This is PermitBase’s published record for Lewistown 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 It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Lewistown building permits
VerifiedLewistown, 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 Local Government Program roster (bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits).Lewistown is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Building (B) ONLY within city limits; certified building official on file with DLI: Holy Phelps, (406) 535-1776. 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 against the PDF (row: 'Lewistown | B | Holy Phelps | 535-1776 | City Limits').Per the City of Lewistown's own Public Notice 'Adoption of Building Codes' (Lewistown Public Works Administrative Order, dated August 12, 2022, issued pursuant to Lewistown Ordinance Section 4-4-1 adopted by the City Commission May 6, 2002, signed by Public Works Director Tim Majerus), the following codes are adopted and effective within the City of Lewistown as of September 1, 2022: International Building Code 2021 Edition (as amended by ARM 24.301.131), International Residential Code 2021 Edition (as amended by ARM 24.301.154), International Energy Conservation Code 2021 Edition (as amended by ARM 24.301.161), and International Existing Building Code 2021 Edition (as amended by ARM 24.301.171). Source: City of Lewistown, images/pdf/2021-Code-adoption.pdfThe City's Commercial Building Permit Checklist (Revised 9/1/2022) additionally references the International Fire Code, 2012 Edition, as amended by ARM 23.12.601, and the City of Lewistown's Ordinance #1749 and #1750 as part of the adopted codes and ordinances applicants must show compliance with. Source: City of Lewistown, images/pdf/Commercial-Permit-Checklist-10.2022.pdfThe City's Residential Building Permit Application Procedure (Admin approved 1/30/2015) states plans must comply with the '2012 International Residential Code (IRC), 2012 International Energy Conservation Code as amended by ARM 24.301.161' — this is a stale reference predating the City's own September 2022 code-adoption notice; the governing current codes are the 2021 editions per the City's 2022 Public Works Administrative Order above. Source: City of Lewistown, images/pdf/Respremit012015.pdf (dated 2015, superseded in substance by the 2022 adoption notice but still the only published residential application-procedure document found)Per the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau's Current Codes reference (statewide effective date June 11, 2022): 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IECC, 2021 ISPSC, 2021 UPC, 2020 NEC, 2017 ICC A117.1 Accessibility — consistent with the codes the City of Lewistown's own 2022 adoption notice cites for its Building-certified scope.
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Additions)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family home construction and additions within Lewistown city limits. Issued by the City of Lewistown under its DLI-certified local Building (B) program. Reviewed against the City's 2021 IBC/IRC/IECC/IEBC adoption (effective September 1, 2022) by an internal multi-department review (Building, Planning/Zoning, Public Works, 911 Coordinator, Fire).
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Two complete building plans (drawn to scale) including: job name/complete legal address/legal description, floor plan, foundation plan with roof and floor framing plan, exterior elevations, cross sections footing to roof, details showing compliance with all codes, finish schedule and specifications, and mechanical/plumbing/electrical plans where applicable
- The building official may require professional preparation and a wet stamp of plans, drawings, specifications, or calculations for structures deviating from conventional light wood-frame construction, or where construction is determined hazardous to health, safety, or welfare
- Soils report required if the site requires special design requirements
- Two site plans showing current and/or proposed construction, building orientation, and all dimensions from property lines to structure along with setback requirements
- Water and sanitary sewer location and service line details required
- Applications are processed through internal review by the Building, Planning/Zoning, and Public Works Departments, the 911 Coordinator, and the Fire Department
- Applicant acknowledges responsibility for compliance with all City codes, rules, and regulations; omissions in required documentation may delay the review process
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (New Structures and Additions)City of Lewistown form specifying property owner, legal description, work description, and required plan/site-plan submittals
- RequiredBuilding Plans (2 complete sets, drawn to scale)Floor plan, foundation/framing plan, exterior elevations, cross sections, code-compliance details, finish schedule, and mechanical/plumbing/electrical plans where applicable
- RequiredSite Plan (2 copies)Shows current/proposed construction, building orientation, and dimensions from property lines with setbacks
- OptionalSoils ReportRequired only if the site requires special design considerations
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | No published fee schedule exists for Lewistown residential building permits. Checked: City of Lewistown Building Department page, Forms & Applications page, Plans & Documents page, and the Residential Building Permit Application Procedure PDF (images/pdf/Respremit012015.pdf) itself — none list a dollar amount or valuation-based table (unlike Billings, which publishes a standalone Fee Schedule PDF). Left null rather than estimated; applicants must contact the Building Department at (406) 535-1776 or building@ci.lewistown.mt.us for a current quote. |
Commercial Building Permit (New Structures, Additions, Structural Modifications)
