You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-02.
Anaconda-Deer Lodge building permits
VerifiedAnaconda-Deer Lodge, Montana — as published 2026-07-02.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family homes, duplexes, townhouses, and other residential structures in Anaconda-Deer Lodge. Issued and reviewed LOCALLY by the ADLC Planning Department / Building Inspector (Greg Bahr) — Anaconda-Deer Lodge is a Montana-certified local government for Building permitting (residential only), per the state Building Codes Bureau's certified-jurisdiction list. Reviewed against the 2021 IRC/IBC (Administrative Rules of Montana, Title 24, chapter 301).
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Complete Building Permit Application (ADLC Planning Department form, Rev. December 17th, 2025) — property owner and/or licensed contractor must sign and date
- Detailed building plans, foundation plan, and engineered truss drawings must be provided with the application
- All contractors and subcontractors must hold an active ADLC business license
- For NEW residential construction: an Administrative Development Permit (ADP) is also required, along with a Septic and/or Well Permit (ADLC Office of Environmental Health, (406) 563-4035) and a Driveway Approach Permit, depending on the site, BEFORE the Building Permit can be approved
- A full set of plans from a Registered Design Professional or Engineer is required for both the Building Permit and the ADP before review can begin
- Sanitarian approval (septic and/or well, if applicable) must be indicated on the application
- Construction must begin within 6 months of permit issuance or the permit expires; work should be completed within 6 months of starting, with extensions available if requested at least 1 month before expiration
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationADLC Planning Department form (Rev. December 17th, 2025); includes property/owner/contractor info, project scope checkboxes, and the local valuation-based fee table
- RequiredDetailed Building Plans, Foundation Plan, and Engineered Truss DrawingsFull plan set required at submittal — application will not be processed without these
- RequiredAdministrative Development Application (ADP)Required for new residential construction alongside the Building Permit; covers site disturbance, demolition, excavation, footings, and other site-development scope
- OptionalSeptic and/or Well PermitIssued by the ADLC Office of Environmental Health, (406) 563-4035, where applicable to the site
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1 to $500 | $12.50 | ADLC Building Permit Application, Rev. December 17th, 2025 — residential fee table (verified by direct visual inspection of the PDF form, page 2) |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501 to $2,000 | $12.50 for the first $500 plus $1.75 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000 | ADLC Building Permit Application, Rev. December 17th, 2025 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001 to $25,000 | $46.25 for the first $3,000 plus $7.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000 | ADLC Building Permit Application, Rev. December 17th, 2025 (as printed on the official form) |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,001 to $50,000 | $216.75 for the first $26,000 plus $5.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000 | ADLC Building Permit Application, Rev. December 17th, 2025 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,001 to $100,000 | $348.75 for the first $50,000 plus $3.75 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000 | ADLC Building Permit Application, Rev. December 17th, 2025 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001 and up | $536.25 for the first $100,000 plus $2.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | ADLC Building Permit Application, Rev. December 17th, 2025 |
| Plan Review Fee | 25% of the Building Permit Fee | ADLC Building Permit Application, Rev. December 17th, 2025 |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, and structural alterations to existing residential structures in Anaconda-Deer Lodge. Uses the same local Building Permit Application and valuation-based fee table as new construction, issued by the ADLC Planning Department / Building Inspector.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Complete Building Permit Application, selecting 'Remodel' or 'Addition' under Section 4: Proposed Work
- Detailed plans showing the scope of the addition/remodel, including structural details where applicable
- All contractors and subcontractors must hold an active ADLC business license
- 24-hour advance notice required for all inspections
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSame ADLC Planning Department form used for new construction; select Remodel/Addition project scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same table as new construction) | $12.50 minimum up to $536.25 for the first $100,000 plus $2.50 per additional $1,000 over $100,000 | ADLC Building Permit Application, Rev. December 17th, 2025 — identical fee table applies to additions/remodels as to new construction |
| Plan Review Fee | 25% of the Building Permit Fee | ADLC Building Permit Application, Rev. December 17th, 2025 |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installations, alterations, service changes, and panel upgrades in Anaconda-Deer Lodge. Electrical permitting is NOT locally certified in Anaconda-Deer Lodge — it is issued and inspected DIRECTLY by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building Codes Bureau, under the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), effective June 11, 2022.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- State electrical permits are required on all electrical work performed in Montana except in cities/counties/towns certified to issue electrical permits — Anaconda-Deer Lodge (Deer Lodge County) is NOT certified for electrical, so all electrical work there requires a State Electrical Permit
