You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-02.
Helena building permits
VerifiedHelena, Montana — as published 2026-07-02.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Codes adopted
2021 International Building Code (IBC) — Montana statewide adoption, effective June 11, 2022; enforced by the City of Helena within city limits under its DLI-certified Building Code Enforcement Program2021 International Residential Code (IRC), for One- and Two-Family Dwellings — Montana statewide adoption, effective June 11, 2022; City of Helena Building Division is the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for one- and two-family dwellings under IRC Chapters 8 and 9, including roofing/re-roofing2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — Montana statewide adoption, effective June 11, 2022ICC A117.1-2017 (Accessibility) — Montana statewide adoption, effective June 11, 20222021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) — Montana statewide adoption, effective June 11, 2022; City of Helena is certified to enforce plumbing (P) within city limits2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — Montana statewide adoption, effective June 11, 2022; City of Helena is certified to enforce mechanical (M) within city limits2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — Montana statewide adoption, effective June 11, 20222020 National Electrical Code (NEC) — Montana statewide adoption, effective June 11, 2022 (Technical Advisory NEC_TIA-23-3_210.8 issued August 12, 2022); City of Helena is certified to enforce electrical (E) within city limits2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — Montana statewide adoption, effective June 11, 20222021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — Montana statewide adoption, effective June 11, 20222021 Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code — Montana statewide adoption, effective June 11, 2022 (Helena is NOT listed as WUI-certified; WUI enforcement in Helena's jurisdiction area is not confirmed — see notes)Statewide code administered by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI), Business Standards Division, Building Codes Program (formerly/also referenced as the Building Codes Bureau) — Mont. Code Ann. Title 50, Chapter 60, Parts 1-4
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (One- and Two-Family Dwelling — New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for construction of new single-family and two-family (duplex) dwellings within Helena city limits. Reviewed against the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted statewide by Montana and enforced locally by the City of Helena Building Division, a DLI-certified building code enforcement program.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Application submitted on the City of Helena universal Permit Application form (covers building, and triggers related plumbing/mechanical/electrical review blocks on the same form)
- Plans must comply with the 2021 IRC as amended by Helena's local climatic/geographic design criteria (Table R301.2): 30 psf ground snow load, 105 mph basic wind speed/Exposure B, Seismic Design Category D0, 42-inch frost line, -16°F winter design temperature, required ice barrier underlayment, IECC Climate Zone 6
- Residential One- and Two-Family Dwelling Plan Submittal Requirements checklist must accompany the application
- 2021 IRC Residential Code Summary Checklist must be completed and submitted with plans, cross-referencing each applicable code section to a specific plan sheet
- Soils Investigation Report required for areas of unknown, expansive, compressible, or shifting soil conditions; absent a soils report, footings must be designed for a maximum 1,500 psf soil pressure
- Irregular structures (per IRC Section R301.2.2.6) must be engineered and stamped by a Montana-licensed engineer
- Contact the City of Helena Engineering Division to determine nearest fire hydrant and available fire flow, which may require upgraded construction materials or an automatic sprinkler system
- Certificate of Occupancy / final inspection approval required before occupying the dwelling
Required documents
- RequiredPermit Application (City of Helena Building Division)Universal application form for building/plumbing/mechanical/electrical work; requires owner, contractor, architect/engineer, and plan data (occupancy group, construction type, roof material, sprinkler/fire alarm/flood plain status)
- RequiredResidential One- and Two-Family Dwelling Plan Submittal RequirementsCity of Helena Building Division's checklist of required plan-set contents for new one- and two-family dwellings
- Required2021 IRC Residential Code Summary ChecklistSection-by-section code compliance checklist (Chapters 3 through 11 of the 2021 IRC) that must be completed and cross-referenced to plan sheet numbers
- RequiredConstruction Drawings (Site Plan, Foundation, Framing, Elevations, Sections and Details)Full plan set showing complete load path, footing/foundation details, wall bracing, and climatic design criteria per Table R301.2
- OptionalSoils Investigation ReportRequired for sites with unknown, expansive, compressible, or shifting soil conditions
