Skip to main content
PermitBase

Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Tenant Improvement) in Bozeman, Montana

Required for new commercial structures, additions of square footage to an existing commercial structure, and tenant improvement remodels of existing commercial space in Bozeman. The City's own checklist page groups these three scopes under a single 'Commercial (IBC Code)' category, which also covers triplexes, fourplexes, multifamily buildings of 5 or more dwellings, and any residential project requiring IBC compliance. Reviewed under the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) through the ProjectDox electronic plan review portal by the City of Bozeman's own certified Building Division, not by Montana DLI.

Verified 2026-08-26 · Source

When you need this permit

  • Applies to a new commercial structure (Commercial New Build/Construction), added square footage to an existing commercial structure (Commercial Addition), or remodeling an existing commercial structure without adding square footage (Commercial Tenant Improvement)
  • Also governs triplexes, fourplexes, multifamily buildings of 5+ dwellings, and any residential project that requires IBC compliance, per the City's own 'Commercial (IBC Code)' checklist grouping
  • Submit through ProjectDox (electronic plan review) after creating a permit application via the online portal; drawings uploaded as PDF, landscape orientation, one page per file
  • 2021 Commercial Checklist must be satisfied before submittal is accepted at pre-screen
  • Landscape & Irrigation Self-Certification Form required for new construction
  • Water Service Fixture Count form required for new construction, or for an addition/tenant improvement that adds or removes water fixtures; counts over 39 require confirmation from City Shops (582-3200) that the main will support a larger meter
  • Acknowledgment of Access Requirements form required for new construction and additions
  • Special Inspection & Testing Form and Sump Drain Policy acknowledgment required for new construction and additions
  • Storm Water Permit required for new construction and additions (applied for separately through the City's stormwater program)
  • Preliminary Soils Analysis, Truss/Structural Calculations, and Spec Sheets required as construction-related documents for new construction and additions
  • If Fire Suppression & Alarms are part of the permit, they must be submitted, approved, and issued by the City of Bozeman before framing inspections
  • A representative must physically visit the Professional Building office (20 East Olive St.) for permit issuance even though no paper plans need to be brought in for stamping

Required documents

Check off what you have — your progress is saved on this device.

Not ready yet — 0 of 5 required documents checked.

This checker covers one permit. A full project usually triggers several — our checklist will assemble all of them, free →

