You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-02.
Havre building permits
VerifiedHavre, Montana — as published 2026-07-02.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Codes adopted
2021 International Building Code (IBC) — adopted by the City of Havre by reference of the code adopted by the Building Codes Bureau, Montana Department of Labor & Industry (Havre City Code 4-1-1; Ord. 852, 2-21-2006; Ord. 846, 2-18-2003); statewide effective date June 11, 20222021 International Residential Code (IRC) — statewide edition referenced by Havre's Roofing Permit checklist (citing 2021 IRC Sections 905.2.1, 905.1.2, R806); statewide effective June 11, 20222021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — statewide edition referenced by Havre's Roofing Permit checklist (citing 2021 IECC Section C504); statewide effective June 11, 20222021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — statewide edition per Montana Building Codes Bureau Current Codes page; statewide effective June 11, 20222021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — statewide edition, state-administered permit (Havre is not Mechanical-certified); effective June 11, 20222021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — statewide edition; effective June 11, 20222021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) — statewide edition, state-administered permit (Havre is not Plumbing-certified); effective June 11, 20222020 National Electrical Code (NEC) — statewide edition per Montana Building Codes Bureau Current Codes page, state-administered permit (Havre is not Electrical-certified); effective June 11, 20222021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — statewide edition; effective June 11, 20222017 ICC A117.1 Accessibility Standard — statewide edition per Montana Building Codes Bureau Current Codes page
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Remodel)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family residential construction, additions, remodels, repairs, and alterations within Havre city limits. Issued by the City of Havre Public Works Department under its DLI-certified local Building program (2021 IBC/IRC editions). Paper application submitted at City Hall.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Required for New, Addition, Remodel, Repair, or Alteration classes of work per the Building Permit Application
- Application must include lot/block/subdivision or tax ID, property owner and contractor contact information, description of work, type of structure, and valuation of work
- Building setbacks (front, side x2, rear) and building dimensions (length, width, height) must be provided
- Fillable and paper versions of the application may be downloaded, completed, and submitted in person at City Hall for approval
- Applications must be reviewed and signed by the Public Works Department and paid for at City Hall prior to issuance
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Havre Public Works Building Permit Application form; requests project address, lot/block/subdivision, tax ID, owner/contractor/architect contact info, description of work, class of work, setbacks, and building dimensions
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Valuation $1–$500 | $23.50 | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026), Building Permit Fees Schedule table |
| Building Permit Fee — Valuation $501–$2,000 | $23.50 for first $500, plus $3.05 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000 | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026), Total Valuation & Fee table |
| Building Permit Fee — Valuation $2,001–$25,000 | $69.25 for first $2,000, plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000 | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026), Total Valuation & Fee table |
| Building Permit Fee — Valuation $25,001–$50,000 | $391.75 for first $25,000, plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000 | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026), Total Valuation & Fee table |
| Building Permit Fee — Valuation $50,001–$100,000 | $643.75 for first $50,000, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000 | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026), Total Valuation & Fee table |
| Building Permit Fee — Valuation $100,001–$500,000 | $993.75 for first $100,000, plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000 | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026), Total Valuation & Fee table |
| Plan Review Fee | 35% of the Building Permit Fee (e.g., $136.94 plan review on a $25,000 valuation with a $391.25 permit fee; $230.21 on a $52,000 valuation with a $657.75 permit fee) | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026), Permit Fees & Plan Review Fees table — mirrors the state's IBC Table 109.2 methodology of 35% of the building permit fee |
| Inspections outside normal business hours | $75.00/hour (minimum charge two hours) | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026), Other Inspections & Fees table |
| Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated | $75.00/hour (minimum charge one half hour) | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026), Other Inspections & Fees table |
| Additional Plan Review (required by changes, additions, or revisions to plans) | $75.00/hour (minimum charge one half hour) | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026), Other Inspections & Fees table |
Roofing Permit (Repair or Replacement)
