You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-03.
Columbia Falls building permits
VerifiedColumbia Falls, 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 (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, swimming pool, wildland-urban interface, etc.); a certified local program's adopted code 'may include only codes adopted by the Building Codes Bureau' (ARM 24.301.202). Non-certified trades/areas fall under direct state administration by the DLI Building Codes Bureau. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, Certified City, County and Town Programs and Current Codes pages (bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits).Columbia Falls is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Building (B), Plumbing (P), Electrical (E), Mechanical (M), Swimming Pool (SP), AND Wildland-Urban Interface (W) within Columbia Falls city limits — the fullest certification tier on the statewide DLI list (matched only by Whitefish and Bozeman). Certified Building Official of record: Tad Lisowski, per the DLI 'CITY CODES BUILDING OFFICIAL PHONE JURISDICTION' certified-jurisdictions PDF (bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/building-codes-permits/certified-city.pdf), updated 04/22/2026. Legend on that PDF: B = Building, P = Plumbing, M/G = Medical Gas, E = Electrical, M = Mechanical, SP = Pool, W = WUI (Wildland-Urban Interface). Tad Lisowski is also the certified building official of record for Whitefish, consistent with the two cities' shared building-inspection arrangement.The City of Columbia Falls has adopted all 2021 building-related codes (2021 IBC, IRC, IEBC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, ISPSC editions as adopted statewide, effective June 11, 2022) per 'Administrative Order 2022 Building Code Adoption,' referenced on the City's Permits & Applications page. Source: City of Columbia Falls Permits & Applications page, cityofcolumbiafalls.org/1240/Permits-Applications.2021 International Building Code (IBC) — effective statewide June 11, 2022; adopted by City of Columbia Falls per Administrative Order 2022 Building Code Adoption2021 International Residential Code (IRC) — effective statewide June 11, 2022; adopted by City of Columbia Falls per Administrative Order 2022 Building Code Adoption2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — effective statewide June 11, 2022; state-adopted edition applicable within Columbia Falls' certified Building program2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — effective statewide June 11, 2022; adopted by City of Columbia Falls per Administrative Order 2022 Building Code Adoption2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — effective statewide June 11, 2022; state-adopted edition applicable within Columbia Falls' certified Mechanical program2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — effective statewide June 11, 2022; adopted by City of Columbia Falls per Administrative Order 2022 Building Code Adoption; the City's Building Permit Application requires ResCheck or the Prescriptive Method for energy-code compliance2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) — effective statewide June 11, 2022; state-adopted edition applicable within Columbia Falls' certified Plumbing program (Montana uses the Uniform Plumbing Code, not the International Plumbing Code)2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) — effective statewide June 11, 2022; applicable within Columbia Falls' certified Electrical program per the City's Electrical Permit Application, which cites Title 50, Chapter 60, MCA and ARM 24.301.421/24.301.2032021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — effective statewide June 11, 2022; Columbia Falls is DLI-certified for swimming pool (SP) permitting2021 International Fire Code (IFC) — state-adopted edition; the City's Building Permit Application references a 'Fire Prevention Program Fee' as a distinct line item collected with building permit feesWildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code provisions — Columbia Falls holds DLI 'W' certification, meaning the City (not the state) enforces WUI code requirements within city limits. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau certified-jurisdictions PDF.
