Residential Addition / Alteration / Remodel Permit in Great Falls, Montana
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, and structural alterations to existing single-family and duplex residences in Great Falls. Uses the same Title 15 valuation-based fee table as new construction. Includes basement finishes and other alterations affecting structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Room additions, basement finishes, and structural alterations to existing residences
- Complete application disclosing total project value (contract price or estimated material/labor value for owner-performed work)
- Two complete sets of plans showing scope of work, floor plan, wall detail, and any structural changes
- Structural calculations required for any wood glu-lam beam, steel beam, or retaining wall over 4 feet in height
- Energy code compliance documentation required where the addition affects conditioned floor area
Required documents
- Required
Residential Building Permit Application
Same application form used for new construction, additions, and remodels
- Required
Residential Building Permit Checklist
Completeness checklist covering site plan, elevations, floor plan, framing plan, and energy code compliance
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same table as new construction) | Per Resolution No. 10374, Exhibit A valuation table — e.g., $105.34 for $3,001-$4,000 in project value, scaling to $6,161.34 plus $3.81/$1,000 over $1,000,000 | Resolution No. 10374, Exhibit A — the same valuation-based schedule applies to additions/remodels as to new construction; there is no separate flat-rate remodel schedule |
| Residential Plan Review Fee | 50% of the Building Permit Fee | Resolution No. 10374, Exhibit A |
| Re-inspection Fee | $67.63 per hour, minimum 1-hour charge | City of Great Falls Homeowner's Permit Application forms (Updated 3/2026) |
Review timeline
5–10 business days
Great Falls’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 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
Tips
- Great Falls uses the same Title 15 valuation-based fee table (Resolution 10374, Exhibit A) for additions and remodels as it does for new construction — there is no discounted flat-rate schedule for typical remodel scopes.
- Basement finishes involving framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work require both a building permit and separate trade permits.
- Every permit becomes invalid if work does not begin within 180 days of issuance.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to finish my basement in Great Falls?
- Yes. A basement finish involving framing, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work requires a residential building permit (addition/alteration) plus separate trade permits as applicable, per OCCGF Title 15.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Great Falls Building Division (Planning & Community Development Department) — official building department
- Residential Building Permits | Great Falls, MT
- Residential Building Permit Application Requirements (Checklist, Effective 5/2019)
- Resolution No. 10374 — Building/Plumbing/Mechanical/Electrical/Sign Permit Fees (Exhibit A)
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 Great Falls building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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