- Work must be performed by a Montana-licensed electrical contractor (Residential or Commercial Electrical Permit) OR by the homeowner personally on their own owner-occupied home under a Homeowner Electrical Permit
- Application for Residential/Homeowner/Commercial/Alternative Energy Electrical Permit submitted to the Building Codes Bureau with applicable fee(s), or applied for online at aca-prod.accela.com/bcb
- All wiring must meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code (2020 Edition, as amended by ARM Title 24, chapter 301)
- Electrical permit holders must call for rough-in and final inspections, giving 48 hours' notice before covering up work
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Residential Electrical PermitState Building Codes Bureau form BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25); for licensed electrical contractors performing work on single-family dwellings, cabins, accessory buildings, multi-family, mobile home courts, etc.
- OptionalApplication for Homeowner Electrical PermitState Building Codes Bureau form BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25); for homeowners personally wiring their own owner-occupied home, garage, and premises
- OptionalApplication for Alternative Energy PermitState Building Codes Bureau form; for solar, wind, or hydro installations (PV String System, Micro Inverter/AC Module System, or Generator)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential — Up to 200-amp service (new single-family dwelling or cabin) | $200 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit, BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Residential — 201 to 400-amp service | $380 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Residential — 401 to 600-amp service | $600 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Residential — 601-amp service and up | $800 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 4+ circuits & change of service and/or interior panel | $120 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 4+ circuits, no panel board or service change | $100 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 2-3 additional circuits or pieces of equipment | $70 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 1 additional circuit or piece of equipment | $45 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Residential Change of Service — exterior meter base, interior/exterior main disconnect only | $45 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Residential Change of Service — disconnect with feeder and distribution panelboard replacement | $75 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Alternative Energy (electrical connection portion) | $45 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25); homeowner alternative-energy permit also lists $45 for this scope |
| Private Property Accessory Building (garage, etc.) — up to 200-amp panel | $80 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Private Property Accessory Building — 201 to 300-amp panel | $150 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Private Property Accessory Building — 301-amp panel | $250 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Construction Service (Provisional Power) | $60 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Permit Renewal (expiration no more than 30 days) | $60 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Requested Inspection, per hour | $60 (plus $30 for each additional 30 minutes or fraction thereof beyond one hour, plus travel time) | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Commercial Electrical — valuation $0 to $1,000 | $45 for the first $500 plus 6% of the balance | Application for Alternative Energy Permit / Commercial fee chart, BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Commercial Electrical — valuation $1,001 to $10,000 | $75 for the first $1,000 plus 2% of the balance | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Commercial Electrical — valuation $10,001 to $50,000 | $255 for the first $10,000 plus 0.5% of the balance | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Commercial Electrical — valuation $50,001 or more | $455 for the first $50,000 plus 0.3% of the balance | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of a residential electric vehicle charging circuit in Anaconda-Deer Lodge. Electrical permitting is NOT locally certified here — like all electrical work, an EV charger permit is issued and inspected directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building Codes Bureau, under the 2020 National Electrical Code. The Bureau's fee schedule (BCP-1, Rev. 11/25) has no EV-charger/EVSE-specific line item — an EV charger circuit added to existing wiring is billed under the 'Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire' category by number of added circuits.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- State electrical permit required — Anaconda-Deer Lodge (Deer Lodge County) is not certified for electrical, so all electrical work requires a State Electrical Permit from the Building Codes Bureau
- Work must be performed by a Montana-licensed electrical contractor, or by the homeowner personally on their own owner-occupied home under a Homeowner Electrical Permit
- Applied for online at aca-prod.accela.com/bcb or by mail to the Building Codes Bureau
- 48 hours' notice required before rough-in and final inspections
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Residential Electrical Permit / Homeowner Electrical PermitState Building Codes Bureau form BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 1 additional circuit or piece of equipment (covers a standalone EV charger circuit; no EV-specific line item published) | $45 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit, BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) — applies if the EV charger is added as a single new circuit without a panel/service change |
| Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 4+ circuits & change of service and/or interior panel (if the EV charger requires a panel/service upgrade) | $120 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25). Both the $45 and $120 figures re-confirmed live 2026-07-20 by fetching bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/building-codes-permits/ApplicationResidentialElectrical.pdf directly (ARM 24.301.431, Rev. 11/25) — line H reads '1 additional circuit or piece of equipment.....................$45' and line E reads '4+circuits & change of serv &/or interior panel...........$120', both unchanged. |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installations, alterations, and repairs in Anaconda-Deer Lodge. Plumbing is NOT locally certified in Anaconda-Deer Lodge — it is issued and inspected DIRECTLY by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building Codes Bureau, under the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), effective June 11, 2022.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- State plumbing permits are required for all plumbing work in Montana except in certified jurisdictions — Deer Lodge County is NOT certified for plumbing, so a State Plumbing Permit is required
- Work must be performed by, or under the direction of, a Montana-licensed Master Plumber; service of a licensed Master Plumber is required on all public/commercial buildings
- Homeowner exemption: a homeowner does not need a state plumbing permit if performing the installation themselves on their own owner-occupied residence, not built for resale or as a rental
- A plumbing inspection must be requested and conducted before any plumbing work is covered
- Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1) submitted to the Building Codes Bureau with applicable fee(s), or applied for online at aca-prod.accela.com/bcb
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Plumbing PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau form BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25); lists fixtures/traps by type and the flat per-item fee schedule
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Each plumbing fixture or trap | $10 each | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Plumbing Permit, BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) — covers bath tub, lavatory, shower, urinal, water closet, kitchen sink, service sink, wash/laundry tray, dishwasher, laundry box, car wash sump, ice machine, glass fill station, coffee maker, drinking fountain, dental chair, area drain, indirect waste, grease trap, bar sink, floor/mop sink, sump drain/lift station, glass washer, aspirator, X-ray tank, etc. |
| Each new water heater or replacement | $25 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Each connection of building water supply to water service/public utility or private well | $20 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Each connection of building drain to sewer system/public or septic | $20 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Gray water system, commercial or residential | $60 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Repair or alteration of drainage or vent piping | $30 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Alteration or repair of water piping and/or treatment | $30 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Each storm drain and storm drainage | $30 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Each lawn sprinkler, fire protection system, any meter, or backflow device | $30 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Each hose bibb, vacuum breaker, and/or backflow device | $6 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Each industrial water pre-treatment equipment including drainage and vent | $30 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Medical gas piping systems (per system) | $100 | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25); additional $10 per outlet if total outlets for all gases/vacuum piping exceed 20 |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and fuel-gas installations in Anaconda-Deer Lodge. Mechanical is NOT locally certified in Anaconda-Deer Lodge — it is issued and inspected DIRECTLY by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building Codes Bureau, under the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), both effective June 11, 2022.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- A state mechanical permit is required for heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, restaurant kitchen hoods, and other mechanical systems on buildings to which state building permits are applicable and located outside cities/counties certified to issue their own mechanical permits — Deer Lodge County is not certified for mechanical
- Exemptions: farm and ranch buildings, mining buildings on mining property, petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (except offices/shops), residential buildings containing fewer than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests), and private garages/storage buildings for the owner's own use
- Application for Mechanical Permit (BCP-1) submitted to the Building Codes Bureau with applicable fee(s), or applied for online at aca-prod.accela.com/bcb
- Mechanical permit holders must call for gas piping pressure tests, rough-in, and final inspections, giving 48 hours' notice before covering up work
- All work must meet the International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code as adopted by Montana