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Remodel / Repair)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family residential construction, additions, remodels, repairs, and demolition within Columbia Falls city limits. Issued by the City of Columbia Falls Building Department under its DLI-certified local Building program (2021 IBC/IRC editions, Administrative Order 2022 Building Code Adoption). Application process begins at City Hall with the Building Clerk; inspections are performed under contract by the City of Whitefish Building Department.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Required for Class of Work: New, Addition, Remodel, Repair, or Demolition, per the Building Permit Application
- Application must include legal description (lot/block), job address, owner and contractor contact information, project description, and valuation of work
- Plans must indicate proper snow load (55 lbs), Seismic Zone D1, and 115 MPH wind design per the Building Permit Packet checklist
- One full-size 1/4-inch scale set of plans, one 11x17 set, and one digital copy required for residential projects; commercial and multi-family projects of three or more units require plans stamped by an architect/engineer
- Required plan sheets: site plan, floor plan, exterior elevations, foundation plan, wall section, stair section, framing details (all at 1/4-inch scale)
- ResCheck or the Prescriptive Method is required for energy code (2021 IECC) compliance
- Set-back requirements (front, side, rear, side-corner) must be shown on the site plan
- Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work — this building permit does not cover those trades
- Permit becomes null and void if work has not commenced within 180 days, or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days at any time after commencement
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Columbia Falls Building Department application for the erection and alteration of buildings; includes legal description, class of work, valuation, land/building information, and set-back fields
- RequiredBuilding Permit PacketFull submittal checklist (site plan, floor plan, exterior elevations, foundation plan, wall section, stair section, framing details) plus the Property Owner's Agreement for City Utility Services and Excavation/Encroachment Permit Requirements
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsSite plan, foundation plan, floor plan, framing, elevations, and structural details per the Building Permit Packet checklist, showing 55 lb snow load, Seismic Zone D1, and 115 MPH wind design compliance
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Calculated at time of submission based on project valuation; the City's own application form does not print a standalone valuation-fee table (field left blank for Building Department completion). No dedicated Columbia Falls fee-schedule document was found published separately from the application form after exhaustive search of the City's DocumentCenter, site search, and Resolutions listings. | City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application (DocumentCenter/View/244); absent a separately published city-specific valuation table, Montana's governing valuation-based methodology for certified local building programs is set by ARM 24.301.138 (Calculation of Fees), which establishes Table 109.2: $23.50 for valuation $1-$500, scaling upward per additional-valuation increments (e.g., matching the identical table published by the City of Havre, a neighboring Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction, whose $23.50 first-tier fee matches ARM 24.301.138 exactly). Source: Mont. Admin. R. 24.301.138, law.cornell.edu/regulations/montana/ARM-24-301-138; Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau Building Permit FAQ, bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/permit-applications/building-permits/building-permit-faq |
| Plan Review Fee | Calculated at time of submission (field left blank on the City's application form for Building Department completion) | City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application; per ARM 24.301.138, the statewide-governing methodology sets the plan review fee at 35 percent of the building permit fee established under Table 109.2. Source: Mont. Admin. R. 24.301.138; Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau Building Permit FAQ |
| Fire Prevention Program Fee | Calculated at time of submission (field left blank on the City's application form for Building Department completion); no separate percentage or flat-rate schedule for this fee was found published by the City | City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application (DocumentCenter/View/244) lists 'Fire Prevention Program Fee' as a distinct line item collected alongside the Building Permit Fee and Plan Review Fee, in addition to a 'Total Fee' line; the exact calculation method was not separately published by the City after exhaustive search. |
Residential Addition / Remodel / Repair Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, and repairs to existing residential structures within Columbia Falls city limits, processed through the same general Building Permit Application used for new construction (Class of Work: Addition, Remodel, or Repair). Reviewed against the 2021 IRC as adopted per Administrative Order 2022 Building Code Adoption.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for additions, remodels, and repairs affecting structural, fire, or life-safety elements, selected via the 'Class of Work' field (Addition / Remodel / Repair) on the Building Permit Application
- A site plan showing lot lines, setbacks from all property lines, and existing/proposed structures is required
- Plans must show compliance with the same design criteria as new construction: 55 lb snow load, Seismic Zone D1, 115 MPH wind design
- Existing and new building square footage (finished, unfinished, basement, garage, carport, covered porch, deck/open porch) must be itemized on the application
- Percent of lot coverage must be calculated and shown
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSame City of Columbia Falls form used for new construction; Class of Work field selects Addition, Remodel, or Repair
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsSite plan and framing/structural details showing scope of work and connection to the existing structure, per the Building Permit Packet checklist
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Calculated at time of submission based on project valuation (same methodology as new construction — field left blank on the application form) | City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application; absent a separately published city-specific table, governed by ARM 24.301.138 Table 109.2 valuation methodology (see residential-building-permit fee notes for detail) |
| Plan Review Fee | 35 percent of the Building Permit Fee per the ARM 24.301.138 statewide methodology (field left blank on the application form for Building Department completion) | Mont. Admin. R. 24.301.138 |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work within Columbia Falls city limits, governed by the 2020 NEC. Columbia Falls is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for electrical permitting, so this permit is issued and inspected locally (unlike non-certified Montana jurisdictions such as Havre, where it is issued by the state).