Fee schedule

Building Permit Fee (formula-based, new square footage: new construction, core/shell, additions)
FY 2027 Building Division Fee Schedule (PDF, effective August 1st, 2026), page 1 (Table A: ICC Building Valuation Data - Square Foot Construction Costs, February 2026, by Occupancy Group and Construction Type, e.g. Show full citationFY 2027 Building Division Fee Schedule (PDF, effective August 1st, 2026), page 1 (Table A: ICC Building Valuation Data - Square Foot Construction Costs, February 2026, by Occupancy Group and Construction Type, e.g. B Business Type IIIA = $250.17/sq ft) and page 2 ('How to Calculate Your Permit Fee - New Square Footage' and Table B). Table B (Building Valuation Cost Modifier: % of ICC Table Value) lists, for 'New Construction or Addition': IBC 50%, IRC 50%, FY25 60%, FY26 70%, FY27 80%; for 'Shell Only Building': IBC 40%, IRC N/A, FY25 48%, FY26 56%, FY27 64%. The FY27 (current) column values of 80% and 64% are the Cost Modifiers presently applied, per this same schedule's worked formula, which the City applies to residential (IRC) new-square-footage permit fees the same way. Governing authority: Bozeman Municipal Code Sec. 10.02.020, as amended by Ordinance 2143 (2023); Resolution 5287 (April 2021) adopted the ICC valuation methodology.
(Gross Area x (Square Foot Construction Cost, Table A x Cost Modifier %, Table B)) x .0084 (Bozeman's Budget & Prior Year's Valuation-based Multiplier)
Plan Review Fee (Building Plan Review, IBC)FY 2027 Building Division Fee Schedule (PDF), page 3, Table D (Plan Review Fees), row 'Building Plan Review': IBC 65% of Permit Fees, IRC 65% of Permit Fees.
65% of Permit Fees
Foundation Only Plan Review Fee (IBC only)
FY 2027 Building Division Fee Schedule (PDF), page 3, Table D (Plan Review Fees), rows 'Foundation Only Plan Review'; Show full citationFY 2027 Building Division Fee Schedule (PDF), page 3, Table D (Plan Review Fees), rows 'Foundation Only Plan Review'; marked n/a for IRC. Foundation Only is one of the new permit categories added by Resolution 5517 (September 2023), letting a large commercial project begin foundation work while the full building plan set is still under review.
$1,500 for $0-$5 Million valuation; $2,500 for $5 Million-$15 Million valuation; $5,000 for $15 Million and above valuation
Revisions During Construction/Post Approved Plans (Commercial/IBC)
FY 2027 Building Division Fee Schedule (PDF), page 3, Table D, row 'Revisions During Construction/Post Approved Plans': IBC Min $250 + $125/hr over 2 hours (IRC: Min $125 + $125/hr over 1 hour); Show full citationFY 2027 Building Division Fee Schedule (PDF), page 3, Table D, row 'Revisions During Construction/Post Approved Plans': IBC Min $250 + $125/hr over 2 hours (IRC: Min $125 + $125/hr over 1 hour); additional plan check/permit fees may apply if project valuation increases due to the revision.
Minimum $250.00, plus $125.00/hour for review time beyond 2 hours
Fire Department Plan Review Fee - Fire Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13/13R), where fire suppression is part of the permit
City of Bozeman Fire Department Basic Fee Schedule (PDF), 'FIRE PROTECTION, FIRE & LIFE SAFETY,' effective January 1, 2024, Plan Review Schedule, 'Fire Sprinkler Systems NFPA 13 and 13R' table. Show full citationCity of Bozeman Fire Department Basic Fee Schedule (PDF), 'FIRE PROTECTION, FIRE & LIFE SAFETY,' effective January 1, 2024, Plan Review Schedule, 'Fire Sprinkler Systems NFPA 13 and 13R' table. Billed and collected by the Bozeman Fire Department separately from the Building Division's commercial permit fee; fire suppression/alarm plans must be approved and issued before the framing inspection on the associated building permit.
$150 for existing-system modifications up to 20 heads; $615 for 1-100 heads; $795 for 101-200 heads; $930 for 201-300 heads; $1,245 for 301-500 heads; $1,245 plus $25 per additional 50 heads for 501 and above
Fire Department Plan Review Fee - Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, where fire alarm is part of the permitCity of Bozeman Fire Department Basic Fee Schedule (PDF), effective January 1, 2024, Plan Review Schedule, 'Fire Detection and Alarm Systems' table. Billed separately from the Building Division's commercial permit fee.
$150 for existing-system modifications up to 7 devices; $525 up to 2,500 sq ft; $615 for 2,501-7,500 sq ft; $930 for 7,501-10,000 sq ft; $1,245 for 10,001-25,000 sq ft; $1,425 for 25,001-50,000 sq ft; $1,605 for 50,001-100,000 sq ft; $1,795 for 100,001-200,000 sq ft; $2,145 for 200,000-400,000 sq ft; $2,145 plus $0.10 per sq ft for 400,001 sq ft and above
Transportation Impact Fee - Non-Residential (selected land-use categories, per 1,000 gross sq ft unless noted)
City of Bozeman 2026 Impact Fee Schedule (PDF, Calendar Year 2026_v1, effective January 1, 2026), 'Transportation Impact Fee' page, 'Non-Residential (Unit descriptor)' table. Show full citationCity of Bozeman 2026 Impact Fee Schedule (PDF, Calendar Year 2026_v1, effective January 1, 2026), 'Transportation Impact Fee' page, 'Non-Residential (Unit descriptor)' table. Figures confirmed identical across the schedule version linked live from the City's Impact Fees page (Calendar Year 2026_v1/v2 combined PDF) and an earlier-dated capture of the same page; no repealed or superseded figure was found for this table. Projects within a Trip Exchange District (TED) are charged less than these listed rates; this adjustment applies only to transportation charges. One-time fee, due at building permit issuance; Resolution 4433 allows deferring payment of the transportation impact fee until issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
Retail/Restaurant $18,595; Office $4,575; Research & Development Center $5,863; Hospital $4,996; Warehouse $716; Mini-warehouse $610; Manufacturing $2,011; Light Industrial $2,061; Lodging $1,540 per room; other published categories include Day Care ($1,778 per student), Secondary School ($6,693), Elementary School ($9,294), and Assisted Living ($1,106 per bed)
Water Impact Fee - Non-Residential (by water meter size)City of Bozeman 2026 Impact Fee Schedule (PDF, effective January 1, 2026), 'Water Impact Fee' page, 'Non-Residential' table by Water Meter Size. One-time fee, due at building permit issuance.
$6,948 for a 0.75-inch meter; $11,568 for 1.00-inch; $23,163 for 1.50-inch; $37,055 for 2.00-inch; $69,489 for 3.00-inch
Wastewater Impact Fee - Non-Residential (by water meter size)City of Bozeman 2026 Impact Fee Schedule (PDF, Calendar Year 2026_v2, effective January 1, 2026), 'Wastewater Impact Fee' page, 'Non-Residential' table by Water Meter Size. One-time fee, due at building permit issuance.
$6,565 for a 0.75-inch meter; $10,930 for 1.00-inch; $21,887 for 1.50-inch; $35,014 for 2.00-inch; $65,660 for 3.00-inch
Fire/EMS Impact Fee - Non-Residential (per 1,000 gross sq ft, by use category)City of Bozeman 2026 Impact Fee Schedule (PDF, effective January 1, 2026), 'Fire/Emergency Medical Service' page, 'Non-Residential (per 1,000 gross sq ft)' table. One-time fee, due at building permit issuance.
Industrial $246; Retail, Accommodation & Food Services $1,492; Health Care & Social Assistance $2,092; All Other Services $738

