Helena building inspections

Verified

Inspection sequence, scheduling, and re-inspection fees for building permits in Helena, Montana.

Verified 2026-07-02 · Source

How to schedule

Inspections are requested through the building department below.

Address: 316 N. Park Avenue, Room 435, Helena, MT 59623
Phone: (406) 447-8438
Email: CityBuilding@helenamt.gov
Office hours: City County Building, 316 N Park Ave, Helena, MT 59623; applications and permits also processed online via Civic Access (helenamt.gov/business/civic-access/)
Website: Official site

Inspection sequence

Applies to: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit

1
Foundation
Before concrete pour
2
Framing
After framing complete, before insulation or wall cover
3
MEP Rough-In
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical rough-in before walls closed (separate trade permits required)
4
Final
Approved final inspection required before occupancy

Applies to: Residential Building Permit (One- and Two-Family Dwelling — New Construction)

1
Foundation / Footings
Before concrete pour; footings minimum 42 inches below grade or otherwise frost-protected
2
Framing
After framing complete, before insulation or wall cover; verifies wall bracing per 105 mph wind speed and Seismic Design Category D0
3
Insulation / Energy
Insulation and IECC Climate Zone 6 compliance before drywall
4
Final
Required approved final inspection prior to moving in and occupying the dwelling

Applies to: Plumbing Permit

1
Underground / Under-slab
Before concrete pour — pipe slope, materials, cleanouts
2
Rough-In
After pipes installed, before walls closed
3
Final
All fixtures connected, no leaks, proper venting verified

Applies to: Residential Addition / Remodel / Alteration Permit

1
Foundation (if new footings)
Before concrete pour, if the addition includes new foundation work
2
Framing
After framing complete, before insulation or wall cover
3
Final
Approved final inspection required before occupying the addition

Applies to: Deck Permit

1
Footing
Before concrete pour, for post/pier footings
2
Framing / Final
Ledger connection (if any), joist framing, railing, and stair compliance

Applies to: Electrical Permit

1
Rough-In
Wiring and conduit installed before walls closed
2
Final
All devices installed, panel labeled, system energized

Applies to: EV Charger / EVSE Permit

1
Rough-In
Wiring and conduit installed before walls closed, where applicable
2
Final
Charger circuit, disconnect, and breaker protections verified per 2020 NEC before energizing

Applies to: Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System Permit

1
Rough-In / Underground
Underground supply piping, riser location, and rough sprinkler/alarm device placement verified before concealment; underground runs beyond roughly 10 feet under the slab require special precautions or relocation per NFPA 13 Section 10.6
2
Final Inspection and Testing
Functional testing of the completed fire sprinkler or fire alarm system; upon completion, as-built plans must be placed at the fire alarm control panel or sprinkler riser room for emergency personnel and future inspections

Applies to: Mechanical / HVAC Permit

1
Rough-In / Equipment
Equipment installation and ductwork before walls closed
2
Final
Equipment operational, combustion air and venting verified

Applies to: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit

1
Rough Electrical
Conduit runs, wire sizing, and disconnect placement verified before energizing
2
Final Inspection
Racking/roof-penetration attachment, electrical connections, and interconnection point verified

Final inspection only: Change of Occupancy Permit, Roofing Permit (Reroof)

Re-inspection fees

Electrical PermitRequested electrical inspection or re-inspection (beyond original permit scope) · City of Helena Commercial Electrical Fees schedule; doubled fee applies if work commenced before permit/fees obtained

$56.00 for up to 1 hour; $28.00 for each additional 30 minutes or fraction

Change of Occupancy PermitBuilding permit fee for occupancy change (Change of Occupancy Permit) · 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

$56.00 minimum per hour, billed on a 'whichever is greater' basis (includes supervision, overhead, equipment, and hourly wages)

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.

Helena building permits

Helena building permits Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit Residential Building Permit (One- and Two-Family Dwelling — New Construction)Plumbing Permit Residential Addition / Remodel / Alteration Permit Deck Permit Electrical Permit EV Charger / EVSE Permit Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System Permit Mechanical / HVAC Permit Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit Change of Occupancy Permit Roofing Permit (Reroof)

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