VerifiedRequired for roof repair or replacement within Havre city limits, issued by the City of Havre Public Works Department. Covers sheathing, insulation, ice/water barrier, and ventilation compliance under the 2021 IBC/IRC/IECC.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Required for roof repair or replacement
- Applicant must indicate whether the roof requires replacement of or an overlay of structural sheathing; solid sheathing required for asphalt shingles per 2021 IRC Section 905.2.1 (roof sheathing must be 7/16 inch or greater; gaps greater than 1/4 inch require sheathing replacement)
- Applicant must indicate whether any portion of the roof or attic is uninsulated; uninsulated cavities exposed during reroofing must be insulated above or below the sheathing per 2021 IECC Section C504
- Roofing manufacturer's product specifications, data sheet, and installation requirements must be provided; roofing materials must comply with 2021 IBC Chapter 15 and 2021 IRC Chapter 9
- Ice and water barrier required at all eave edges of heated/insulated structures, extending from the lowest roof edge to a point 24 inches inside the exterior wall line, per 2021 IBC Section 1507.1.2 and 2021 IRC Section 905.1.2
- Complete ventilation calculations required per 2021 IRC Section R806: 1 sq ft net free ventilation area per 150 sq ft of attic area for roofs without soffit/cornice/ridge/can vents; 1 sq ft per 300 sq ft of attic area where soffit/cornice or other lower-half venting exists (40-50% of total ventilation in upper attic portion for this method)
Required documents
- RequiredRoofing Permit ApplicationCity of Havre Public Works Roofing Permit (repair or replacement) form with sheathing, insulation, and ventilation compliance checklist
- RequiredRoofing manufacturer's product specifications, data sheet, and installation requirementsRequired for the specific roofing material to be installed
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Miscellaneous Building Permit (Fence, Driveway, Sidewalk, Curb Cut)
VerifiedRequired within Havre city limits for fences, driveways, sidewalks, and curb cuts. Issued by the City of Havre Public Works Department.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Covers Type of Work categories: Fence, Driveway, Sidewalk, Curb Cut
- Class of Work: New, Addition, Remodel, or Repair
- Required setbacks (front, side x2, rear) must be provided; property line on the road side is dictated by road right-of-way — applicants must verify required setbacks with City of Havre Public Works BEFORE any work in front yards or front & side yards on corner lots
- Application checklist requires: Misc. Building Permit Application, Site Plan, Setback Requirements confirmation, and Code Requirements confirmation (setback/code information available from City of Havre Public Works)
Required documents
- RequiredMisc. Building Permit ApplicationCity of Havre Public Works Misc. Building Permit Application form
- RequiredSite PlanRequired per the application's checklist
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Residential Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for residential electrical work anywhere in Havre (city limits) and Hill County. Because Havre is NOT electrically-certified, this permit is issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau (Helena) — not the city — under the 2020 NEC. Covers new single-family service, rewiring, change of service, accessory buildings, modular/mobile homes, and alternative energy (solar) add-ons.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Application must be signed and dated by the licensed electrical contractor's person in charge; homeowner-specific application also available (Application for Homeowner Electrical Permit)
- Payment must be submitted with the application; incomplete applications are returned unprocessed
- Property address, GEOCODE/parcel/lot/block, owner information, and power company must be provided
- Alternative Energy Source (solar/wind/hydro) projects require an additional $65 fee added to the base fee and must specify system type (Micro Inverter/AC Module System or PV String System for solar)
- Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 604, MCA and ARM 24.301.431
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Residential Electrical PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form (Rev. 12/22); mailed or submitted with payment to Building Codes Program, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via ebiz.mt.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — up to 200-amp service (includes meter base and attached garages if wired at the same time) | $200 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option A |
| Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — 201 to 400-amp service | $380 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option B |
| Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — 401 to 600-amp service | $600 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option C |
| Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — 601-amp service and up | $800 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option D |
| Single Family Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 4+ circuits & change of service and/or interior panel board | $200 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option E |
| Single Family Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 4+ circuits (no panel board or change of service) | $100 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option F |