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $0–$500 | $22.00 | Building Permit Fee Tabulation, Figure 1 (Appendix A), Ordinance 3134 — City of Helena Building Permit Valuation Table |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001–$3,000 | $75.50 | Building Permit Fee Tabulation, Figure 1 (Appendix A), Ordinance 3134 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $9,001–$10,000 | $163.00 | Building Permit Fee Tabulation, Figure 1 (Appendix A), Ordinance 3134 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $99,001–$100,000 | $892.50 | Building Permit Fee Tabulation, Figure 1 (Appendix A), Ordinance 3134 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001–$500,000 | $895.00 for the first $100,000 plus $5.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof (max example: $500,000 = $2,895.00) | Building Permit Fee Tabulation, Figure 1 (Appendix A), Ordinance 3134 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001–$1,000,000 | $2,855.00 for the first $500,000 plus $4.25 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof (max example: $1,000,000 = $4,980.00) | Building Permit Fee Tabulation, Figure 1 (Appendix A), Ordinance 3134 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001 and over | $4,955.00 for the first $1,000,000 plus $2.75 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Building Permit Fee Tabulation, Figure 1 (Appendix A), Ordinance 3134 |
| Plan Review (Plan Check) Fee | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | Verified from the City's own worked example (November 2022 Building Permit Valuation Fee Calculation Example): $2,140.00 building permit fee produced a $1,391.00 plan check fee = 65.00% |
| Valuation Basis | Greater of the applicant's stated construction contract dollar amount, or the square-foot valuation from the ICC Building Valuation Data table as regionally modified by the City | Ordinance 3134, item #25; e.g. for a 2,000 sq ft R-3 (Type VB) home, Helena's Feb-2022 Square Foot Valuation Data table used $150.87/sq ft for finished floor area and $60.43/sq ft for garage/deck (U occupancy) |
Residential Addition / Remodel / Alteration Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, and structural alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings within Helena city limits, using the same valuation-based fee schedule and 2021 IRC review standards as new construction.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Room additions, structural modifications, and any alteration affecting the load path, egress, or fire-resistive construction of the dwelling
- Same universal Permit Application form as new construction, with project description identifying scope as addition/remodel/alteration
- Energy compliance documentation required where the addition affects conditioned floor area (IECC Climate Zone 6)
- Structural drawings and calculations required for any structural modification, stamped by a Montana-licensed engineer if the work is an 'irregular structure' under IRC R301.2.2.6
- Applicable setback (City Code 11-4-2) and lot coverage (City Code 11-4-1) zoning requirements must be met regardless of building permit applicability
Required documents
- RequiredPermit Application (City of Helena Building Division)Universal application form; select addition/remodel/alteration project scope
- RequiredResidential One- and Two-Family Dwelling Plan Submittal RequirementsSame checklist used for new construction, applied to the addition/remodel scope
- RequiredSite PlanLot lines, existing structures, proposed addition footprint, setback dimensions
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same Building Permit Fee Tabulation table as new construction) | Per Ordinance 3134 Appendix A valuation table — $22.00 minimum up to $4,955.00 for the first $1,000,000 plus $2.75 per additional $1,000 | Ordinance 3134; valuation is the greater of the stated contract cost of the addition/remodel or the applicable square-foot valuation |
| Plan Review (Plan Check) Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Per the City's November 2022 worked fee example |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for any electrical installation in new construction, remodeling, or repair within Helena city limits, except as provided by MCA 50-60-602. The City of Helena is DLI-certified to enforce electrical code within city limits under the 2020 NEC as adopted statewide by Montana.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permits must be obtained by a State of Montana licensed Master electrical contractor, and wiring must be performed by a State of Montana licensed electrician, except as provided by MCA 50-60-602
- Separate Residential and Commercial Electrical permit applications and fee schedules
- Work exempt from permit: minor repairs (lamp replacement, connecting approved portable equipment to approved permanently-installed receptacles), radio/TV transmission equipment wiring (though towers/antennas and power-supply wiring still require a permit), and temporary testing systems
- Governed by the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted statewide by Montana effective June 11, 2022, subject to Technical Advisory NEC_TIA-23-3_210.8 (issued August 12, 2022)
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Electrical Permit ApplicationCity of Helena Building Division application form for residential electrical work
- RequiredCommercial Electrical Permit ApplicationCity of Helena Building Division application form for commercial/industrial/institutional/public-use electrical work
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Electrical — Temporary construction service | $35.00 | City of Helena Residential Electrical Fees schedule (Exhibit A - Electrical) |
| Residential Electrical — Single-family dwelling/cabin, 100 to 300 amp service (includes garage wired at same time) | $182.00 (includes maximum of three inspections) | City of Helena Residential Electrical Fees schedule (Exhibit A - Electrical) |
