This is PermitBase’s published record for Red Lodge as of 2026-07-03. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Red Lodge building permits
VerifiedRed Lodge, Montana — as published 2026-07-03.
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 in a partially-certified jurisdiction fall under direct state administration by the DLI Building Codes Bureau. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, Certified City, County and Town Programs list (bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits).Red Lodge is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Building (B) ONLY within city limits; certified building official on file with DLI: Brian Hanna, (406) 446-1606. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, 'Montana Certified Local Government Program' roster, updated 04/22/2026, https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/building-codes-permits/certified-city.pdf (verified directly: roster row reads 'Red Lodge | B | Brian Hanna | 446-1606 | City Limits')City of Red Lodge Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 1 (Building Codes), Section 9-1-1 (Adoption): the City adopts by resolution (A) the most recent edition of the International Building Code adopted by the Montana DLI, (B) the most recent edition of the International Existing Building Code adopted by the Montana DLI, (C) the most recent edition of the International Residential Code adopted by the Montana DLI, and (D) other Montana DLI-adopted codes deemed appropriate by City Council including the Uniform Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, National Electrical Code, and International Energy Conservation Code, plus (E) Montana administrative rules modifying/clarifying those codes. Source: City of Red Lodge Municipal Code § 9-1-1 (Ord. 869, 3-13-2007; Ord. 886, 9-14-2010; Ord. 914, 5-26-2015), via eCode360, https://ecode360.com/42581916Per the City of Red Lodge Building Division page: in 2022 the City Council adopted the 2021 family of International Codes (I-Codes). Source: City of Red Lodge Building Division page, https://www.cityofredlodge.net/com-dev/page/building-divisionPer the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau's Current Codes page (statewide effective date June 11, 2022, applicable to all certified and state-enforced jurisdictions alike): 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IECC, 2021 ISPSC, 2021 UPC, 2020 NEC, 2017 ICC A117.1 Accessibility. Red Lodge's own Building Division page and Design Criteria document reference the 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC by name specifically, consistent with a small B-only-certified jurisdiction enforcing the state-adopted editions. Source: bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/current-codes; City of Red Lodge design_criteria.pdfMunicipal Code § 9-1-2 (Applicability): the exemption optionally provided to Montana communities under M.C.A. Section 50-60-102(1)(a) does NOT apply in Red Lodge — the IRC applies to residential buildings with fewer than 5 dwelling units, attached structures, any farm/ranch building of any size, and any private garage/storage structure of any size for the owner's own use, within city limits. Source: City of Red Lodge Municipal Code § 9-1-2 (Ord. 854A, 2-23-2003; Ord. 914, 5-26-2015), via eCode360Municipal Code § 9-1-3 (Agreement to Comply): per M.C.A. Section 7-5-4202, a permittee agrees as a condition of permit application to be bound by all state-adopted building codes referenced in § 9-1-1. Source: City of Red Lodge Municipal Code § 9-1-3 (Ord. 869, 3-13-2007)
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Alteration)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family home construction, additions, and alterations within Red Lodge city limits. Issued by the City of Red Lodge under its DLI-certified local Building (B) program using the City's Building Permit Application form, reviewed by Building Inspector Brian Hanna against the 2021 IRC and City Design Criteria.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building Permit Application completed: job address, legal description, owner/contractor/architect-designer/engineer contact information, building dimensions and setbacks, class of work (New/Addition/Alteration/Repair), valuation of work (materials and labor), use of building, description of work
- Two sets of building plans, including a plot plan, submitted to the City Building Inspector; plans must clearly identify proposed setbacks and building height
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC (one- and two-family dwellings) or 2021 IBC (multifamily/commercial), plus City of Red Lodge Design Criteria: 70 psf minimum roof snow load, wind load per risk category (100-120 MPH, Exposure B; 115 MPH residential), 42-inch frost depth foundation, two rows of ice & water shield on all roofs
- Subject to Building Official's discretion, plans may be required to be stamped/certified by a licensed design professional
- A City Business Registration is required before the permit is issued
- Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilation, or air conditioning work (issued by the State DLI Building Codes Bureau, not the City, since Red Lodge is Building-only certified)
- Fire sprinklers required/not required must be indicated on the application; off-street parking spaces (required/furnished) must be indicated
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Red Lodge form covering job address, owner/contractor/architect/engineer information, class of work, valuation, building dimensions and setbacks, occupancy group, and required signatures
- RequiredConstruction Drawings / Plot PlanTwo sets of building plans including a plot plan showing setbacks and building height, per City requirement