| Single Family Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 2-3 additional circuits or pieces of equipment | $70 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option G |
| Single Family Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 1 additional circuit or piece of equipment | $45 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option H |
| Residential Change of Service — exterior meter base & interior/exterior main disconnect only | $45 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option I |
| Residential Change of Service — disconnect w/ feeder & distribution panelboard replacement | $75 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option J |
| Private Property Accessory Building (Garage, Barn, etc.) — up to 200-amp panel | $80 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option K |
| Private Property Accessory Building — 201 to 300-amp panel | $150 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option L |
| Private Property Accessory Building — 301-amp panel and up | $250 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option M |
| Modular Home, Mobile Home, or RV — with basement/addition (wired at same time) | $120 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option N |
| Modular Home, Mobile Home, or RV — located on privately owned property | $80 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option O |
| Modular Home, Mobile Home, or RV — located on space in licensed court with existing service | $40 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option P |
| Alternative Energy Source add-on (solar, wind, or hydro) | $65 additional fee added to the selected base work type | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22) — required in addition to base fee for any alternative energy project |
| Construction Service (Provisional Power) | $60 (provisional power is included at no extra charge with fee options A through Y) | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option Z |
| Permit renewal (expiration no more than 30 days) | $60 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option BB |
| Request inspection, per hour | $60 (additional $30 for each 30 minutes or fraction thereof in excess of one hour, plus travel time) | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option CC |
Residential Plumbing Permit (including Water Heater)
VerifiedRequired for plumbing work anywhere in Havre (city limits) and Hill County, including new water heater installation/replacement. Because Havre is NOT plumbing-certified, this permit is issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau (Helena) under the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, not the city.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Application must be signed by the Master Plumber and include Master Plumber License Number
- Accurate location and owner information required for permitting; property address, county, and whether the job is located inside city limits must be indicated
- Type of Building (Single Family, Multiple Family, Commercial/Public, Accessory Building) and Type of Work (New, Alteration/Addition) must be indicated
- Sewer Service Type (Public Sewer System or Septic System) and Potable Water Source (Potable Water Source or Public Utility) must be indicated
- Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 505, MCA and ARM 24.301.301 and ARM 24.301.361
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Plumbing PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019); mailed with payment to Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via ebiz.mt.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gray water system, commercial or residential | $60 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019), Fee Schedule |
| Repair or alteration of drainage or vent piping | $30 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019), Fee Schedule |
| Alteration or repair of water piping and/or treatment | $30 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019), Fee Schedule |
| Each connection of building water supply to water service/public utility or private well | $20 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019), Fee Schedule |
| Each connection of building drain to sewer system/public or septic | $20 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019), Fee Schedule |
| Each NEW water heater (or replacement) | $25 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019), Fee Schedule |
| Each storm drain and storm drainage | $30 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019), Fee Schedule |
| Each lawn sprinkler, fire protection system, any meter, or backflow protection device | $30 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019), Fee Schedule |
| Each hose bibb, vacuum, breaker, and/or backflow device | $6 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019), Fee Schedule |
| Each industrial water pre-treatment equipment including its drainage and vent | $30 | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019), Fee Schedule |
| Each plumbing fixture or trap (bath tub, lavatory, shower, water closet, kitchen sink, etc.) | $10 per fixture/trap | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019), Fee Schedule |
Residential Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for mechanical/HVAC work anywhere in Havre (city limits) and Hill County, including furnaces, gas piping, ventilation, and cooling equipment. Because Havre is NOT mechanically-certified, this permit is issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau (Helena) under the 2021 International Mechanical Code, not the city.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Accurate location and owner information required for permitting