| Residential Electrical — Single-family dwelling/cabin, 301 amp or larger service | $280.00 (includes maximum of three inspections) | City of Helena Residential Electrical Fees schedule (Exhibit A - Electrical) |
| Residential Electrical — Interior rewire only or new addition to a home | $56.00 | City of Helena Residential Electrical Fees schedule (Exhibit A - Electrical) |
| Residential Electrical — Private accessory building, up to 200 amp panel | $56.00 | City of Helena Residential Electrical Fees schedule (Exhibit A - Electrical) |
| Residential Electrical — Change of service (and reconnection to distribution panel) | $35.00 | City of Helena Residential Electrical Fees schedule (Exhibit A - Electrical) |
| Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Electrical — Installation cost $0-$500 | $42.00 | City of Helena Commercial Electrical Fees schedule (Electrical Permit Fees For All Other Installations) |
| Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Electrical — Installation cost $501-$1,000 | $42.00 for first $500 plus 8.4% of the balance | City of Helena Commercial Electrical Fees schedule |
| Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Electrical — Installation cost $50,001 or more | $616.00 for first $50,000 plus 0.42% of the balance | City of Helena Commercial Electrical Fees schedule |
| Requested electrical inspection or re-inspection (beyond original permit scope) | $56.00 for up to 1 hour; $28.00 for each additional 30 minutes or fraction | City of Helena Commercial Electrical Fees schedule; doubled fee applies if work commenced before permit/fees obtained |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation, removal, alteration, or repair of plumbing, water and sewer service lines, gas lines, and drainage systems within Helena city limits. The City of Helena is DLI-certified to enforce plumbing code within city limits under the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted statewide by Montana.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permits must be obtained by a State of Montana licensed Plumber
- Homeowner exemption: a homeowner performing their own interior plumbing in their own owner-occupied residence (not built on speculation or intended as a rental) does not need a permit — unless they want Building Division inspection, in which case a permit is required to cover inspection costs
- Exempt from permit: stopping leaks in drains/pipes (unless replacement of concealed piping is required, which then requires a permit), clearing stoppages, repairing leaks not requiring pipe/fixture replacement or rearrangement, removal/reinstallation of water closets without repiping
- Governed by the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted statewide by Montana effective June 11, 2022
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit Application (City of Helena Building Division)Email application to the Building Division; itemizes plumbing permit fees and water/sewer permit fees directly on the application form
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit — issuance fee (each permit) | $21.00 | City of Helena Plumbing Permit Application (fee schedule printed directly on the application form) |
| Plumbing Permit — each plumbing fixture (sinks, tub/showers, toilets/urinals/bidets, dishwasher, washing machine, wall hydrant, commercial ice maker, grease trap) | $8.50 each | City of Helena Plumbing Permit Application fee schedule |
| Plumbing Permit — each water heater | $8.50 | City of Helena Plumbing Permit Application fee schedule |
| Plumbing Permit — gas piping, 1 to 4 outlets | $8.50 | City of Helena Plumbing Permit Application fee schedule |
| Plumbing Permit — gas piping, 5 outlets or more | $3.00 per outlet | City of Helena Plumbing Permit Application fee schedule |
| Plumbing Permit — installation, alteration, or repair of water piping and/or water treatment equipment | $8.50 | City of Helena Plumbing Permit Application fee schedule |
| Water and Sewer Permit — Water and Sewer Inspection (both) | $43.50 | City of Helena Plumbing Permit Application — Water and Sewer Permit Fees section |
| Water and Sewer Permit — Water Only Inspection | $29.50 | City of Helena Plumbing Permit Application — Water and Sewer Permit Fees section |
| Water and Sewer Permit — Sewer Only Inspection | $35.00 | City of Helena Plumbing Permit Application — Water and Sewer Permit Fees section |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for any installation or alteration to heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, hood systems, boilers, wood stoves, or other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances within Helena city limits. The City of Helena is DLI-certified to enforce mechanical code within city limits under the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as adopted statewide by Montana.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Required for furnace, A/C, heat pump, boiler installation or replacement, ductwork, hood systems, and wood stoves
- Exempt from permit: portable heating/ventilation/cooling appliances, steam/hot/chilled water piping within already-regulated equipment, like-kind replacement parts, self-contained refrigeration systems with 10 lbs or less of refrigerant and motors of 1 HP or less
- Gas piping costs on a mechanical permit are charged per the plumbing fee's gas-piping schedule when no plumbing permit is otherwise required for the project
