This is PermitBase’s published record for East Helena as of 2026-07-20. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
East Helena building permits
VerifiedEast Helena, Montana — as published 2026-07-20.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Construction Permit — Residential Building (New Construction / Addition / Remodel)
VerifiedRequired for new one- and two-family residential construction, additions, remodels, and other structural building work within East Helena city limits, issued by the City of East Helena Department of Building & Safety under its DLI-certified local Building (B) program (2021 IBC/IRC). Must be preceded by an approved Zoning Application. Submitted at City Hall, 306 E. Main Street.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Zoning Application must be approved before a Building Permit Application is submitted
- Construction Permit Application (Building & Safety) must be completed with project address, owner/architect/contractor information, description of project, and estimated valuation of work
- Owner-Builder & Worker's Compensation Declaration section must be completed (owner performing work vs. licensed contractor vs. Worker's Compensation Insurance certification)
- For new construction, additions, and remodels: Residential One- and Two-Family Dwellings Plan Submittal Requirements apply — site plan, foundation plan, floor plans, floor framing plan, lateral bracing analysis, building section/framing details, roof framing, exterior elevations, and fireplace details (if applicable) as described in the city's published submittal checklist
- Engineered floor/roof truss data sheets required where applicable; calculations and drawings signed/sealed by a Montana-licensed design professional required for structural elements exceeding IRC Section R301 limits or otherwise non-conforming to the IRC
- Geotechnical report required where expansive, compressible, shifting, or otherwise questionable soil conditions are likely present
- Incomplete submittals are returned to the applicant un-reviewed
- Applicant must pay the plan-review portion of the fee within 30 days of notification that plan review is complete (even if not proceeding to construction), and 100% of the total permit fee before starting work
- Digital plans may be emailed to the Building Official at building@easthelenamt.us
Required documents
- RequiredConstruction Permit ApplicationCity of East Helena, Department of Building & Safety — project information, valuation, owner-builder/workers' comp declaration
- RequiredResidential One- and Two-Family Dwellings Plan Submittal Requirements checklistSite plan, foundation plan, floor plans, floor framing plan, lateral bracing analysis, building section/framing details, roof framing, exterior elevations, fireplace details
- OptionalEngineered Floor/Roof Truss Data SheetsRequired where engineered trusses are used
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (new construction, addition, remodel) | Not published as a flat table. City site states the fee 'is based on a predetermined formula and depends on the size of the project after submitting the permit application.' No fee schedule PDF was… Show full citationHideNot published as a flat table. City site states the fee 'is based on a predetermined formula and depends on the size of the project after submitting the permit application.' No fee schedule PDF was found on easthelenamt.us after checking the Planning/Zoning/Building page, the Forms page, and all linked PDFs; contact City Hall at (406) 227-5321 or building@easthelenamt.us for the current calculation. |
Informational Building Permit (Minor Residential Work)
VerifiedA distinct, lower-fee permit required under East Helena City Code 4-1-13 for specific minor work to residential buildings with fewer than 5 dwelling units, or attached/private garage/storage structures for the owner's own use: re-siding, roof-covering replacement, window/door replacement without header changes, interior ceiling/wall covering replacement, and cabinet/closet installation.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Applies only to residential buildings containing fewer than 5 dwelling units, their attached structures, or a private garage/storage structure used only for the owner's own use
- Covered work: (A) replacement of external weather-side finishes (e.g., re-siding), (B) replacement of external roof covering, (C) window replacement with no header change, (D) door replacement with no header change, (E) replacement of interior ceiling covering, (F) replacement of interior wall covering (drywall, paneling, finish work), (G) replacement/installation of cabinets and/or closets only
- Application requires project address, owner and contractor information, East Helena business license status, Worker's Compensation Insurance/ICEC status, description of project, and estimated start/completion dates
- Fee is set by City Council resolution; the initial fee established in the form is $25.00
Required documents
- RequiredInformational Building Permit ApplicationCity of East Helena, Department of Building and Safety (Form Version 072020)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Informational Building Permit (initial fee) | $25.00 | City of East Helena Informational Building Permit Application (Form Version 072020), citing East Helena City Code 4-1-13: 'The fee for this permit shall be set by the city council. The initial fee shall be twenty-five dollars ($25.00).' |
Construction Permit — Deck / Accessory Structure (Garage, Shed)
VerifiedRequired for construction of decks, private garages, and accessory storage structures within East Helena city limits, issued under the city's Building (B) program. Structures for the owner's own use consisting only of minor work (see Informational Building Permit) may qualify for the lower-fee track; new construction of a deck, garage, or accessory building otherwise uses the standard Construction Permit Application and Plan Submittal Requirements.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Zoning Application must be approved before the Building Permit Application is submitted
- Construction Permit Application (Building & Safety) required, with project valuation, owner/contractor information, and description of project
- Exterior deck framing connection detailing to supports, and railing post connections, must be shown per the city's Plan Submittal Requirements where a deck is part of new construction or an addition
- Site plan showing property lines, existing/proposed structures (including decks/porches), and distances to property lines is required