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Mechanical PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau form BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25); valuation-based fee schedule with a worked fee-calculation example printed on the form
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit — project value $0 to $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 (Rev. 11/25). Worked example on the form: a $9,460 project = $48 + 9 x $14 = $174 total. |
| Mechanical Permit — project value $10,001 to $50,000 | $166 for the first $10,000 plus $9 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
| Mechanical Permit — project value $50,001 or more | $514 for the first $50,000 plus $6 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25) |
Solar PV / Alternative Energy Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic, wind, or hydro alternative-energy systems in Anaconda-Deer Lodge. Since electrical is state-enforced there, alternative-energy electrical connections are permitted directly by the Montana Building Codes Bureau via a dedicated Alternative Energy Permit application; the structural/roof-mounting scope falls under the local ADLC Building Permit.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Alternative Energy Permit application filed with the Montana Building Codes Bureau covers the electrical connection scope of a solar, wind, or hydro system
- If the project produces 90 or more volts of electricity, a licensed electrical contractor must do the work, UNLESS the homeowner is doing the work on their own private house
- If the project involves a grid-tied alternative energy generator, a licensed electrical contractor must obtain an additional permit for the final interconnection, even where a homeowner performed the rest of the installation
- For solar specifically, the applicant selects one of: PV String System, Generator, or Microinverter/AC Module System
- Structural/roof-mounting aspects of the installation may require a local ADLC Building Permit (confirm applicability with the ADLC Building Inspector for the specific project scope)
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Alternative Energy PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau form; covers solar/wind/hydro electrical connection scope, including the commercial valuation-based fee chart for larger systems
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Change of Service (used for typical residential alternative-energy interconnection) | $45 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Alternative Energy Permit (Rev. 11/25) — listed fee for 'Residential Change of Service' under the alternative energy permit's fee options |
| Commercial Alternative Energy — valuation $0 to $1,000 | $45 for the first $500 plus 6% of the balance of the project cost | Application for Alternative Energy Permit (Rev. 11/25) |
| Commercial Alternative Energy — valuation $1,001 to $10,000 | $75 for the first $1,000 plus 2% of the balance of the project cost | Application for Alternative Energy Permit (Rev. 11/25) |
| Commercial Alternative Energy — valuation $10,001 to $50,000 | $255 for the first $10,000 plus 0.5% of the balance of the project cost | Application for Alternative Energy Permit (Rev. 11/25) |
| Commercial Alternative Energy — valuation $50,001 or more | $455 for the first $50,000 plus 0.3% of the balance of the project cost | Application for Alternative Energy Permit (Rev. 11/25) |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition or removal of any structure in Anaconda-Deer Lodge. Issued locally by the ADLC Planning Department, with utility disconnection sign-off from the ADLC Water Department, ADLC Road Department, and Northwestern Energy (gas and electric).
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Complete Demolition Permit Application (ADLC Planning Department form, Rev. December 17th, 2025)
- Property owner and/or licensed contractor must sign and date the application; all contractors/subcontractors must hold an active ADLC business license
- Section 3 of the application requires utility disconnect sign-off: Water Disconnected (ADLC Water Department Foreman), Sewer Disconnected (ADLC Road Foreman), Northwestern Energy Gas Disconnected, and Northwestern Energy Electric Disconnected
- Project description of the structure/use being demolished must be provided
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit ApplicationADLC Planning Department form, Rev. December 17th, 2025
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit Fee | Not published on the Demolition Permit Application form itself — the form does not include a fee table (unlike the Building Permit Application) | Confirm current fee directly with the ADLC Planning Department, (406) 563-4010 |
Sign Permit
Required for the creation, construction, alteration, or relocation of permanent signs in Anaconda-Deer Lodge, issued locally by the ADLC Planning Department. The live, currently-revised ADLC Business License Application (Rev. December 19th, 2025) explicitly warns applicants installing 'any sort of signage' that they must obtain an ADLC Sign Permit, confirming this is an active, currently-enforced local requirement. The most detailed source found for permit-application content and fees is a sign-regulations ordinance document still hosted on the county's own website — however, that PDF is captioned 'Signage-Ord_Sept2020_DRAFT' in its filename and the document body itself is unsigned, with blank Chairman/Clerk signature lines and blank 'First Reading,' 'Public Hearing,' and 'Final Adoption' date fields. No separately confirmed, formally-adopted final ordinance number or codified Municode chapter for sign regulations could be located. Treat the requirement to obtain a permit as verified and currently enforced; treat the specific fee figures and procedural details below as sourced from the best available document but carrying residual uncertainty about final-adopted form.