- Governed by the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as adopted statewide by Montana effective June 11, 2022
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit Application (City of Helena Building Division)Application form for HVAC, boiler, wood stove, and other mechanical equipment installations
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit — cost of mechanical system $0-$1,000 | $42.00 | City of Helena Mechanical Permit Fees (Exhibit A - Mechanical Fees); fee set at 100% of this schedule |
| Mechanical Permit — cost of mechanical system $1,001-$10,000 | $42.00 for the first $1,000 plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to and including $10,000 | City of Helena Mechanical Permit Fees (Exhibit A - Mechanical Fees) |
| Mechanical Permit — cost of mechanical system $10,001-$50,000 | $168.00 for the first $10,000 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof up to and including $50,000 | City of Helena Mechanical Permit Fees (Exhibit A - Mechanical Fees) |
| Mechanical Permit — cost of mechanical system $50,001 and up | $448.00 for the first $50,000 plus $4.00 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | City of Helena Mechanical Permit Fees (Exhibit A - Mechanical Fees) |
| Requested mechanical inspection | $56.00 for up to 1 hour; $28.00 for each additional 30 minutes or fraction thereof | City of Helena Mechanical Permit Fees (Exhibit A - Mechanical Fees); charged at 100% of this rate |
Roofing Permit (Reroof)
VerifiedRequired for installation of new roofing materials and replacement of roofing materials (re-roof) on one- and two-family dwellings within Helena city limits. The City of Helena Building Division is the Authority Having Jurisdiction under 2021 IRC Chapters 8 and 9; structures of three dwelling units or more and all commercial structures are instead regulated under the 2021 IBC Chapter 15.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Roof replacement must include removal of all existing layers of roof covering and underlayment down to the roof deck (2021 IRC R908.3), except where an existing adhered ice-barrier membrane may remain and be covered with an additional layer
- Installing a new roof covering OVER an existing roof covering is permitted only where 2021 IRC Section R908.3.1 compliance is followed — contact the Building Division for requirements
- Ice barrier underlayment required per Montana DLI Technical Advisory T1-16 and 2021 IRC R905.1.2: at least two layers of cemented underlayment or a self-adhering polymer-modified bitumen sheet, extending from the lowest roof edges to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line (exception: unconditioned detached accessory structures)
- Attic/rafter space ventilation required per 2021 IRC R806.1-R806.3: minimum net free ventilating area of 1/150 of vented attic space (or 1/300 with a Class I/II vapor retarder and proper ventilator placement)
- Drip edge required at eaves and gables per 2021 IRC R905.2.8.5, overlapped minimum 2 inches, extending minimum 0.25 inch below roof sheathing and 2 inches up the roof deck, mechanically fastened at maximum 12 inches on-center
- Flashing must be installed per approved manufacturer instructions to prevent moisture entry at walls, parapets, and roof penetrations (2021 IRC R903.2 and R908.6)
Required documents
- RequiredRe-Roofing ApplicationCity of Helena Building Division application for roofing repair/replacement
- OptionalRoofing and Re-Roofing Code Requirements (2021 IRC)City of Helena's own summary of the applicable IRC ventilation, ice-barrier, drip-edge, and flashing code sections for one- and two-family dwellings
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roofing Permit Fee — valuation-based | Per Ordinance 3134 Building Permit Fee Tabulation table (same table used for building permits generally) | City of Helena Building Permit Types page directs roofing fees to the same 'Building and Plan Review Fees' PDF/table used for other building permit categories; no distinct flat re-roof fee schedule is published separately |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit on a residential parcel within Helena city limits. Helena City Code Title 11 (Zoning) formally defines and permits ADUs by right in nearly all residential and mixed-use zoning districts; construction itself follows the standard City of Helena residential building permit process under the 2021 IRC/IBC.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- ADU defined at Helena City Code 11-2-4 as 'a self-contained living unit on the same parcel as a single-dwelling unit of greater square footage that includes its own cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities and complies with or is otherwise exempt from any applicable building code, fire code, and public health and safety regulations'
- Per the Title 11 Land Use Table (City Code 11-2-3), 'Residence, accessory dwelling unit (ADU)' is listed as Permitted (P) by right in the R-R, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-O, B-1, B-2, B-3, DT, and TR zoning districts, subject to the standards of City Code Section 11-2-5J (Not Permitted in CLM, M-I, and Airport districts)
- Construction must comply with the same 2021 IRC/IBC standards, climatic design criteria (Table R301.2), and permit application process as other residential building permits
- Setback (City Code 11-4-2) and lot coverage (City Code 11-4-1) requirements apply to the ADU structure
Required documents
- RequiredPermit Application (City of Helena Building Division)Universal application form; project scope identified as new ADU construction
