This is PermitBase’s published record for Whitefish 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 It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Whitefish building permits
VerifiedWhitefish, 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, WUI, etc.); non-certified 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).Whitefish is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Building (B), Plumbing (P), Electrical (E), Mechanical (M), Swimming Pool (SP), AND Wildland-Urban Interface (W) within Whitefish city limits — the fullest certification tier on the DLI list, matching only Bozeman and Columbia Falls statewide. Certified Building Official of record: Tad Lisowski, (406) 863-2410. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, '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) — 'W' is NOT a water-heater designation.2021 International Building Code (IBC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; cited directly on the City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page as a code applicable plans must meet2021 International Residential Code (IRC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; cited on the City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; cited on the City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page; energy code compliance demonstrated via Prescriptive path, REScheck (residential), or COMcheck (commercial)2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; cited on the City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; cited on the City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; cited on the City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; cited on the City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page (Montana uses the Uniform Plumbing Code, not the International Plumbing Code)2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; cited on the City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; cited on the City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page; Whitefish is DLI-certified for swimming pool (SP) permitting2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC) — statewide edition; cited on the City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page ('2021 IWUIC'); Whitefish is DLI-certified for WUI (W) and requires a Fire Risk Assessment per the 2021 WUI code on new construction and addition Residential Building Permit applicationsCity of Whitefish Code of Ordinances, Title 10 (Building Regulations), Chapter 1 (Building Codes): Section 10-1-1 Adoption of Technical Codes and Administrative Regulations; Section 10-1-4 Building Permits. Source: codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/whitefishmt
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Remodel)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and two-family residential construction, additions, remodels, and repairs within Whitefish city limits. Reviewed against the 2021 IRC and 2021 IECC as adopted by the City of Whitefish, plus the 2021 IWUIC (Fire Risk Assessment required for new construction and additions). Applications are submitted through the City's Citizen Portal or by email to buildingdept@cityofwhitefish.gov.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new residential construction, additions, remodels, and any structure greater than 200 square feet (including sheds, decks, porches)
- Plans must comply with 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 UPC, 2020 NEC, 2021 ISPSC, and 2021 IWUIC as adopted by the City of Whitefish; contact the Building Department for jurisdiction-specific design criteria including snow load
- Framing plans must indicate proper snow load, Seismic Zone D1, and 110 MPH wind design per the Residential Building Permit Application framing details checklist
- A Fire Risk Assessment according to the 2021 WUI (International Wildland-Urban Interface Code) is required for new construction and additions
- Truss design criteria (dead load and live load) from the truss manufacturer must be submitted prior to permit issuance
- Completed Plumbing Fixture Form (Fixture Information Request) required if there is any change in plumbing fixtures
- Public Tree Impact Form required if working within 50 feet of a public tree
- One (1) application must be completed per independent structure
- $100 non-deductible erosion control fee and $200 plan review fee (deducted from building permit fees) required with application
- Applications submitted electronically via the Citizen Portal (civicgov4.com/mt_whitefish/portal/) or by email to buildingdept@cityofwhitefish.gov
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationCity of Whitefish Planning & Building Department application (rev. 03-02-26), including project information, land information, existing/new building information, and applicant affidavit
- RequiredConstruction Drawings (1/4-inch scale)Site plan, floor plan, exterior elevations, stair section, foundation plan, and framing details (floor and roof) per the application's detailed submittal checklist
- OptionalPlumbing Fixture Form (Fixture Information Request)Required if there is any change in plumbing fixtures; captures fixture counts, service line length, and water pressure requirements
- OptionalPublic Tree Impact FormRequired when excavation/construction is planned within 50 feet of a public tree; reviewed by Parks and Recreation
- RequiredEnergy Code Compliance (Prescriptive or REScheck)Demonstrates 2021 IECC compliance for residential projects
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Based on a percentage of the estimated project cost (valuation-based); a deposit is required at time of permit submittal | City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page, 'Fees' section — the City does not publish a standalone percentage-rate table separate from this statement; confirm exact valuation-fee amount with Planning & Building at (406) 863-2410 or via the Citizen Portal at submittal |
