontana.info, or the City's Building Permit Application form; no dedicated demolition bond amount (comparable to Billings' $10,000 site bond) was found published for Hardin either. Contact the Building Department at (406) 665-9260 Ext. 106 for current requirements and fees, since this is a small jurisdiction without Billings-scale published demolition procedures.

Sources & verification

Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.

Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Hardin building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

Later version (2026-07-07) →View current record →All versions →

Permalink: /montana/big-horn-county/hardin/as-of/2026-07-04/

Snapshot date: 2026-07-04

Commit: d1fd888

Reproducible from PermitBase’s version-controlled dataset, commit d1fd888.