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | No fixed, published valuation-based fee table was found on the City of Red Lodge website during this research pass. The Building Permit Application form has blank 'PLAN CHECK FEE' and 'PERMIT FEE' lines filled in by City staff after review rather than a downloadable fee schedule (the City's 'Applications, Forms & Fees' page returned a 404 at time of research). Secondary/third-party sources reference historical City Ordinance #892 tying fees to Appendix 'L' of the 2009 IRC, but this was NOT independently verified against a live City-published primary source during this session, so it is not cited as a governing fact. Left null per the zero-tolerance policy rather than estimated or sourced from an unverified secondary reference. Applicants should contact the Building Division at (406) 446-1606 for a current fee quote. |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of a structure within Red Lodge city limits, processed through the same Building Permit Application used for new construction, additions, and alterations. Demolition work must be completed within 30 days of permit issuance unless otherwise noted.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building Permit Application completed with the scope of work identified as demolition (the form's class-of-work checkboxes are New/Addition/Alteration/Repair; demolition scope is described in the 'DESCRIBE WORK' field and remarks section per the form's own demolition completion clause)
- Demolition work must be completed within 30 days of permit issuance, unless otherwise noted under remarks on the permit
- A City Business Registration is required for contractors before the permit is issued
- Owner/contractor contact information, valuation of work, and building dimensions/legal description required as with any other permit type on this form
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Demolition)Same City of Red Lodge form used for all building work, with demolition scope described in the work-description field
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Demolition Permit Fee | No fixed, published fee table or standalone demolition bond requirement was found for Red Lodge — unlike Billings' distinct $10,000 demolition bond ordinance (City Code Chapter 6, Article 6-1000), Red Lodge's Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 3 (which would parallel a demolition-specific chapter) is marked '(RESERVED)', meaning no separate demolition ordinance exists; demolition fees are filled in on the same Building Permit Application's blank fee lines. Confirmed via direct review of Title 9 chapter listing (eCode360) and the Building Permit Application form. Left null rather than estimated. |
Deck / Accessory Structure Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of decks, garages, sheds, and other accessory structures within Red Lodge city limits, using the standard Building Permit Application. Accessory structures built before the principal use is established are permitted jointly with the principal structure.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building Permit Application completed with building dimensions, setbacks, and class of work (New/Addition) indicated; garage attached/detached box checked if applicable
- Plans must clearly identify the proposed setback and building height for Building Official review
- If an accessory structure is constructed prior to establishing the principal use, the building permit for both the accessory structure and the principal use is issued together, and the accessory structure's final inspection is withheld until the principal use receives its rough framing inspection
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC and City of Red Lodge Design Criteria (70 psf roof snow load, wind load per risk category, 42-inch frost depth) where structurally applicable
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSame City of Red Lodge form used for all building work; garage attached/detached checkbox and building dimensions/setback fields apply to accessory structures
- RequiredPlot PlanSite plan showing the accessory structure location, setbacks, and dimensions
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | No fixed, published fee table specific to decks/accessory structures was found; fees are filled in on the same Building Permit Application's blank fee lines, consistent with the City's general absence of a published valuation-based fee schedule. Left null rather than estimated. |
Electrical Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedBecause Red Lodge is DLI-certified for Building only, electrical work anywhere within Red Lodge city limits requires a Residential (or Commercial) Electrical Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Red Lodge, 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
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — up to 200-amp service (includes meter base and attached garages if wired at the same time) | $200 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22) — same statewide fee schedule that applies to all non-electrically-certified Montana jurisdictions, including Red Lodge |
| Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — 201 to 400-amp service | $380 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22) |
| Residential Change of Service — exterior meter base & interior/exterior main disconnect only | $45 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22) |
Plumbing Permit (State-Issued, incl. Water Heater)
VerifiedBecause Red Lodge is DLI-certified for Building only, plumbing work anywhere within Red Lodge city limits — including water heater installation/replacement — requires a Plumbing Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Red Lodge, 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
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Each NEW water heater (or replacement) | $25 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1) statewide Fee Schedule — same schedule applied to all non-plumbing-certified jurisdictions, including Red Lodge |
| Each plumbing fixture or trap | $10 per fixture/trap | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1) statewide Fee Schedule |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedBecause Red Lodge is DLI-certified for Building only, mechanical/HVAC work anywhere within Red Lodge city limits requires a Mechanical Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Red Lodge, 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
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit — Project value $0-$10,000 | $48 for the first $1,000, plus $14 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Mechanical Permit (BCP-1) statewide Fee Schedule — same schedule applied to all non-mechanically-certified jurisdictions, including Red Lodge |
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 Red Lodge building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.