| Plan Review Fee (Residential) | $200.00 (deducted from building permit fees at issuance) | City of Whitefish Residential Building Permit Application (rev. 03-02-26), Required Documentation checklist |
| Erosion Control Fee | $100.00 (non-deductible) | City of Whitefish Residential Building Permit Application (rev. 03-02-26), Required Documentation checklist |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Remodel)
VerifiedRequired for new commercial, industrial, office, and multi-family construction, additions, and remodels within Whitefish city limits. Requires a licensed architect's stamp on digital plans. Reviewed against the 2021 IBC and 2021 IECC (via COMcheck or prescriptive path) as adopted by the City of Whitefish.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new commercial construction, commercial storage buildings/garages of any size, commercial sheds over 120 sq ft, additions, and remodels
- One (1) set of digital plans with a licensed architect's stamp required (detailed construction drawings at 1/4-inch scale)
- Plans must comply with 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 UPC, 2020 NEC, 2021 ISPSC, and 2021 IWUIC as adopted by the City of Whitefish
- Energy code compliance demonstrated via Prescriptive path or COMcheck
- Architectural Review Committee (ARC) approval required prior to building permit submittal for commercial/industrial/public buildings, triplex/fourplex/multi-family buildings, and two-unit townhouses
- Completed Plumbing Fixture Form required if there is any change in plumbing fixtures
- $500 plan review fee (deducted from building permit fees) required with application
- Applications submitted electronically via the Citizen Portal or by email to buildingdept@cityofwhitefish.gov
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial Building Permit ApplicationCity of Whitefish Planning & Building Department application (rev. 03-02-26), including project information and applicant affidavit
- RequiredArchitect-Stamped Construction Drawings (1/4-inch scale)Site plan, floor plan, exterior elevations, foundation plan, and framing details stamped by a licensed architect
- RequiredArchitectural Review Committee (ARC) Approval LetterRequired for commercial/industrial/public buildings and multi-family/townhouse projects prior to building permit submittal
- RequiredEnergy Code Compliance (COMcheck or Prescriptive)Demonstrates 2021 IECC compliance for commercial projects
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Based on a percentage of the estimated project cost (valuation-based); a deposit is required at time of permit submittal | City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page, 'Fees' section |
| Plan Review Fee (Commercial) | $500.00 (deducted from building permit fees at issuance) | City of Whitefish Commercial Building Permit Application (rev. 03-02-26), Required Documentation checklist |
Electrical Permit (Trade Permit)
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work in Whitefish, governed by the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted statewide and by the City of Whitefish. Whitefish is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for electrical (E) permitting, so this permit is issued by the City itself, not the state.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Trade Permit Application required for installation, alteration, or repair of any electrical system
- Governed by the 2020 NEC as adopted by the City of Whitefish
- Application requires contractor information including State of Montana license number (Journeyman or Master) and city business license number
- Project valuation (cost for materials and labor) must be provided
- Applicant must certify no work will commence prior to permit issuance
- Submitted via the Citizen Portal or by email to buildingdept@cityofwhitefish.gov
Required documents
- RequiredTrade Permit ApplicationCity of Whitefish Planning & Building Department application covering electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trade work; requires contractor license number, project address, and project valuation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade (Electrical) Permit Fee | Based on a percentage of the estimated project cost/valuation, consistent with the City's general building-permit valuation-based fee methodology; a deposit is required at time of permit submittal | City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page, 'Fees' section (applies to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing projects alongside building permits); confirm exact amount with Planning & Building at (406) 863-2410 |
Plumbing Permit (Trade Permit)
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Whitefish, governed by the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted statewide and by the City of Whitefish. Whitefish is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for plumbing (P) permitting, so this permit is issued by the City itself, not the state.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Trade Permit Application required for installation, alteration, or repair of any plumbing system, fixture, or water heater
- Governed by the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted by the City of Whitefish — not the International Plumbing Code
- Completed Plumbing Fixture Form (Fixture Information Request) required for any change in plumbing fixtures, capturing fixture counts, service line length, and water pressure
- Application requires Montana contractor license number (Journeyman or Master) and project valuation