Reviewed 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- Application for a permit for the creation, construction, alteration, or relocation of any permanent sign must be made to Anaconda-Deer Lodge County upon a form provided by the County (not published as a downloadable PDF; obtained directly from the ADLC Planning Department)
- Application must include: name and address of the sign owner; street address of the property where the sign will be located, plus the property owner's name and address; the type of sign/sign structure; a scaled drawing and site plan showing the proposed sign location and the location/square footage of all existing signs on the premises; specifications and scale drawings showing materials, design, dimensions, structural support, and electrical components of the proposed sign; the appropriate fee; and, for a temporary/portable sign or banner, the time period the sign will be displayed
- No more than two signs are allowed per property unless permitted through the Board of Adjustments
- Signs must conform to the International Building Code, the sign ordinance itself, and Montana Department of Transportation sign regulations where applicable — the strictest provision of any applicable code governs
- Prohibited outright regardless of permit: flashing/blinking signs, roof signs, most abandoned signs, any sign over 35 feet in height, signs encroaching a public right-of-way without a separate encroachment permit, signs in the FAA conical zone near the ADLC airport, beacons (except at airports/emergencies), revolving signs, undesignated stringed flags, and (outside Section 9 exceptions) portable signs and inflatable/tethered-balloon signs
- Temporary Signs/Banners (Special Event, Grand Opening, Temporary Advertising) must be approved through the Planning Office and are subject to fixed display-duration limits (e.g., Grand Opening banners: 30 days, one per business lifetime; Temporary Advertising banners: up to 30 consecutive days per season/event)
- Signage proposed within a Historic District or on a National-Register-listed property is subject to approval by the Historic Preservation Officer and Design Review Guidelines available at the Planning Department
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit ApplicationForm provided directly by the ADLC Planning Department (not posted online as a standalone PDF as of this check); request from the Planning Department, (406) 563-4010
- RequiredScaled Drawing and Site PlanMust show the proposed sign location and the location/square footage of all existing signs on the same premises
- RequiredSign Specifications and Scale DrawingsMaterials, design, dimensions, structural support, and electrical components of the proposed sign
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Signs attached to or painted onto a building | $45.00 | As printed in Section 15 (Fees) of the sign-regulations ordinance document hosted at adlc.us (filename 'Signage-Ord_Sept2020_DRAFT'); the document itself is unsigned with blank adoption dates, so confirm the currently-charged amount with the ADLC Planning Department, (406) 563-4010, before applying |
| Sandwich (sidewalk) signs | $25.00 | Same source as above; sandwich signs are also capped at 2 feet wide by 4 feet tall, may not be lighted, may not be permanently attached, and must be located within 10 feet of the business unless the affected property owner grants written permission for greater distance |
| Free-standing (pole/ground) signs | Per the construction-fee schedule contained within the International Building Code (valuation-based; no flat ADLC dollar amount is published for this category) | Section 15.A.i of the same ordinance document; Section 15.B notes these fees may be amended by resolution of the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Board of Commissioners |
Fire Suppression (Sprinkler) / Fire Alarm Permit
VerifiedAnaconda-Deer Lodge does not issue a standalone local fire-sprinkler or fire-alarm permit, and no dedicated STATE fire-sprinkler/alarm application (comparable to the state's separate Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical BCP-1 forms) exists either. Anaconda-Deer Lodge's local Montana certification covers BUILDING permitting only, and only for RESIDENTIAL work — it does NOT extend to commercial buildings, so fire protection systems (which are almost always installed in commercial/multi-family occupancies) are not locally certified in ADLC. Instead, fire-suppression (sprinkler) system installation is captured directly on the Montana Building Codes Bureau's statewide 'Application for Building Permit' (BCP-1, Rev. 11/25) — that form's 'Type of Work' checkbox list