- Type of Building (Multiple Family, Commercial/Public, Accessory Building, Public Building, Factory Building, Warehouse Building) and Type of Work (New, Addition/remodel, Alteration) must be indicated
- Project Value must be provided; permit fee is calculated from the state's valuation-based fee schedule
- Description of work checklist covers air handling units, furnaces with ducts, repair/alteration of heating or cooling systems, ventilation systems, refrigeration work, appliance venting, gas piping (any type), mechanical exhaust systems, evaporative coolers, and compressors
- Boiler work requires a separate Boiler Permit form, not the Mechanical Permit
- Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 104, MCA and ARM 24.301.172
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Mechanical PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form (BCP-1, Rev. 06/2022); mailed with payment to Department of Labor and Industry / BCB / PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via ebiz.mt.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit — Project value $0–$10,000 | $48 for the first $1,000, plus $14 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Mechanical Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 06/2022), Fee Schedule |
| Mechanical Permit — Project value $10,001–$50,000 | $166 for the first $10,000, plus $9 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Application for Mechanical Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 06/2022), Fee Schedule |
| Mechanical Permit — Project value $50,001 or more | $514 for the first $50,000, plus $6 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Application for Mechanical Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 06/2022), Fee Schedule |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit — Alternative Energy Source
VerifiedResidential solar PV installations in Havre require a state-issued Residential Electrical Permit with the Alternative Energy Source add-on, since Havre is not electrically-certified. Also requires a City of Havre Building Permit for the structural/mounting component of the installation.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical connection requires a Residential Electrical Permit (issued by the state Building Codes Bureau) with the Alternative Energy Source box checked
- Must specify alternative energy type: Solar, Wind, or Hydro
- If solar, must select system type: Micro Inverter/AC Module System or PV String System
- A City of Havre Building Permit is required for the structural/roof-mounting or ground-mounting component of the installation, per the general Building Permit Application process
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Residential Electrical Permit (with Alternative Energy Source section completed)Montana Building Codes Bureau statewide form; the Alternative Energy Source section requires system type selection
- RequiredCity of Havre Building Permit ApplicationRequired for the structural/mounting component of the solar installation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative Energy Source add-on fee (solar, wind, or hydro) | $65, added to the base electrical work fee selected on the Residential Electrical Permit application (e.g., $45 for a single additional circuit, or the applicable panel/service fee) | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), Fee Schedule |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedHavre has no dedicated EV charger or EVSE permit and no distinct fee line item for electric vehicle charging equipment. Because Havre is NOT electrically-certified, EV charger circuit work is issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau (Helena), not the city, under the 2020 NEC -- the same state form used for all other electrical work in Havre. The state's Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 11/25) has no dedicated EV/EVSE line item -- its 'Alternative Energy' option only covers Solar/Wind/Hydro generation, not vehicle-charging loads. A single EV charger circuit added to an existing home instead falls under line H, '1 additional circuit or piece of equipment' ($45), the same category used for a hot tub or A/C circuit.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit issued by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau (Helena), not the City of Havre, per Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 604 MCA and ARM 24.301.431
- No EV/EVSE-specific line item exists on the state's Residential or Commercial Electrical Permit application -- do NOT select 'Alternative Energy Source,' which is scoped to Solar/Wind/Hydro generation systems, not EV charging
- A single charger circuit added to an existing single-family home falls under line H, '1 additional circuit or piece of equipment'
- New-construction wiring for a charger circuit is included in the applicable new-dwelling amperage-tier fee
- Larger, multi-unit, or commercial charger installations use the Commercial Electrical Permit's valuation-based tiers
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Residential Electrical Permit (or Commercial Electrical Permit for larger projects)Montana Building Codes Bureau statewide form (Rev. 11/25); mailed with payment to Building Codes Program, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via aca-prod.accela.com/bcb