- RequiredResidential Plan Submittal RequirementsSame plan submittal checklist used for new one- and two-family dwelling construction
- RequiredSite PlanShows the primary dwelling, proposed ADU location, and compliance with City Code 11-4-2 setbacks and 11-4-1 lot coverage limits
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same Ordinance 3134 table as new construction) | Per Ordinance 3134 Appendix A valuation table, based on the ADU's construction valuation | No separate ADU-specific fee schedule is published by the City of Helena; an ADU is billed as new residential construction under the standard valuation-based table |
| Plan Review (Plan Check) Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Per the City's standard building permit fee structure |
Deck Permit
VerifiedRequired for decks attached to or associated with one- and two-family dwellings within Helena city limits that do not qualify for the City's deck permit exemption. Governed by the City of Helena Deck Policy (October 2022) under the 2021 IRC.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- A deck is EXEMPT from a building permit only if it meets ALL FOUR of: (1) area does not exceed 200 square feet, (2) height is 30 inches or less above adjacent grade, (3) it is independently supported (no ledger-board attachment to the dwelling), and (4) it does not serve the exit door required by IRC Section R311.4
- A deck failing any one of the four exemption criteria requires a full building permit with construction drawings showing foundation, framing, connections, railings, and stairs
- Decks not complying with prescriptive lateral/gravity load requirements of the building code require a Montana-licensed Structural Engineer's analysis
- All decks (whether permitted or exempt) must comply with City Code 11-4-2 setback requirements (no portion of a deck, covered or uncovered, may be located in a lot-line setback) and, if covered by a solid roof, City Code 11-4-1 lot coverage requirements
Required documents
- RequiredPermit Application (City of Helena Building Division)Universal application form for deck construction not meeting the exemption criteria
- OptionalDeck Policy for One & Two Family DwellingsCity of Helena's own summary of exemption criteria, setback rules, and permit requirements for residential decks
- OptionalResidential Wood Deck Construction RequirementsCity of Helena's prescriptive construction detail reference for wood deck framing, connections, and footings
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same Ordinance 3134 table) | Per Ordinance 3134 Appendix A valuation table, based on deck construction valuation | No separate deck-specific fee schedule is published; billed under the standard Building and Plan Review Fees table |
Fence Permit
VerifiedRequired only for fences exceeding 7 feet in height within Helena city limits; fences 7 feet or less do not require a building permit.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Fences not over 7 feet high are exempt from a building permit
- Fences over 7 feet in height require a building permit under the Permit Application process
- Fence must comply with the City of Helena Fence Guidelines and applicable zoning setback/height rules
Required documents
- RequiredPermit Application (City of Helena Building Division)Required only for fences over 7 feet in height
- OptionalFence GuidelinesCity of Helena Building Division's guidance document on fence height, materials, and placement rules
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (fences over 7 feet only) | Per Ordinance 3134 Appendix A valuation table | City of Helena Building Permit Types page directs fence-over-7-feet fees to the standard Building and Plan Review Fees table; no distinct flat fence fee is published |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mount solar photovoltaic systems within Helena city limits. Requires a Building Permit (structural/racking, valuation-based per the City's Building Permit Fee Tabulation) plus an Electrical Permit (wiring/interconnection) -- Helena is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Building, Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical permits, so both are issued locally by the City's Community Development Department, Building Division. No dedicated solar/photovoltaic fee line or checklist is published in the City's fee schedule; residential solar wiring is billed under the general 'Interior rewire only or new addition to a home' electrical fee category.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Building Permit Application (structural/racking scope) submitted to the Community Development Department, Building Division
- Electrical Permit Application (wiring/interconnection scope) -- Helena issues its own electrical permits locally (DLI-certified), unlike some neighboring Montana jurisdictions that route electrical work to the state
- The City's Residential Electrical Fees schedule (Exhibit A) has no line item labeled 'solar' or 'photovoltaic' by name; a solar interconnection is a wiring addition to an existing home electrical system, which the schedule's own category descriptions place under 'Interior rewire only or new addition to a home.' A City permits-applied report surfaced via search appeared to show a $56.00 electrical fee billed for a roof-mounted solar array consistent with this category, but the underlying PDF could not be independently re-fetched (blocked by the City's edge/WAF) to confirm the description verbatim -- treat this as corroborating, not conclusive