includes an explicit 'Fire Suppression' option alongside New/Addition/Alteration/Change of Use, confirmed by direct inspection of the live form. Fire ALARM systems have no dedicated checkbox on that form and are typically captured either as 'Other' scope on the same Building Permit or, since alarm wiring is a low-voltage electrical scope, under the separately-required State Electrical Permit (electrical is also state-enforced, not locally certified, in Anaconda-Deer Lodge). Any contractor selling, installing, or servicing fire protection systems in Montana must hold an active Montana Fire Protection License (Business Entity and/or Individual Endorsement, Sell/Install/Service) issued by the DLI Fire Protection License Program — this is a statewide contractor-licensing requirement, not a per-project permit. Separately, the local Anaconda Fire Department (Fire Chief Brittain, (406) 563-2164) performs business Occupancy Inspections, requested via an Occupancy Information Form, covering general fire-safety/occupancy compliance for existing occupancies — this is distinct from, and does not substitute for, the state Building Permit's plan review of a new fire-suppression system installation.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- For new fire-suppression (sprinkler) system installation or alteration: submit an Application for Building Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 11/25) to the Montana Building Codes Bureau, checking 'Fire Suppression' under Type of Work, because Anaconda-Deer Lodge's local Building certification is residential-only and does not cover this commercial/fire-protection scope
- Plans and specifications must conform to the International Building Code and be submitted electronically to the Bureau per the application's Plan Submittal Requirements (site plan, dimensioned floor plan, room-use identification, structural sections, material specs, and energy-code compliance documentation)
- Installation, service, and sale of fire protection systems must be performed by a contractor holding an active Montana Fire Protection License (Business Entity and/or Individual Endorsement — Sell, Install and Service), issued by the DLI Fire Protection License Program
- Fire alarm system work has no dedicated state permit line item; confirm with the Building Codes Bureau, (406) 841-2056, whether a given alarm scope should be filed as 'Other' work on the Building Permit application or under a separate State Electrical Permit
- Businesses may separately be asked to complete an Occupancy Information Form for a fire-safety occupancy inspection by the Anaconda Fire Department, (406) 563-2164 — this local inspection is distinct from state plan review of new fire-suppression installations
- Per the Bureau's published exemptions for non-certified-for-commercial areas, residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests) are generally exempt from the state Building Permit requirement — confirm applicability of a fire-suppression scope specifically with the Bureau given ADLC's residential-only local certification
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Building Permit (State)Montana Building Codes Bureau form BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25); check 'Fire Suppression' under Type of Work for sprinkler system scope. Mail to Department of Labor & Industry, BCB, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or apply online at aca-prod.accela.com/bcb
- RequiredConstruction Plans and SpecificationsMust conform to the International Building Code; submitted electronically per the Bureau's Plan Submittal Requirements
- OptionalOccupancy Information FormAnaconda Fire Department form to request a business occupancy fire-safety inspection; separate from state fire-suppression plan review
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit / Plan Review Fee (covers Fire Suppression scope submitted on the statewide Building Permit application) | Generally 1% to 2% of building valuation, calculated by the Montana Building Codes Bureau | Montana Building Codes Bureau, 'Is a State Building Permit Needed?' page (bsd.dli.mt.gov), fetched and directly confirmed 2026-07-22: 'The fee is generally one to two percent (1% - 2%) of the building valuation, and will be calculated by the BUREAU.' No fire-suppression-specific line-item fee is published separately from this general Building Permit fee. |
Change of Use / Occupancy Permit