Review timeline

Plan review
Not published — contact the department

How long did your Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Tenant Improvement) permit actually take in Bozeman?

Anonymous — one question, no email. Answers are combined and only shown once at least 5 people have reported.

Inspection process

  1. 1

    Fire Suppression/Alarm Plan Approval

    Where fire suppression or alarm systems are part of the permit, plans must be submitted, reviewed, and approved/issued before the framing inspection

  2. 2

    Footing/Foundation

    Requires a Final Observation (geotechnical) Report submitted prior to this inspection

  3. 3

    Framing

    Structural framing inspection before insulation or wall cover

  4. 4

    Final

    All work complete per approved, city-stamped plans; required before a Certificate of Occupancy can be requested

See the full Bozeman inspection guide — scheduling & re-inspection fees →

Tips

  • Bozeman's own checklist groups Commercial New Build/Construction, Commercial Addition, and Commercial Tenant Improvement under one 'Commercial (IBC Code)' category, which also covers triplexes, fourplexes, multifamily buildings of 5 or more dwellings, and any residential project needing IBC compliance -- not just standalone commercial buildings.
  • One Structure = One Permit -- an additional structure on the same lot needs its own separate permit.
  • A large-valuation commercial project can pull a Foundation Only permit (with its own tiered plan review fee) to start foundation work before the full building plan set finishes review.
  • Fire suppression and fire alarm plans are billed under the Bozeman Fire Department's own Basic Fee Schedule, separate from the Building Division's commercial permit fee, and must be approved and issued before the framing inspection -- do not wait until framing to submit them.
  • Revising an already-approved and stamped commercial (IBC) plan set costs a minimum of $250 (plus $125/hour beyond 2 hours of review), higher than the $125 minimum for residential (IRC) plan revisions.
  • Commercial construction is also subject to Transportation, Water, Wastewater, and Fire/EMS impact fees, due at building permit issuance (Transportation can instead be deferred to Certificate of Occupancy under Resolution 4433). Projects inside a Trip Exchange District pay a reduced Transportation Impact Fee.

Frequently asked questions

Bozeman requires a commercial building permit (new construction, addition, tenant improvement) for: Applies to a new commercial structure (Commercial New Build/Construction), added square footage to an existing commercial structure (Commercial Addition), or remodeling an existing commercial structure without adding square footage (Commercial Tenant Improvement); Also governs triplexes, fourplexes, multifamily buildings of 5+ dwellings, and any residential project that requires IBC compliance, per the City's own 'Commercial (IBC Code)' checklist grouping; Submit through ProjectDox (electronic plan review) after creating a permit application via the online portal; drawings uploaded as PDF, landscape orientation, one page per file; 2021 Commercial Checklist must be satisfied before submittal is accepted at pre-screen; Landscape & Irrigation Self-Certification Form required for new construction; Water Service Fixture Count form required for new construction, or for an addition/tenant improvement that adds or removes water fixtures; counts over 39 require confirmation from City Shops (582-3200) that the main will support a larger meter; Acknowledgment of Access Requirements form required for new construction and additions; Special Inspection & Testing Form and Sump Drain Policy acknowledgment required for new construction and additions; Storm Water Permit required for new construction and additions (applied for separately through the City's stormwater program); Preliminary Soils Analysis, Truss/Structural Calculations, and Spec Sheets required as construction-related documents for new construction and additions; If Fire Suppression & Alarms are part of the permit, they must be submitted, approved, and issued by the City of Bozeman before framing inspections; A representative must physically visit the Professional Building office (20 East Olive St.) for permit issuance even though no paper plans need to be brought in for stamping. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Bozeman — Community Development, Building Division at (406) 582-2375 ext. 1 before starting work.