- Building permit fee for the structural/racking scope is calculated using the City's general valuation-based Building Permit Fee Tabulation (Ordinance 3134, Appendix A); no dedicated solar-specific building fee line is published
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Helena application for the structural/racking scope
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationCity of Helena application for the wiring/interconnection scope
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Electrical -- Interior rewire only or new addition to a home | $56.00 | City of Helena Residential Electrical Fees schedule (Exhibit A - Electrical), already verified elsewhere in this corpus (electrical-permit entry, confidence: verified, 2026-07-02) -- the category a residential solar wiring addition falls under, since no dedicated solar/photovoltaic line exists |
| Building Permit Fee (structural/racking, valuation-based) | Per Building Permit Fee Tabulation, Figure 1 (Appendix A), Ordinance 3134 -- e.g., $163.00 for $9,001-$10,000 valuation; $895.00 for the first $100,000 plus $5.00 per additional $1,000 for $100,001-$500,000 | No dedicated solar/photovoltaic building fee line is published; billed under the City's general valuation table for the structural/racking scope |
| Plan Review (Plan Check) Fee | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | City of Helena Building Permit Valuation Fee Calculation Example (Nov. 2022) |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedHelena has no dedicated EV charger or EVSE permit and no distinct fee line item for electric vehicle charging equipment on either the Residential or Commercial Electrical Fees schedules. The City of Helena is DLI-certified to enforce electrical code within city limits, so EV charger circuit work still requires a City Electrical Permit -- a single charger circuit added to an existing home is billed under the Residential Electrical Fees schedule's flat 'Interior rewire only or new addition to a home' fee, while larger/commercial installations use the Commercial Electrical Fees valuation-based tiers.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required from the City of Helena Building Division for EV charger circuit installation, under the 2020 NEC as adopted statewide by Montana
- No EV/EVSE-specific line item exists on either the Residential or Commercial Electrical Fees schedule (Exhibit A) -- a charger added to an existing single-family home falls under 'Interior rewire only or new addition to a home'
- New-construction wiring for a charger circuit is included in the applicable new-dwelling amperage-tier fee (100-300 amp or 301+ amp service)
- Larger, multi-unit, or commercial charger installations are billed under the general valuation-based commercial tiers ($0-$500 / $501-$1,000 / $1,001-$10,000 / $10,001-$50,000 / $50,001+)
- Electrical permits must be obtained by a State of Montana licensed Master electrical contractor, and wiring performed by a State of Montana licensed electrician, except as provided by MCA 50-60-602
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Electrical Permit Application (or Commercial Electrical Permit Application for larger projects)City of Helena Building Division application form; no EV-specific line item, priced under the closest matching existing/new wiring category
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Electrical -- Interior rewire only or new addition to a home (applies to a single EV charger circuit added to an existing home) | $56.00 | City of Helena Residential Electrical Fees schedule (Exhibit A - Electrical) -- no dedicated EV/EVSE line item exists |
| Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Electrical -- Installation cost $0-$500 (for larger/commercial charger installs) | $42.00 | City of Helena Commercial Electrical Fees schedule (Electrical Permit Fees For All Other Installations) |
| Commercial/Industrial/Institutional Electrical -- Installation cost $501-$1,000 | $42.00 for first $500 plus 8.4% of the balance | City of Helena Commercial Electrical Fees schedule |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired to erect, install, or modify a sign within Helena city limits. Governed by Helena City Code Title 11 (Zoning), Chapter 23 'General Sign Regulations' (Sections 11-23-1 through 11-23-11), and issued by the Community Development Department, Building Division. The permit fee is based on the sign's contract dollar value (materials and labor), run through the same Ordinance 3134 valuation-based fee table used for other building permits; illuminated signs also require a separate Electrical Permit.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- Signs must be installed in accordance with Helena City Code Title 11, Chapter 23 (Sections 11-23-1 General, 11-23-2 Definitions, 11-23-3 Prohibitions, 11-23-4 Exempt Signs, 11-23-5 Regulations For Specified Districts, 11-23-6 Sign Lighting Standards, 11-23-7 Nonconforming Signs, 11-23-8 Removal of Signs, 11-23-9 Design Guidelines, 11-23-10 Planned Sign Program, 11-23-11 Billboards)
- Sign Permit Application must be completed and emailed to the Building Division (rrowsey@helenamt.gov or tdupree@helenamt.gov)
- Site plan required for any new monument or freestanding sign
- Engineered foundation plans required for any new monument or freestanding sign
- Plans showing how the sign will be anchored to the wall or roof
- Dimensions and elevations of the sign(s)
- Existing building facade square footage and the percentage of facade to be occupied by the sign, shown on the elevation