- Projects adding plumbing fixtures are subject to separate water/wastewater impact fees calculated by the Public Works Department
- Submitted via the Citizen Portal or by email to buildingdept@cityofwhitefish.gov
Required documents
- RequiredTrade Permit ApplicationCity of Whitefish Planning & Building Department application covering plumbing, electrical, and mechanical trade work
- RequiredPlumbing Fixture Form (Fixture Information Request)Required for any change in plumbing fixtures; used by Public Works to size water service and meter
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade (Plumbing) Permit Fee | Based on a percentage of the estimated project cost/valuation, consistent with the City's general building-permit valuation-based fee methodology; a deposit is required at time of permit submittal | City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page, 'Fees' section (applies to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing projects alongside building permits); confirm exact amount with Planning & Building at (406) 863-2410 |
| Water/Wastewater Impact Fee (plumbing fixture additions only) | Calculated by the Public Works Department per the City's 'Service Area Report and Impact Fee Study' (September 28, 2023) and set by City Council resolution; contact Rose Elliott at (406) 863-2462 | City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page; City Code 10-2-12 (Impact Fee Rates) — this is a separate utility-system impact fee, not the trade permit fee itself, and does not apply to fixture-neutral repairs |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit (Trade Permit)
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related mechanical installations in Whitefish, governed by the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as adopted by the City of Whitefish. Whitefish is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for mechanical (M) permitting, so this permit is issued by the City itself, not the state.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Trade Permit Application required for installation or relocation of furnaces, boilers, compressors, air handling units, ventilation systems, and appliance vents
- Governed by the 2021 IMC and 2021 IFGC as adopted by the City of Whitefish
- Application requires Montana contractor license number and project valuation
- Submitted via the Citizen Portal or by email to buildingdept@cityofwhitefish.gov
Required documents
- RequiredTrade Permit ApplicationCity of Whitefish Planning & Building Department application covering mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trade work
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade (Mechanical) Permit Fee | Based on a percentage of the estimated project cost/valuation, consistent with the City's general building-permit valuation-based fee methodology; a deposit is required at time of permit submittal | City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page, 'Fees' section (applies to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing projects alongside building permits); confirm exact amount with Planning & Building at (406) 863-2410 |
Re-Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for re-roofing in Whitefish only where roof sheathing is being replaced; governed by the 2021 IRC/IBC roofing provisions as adopted by the City. Submitted as a Building Permit Application (residential or commercial, per structure type).
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for roofing 'if sheeting is being replaced' — explicitly listed among activities requiring a permit on the Building Permits / Inspections page
- Plans/scope must comply with the 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC as adopted by the City of Whitefish
- Applications submitted via the Residential or Commercial Building Permit Application depending on structure type, or via the Trade Permit Application where applicable
- Project valuation (roofing material and labor cost) must be provided
Required documents
- RequiredResidential or Commercial Building Permit ApplicationCity of Whitefish Planning & Building Department application; used for re-roofing projects where sheathing is being replaced
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Roofing) | Based on a percentage of the estimated project cost/valuation, consistent with the City's general building-permit valuation-based fee methodology; a deposit is required at time of permit submittal | City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page, 'Fees' section — the same valuation-based methodology governs roofing permits as other building permits since no separate roofing fee schedule is published |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRooftop solar photovoltaic installations in Whitefish require an Electrical Trade Permit (Whitefish is DLI-certified for electrical permitting) for the interconnection work, plus a Building Permit for the structural mounting component, both issued by the City of Whitefish under the 2020 NEC and 2021 IBC/IRC as adopted locally.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical connection requires a Trade Permit Application (electrical) issued by the City of Whitefish under the 2020 NEC, since Whitefish is DLI-certified for electrical (E) permitting
- Structural/roof-mounting or ground-mounting component requires a Residential or Commercial Building Permit Application, since mounting-system structural review falls under the City's standard building-permit process
- Framing/structural documentation must address snow load, Seismic Zone D1, and 110 MPH wind design consistent with the City's standard structural design criteria referenced on the Residential Building Permit Application
- Project valuation (system and installation cost) must be provided on both applications