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family interior/exterior wire or rewire -- 1 additional circuit or piece of equipment (applies to a single EV charger circuit added to an existing home) | $45 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit, line H (Rev. 11/25) -- same category used for a hot tub or A/C circuit; no dedicated EV/EVSE line item exists |
| Commercial Electrical Permit -- valuation-based (for larger/commercial charger installs) | $45 for the 1st $500 plus 6% of balance ($0-$1,000); $75 for the 1st $1,000 plus 2% of balance ($1,001-$10,000); $255 for the 1st $10,000 plus 0.5% of balance ($10,001-$50,000); $455 for the 1st $50,000 plus 0.3% of balance ($50,001+) | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Commercial Electrical Permit (Rev 6/24) |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of ground, wall, roof, projecting, window, temporary/banner, and reface-only signs within Havre city limits. Issued by the City of Havre Public Works Department. The applicant must remain in compliance with Title 4, Chapter 6 of the Official City Code of Havre (the city's sign code) at all times after issuance. A separate Temporary Sign Permit application exists for temporary/banner signage.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- Application must identify sign type (Ground, Wall, Roof, Projecting, Window, Temp/Banner, or Reface Only), height, dimensions, and total square footage, calculated per the form's own formula (L x W x number of faces, divided by 144 if measured in inches)
- If the sign is electrical, the Electrical Contractor name and phone must be provided, and an Electrical Permit # and/or photometric drawing (lighting layout, foot-candles at property lines, fixture catalog sheets) must be submitted for exterior sign lighting
- A site plan is required showing: north arrow, scale (1" = 20' minimum), street/cross-street names and rights-of-way, site access location, existing public rights-of-way and easements, visibility obstruction triangle(s), property boundaries/corners, existing and proposed ground sign locations, distance from property line to proposed ground sign(s), property and building frontage dimensions, and existing/proposed building and structure locations
- One copy of scaled drawings and elevations of each sign, colored graphics/pictures of new or change-of-copy signs, and a full/detailed inventory of existing and proposed signs must be submitted
- Depending on the project, additional submittals may be required: one copy of building floor plans, one copy of building elevations indicating wall sign locations, a Design Review Board/Board of Adjustments letter of approval, and/or a comprehensive master sign plan
- Signs and structures are not allowed in public rights-of-way and easements
- Applicant is responsible for the Plan Review Fee if the application is deemed abandoned after 180 days; the property owner remains responsible for maintenance of all property signage
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit ApplicationCity of Havre Public Works Sign Permit Application form, including project checklist and site plan requirements
- RequiredSite PlanMust show north arrow, scale, streets/rights-of-way, site access, easements, visibility obstruction triangles, property/building dimensions, and sign locations per the application's Site Plan Requirements checklist
- RequiredScaled drawings and elevations of each signOne copy required per the application's Project Checklist
- RequiredFull/detailed inventory of existing and proposed signsRequired per the application's Project Checklist
- OptionalElectrical Permit # and/or photometric drawingRequired only if the sign is electrically lit; photometric drawing must include lighting layout, foot-candles at property lines, and fixture catalog sheets
- OptionalDesign Review Board/Board of Adjustments letter of approvalRequired only where applicable per the application's Project Checklist
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit Fee | Not a fixed published amount | City of Havre Sign Permit Application 'Office Use Only' block leaves the Plan Review Fee and Permit Fee as blank dollar fields, completed case-by-case at intake; the City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026) publishes only Building Department valuation-based fees and does not include a Sign Permit line item. Confirm the current amount with Public Works at application. |
Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System Permit
The City of Havre Fire Department is listed on the Montana Department of Justice's Fire Inspection Certified Jurisdiction list, enforcing the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC 2021) within Havre City Limits (phone 406-265-6511) — confirming Havre has genuine local fire-code enforcement authority rather than relying on state fallback. However, unlike its Building/Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical permits, Havre has not published a standalone fire sprinkler or fire alarm permit application or fee schedule on its Public Works or Fire Department web pages. New fire protection system work (sprinkler and alarm systems) is understood to be submitted through the Building Department's Commercial Building Permit process, with Fire Department plan review as one of the standing internal-review departments (Building, Planning/Zoning, Public Works, 911 Coordinator, and Fire Department all appear as internal sign-off checkboxes on the city's own General Business Registration Application) — but no Havre-specific document was found that confirms this process for fire-suppression work specifically, so this entry is marked partial.
