Plumbing Permit in Columbia Falls, Montana
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
When you need this permit
- 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
- Required
Plumbing Permit Application
City 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 |
Review timeline
Not published
Columbia Falls does not publish a plan-review timeline — contact the building department for current turnaround.
Inspection process
- 1
Underslab Plumbing
Before concrete pour — verify pipe slope, materials, and cleanouts; scheduled with the City of Whitefish Building Department
- 2
Rough Plumbing
After pipes installed, before walls closed
- 3
Final Building Inspection
All fixtures connected, no leaks, verified at final
Tips
- Montana uses the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), not the International Plumbing Code.
- Water heater replacement requires a plumbing permit at $10.00 per water heater, plus the $30.00 issuing-permit fee.
- Because Columbia Falls (unlike Havre) IS DLI-certified for Plumbing, this permit is issued locally by the City rather than by the state Building Codes Bureau in Helena.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Columbia Falls?
- Yes. A plumbing permit is required, with a $30.00 issuing fee plus $10.00 per water heater, per the City of Columbia Falls Plumbing Permit Application.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- City of Columbia Falls Building Department (Building, Planning & Public Works) — official building department
- Plumbing Permit Application (PDF) | City of Columbia Falls
- Permits & Applications | City of Columbia Falls
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.
Other permits in Columbia Falls
Plumbing Permit in other cities
Compare plumbing permit fees across Montana →
Related guides
Project checklist — coming soon
Describe your project once and get every permit, document, and fee it triggers in Columbia Falls — in one checklist. Leave your email and we'll tell you when it's ready.
We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.