VerifiedRequired for new commercial construction, additions, and structural modifications within Lewistown city limits. Reviewed against the City's 2021 IBC/IEBC/IECC adoption and the 2012 IFC (as amended by ARM 23.12.601), plus City Ordinances #1749 and #1750, via a combined internal/external multi-department review.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Plans must be stamped by a Montana-licensed Architect or Engineer
- The Prime or General Contractor must be a Registered Contractor licensed with the State of Montana and hold a current City Business License
- Three paper copies (Architectural D: 24" x 36") and one electronic copy of the final plan set required
- If located within a FEMA-designated floodplain, a floodplain permit is required with documentation of approval
- Plans must include: job name/legal address/legal description, site plan with setbacks, foundation/roof/floor framing plan, floor plan, cross sections, exterior elevations, mechanical/plumbing/electrical where applicable, engineer-stamped fire protection plans with calculations and cut sheets, code-compliance details, finish schedule, interior/exterior finishes, utility connection details, storm-water drainage/retention ponds if required, curb & gutter/sidewalk plan, parking plan, and signage plan (separate sign permit required)
- Application undergoes internal review by Building, Planning/Zoning, Public Works, 911 Coordinator, and Fire Department; may also be sent for external review at the building official's discretion, with additional plan-review costs added to the permit fee
- Tenant improvements, change of use, or change of occupancy are reviewed on a case-by-case basis
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial Building Permit ChecklistCity of Lewistown form (Rev. 9/1/2022) listing required plan contents, contractor licensing, and floodplain determination
- RequiredStamped Plans (3 paper + 1 electronic copy)Montana-licensed architect/engineer-stamped plan set, Architectural D size (24" x 36")
- OptionalFloodplain Permit DocumentationRequired only if the property is within a FEMA-designated floodplain
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial building permit fee | No published fee schedule exists for Lewistown commercial building permits. The Commercial Building Permit Checklist (Rev. 9/1/2022) states that 'additional costs incurred for plan review will be added to the building permit fee' but lists no base fee table. Checked the Building Department page, Forms & Applications, and Plans & Documents pages — none publish a commercial fee schedule. Left null rather than estimated; contact the Building Department at (406) 535-1776 for a current quote. |
Deck / Accessory Structure Permit
VerifiedDecks, sheds, and other detached accessory structures (garages, barns, playhouses, greenhouses) within Lewistown city limits fall under the City's standard Building Permit process for additions/structural work, subject to the City's setback requirements for accessory structures.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Detached tool/storage sheds, playhouses, greenhouses, and other accessory buildings must be set back 3 feet from a side property line, 3 feet from a rear property line without street/alley frontage, 0 feet from an alley property line, and 10 feet from a side street property line
- Site plan showing dimensions from property lines to the proposed structure, consistent with the Residential Building Permit Application Procedure requirements for additions
- Decks and accessory structures involving new structural framing follow the same plan submittal requirements as additions (floor plan, foundation/framing plan, cross sections)
- Private Property Accessory Building electrical work (garage, barn, etc.) requires a separate STATE-issued electrical permit — see electrical-permit-state
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit Application (Additions)Same City of Lewistown form used for additions and new structures, applied to decks/accessory structures
- RequiredSite PlanShows setback dimensions from property lines to the proposed deck or accessory structure
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | No published fee schedule exists for Lewistown deck/accessory structure permits; the same general Residential Building Permit Application Procedure and Commercial/Residential checklists were checked with no fee table found. Left null rather than estimated. |
Fence Permit / Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit
VerifiedFences on private property in Lewistown are regulated by height, material, and visibility rules under City Code 11-4-3, but do not require a general building permit. A separate Temporary Fence Encroachment Permit from the Public Works Department is required only if the fence is proposed within the public right-of-way.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- No solid fence, wall, or hedge over 3 feet in height may be erected or maintained on any street frontage
- Fences not exceeding 4 feet may be erected along street frontage if constructed of chain-link or other material providing an unobstructed view, approved by the building official
- Fences, walls, or hedges along side or rear yards not fronting streets must not exceed 6 feet
- No barbed wire, other sharp fence materials, electrically charged fencing, or metal T-posts allowed in any district
- Fences must be constructed of approved materials; may not be constructed from railroad ties, rubble, or salvaged material (Ord. 1726, 7-6-2009)
- Corner lots may not have fences, walls, hedges, or other sight obstructions over 3 feet within the designated 'clear view triangle'
- No fence, wall, or hedge may be erected or maintained in any public right-of-way unless a Temporary Fence Encroachment Permit has been obtained from the Public Works Director
- Where no sidewalk exists, no fence may be installed closer than 1 foot to the back of any future sidewalk