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for installation, change, or repair of any hard-wired electrical system
- Governed by the 2020 NEC; application cites Title 50, Chapter 60, Montana Code Annotated, and ARM 24.301.421 and 24.301.203
- An owner may secure a permit and wire buildings used only for personal, private use; buildings used as rentals or businesses must be wired by a licensed Electrical Contractor
- Application begins at City Hall with the Building Clerk
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationCity of Columbia Falls Building Department form; itemized fee schedule (Types A-K) printed directly on the form
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A. Single Family Dwelling or Cabin (includes garage if wired at same time) — 100 to 200 amp service | $200.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type A; includes temporary service and a maximum of 3 inspections |
| A. Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — 201 to 400 amp service | $380.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type A |
| A. Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — 401 to 600 amp service | $600.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type A |
| A. Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — 601 amp service and up | $800.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type A |
| B. Interior Rewire Only or New Addition to Home | $120.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type B |
| C. Residential Change of Service | $45.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type C |
| D. Multi-Family Dwellings — base fee plus per-unit fee (up to 3 units; over 3 units use commercial fee schedule) | $120.00 base fee plus $40.00 per unit | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type D |
| E. Private Property Accessory Building (garages, barns, sheds, etc.) — to 200 amp service | $80.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type E |
| E. Private Property Accessory Building — 201-300 amp service | $150.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type E |
| E. Private Property Accessory Building — 301 amp service or more | $250.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type E |
| F. Mobile Home — individual home located in a court or outside a court | $40.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type F |
| F. Mobile Home — with basement/addition (wired at same time) | $80.00 to $120.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type F |
| G. Livestock/Irrigation Wells, Pumps or Machines (per unit) | $50.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type G; first hour or portion thereof billed at $60.00 |
| I. Temporary Construction Service | $25.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type I |
| J. Permit Renewal | $60.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type J |
| K. Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Public and Multi-Family (4 units & up) — project cost $0-$1,000 | $45.00 for the first $500 plus 6% of the balance of construction cost | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type K Commercial Fee Schedule |
| K. Commercial — project cost $1,001-$10,000 | $75.00 for the first $1,000 plus 2% of the balance of construction cost | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type K |
| K. Commercial — project cost $10,001-$50,000 | $255.00 for the first $10,000 plus 0.5% of the balance of construction cost | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type K |
| K. Commercial — project cost $50,001 and up | $455.00 for the first $50,000 plus 0.3% of the balance of construction cost | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type K |
| Issuance Fee | $20.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application — flat issuance fee added to total amount due on every electrical permit |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work within Columbia Falls city limits, governed by the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Columbia Falls is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for plumbing permitting, so this permit is issued and inspected locally.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of any plumbing system, fixture, water heater, or gas piping
- Governed by the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) — not the International Plumbing Code
- Application begins at City Hall with the Building Clerk
- Type of Building (Single Family Residential, Multi-Family Residential, Commercial, Duplex) must be indicated along with New/Addition/Remodel classification
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit ApplicationCity of Columbia Falls Building Department form; itemized per-fixture fee schedule printed directly on the form
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing Permit | $30.00 | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application, flat issuance fee |
| Tub / Showers | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Water Closets (toilets) | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Lavatories (bath sinks) | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Kitchen Sinks | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Dishwashers | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Bar Sinks | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Clothes Washers | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Laundry Tub | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Hose Bibs 1 to 4 | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Hose Bibs Over 4 | $5.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Drinking Fountain | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Floor / Drain Sink | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Mop / Wash Sink | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Urinal | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Gas Piping 1 to 4 outlets | $7.00 | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Gas Piping Over 4 outlets | $10.00 | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