VerifiedAnaconda-Deer Lodge does not issue a standalone, free-standing 'Certificate of Occupancy' document. Occupancy/change-of-use compliance instead runs through two tracks depending on whether construction is involved. LOCAL TRACK (no construction — a new or changed business occupying an existing space as-is): the ADLC Business License Application (Rev. December 19th, 2025) functions as the county's de facto change-of-occupancy compliance check — no business may operate without a business license in hand, and the license itself requires sign-off from the Tri-County Sanitarian's Office, the ADLC Building Inspector (Greg Bahr), and the ADLC Code Enforcement Officer (Vern Tuss), each confirming compliance, plus review by the ADLC Planning Director and Chief Executive Officer. STATE TRACK (construction-related change of use — the occupancy classification of a building is actually changing, e.g., a warehouse converting to retail): the Montana Building Codes Bureau's statewide 'Application for Building Permit' (BCP-1, Rev. 11/25) includes an explicit 'Change of Use' checkbox under 'Type of Work,' confirmed by direct inspection of the live form. This state track applies in Anaconda-Deer Lodge because the county's local Building certification covers RESIDENTIAL construction only — commercial change-of-use construction is not locally certified and falls to the state Bureau, the same pattern used for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work there.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- Any change of business, occupant, or use at a location in Anaconda-Deer Lodge requires a Business License Application (ADLC Planning Department, Rev. December 19th, 2025) — applications may have up to a two-week waiting period
- All required inspections must be conducted and each inspector (Building Inspector, Code Enforcement Officer, Tri-County Sanitarian as applicable) must deem the business/occupancy in compliance with all applicable codes before the license issues
- No business shall operate prior to having the business license in hand; if the space is not ready for inspection at submittal, the applicant must contact the county when ready
- If the change of use involves construction work that changes the building's occupancy classification (not simply a new tenant/business using an existing space as-is), an Application for Building Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 11/25) must separately be submitted to the Montana Building Codes Bureau with 'Change of Use' checked under Type of Work, because ADLC's local Building certification is residential-only
- Construction-related change-of-use plans must conform to the International Building Code and be submitted electronically to the Bureau per its Plan Submittal Requirements
Required documents
- RequiredBusiness License ApplicationADLC Planning Department form (Rev. December 19th, 2025); required compliance sign-off from Tri-County Sanitarian's Office, ADLC Building Inspector, and ADLC Code Enforcement Officer
- OptionalApplication for Home Occupation Form (Attachment 'A')Required in addition to the Business License Application if the business is conducted within a home or is located in a residential district as defined in the ADLC Development Permit System
- OptionalApplication for Building Permit (State)Montana Building Codes Bureau form BCP-1 (Rev. 11/25), 'Change of Use' checkbox — required only when the change of use is accompanied by construction/occupancy-classification work, not for a simple new-tenant business license
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business License — PSC Regulated Utilities | $500.00 | ADLC Business License Application, Rev. December 19th, 2025 — fee schedule (Administrative Use Only section) |
| Business License — Heavy Construction/Industry | $200.00 | ADLC Business License Application, Rev. December 19th, 2025 |
| Business License — Finance | $200.00 | ADLC Business License Application, Rev. December 19th, 2025 |
| Business License — Supermarkets and Convenience Stores | $100.00 | ADLC Business License Application, Rev. December 19th, 2025 |
| Business License — All Other Businesses | $50.00 | ADLC Business License Application, Rev. December 19th, 2025; all business-license fee tiers are half-price if the license is obtained after July 1st |
| State Building Permit / Plan Review Fee (only if a construction-related Change of Use is also filed with the state Bureau) | Generally 1% to 2% of building valuation, calculated by the Montana Building Codes Bureau | Montana Building Codes Bureau, 'Is a State Building Permit Needed?' page, directly confirmed 2026-07-22; applies only to the construction-related state track, not to a simple local business license |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
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 Anaconda-Deer Lodge building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.