Residential Building Permit (New Construction) in Kalispell, Montana
VerifiedRequired for construction of new single-family homes, duplexes, and other residential structures in Kalispell. Reviewed against the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) and 2021 Energy Code with Kalispell amendments. Applications are submitted through the city's online e-Permit portal.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Building permit required for all new residential construction within Kalispell city limits
- Application submitted through the online e-Permit portal at buildingpermits.ci.kalispell.mt.us/Permits/template/Login.aspx
- All application blocks are required information — incomplete applications delay review
- Job site legal description and Assessment Code Number required (use the Kalispell Building Dept Interactive Map to find these)
- Evergreen Water Department sign-off required for lots within the Buffalo Stage, Glacier Village Greens, Glacier Commons, and Stillwater Bluffs subdivisions
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC and 2021 Energy Code with Kalispell amendments
Required documents
- Required
Residential Building Permit Application
City of Kalispell Building Department application form; requires job site address, legal description, Assessment Code No., project value, use of building, number of stories, square footage, owner/contractor/designer contact information, and signature
- Required
Construction Drawings
Site plan, foundation, floor plan, framing, and elevation drawings submitted through the online e-Permit portal per the applicable plan review checklist
- Optional
Evergreen Water Sign-off
Required only for lots within Buffalo Stage, Glacier Village Greens, Glacier Commons, or Stillwater Bluffs subdivisions; obtained from Evergreen Water Dept., 130 Nicholson Drive, (406) 257-5861
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1 to $500 | $23.50 | City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501 to $2,000 | $23.50 for the first $500 plus $3.05 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000 | City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001 to $100,000 | $69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $7.20 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000 | City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001 to $200,000 | $774.85 for the first $100,000 plus $4.90 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $200,000 | City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $200,001 to $500,000 | $1,264.85 for the first $200,000 plus $7.35 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000 | City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001 to $750,000 | $3,469.85 for the first $500,000 plus $6.40 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $750,000 | City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $750,001 to $1,000,000 | $5,069.85 for the first $750,000 plus $5.50 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000 | City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,000.01 and up | $6,444.85 for the first $1,000,000 plus $5.25 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
| Residential Plan Review Fee | $75.00 per hour, 1-hour minimum | City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
| Re-inspection Fee | Cost plus 10% admin/overhead fee | City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
| Inspections Outside Normal Business Hours | $50.00 per re-inspection | City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
| Work Commenced Without a Permit | 200% of the original permit amount | Per City of Kalispell Ordinance 1889 and Resolution 5703, cited on the Building Permit Fee Schedule, effective 09/04/2024 |
Review timeline
14–21 business days
Kalispell’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Foundation / Footings
Before concrete pour
- 2
Framing
After framing complete, before insulation or wall cover
- 3
Final
All work complete per approved plans
Tips
- Residential plan review has a published lead time of 2-3 weeks from complete submittal; commercial plan review is 12-14 weeks — verified directly on the Kalispell Building Department page.
- Apply through the online e-Permit portal at buildingpermits.ci.kalispell.mt.us — the city provides step-by-step instructions and video tutorials for residential building submissions.
- Schedule inspections by emailing inspections@kalispell.com with the permit number or address, inspection type needed, and a contact name/phone number. Inspections must be scheduled 24-48 hours in advance; same-day inspections cannot be guaranteed.
- Use the Kalispell Building Dept Interactive Map to find your property's legal description and Assessment Code Number before applying.
- Effective October 1, 2025, a 3% processing fee applies to credit card payments; checks are also accepted with no added fee.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does residential plan review take in Kalispell?
- Residential plan review has a published lead time of 2-3 weeks from complete submittal, per the City of Kalispell Building Department page. Commercial plan review takes significantly longer, 12-14 weeks from complete submittal.
- How much does a residential building permit cost in Kalispell?
- Fees are valuation-based per the City of Kalispell Building Permit Fee Schedule (effective 09/04/2024): $23.50 for valuations up to $500, scaling up through brackets to $6,444.85 for the first $1,000,000 plus $5.25 per additional $1,000 for valuations above $1,000,000.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Kalispell Building Department — official building department
- Building | City of Kalispell
- Permits & Electronic Plan Review | City of Kalispell
- Permit Processes and Policies | City of Kalispell
- Current Res. Permit Fee Schedule (PDF, effective 09/04/2024)
- Residential Building Permit Application (PDF)
- Kalispell Online Permit Portal (e-Permit)
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 Kalispell building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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