| Water Heaters | $10.00 each | City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related mechanical installations within Columbia Falls city limits, governed by the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC). Columbia Falls is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for mechanical permitting, so this permit is issued and inspected locally.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for installation of furnaces, air handling units, ventilation systems, and related mechanical equipment
- The mechanical cost used for fee calculation is the cost to the owner of all labor charges and mechanical materials/equipment installed as part of the mechanical system; the cost of the plumbing system (covered separately by the UPC) is excluded
- Type of Building (Single Family Residential, Multi Family Residential, Commercial) and Building Use (New/Addition/Remodel) must be indicated
- Application begins at City Hall with the Building Clerk
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationCity of Columbia Falls Building Department form; valuation-based fee schedule printed directly on the form
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit — Cost of Mechanical System $0-$10,000 | $48.00 for the first $1,000 plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $10,000 | City of Columbia Falls Mechanical Permit Application, Mechanical Permit Fees table |
| Mechanical Permit — Cost of Mechanical System $10,001-$50,000 | $166.00 for the first $10,000 plus $9.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000 | City of Columbia Falls Mechanical Permit Application, Mechanical Permit Fees table |
| Mechanical Permit — Cost of Mechanical System $50,001 and up | $514.00 for the first $50,000 plus $6.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | City of Columbia Falls Mechanical Permit Application, Mechanical Permit Fees table |
Re-Roofing Permit
VerifiedRe-roofing within Columbia Falls city limits is processed through the standard Building Permit Application (Class of Work: Repair), since no separate roofing-specific application, checklist, or fee schedule is published by the City. Governed by the 2021 IRC/IBC roofing provisions as adopted per Administrative Order 2022 Building Code Adoption.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for roofing work, processed via the general Building Permit Application (select Repair as the Class of Work)
- Project valuation (roofing material and labor cost) must be provided on the application
- Reviewed under the 2021 IRC/IBC roofing provisions as adopted by Administrative Order 2022 Building Code Adoption
- No dedicated roofing-specific checklist or application was found published separately by the City after exhaustive search of the DocumentCenter and site search; confirm scope-specific requirements (underlayment, ice barrier, ventilation) with the Building Clerk at (406) 892-4432 before submitting
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Repair)Same general City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application used for all building work; select Repair as Class of Work for re-roofing
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Calculated at time of submission based on project valuation (field left blank on the application form) | City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application; absent a separately published city-specific table, governed by ARM 24.301.138 Table 109.2 valuation methodology (see residential-building-permit fee notes for detail) |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedSolar PV installations within Columbia Falls city limits require both a standard Building Permit (for the structural/roof- or ground-mounting component) and a standard Electrical Permit (for the electrical interconnection); no dedicated solar-specific application, checklist, or fee line is published by the City.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Structural/mounting component requires the general Building Permit Application (Class of Work: New or Addition), with plans demonstrating the roof or ground-mount structure can support the additional load under the City's 55 lb snow load / 115 MPH wind design criteria
- Electrical interconnection requires the general Electrical Permit Application; no dedicated 'Alternative Energy Source' line item (unlike the state's own Residential Electrical Permit form used in non-certified Montana jurisdictions) appears on Columbia Falls' Electrical Permit Application, so the applicable base electrical work-type fee (e.g., Type B Interior Rewire/New Addition) is understood to apply
- No dedicated solar-specific application, checklist, or fee schedule was found published by the City after exhaustive search of the DocumentCenter, site search, and Forms & Permits listing; confirm the correct electrical fee category and any additional requirements with the Building Clerk, (406) 892-4432, before submitting
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationFor the structural/mounting component of the solar installation
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationFor the electrical interconnection; no solar-specific line item published, so the applicable general work-type fee applies
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (structural/mounting) | Calculated at time of submission based on project valuation (field left blank on the application form) | City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application; absent a separately published city-specific table, governed by ARM 24.301.138 Table 109.2 valuation methodology |
