Residential Addition / Remodel / Repair Permit in Columbia Falls, Montana
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
When you need this permit
- 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
- Required
Building Permit Application
Same City of Columbia Falls form used for new construction; Class of Work field selects Addition, Remodel, or Repair
- Required
Construction Drawings
Site 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 |
Review timeline
1–10 business days
Columbia Falls’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Footing/Foundation
Required before concrete pour for addition footings, scheduled with the City of Whitefish Building Department
- 2
Rough Framing / Rough Electrical / Rough Mechanical / Rough Plumbing
Structural framing and trade rough-ins, connections to existing structure
- 3
Final Building Inspection
All work complete per approved plans
Tips
- Uses the identical Building Permit Application as new construction — simply select Addition, Remodel, or Repair under Class of Work.
- Inspections are scheduled directly with the City of Whitefish Building Department, (406) 863-2410, with 24 hours' minimum notice.
Frequently asked questions
- Is there a separate permit application for a home addition in Columbia Falls?
- No. Columbia Falls uses a single Building Permit Application for new construction, additions, remodels, and repairs — select the applicable Class of Work on the form.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- City of Columbia Falls Building Department (Building, Planning & Public Works) — official building department
- Building Permit Application (PDF) | City of Columbia Falls
- Building Permit Packet (PDF) | City of Columbia Falls
- Mont. Admin. R. 24.301.138 (Calculation of Fees) | Cornell LII
- Mont. Code Ann. 50-60-106 (Powers and duties of counties, cities, and towns) — 10-working-day permit/disapproval requirement
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.
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