This is PermitBase’s published record for Helena as of 2026-07-02. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
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 |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
Applications & forms
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Helena building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.