| Electrical Permit Fee (interconnection) — no dedicated solar line item published | Applicable general work-type fee per the Electrical Permit Application (e.g., Type B Interior Rewire Only or New Addition to Home, $120.00), plus $20.00 issuance fee | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application; no 'Alternative Energy Source' fee category is printed on this form (unlike the Montana Building Codes Bureau's own statewide Residential Electrical Permit form used in non-certified jurisdictions) |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedDemolition of a structure within Columbia Falls city limits is processed through the standard Building Permit Application, which explicitly lists Demolition as a Class of Work option. No separate demolition-specific application, checklist, or bond requirement is published by the City.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Demolition is selected directly as a 'Class of Work' option (NEW / ADDITION / REMODEL / REPAIR / DEMOLITION) on the general Building Permit Application
- No standalone demolition permit application, checklist, or bond requirement (such as Billings' $10,000 site bond) is published by the City of Columbia Falls after exhaustive search of the DocumentCenter, site search, and Resolutions listings
- Owner must obtain utility disconnection verification before demolition work begins, per the general Excavation/Encroachment Permit Requirements referenced in the Building Permit Packet where utility connections are affected
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Demolition)Same general City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application; select Demolition as Class of Work
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Calculated at time of submission based on project valuation (field left blank on the application form) | City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application; absent a separately published city-specific table, governed by ARM 24.301.138 Table 109.2 valuation methodology; no separate demolition bond is published by the City (unlike Billings' $10,000 site bond requirement) |
Fence and Retaining Wall Permit
VerifiedFences in Columbia Falls are regulated by zoning-district height limits under Title 18 (Zoning Regulations) rather than a dedicated fence-permit application; retaining walls over 36 inches in height are regulated as an accessory structure and require a building permit under Title 18, Chapter 18.436.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Retaining walls 36 inches (3 feet) or less above original grade are exempt from Chapter 18.436 regulation
- Retaining walls over 36 inches above original grade are regulated as an accessory structure and require a building permit via the general Building Permit Application; no individual retaining wall may exceed 4 feet above pre-existing grade
- Fence height limits are set per zoning district under Title 18; a common residential standard found in the Title 18 zoning chapters is front yard maximum 4 feet and side/rear yard maximum 6 feet, but limits vary by district — confirm the exact limit for a given property's zoning with the Planning Department
- Security fences enclosing commercial/industrial storage yards are allowed up to 8 feet in side/rear yards; front-yard security fences in qualifying commercial zones are allowed under specific setback conditions per Section 18.424.040
- Barbed wire fences are allowed only in the CSAG-20, CSAG-10, and CR-1 zoning districts (and areas directly abutting them) per Section 18.424.050
- No separate fence-permit application, checklist, or fee was found published by the City; fences that do not require a building permit (i.e., that comply with Title 18 zoning height limits) do not appear to require a distinct City permit or fee beyond zoning compliance
Required documents
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application (for retaining walls over 36 inches)Required only for retaining walls exceeding 36 inches in height above original grade, per Title 18, Chapter 18.436
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (retaining walls over 36 inches only) | Calculated at time of submission based on project valuation (field left blank on the application form) | City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application; absent a separately published city-specific table, governed by ARM 24.301.138 Table 109.2 valuation methodology. No fee applies to fences or retaining walls 36 inches or less, since no permit is required for those. |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedColumbia Falls has no dedicated EV charger/EVSE-specific application, checklist, or fee line published -- confirmed against the City's Permits & Applications page (Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing Permit Applications) and its Electrical Permit Application form itself, mirroring the same gap already documented for the solar-pv-permit entry in this file. Columbia Falls is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Electrical, so this permit is issued and inspected locally by the City (unlike non-certified Montana jurisdictions such as Choteau and Colstrip elsewhere in this dataset, where it is issued by the state). An EVSE circuit installation is billed under the City's own itemized Electrical Permit fee schedule, governed by the 2020 NEC.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for EVSE circuit installation within Columbia Falls city limits, governed by the 2020 NEC
- Issued and inspected locally by the City of Columbia Falls (Montana DLI-certified for electrical permitting)
- No EV-charger-specific application, checklist, or fee line item was located; the closest itemized category is the City's amperage-service-based Single Family Dwelling fee tiers
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationCity of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application; EVSE circuit work is submitted under this same application, itemized by service type