- Any variances, Conditional Use Permits, or Encroachment agreements applicable to the property must be identified on the application
- Electrical signs require a separate Electrical Permit — the Sign Permit Application itself has a Yes/No 'Electrical Sign' checkbox that triggers this requirement
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit Application (City of Helena Building Division)Application form covering wall signs, freestanding/monument signs, and other sign types (marquee, under-marquee, awning, projecting); records business owner and sign contractor information and whether the sign is electrical
- OptionalSite PlanRequired only for new monument or freestanding signs
- OptionalEngineered Foundation PlanRequired only for new monument or freestanding signs, stamped by a Montana-licensed engineer
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit Fee — valuation-based (sign contract dollar value: materials + labor) | Per Ordinance 3134 Appendix A valuation table (same Building and Plan Review Fees table used for building permits generally) | City of Helena Sign Permit Application states the permit cost is based on the sign's contract dollar amount, which includes material and labor costs for the sign(s); no separate flat or per-square-foot sign fee schedule is published |
| Electrical Permit (if the sign is electrical/illuminated) | Billed separately under the Residential or Commercial Electrical Fees schedule (see electrical-permit entry for this jurisdiction) | Sign Permit Application: 'Electrical Sign: Yes / No (Note: If Yes, a separate Electrical Permit is required.)' |
Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System Permit
VerifiedRequired prior to installing any fire and life safety protection system within Helena city limits, per the City's Fire and Life Safety Protection System Plan Review Policy (effective September 1, 2020; updated September 28, 2022), jointly administered by the Community Development Department Building Division and the Helena Fire Department Fire Marshal. Covers fire alarm systems, fire sprinkler systems (NFPA 13/13D/13R), clean-agent fire suppression systems, and commercial kitchen Type I hood extinguishing systems. Plans must be stamped by a licensed Fire Protection Engineer (FPE), and systems containing or altering 20 or more devices require independent third-party plan review before the Building Division issues the permit.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- Applies to: Fire Alarm Systems, full or partial (including Carbon Monoxide detection, etc.); Fire Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13, 13D, or 13R, including deluge; Fire Suppression Systems — clean agent (per IFC Chapter 24 requirements); Fire Extinguishing Systems in Commercial Kitchen Type I Hoods; and any other fire protection system required as part of plan review and construction
- A building permit is required prior to installation of any fire and life safety protection system
- Construction plans, specifications, and details must be submitted to the City of Helena Building Division for review, approval, and permitting before installation begins
- All plans and documents must be designed and stamped by a licensed Fire Protection Engineer (FPE) qualified in the specific system being designed; the FPE's qualifications must be submitted with the permit application or earlier (does not apply to routine annual system inspections, or to a licensed contractor correcting deficiencies identified in that inspection)
- Third-party review is required for any fire sprinkler or fire alarm system that contains or alters 20 or more devices (counting panels, manual pull stations, notification and detection devices, sprinkler heads, etc.); systems with fewer than 20 devices, or where fewer than 20 devices are being altered, are reviewed directly by the Building Division without third-party review
- All other fire protection systems (e.g., clean-agent suppression, commercial kitchen hood extinguishing systems) require third-party review regardless of device count
- The City does not designate a preferred Fire Protection Engineer; the third-party review must be complete and include a summary, code/standard citations, and all technical information for the system installation, submitted electronically to the Building Division with a completed permit application
- Upon completion of Fire Department and Building Division review, the City stamps the final construction set; permit fees must be paid before approved plans are released to the contractor for printing
- An approved set of plans must be on the project site, and proper permits obtained, before beginning system installation
- At the conclusion of installation, final inspection, and testing, a set of 'as-built' plans must be placed at the fire alarm control panel or sprinkler riser room for emergency personnel and future system inspections
- Underground fire sprinkler supply piping run under a building slab is limited — runs longer than approximately 10 feet are unacceptable and require relocation absent special precautions (arched foundation walls, covered trenches, isolation valves), per NFPA 13 Section 10.6
- A minimum 3-foot clearance must be provided around fire sprinkler risers, fire pumps, and their controls to facilitate maintenance, per IFC Section 901.4.6
- Rooms containing fire protection, fire detection, utility, or other emergency-operation equipment must be identified with durable, permanently installed signage on a red background with white 1.5-inch lettering, per IFC Section 509.1 as amended by City Code 3-9-8