- A private garage or storage structure used only for the owner's own use may qualify for the Informational Building Permit ($25.00) only for the specific minor-work categories under City Code 4-1-13 — new construction of a garage/accessory structure itself requires the standard Construction Permit
Required documents
- RequiredConstruction Permit ApplicationCity of East Helena, Department of Building & Safety
- RequiredSite PlanShowing location of existing/proposed structures including decks/porches, with distances to property lines
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based formula) | Not published as a flat table; same predetermined valuation formula as the residential building permit. Contact City Hall, (406) 227-5321. |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any structure within East Helena city limits. East Helena does not publish a dedicated demolition-specific application separate from its general Construction Permit Application; demolition is covered under the city's Building (B) certification and the standard Construction Permit process, per the Building & Safety Department's general permit notices.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Construction Permit Application must be submitted to City Hall for demolition of any structure within city limits, per the City of East Helena Department of Building & Safety's general permit process
- Owner or applicant information, description of project (demolition scope), and estimated valuation required on the same Construction Permit Application form used for other building work
- No dedicated demolition-specific bond, checklist, or fee line was found published separately by the City of East Helena — unlike Billings' explicit $10,000 demolition bond ordinance, no equivalent East Helena-specific bond requirement was located after checking the Planning/Zoning/Building page and the Construction Permit Application PDF
- Coordinate with the East Helena Lead Education and Abatement Program (LEAP), Room 201 City Hall, (406) 457-8583, given the city's location within the East Helena Superfund Site Institutional Control Program (ICP) administrative area — demolition of older structures may raise ICP/lead-abatement compliance questions
Required documents
- RequiredConstruction Permit ApplicationCity of East Helena, Department of Building & Safety — used for demolition as for other building-permit work; no separate demolition-specific form was found
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit Fee | No demolition-specific fee line was found published by the City of East Helena after checking the Planning/Zoning/Building page and the Construction Permit Application PDF. Show full citationHideNo demolition-specific fee line was found published by the City of East Helena after checking the Planning/Zoning/Building page and the Construction Permit Application PDF. The general Building Permit valuation-based formula is presumed to apply, but a demolition-specific figure was not independently confirmed. Contact City Hall, (406) 227-5321, for the current fee. |
Swimming Pool Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction/installation of a swimming pool within East Helena city limits. East Helena is one of the few Montana jurisdictions DLI-certified for Swimming Pool (SP) permitting in addition to Building (B), so this permit is issued locally by the Department of Building & Safety under the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), rather than being routed to the state. No dedicated pool-specific application form or fee line distinct from the general Construction Permit Application was found published by the city.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Construction Permit Application submitted to the Department of Building & Safety, since East Helena is DLI-certified for Swimming Pool (SP) permitting within city limits
- Reviewed against the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as statewide-adopted (effective June 11, 2022) and locally enforced by East Helena's certified building official
- Site plan showing pool location, setbacks, and any required barriers/fencing per the ISPSC
- No dedicated East Helena-specific pool application form, fee schedule, or barrier/fencing amendment was found published separately from the general Construction Permit Application after checking the Planning/Zoning/Building page and linked PDFs
Required documents
- RequiredConstruction Permit ApplicationCity of East Helena, Department of Building & Safety — no separate pool-specific application form was found published
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming Pool Permit Fee | No pool-specific fee line was found published by the City of East Helena. The general Building Permit valuation-based formula is presumed to apply, but a pool-specific figure was not independently confirmed. Contact City Hall, (406) 227-5321, for the current fee. |
Electrical Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work anywhere in East Helena (city limits) and unincorporated Lewis and Clark County. Because East Helena 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. The City of East Helena's own website links its 'Electrical Permits' page directly to the state DLI electrical-permits page, confirming this routing.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Application must be signed and dated by the licensed electrical contractor's person in charge
- 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 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 |
| Residential Change of Service — exterior meter base & interior/exterior main disconnect only | $45 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option I |
| Private Property Accessory Building (Garage, Barn, etc.) — up to 200-amp panel | $80 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option K |
| 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 |
| 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 Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit — State-Issued Electrical Permit Add-On
VerifiedRooftop or ground-mount residential solar photovoltaic installation within East Helena city limits is not a separate stand-alone permit type — it is billed and processed as an Alternative Energy Source add-on to the state-issued Residential Electrical Permit, since East Helena is not DLI-certified for Electrical and all electrical permitting for East Helena addresses is issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau (Helena) under the 2020 NEC. The Bureau's own Application for Residential Electrical Permit form itemizes 'Alternative Energy Source (solar/wind/hydro)' as a fixed $65 fee added on top of whichever base electrical work-type fee applies (e.g., service upgrade, change of service), and requires the applicant to specify the system type (Micro Inverter/AC Module System or PV String System).