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| A. Single Family Dwelling or Cabin (includes garage if wired at same time) -- 100 to 200 amp service | $200.00 | City of Columbia Falls Electrical Permit Application, Type A; includes temporary service and a maximum of 3 inspections. No dedicated EV/EVSE circuit-addition line item was found -- a standalone EVSE circuit that does not involve a new/upgraded service does not clearly map to a named fee tier on this form, confirmed directly on 2026-07-20 |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired to display, erect, relocate, or alter any sign within Columbia Falls city limits and its extraterritorial zone, except signs specifically exempted by Municipal Code Title 18, Chapter 18.438 (Signs). Issued by the City of Columbia Falls Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator upon review of an application and scaled sign drawings against the district-specific standards in Chapter 18.438.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- It is unlawful to display, erect, relocate, or alter any sign without first filing a written application with the building inspector and obtaining a sign permit, except signs exempted under 18.438.020 (Municipal Code 18.438.090.A)
- Exempt without a permit: for-sale/lease/rental signs up to 12 sq ft (6 sq ft in residential districts), legal/directional/identification signs required or erected by governmental bodies, political signs up to 20 sq ft each, one contractor sign per building under construction (16 sq ft residential / 20 sq ft other districts), garage/yard-sale and non-profit event signs (max 5 days posted, dated, removed within 48 hours), directional signs on private property up to 12 sq ft (6 sq ft residential), identification signs up to 12 sq ft (6 sq ft residential), architectural elements, certain bulletin boards, and one subdivision entrance sign per street up to 24 sq ft per face / 6 ft height (18.438.020)
- On-site signs permitted as accessory uses in business and industrial districts require a permit and are subject to projection, setback, electric-changeable-copy, height, number, and permitted-surface-area regulations (18.438.040)
- Off-site signs require a permit and are limited to frontages along U.S. Highway 2, subject to setback, area (max 50 sq ft total / 25 sq ft per side), and height limits (18.438.050)
- Temporary signs (portable reader boards up to 30 days, special event signs up to 10 days, 'going out of business' signs up to 60 days with a 24-month interim period) require a permit issued by the zoning administrator (18.438.060)
- Absolutely prohibited in all districts regardless of permit: revolving signs, billboards, abandoned signs, rotating/flashing/blinking signs and strobe/searchlights (except permitted electronic message signs), permanent banners/pennants/balloons/inflatables, roof signs higher than the roof apex, signs imitating traffic/government signs, vehicle-mounted advertising signs, exposed incandescent/metal-halide/fluorescent bulbs, and signs in the public right-of-way except those erected by a government agency or authorized by a council-issued right-of-way encroachment permit (18.438.030)
- Permitted sign types, counts, area, and height vary by zoning district (CSAG-20/10/5, CR-1 through CR-5, CRA-1/CB-1/CB-5, CB-2/CI-1/CI-2, CB-3 Limited Business, CB-4 Central Business, CPUD) per 18.438.080; the CB-3 district allows no freestanding signs at all, and the CB-4 district caps freestanding sign height at 10 feet with a 20-foot setback required
- A master sign plan is required for all multiuse buildings and commercial developments with more than one tenant and/or building, must be approved before a building permit is issued for new buildings, additions, or renovations, and runs with the property rather than individual tenants (18.438.090.E)
- All wiring, fittings, and materials used in illuminated signs must comply with the current electrical code adopted by the State of Montana (18.438.100.B); a separate Electrical Permit is required for illuminated signs and is not covered by the sign permit itself, per the variance note printed directly on the application form
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Permit for the Erection and Alteration of a SignCity of Columbia Falls form submitted to the City Zoning/Planning Administrator; requires street address, block/lot/subdivision, business name on sign, zone, owner/builder/electrical-contractor contact information, and total installed value of the sign
- RequiredScaled Sign DrawingsDrawings showing all dimensions and specifications required by Title 18, Chapter 18.438, including sign dimensions, dimensions of the supporting wall surface (if wall-mounted), dimensions of the sign's supporting structure, height of the sign, proposed location relative to the building face and lot boundaries, and a description of building materials, illumination, and colors (18.438.090.B)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit Processing Fee | Amount determined by the City Council; not printed as a fixed dollar figure on the application form itself (the form has a blank 'FEE:$___' field completed by the Building Department at time of submission) | Municipal Code 18.438.090.C ('A processing fee in the amount determined by the city council') and City of Columbia Falls Application for Permit for the Erection and Alteration of a Sign (DocumentCenter/View/238); no standalone sign-fee schedule document was found published separately by the City after exhaustive search of the DocumentCenter and Resolutions listings |
Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System Permit
Columbia Falls publishes no standalone fire-sprinkler or fire-alarm permit application separate from the general Building Permit process. Fire-suppression and fire-alarm system work associated with new construction or a remodel is submitted with the general Building Permit Application (which itemizes a 'Fire Prevention Program Fee') and is verified at a 'Final Fire (fire suppression & alarm tests)' inspection performed by the City of Whitefish Building Department under the same inter-city inspection-services contract used for all other trades. Columbia Falls' Montana DLI local-government certification (documented elsewhere in this record) covers Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, Swimming Pool, and Wildland-Urban Interface — it does not include a distinct 'Fire' trade category — so the authority responsible for reviewing fire-protection-system plans under the state-adopted 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) is not clearly established by any City-published source.