- To obtain a Temporary Fence Encroachment Permit: obtain an application at the Public Works Office; include a scaled drawing showing property lines and proposed fence location; permit must be approved by the Public Works Director prior to construction; all projects require a City inspection after completion
Required documents
- OptionalTemporary Fence Encroachment Permit ApplicationObtained at the Public Works Office; required only for fences proposed within the public right-of-way
- RequiredScaled DrawingShows property lines and proposed fence location, submitted with the encroachment permit application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Fence Encroachment Permit fee | No fee amount is published in the City's Fences brochure (Public Works, 2015) or elsewhere on the City's site. Left null rather than estimated; contact Public Works at (406) 535-1770 or publicworks@ci.lewistown.mt.us for current fee information. |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedDemolition of structures within Lewistown city limits falls under the City's Building Department review process. No standalone demolition-specific bond, checklist, or fee schedule (comparable to Billings' $10,000 demolition bond) was found published by the City as of this review.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Contact the Building Department at (406) 535-1776 or building@ci.lewistown.mt.us prior to demolition to confirm current permit requirements, since no dedicated demolition checklist or ordinance excerpt is published on the City's site
- As with other building-related work, applications are understood to route through the City's standard multi-department internal review (Building, Planning/Zoning, Public Works, 911 Coordinator, Fire) based on the process described for residential and commercial permits generally
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit ApplicationNo standalone demolition permit application form was found published on the City's Forms & Applications or Plans & Documents pages; applicants should request the current form directly from the Building Department
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition permit fee | No published fee schedule or bond requirement was found for demolition permits in Lewistown. Checked the City's Building Department page, Forms & Applications page, and Plans & Documents page — none list a dedicated demolition permit fee, bond amount, or checklist (unlike Billings, which publishes a $10,000 demolition bond requirement and dedicated checklist). This is reported as a genuine small-city publication gap, not an inferred or invented figure. Contact the Building Department at (406) 535-1776 for current requirements. |
Electrical Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedBecause Lewistown is DLI-certified for Building only, electrical work anywhere within Lewistown 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 Lewistown, 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, county, whether the job is inside city limits, 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 (Rev. 12/22); 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) — verified directly against the current fillable PDF form; same statewide fee schedule applies to all non-electrically-certified Montana jurisdictions, including Lewistown |
| Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — 201 to 400-amp service | $380 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22) |
| Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — 401 to 600-amp service | $600 | 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) |
| Private Property Accessory Building (garage, barn, etc.) — up to 200-amp panel | $80 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22) |
Plumbing Permit (State-Issued, incl. Water Heater)
VerifiedBecause Lewistown is DLI-certified for Building only, plumbing work anywhere within Lewistown 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 Lewistown, 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
- Property address, county, and whether the job is inside city limits must be indicated
- Type of Building, Type of Work, Sewer Service Type (public/septic), and Potable Water Source must be indicated (all required fields)
- Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 505, MCA and ARM 24.301.301 / 24.301.361
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1)Montana Building Codes Bureau statewide form, Rev. 10/2019; 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, Rev. 10/2019) — verified directly against the current fillable PDF form; same statewide schedule applies to all non-plumbing-certified jurisdictions, including Lewistown |
| Each plumbing fixture or trap | $10 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019) |
| Each connection of building water supply to water service/public utility or private well | $20 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019) |
| Each connection of building drain to sewer system (public or septic) | $20 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019) |
| Gray water system, commercial or residential | $60 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019) |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedBecause Lewistown is DLI-certified for Building only, mechanical/HVAC work anywhere within Lewistown city limits requires a Mechanical Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Lewistown, 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 fillable form; 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 — statewide fee schedule verified via search of the current form's example calculation (e.g., $9,460 project value = $174 fee); same schedule applies to all non-mechanically-certified jurisdictions, including Lewistown |
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 Lewistown building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.