Reviewed 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- Havre Fire Department (406-265-6511) is confirmed on the Montana DOJ Fire Inspection Certified Jurisdiction list as enforcing IFC 2021 within Havre City Limits — contact the Fire Department directly to confirm current submittal requirements before starting design
- No dedicated fire sprinkler/alarm permit application is published by the City of Havre; fire protection system work for commercial projects is expected to be submitted via the Building Department's Commercial Building Permit Application, per the city's standard commercial permitting intake
- Automatic fire sprinkler system design and components must comply with NFPA 13
- Fire Department plan review/sign-off applies as part of Havre's standing multi-department review structure (Building, Planning/Zoning, Public Works, 911 Coordinator, Fire Department), documented on the city's General Business Registration Application
- Project value, scope of work, and system type should be documented per the standard Commercial Building Permit Application fields (Job Site Address, Legal Description, Project Value, Use of Building, Describe Work)
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial Building Permit ApplicationCity of Havre Building Department form used for commercial-scope work, including fire protection systems, in the absence of a dedicated fire permit application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, applied in the absence of a fire-specific fee line) | Per the City of Havre Fee Schedule Total Valuation & Fee table (e.g., $391.75 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 per additional $1,000 up to $50,000) | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026) — no fire sprinkler/alarm-specific fee line item is published; this is the general Building Department valuation-based schedule that would apply to the permit application used to submit the work |
| Inspections for which no fee is specifically indicated | $75.00/hour (minimum charge one half hour) | City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026), Other Inspections & Fees table — the closest published catch-all fee category, since no dedicated fire sprinkler/alarm inspection fee is listed |
Certificate of Occupancy / Business Registration (Change of Use)
VerifiedSince May 1, 2024, the City of Havre has required every business operating within city limits — new or existing — to complete a General Business Registration Application and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the City before operating. Per the city's own Public Works page: 'no person or entity shall engage in state-filed business without first receiving a business registration, and obtaining a certificate of occupancy from the City.' The application is routed internally to five departments for sign-off (Building Department, Planning/Zoning Department, Public Works Department, 911 Coordinator, and Fire Department), making it Havre's functional change-of-occupancy/change-of-use review gate. This local process operates within the framework of Montana Code Annotated 50-60-107, under which a certificate of occupancy for a building constructed under the state or local building code is binding and conclusive proof that the building conforms to applicable building-code requirements.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- Required for every new or existing business operating within Havre city limits — 'no person or entity shall engage in state-filed business without first receiving a business registration, and obtaining a certificate of occupancy from the City' (City of Havre Public Works page)
- In effect since May 1, 2024
- Applicant must specify whether the business is New or Existing, describe the business activity as specifically as possible, and provide location address, mailing address, and owner/applicant contact information
- Checklist disclosures required where applicable: Home Occupation status; sale of alcoholic beverages (State of Montana License #); six or more gaming machines; auctioneer or pawnbroker services (Federal ID #); sale of tobacco/tobacco products; marijuana dispensary or grow operation (State of Montana License #, permitted only in certain zoning districts per Title 11, Chapter 1, Section 9); mobile vendor status (with vehicle description)
- Registrant must notify the City within 30 days of any change to the information on file; failure may result in penalties and/or suspension or revocation of the registration
- Application is internally reviewed and approved/denied following sign-off from five departments: Building Department, Planning/Zoning Department, Public Works Department, 911 Coordinator, and Fire Department
- A Zoning Variance Y/N field is completed by the City on intake, alongside a Permit # and Date Submitted
Required documents
- RequiredGeneral Business Registration ApplicationCity of Havre Public Works form; used both for new business registration and to document a change of use/occupancy at an existing business location, routed to five city departments (Building, Planning/Zoning, Public Works, 911 Coordinator, Fire) for internal review before approval and issuance of a certificate of occupancy
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Business Registration / Certificate of Occupancy Fee | Not a fixed published amount | The General Business Registration Application records a 'Fee due' amount in its Office Use Only block, but neither the application itself nor the City of Havre Fee Schedule (effective 3/25/2026, which covers only Building Department valuation-based permit fees) publishes a fixed dollar figure for business registration/certificate of occupancy. Confirm the current amount with the City of Havre Finance/City Clerk or Public Works Department. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
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 Havre building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.