Great Falls building inspections

Verified

Inspection sequence, scheduling, and re-inspection fees for building permits in Great Falls, Montana.

Verified 2026-07-02 · Source

How to schedule

Inspections are requested through the building department below.

Address: Civic Center, 2 Park Drive South, Room 112, P.O. Box 5021, Great Falls, MT 59403-5021
Phone: (406) 455-8430
Email: permit@greatfallsmt.gov
Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Website: Official site

Inspection sequence

Applies to: Residential Building Permit (New Construction)

1
Foundation / Footings
Before concrete pour, per geotechnical report and structural plans
2
Framing
After framing complete, before insulation or wall cover
3
MEP Rough-In
Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical rough-in before walls closed; separate trade permits required
4
Blower Door Test
Required for new construction prior to Certificate of Occupancy; must be performed by an approved third party
5
Final
All work complete, boulevard landscaping and driveways/sidewalks complete, Certificate of Occupancy issued

Applies to: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit

1
Foundation
Footings and foundation before concrete pour
2
Framing
Structural framing before wall cover
3
MEP Rough-In
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical rough-in — separate trade permits required
4
Final
All work complete, ready for occupancy

Applies to: Fire Sprinkler / Alarm Permit

1
Acceptance Test -- Fire Sprinkler
Great Falls Fire Rescue verifies the installed sprinkler system; billed per inspection, minimum 3 inspections for systems with 100 heads or less
2
Acceptance Test -- Fire Alarm
Great Falls Fire Rescue verifies the installed alarm system; billed per inspection, minimum 2 inspections for 25,000 sq ft or less
3
Acceptance Test -- Kitchen Hood / Suppression System
Great Falls Fire Rescue verifies the installed hood or special suppression system; billed per inspection, minimum 1 inspection per project

Applies to: Mechanical / HVAC Permit

1
Gas Piping Pressure Test
Required before concealing gas piping
2
Rough-In
Ductwork and mechanical equipment rough-in before walls closed
3
Final
Equipment operational, combustion air and venting verified

Applies to: Plumbing Permit

1
Underground / Slab Plumbing
Before concrete pour — pipe slope, materials, cleanouts
2
Rough-In
After pipes installed, before walls closed
3
Final
All fixtures connected, no leaks, proper venting

Applies to: Residential Addition / Alteration / Remodel Permit

1
Framing / Structural
After framing complete, before wall cover
2
MEP Rough-In
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical rough-in — separate trade permits required
3
Final
All work complete per approved plans

Applies to: Electrical Permit

1
Rough-In
Wiring and conduit installed before walls closed
2
Final
All devices installed, panel labeled, service energized

Applies to: Residential Rooftop Solar PV Permit

1
Rough Electrical
Conduit runs, wire sizing, disconnect placement before energizing
2
Final
Panel mounting, roof penetration sealing, and electrical interconnection verified

Applies to: Sign Permit

1
Sign Electrical Inspection
Required only if the sign includes electrical work outside the cabinet; performed under a separate Electrical Permit before sign placement
2
Final Sign Inspection
Verifies sign structure, placement, and (for freestanding signs/billboards) footings match the approved plans

Final inspection only: Change of Occupancy / Change of Use Permit, EV Charger / Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit, Roofing Permit (Reroof)

Re-inspection fees

Residential Building Permit (New Construction)Re-inspection Fee · City of Great Falls Homeowner's Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical Permit Application forms (Updated 3/2026) — this is the current re-inspection rate and supersedes the $62.62/hr figure in the 2018/2020 fee resolution, which has not been reissued as of this verification