Required documents
- RequiredTrade Permit Application (Electrical)City of Whitefish Planning & Building Department application for the PV system's electrical interconnection
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)Required for the structural/mounting component of the solar installation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Trade (Electrical) Permit Fee | Based on a percentage of the estimated project cost/valuation, consistent with the City's general building-permit valuation-based fee methodology; a deposit is required at time of permit submittal | City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page, 'Fees' section; no dedicated solar-specific fee or fee waiver was found published separately on the City's site |
Demolition / Moving Permit
VerifiedDemolition or moving of a structure within Whitefish city limits is processed through the standard Building Permit Application; the City's impact-fee code (Title 10, Chapter 2) explicitly recognizes 'demolition or moving of a structure' as a distinct regulated activity, exempting it from impact fees while requiring advance notice for a pre-demolition inspection when a replacement structure is planned.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Demolition or moving of a structure is processed via the standard Building Permit Application (no separate demolition-specific application form is published by the City)
- Replacement of a residential structure with a new residential structure at the same site (with less than 500 sq ft increase and no meter-size change) requires the City be given a reasonable notification period to schedule an inspection of the original structure prior to demolition, to confirm square footage and meter size
- Replacement of a nonresidential structure with a new nonresidential structure of the same size and use likewise requires advance notice for a pre-demolition inspection
- Demolition or moving of a structure is exempted from City impact fees under Code Section 10-2-3(A)(3), regardless of the impact-fee treatment of any subsequent replacement construction
- Owner must obtain utility disconnection verification before demolition work begins (standard practice referenced across Montana municipal demolition permitting; confirm specific utility-disconnect procedure with Whitefish Public Works at (406) 863-2460)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)City of Whitefish Planning & Building Department application, used for demolition/moving of a structure since no separate demolition-specific form is published
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Demolition/Moving) | Based on a percentage of the estimated project cost/valuation, consistent with the City's general building-permit valuation-based fee methodology; a deposit is required at time of permit submittal | City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page, 'Fees' section — demolition/moving permits are not exempted from the building permit fee itself, only from the separate utility impact fee per Code 10-2-3(A)(3) |
Fence and Retaining Wall Permit
VerifiedFences up to 6 feet 6 inches (rear/side yards) or 48 inches (front yard setback) are regulated via a dedicated low-cost Fence Permit; taller fences and retaining walls over 4 feet high or subject to surcharge load are regulated through the standard Building Permit process.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Fence Permit required prior to constructing a fence; fee is $5.00
- Fences at or under 6 feet 6 inches along rear and side yards, and at or under 48 inches within the required front yard setback, use the Fence Permit application
- Corner lots must meet Clear Vision Triangle requirements under City Code S11-3-8, WCC
- If the property line where the fence is located has been surveyed, a copy of the survey with clearly marked property pins should be attached
- Site plan showing the property, structures, and location of the proposed fence must be drawn on the application
- Retaining walls over 4 feet high, or subject to a surcharge load, require a building permit (not the Fence Permit) per the Building Permits / Inspections page's list of activities requiring a permit
- No fence, hedge, or freestanding wall (not supporting a building) within or bounding the front yard shall exceed 48 inches; no fence or wall within or bounding a rear/side yard from the point of the front setback line shall exceed 6.5 feet, per City Code fence height standards printed on the Fence Permit application
- Security fences enclosing commercial/industrial storage yards are allowed up to 8 feet in side/rear yards; barbed wire fences are allowed only in the WA, WCR, and WSR zones (or abutting them)
Required documents
- RequiredFence Permit ApplicationCity of Whitefish Planning & Building Department application (rev. 04-01-2026); includes fence-height/setback compliance questions and a site-plan drawing area
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)Required in place of the Fence Permit for retaining walls over 4 feet high or subject to surcharge load
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Permit Fee | $5.00 | City of Whitefish Fence Permit application (rev. 04-01-2026) |
| Building Permit Fee (Retaining Wall over 4 ft / surcharge load) | Based on a percentage of the estimated project cost/valuation, consistent with the City's general building-permit valuation-based fee methodology | City of Whitefish Building Permits / Inspections page, 'Fees' section |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Online permit portal
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
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 Whitefish building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.