Required documents
- RequiredPermit Application (City of Helena Building Division)Universal application form; submitted together with the FPE-stamped construction plans, specifications, and details for the fire protection system
- RequiredFire Protection Engineer (FPE) qualificationsDocumentation of the design professional's licensure/qualification in the specific fire protection system type, submitted with or before the permit application
- OptionalThird-Party Plan ReviewRequired for fire sprinkler/alarm systems containing or altering 20+ devices, and for all other fire protection systems (clean-agent suppression, commercial kitchen hood systems) regardless of device count; must include a summary, code/standard citations, and full technical information
- RequiredAs-Built PlansPlaced at the fire alarm control panel or sprinkler riser room at the conclusion of installation, final inspection, and testing
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same Ordinance 3134 Building Permit Fee Tabulation used for other building permits) | Per Ordinance 3134 Appendix A valuation table | The Fire and Life Safety Protection System Plan Review Policy states a building permit is required before installing a fire alarm or fire sprinkler system, and that permit fees are paid once plan review is complete; no separate fire-sprinkler/alarm-specific fee schedule is published by the City |
| Water-supply backflow protection device (where the fire protection system requires one) | $8.50 each | City of Helena 2020 Book of Fees (Exhibit A, Community Development Fees — Building Division), line item 'For each lawn sprinkler system and fire protection system or any one meter, including back flow protection devices therefore'; billed as part of the plumbing/water-supply connection, separately from the fire-system building permit fee itself |
| Third-Party Plan Review (required for 20+ device systems and all non-sprinkler/alarm fire protection systems) | Not set by the City — a private contract between the applicant and a licensed Fire Protection Engineer | Fire and Life Safety Protection System Plan Review Policy: 'The City of Helena does not have a preference of Fire Protection Engineers'; no City-set fee is published for this review |
Change of Occupancy Permit
Required whenever a building's or tenant space's use/occupancy classification changes within Helena city limits (e.g., converting a mercantile space to a restaurant or assembly use). This is distinct from Helena's standard construction Building Permit: the City's 2020 Book of Fees (Exhibit A, Community Development Fees) lists a separate 'Building permit fee for occupancy change' line item, described as 'Permit for change of occupancy,' billed on an hourly 'whichever is greater' basis rather than the Ordinance 3134 valuation table used for new construction. It does not appear as its own named category on the City's public Building Permit Types page — its existence and fee structure are documented only in the adopted Book of Fees, so treat the process details below as the best-available grounded reading of that fee schedule, and confirm current process specifics directly with the Building Division.
Reviewed 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- A Change of Occupancy Permit/review applies whenever a building's or tenant space's occupancy classification changes under the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), as adopted statewide by Montana and enforced locally by the City of Helena Building Division
- Application submitted on the City of Helena universal Permit Application form (the same form used for other Building Division permits), identifying the existing and proposed occupancy classifications
- Fee is billed at the City's standard hourly plan-review/inspection rate rather than the valuation-based Building Permit Fee Tabulation used for new construction
- Life-safety, egress, fire-separation, and accessibility requirements applicable to the proposed occupancy classification under the 2021 IBC must be demonstrated for the space as it will be used going forward
- A Certificate of Occupancy reflecting the new occupancy classification is required before the space may be used/occupied under that classification
Required documents
- RequiredPermit Application (City of Helena Building Division)Universal application form; project scope identified as an occupancy/use change, noting existing and proposed occupancy classifications
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee for occupancy change (Change of Occupancy Permit) | $56.00 minimum per hour, billed on a 'whichever is greater' basis (includes supervision, overhead, equipment, and hourly wages) | City of Helena 2020 Book of Fees (Exhibit A, Community Development Fees — Building Division), line item 'Building permit fee for occupancy change,' described as 'Permit for change of occupancy'; reconstructed from the PDF's column layout (Fee Amount: 'whichever is greater'; Fee Basis: 'Per hour Includes supervision, overhead, equipment, hourly wages'; Minimum: $56.00) — the same $56.00/hour minimum figure independently appears for several other hourly-billed Building Division review categories in the same table (e.g., re-inspection, additional plan review), which corroborates this reading, but no Maximum cap is listed for this specific line item in the source document |
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 Helena building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.