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Apply using the same statewide Application for Residential Electrical Permit used for all East Helena electrical work, since the state DLI Building Codes Bureau (not the city) issues electrical permits for East Helena addresses
- Select the applicable base work-type fee (e.g., service, change of service, accessory building panel) and add the Alternative Energy Source line item
- Specify system type: Micro Inverter/AC Module System or PV String System
- Application must be signed and dated by the licensed electrical contractor's person in charge; payment must be submitted with the application
- Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 604, MCA and ARM 24.301.431
- Governed by the 2020 NEC as statewide-adopted (effective June 11, 2022)
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Residential Electrical PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form (Rev. 12/22), with the Alternative Energy Source (solar/wind/hydro) box checked; mailed 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative Energy Source add-on (solar, wind, or hydro) | $65 additional fee added to the selected base electrical work-type fee | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. Show full citationHideMontana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22) — the only PV-specific line item published; required in addition to whichever base fee option (e.g., $200 up-to-200-amp service, $45 change of service) applies to the underlying electrical work. |
| 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 — applies to PV inspections as to other electrical inspections |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit — State-Issued Electrical Permit (No Distinct Line Item)
VerifiedInstallation of a Level 2 (or higher) electric vehicle charger/EVSE anywhere in East Helena (city limits) requires an electrical permit, since East Helena is not DLI-certified for Electrical and all electrical permitting for East Helena addresses is issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau (Helena) under the 2020 NEC. The Bureau's own Application for Residential Electrical Permit form (Rev. 12/22) has NO dedicated 'EV charger' or 'EVSE' line item — its explicit 'Alternative Energy Source' add-on fee is defined only for Solar/Wind/Hydro generation systems, not vehicle-charging equipment. An EV charger circuit is billed under the same general per-circuit/per-service fee table used for any other electrical equipment addition: as an added circuit to an existing panel (options G/H) if no service or panel change is needed, or under the applicable service-upgrade tier (options A-D) if the charger install requires a panel/service upgrade.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Apply using the same statewide Application for Residential Electrical Permit used for all East Helena electrical work, since the state DLI Building Codes Bureau (not the city) issues electrical permits for East Helena addresses
- Select the base work-type fee matching the actual scope: '1 additional circuit or piece of equipment' (option H) or '2-3 additional circuits or pieces of equipment' (option G) for a charger added to an existing panel with no service change; or the applicable amp-rated service-upgrade tier (options A-D) if a panel/service upgrade is required to support the charger
- Application must be signed and dated by the licensed electrical contractor's person in charge; payment must be submitted with the application
- Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 604, MCA and ARM 24.301.431
- Governed by the 2020 NEC as statewide-adopted (effective June 11, 2022); EV charger circuits fall under NEC Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System), not separately itemized on the state fee form
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Residential Electrical PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form (Rev. 12/22); mailed with payment to Building Codes Program, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via ebiz.mt.gov. The 'Alternative Energy Source' checkbox on this form does NOT apply to EV chargers (it is limited to Solar/Wind/Hydro generation) — leave it unchecked for a charger-only project.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EV Charger as 1 additional circuit or piece of equipment (existing service/panel, no change) | $45 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option H — the general per-circuit line item; no EV-specific line item exists on the form |
| EV Charger as 2-3 additional circuits or pieces of equipment | $70 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option G |
| EV Charger requiring panel/service upgrade — up to 200-amp service | $200 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), fee option A — applies if the charger install requires a new/upgraded service rather than an added circuit only |
| 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 |
Plumbing Permit (including Water Heater) — State-Issued
VerifiedRequired for plumbing work anywhere in East Helena (city limits) and unincorporated Lewis and Clark County, including new water heater installation/replacement. Because East Helena 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 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Application must be signed by the Master Plumber and include Master Plumber License Number
- Accurate location and owner information required; 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 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 |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit — State-Issued
VerifiedRequired for mechanical/HVAC work anywhere in East Helena (city limits) and unincorporated Lewis and Clark County, including furnaces, gas piping, ventilation, and cooling equipment. Because East Helena 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 2026-07-03 · 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
- 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 |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Checklists & handouts
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 East Helena building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.