Yes. The Bozeman Fire Department's Basic Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2024) sets separate plan review fees for Fire Sprinkler Systems (NFPA 13/13R) and Fire Detection and Alarm Systems, tiered by sprinkler head count or square footage, billed in addition to the Building Division's commercial permit fee.

Bozeman does not publish a plan-review timeline for this permit. Contact City of Bozeman — Community Development, Building Division at (406) 582-2375 ext. 1 for current turnaround.

You'll need: 2021 Commercial Checklist (PDF); Landscape & Irrigation Self-Certification Form (PDF); Acknowledgment of Access Requirements (PDF); Special Inspection & Testing Form (PDF); Sump Drain Policy acknowledgment (PDF). Depending on your project, Bozeman may also ask for: Water Service Fixture Count (PDF); IBC Work Exempt from Permits (PDF). See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Bozeman requires 4 inspection(s) for a commercial building permit (new construction, addition, tenant improvement), in order: Fire Suppression/Alarm Plan Approval, Footing/Foundation, Framing, Final. Schedule each through City of Bozeman — Community Development, Building Division ((406) 582-2375 ext. 1).

Apply through City of Bozeman — Community Development, Building Division at 20 East Olive Street, Bozeman, MT 59715 (Professional Building front counter); mailing/administration at 121 N Rouse Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715. Phone: (406) 582-2375 ext. 1, email: building@bozemanmt.gov. Office hours: Professional Building front counter (20 East Olive St.): Mon, Wed, Fri 9am-4pm; Tue, Thu 9am-1pm. Plans Examiner appointments (commercial or residential) bookable via Vagaro, 30-minute slots daily.. Official information: https://www.bozemanmt.gov/departments/community-development/building.

The City of Bozeman, because it is a certified local government building code enforcement jurisdiction under MCA 50-60-302, confirmed on the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau's own certified-jurisdiction list. Only areas of Montana without a certified local program (including unincorporated Gallatin County) are permitted directly by the state Building Codes Bureau in Helena.

Non-residential Transportation, Water, Wastewater, and Fire/EMS impact fees, per the City's 2026 Impact Fee Schedule (effective January 1, 2026). Transportation is billed per 1,000 square feet by land-use category (e.g. $18,595 for Retail/Restaurant, $4,575 for Office); Water and Wastewater are billed by water meter size; Fire/EMS is billed per 1,000 gross square feet by use category. All are one-time fees due at building permit issuance, except Transportation, which can be deferred to Certificate of Occupancy under Resolution 4433.

This one’s complicated · Get an expediter

Tell us about your project and we’ll connect you with a permit expediter who works in Bozeman.

PermitBase may receive a referral fee from the expediter. This is a service introduction, not verified permit data or legal advice.

Other permits in Bozeman

Residential New Construction PermitResidential Addition / Alteration PermitElectric Only PermitPlumbing Only PermitMechanical Only PermitRe-Roof PermitSolar Electric Permit (PV)Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) PermitEV Charger / EVSE PermitSign PermitFire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm Permit (Submitted with Building Permit)Certificate of Occupancy / Change of Use / Final Routing

Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Tenant Improvement) in other cities

Anaconda-Deer Lodge, MontanaBelgrade, MontanaBillings, MontanaChoteau, MontanaCity of Deer Lodge, MontanaColumbia Falls, MontanaConrad, MontanaCut Bank, Montana

Compare commercial building permit (new construction, addition, tenant improvement) fees across Montana →

Look up this fee in a different city →

Embed this data card →

Now live

Build your Bozeman project checklist

Describe your project once and get every permit, document, and fee it triggers in Bozeman — in one checklist. Free, for any city and any number of projects.

Get started →