Reviewed 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- Fire suppression/alarm installation work occurring alongside new construction or a remodel is submitted with the general City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application; the 'Fire Prevention Program Fee' is collected as a distinct line item on that form alongside the Building Permit Fee and Plan Review Fee
- A 'Final Fire (fire suppression & alarm tests)' inspection is required per the City's Required Inspections List (Revised 11-01-23), performed by the City of Whitefish Building Department, minimum 24 hours' notice
- No dedicated standalone fire-sprinkler or fire-alarm permit application, checklist, or fee schedule is published separately by the City of Columbia Falls, confirmed after exhaustive search of the DocumentCenter, Forms & Permits listing, and the City's Fire Department page (which addresses only burn permits and department contact information)
- Because Columbia Falls' Montana DLI certification legend (B, P, M/G, E, M, SP, W — see this record's codesAdopted entries) does not include a separate Fire trade category, plan-review authority for fire-suppression/alarm system design is not clearly established as a City function; confirm with the Building Clerk whether such plans must also be routed to a state reviewing authority before submitting
- Anyone who sells, installs, or services fire alarm or fire-suppression systems in Montana, including within Columbia Falls, must hold the applicable individual endorsement or business entity license under the Montana Fire Protection License Program administered by the DLI Board of Fire Protection
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationFire suppression/alarm work tied to new construction or a remodel is submitted on the same general City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application; no separate fire-system-specific application form is published
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Prevention Program Fee | Calculated at time of submission (field left blank on the Building Permit Application for Building Department completion); no separate percentage or flat-rate schedule for this fee, or for any standalone fire-sprinkler/alarm permit, was found published by the City | City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application (DocumentCenter/View/244) lists this as a distinct line item collected with the Building Permit Fee and Plan Review Fee; the exact calculation method was not separately published by the City after exhaustive search |
Change of Use / Certificate of Occupancy
Columbia Falls publishes no standalone change-of-use or certificate-of-occupancy application, checklist, or fee. The City's Building Permit Application's 'Class of Work' field is limited to New, Addition, Remodel, Repair, and Demolition and contains no Change of Use or Change of Occupancy option. Montana law (MCA 50-60-107) establishes the certificate-of-occupancy concept for buildings built under a certified local building code, and Columbia Falls has adopted the 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), which contains the governing change-of-occupancy provisions, but no City-specific implementing process, fee, or timeline was found published.
Reviewed 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- No standalone 'change of use' or 'certificate of occupancy' permit application, checklist, or fee was found published by the City of Columbia Falls after exhaustive search of the DocumentCenter, Forms & Permits page, and Permits & Applications page
- The City's Building Permit Application's 'Class of Work' field is limited to NEW, ADDITION, REMODEL, REPAIR, and DEMOLITION (confirmed directly on the form, DocumentCenter/View/244) and does not include a distinct Change of Use or Change of Occupancy option; a use or occupancy change involving construction work is understood to be submitted as a Remodel under the general Building Permit Application, though this is not stated explicitly by the City
- Columbia Falls has adopted the 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), which contains the governing change-of-occupancy provisions (egress, fire-resistance, and other requirements triggered by a change in a building's occupancy classification), per this record's codesAdopted entries
- Mont. Code Ann. 50-60-107 provides that 'a certificate of occupancy for a building constructed in accordance with the provisions of the state building code or county, city, or town building code must certify that the building conforms to the requirements of the building regulations applicable to it,' but does not itself specify a City of Columbia Falls issuance process, fee, or timeline
- Confirm with the Building Clerk, (406) 892-4432, whether a change in a building's use or occupancy classification requires a Remodel-classified Building Permit and/or triggers a distinct sign-off before occupancy, since no dedicated City document addresses this directly
Required documents
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application (Remodel Class of Work, if construction work is involved)No standalone change-of-use or certificate-of-occupancy application is published; construction work associated with a use/occupancy change is understood to be submitted under the general Building Permit Application's Remodel Class of Work, though the City does not state this explicitly
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (only if construction work triggers a Building Permit) | Calculated at time of submission based on project valuation (field left blank on the application form); no distinct change-of-use or certificate-of-occupancy fee was found published by the City | City of Columbia Falls Building Permit Application; absent a separately published city-specific table, governed by ARM 24.301.138 Table 109.2 valuation methodology (see residential-building-permit fee notes for detail). No dedicated change-of-use/certificate-of-occupancy fee line exists on any City form found after exhaustive search. |
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 Columbia Falls building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.