Skip to main content
PermitBase

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. 1

    Foundation

    Before concrete pour

  2. 2

    Framing

    After framing complete, before insulation or wall cover

  3. 3

    MEP Rough-In

    Electrical, plumbing, mechanical rough-in before walls closed (separate trade permits required)

  4. 4

    Final

    Approved final inspection required before occupancy

Applies to: Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Additions, Remodels, Tenant Improvements, Multi-Family 3+ Units)

  1. 1

    Foundation / Footing

    Before concrete pour; may be scheduled under a separate Foundation Permit ahead of the full building permit

  2. 2

    Framing

    After framing complete, before insulation or wall cover; verifies fire-resistive construction assemblies identified on the building code analysis sheet

  3. 3

    Mechanical / Plumbing / Electrical Rough-In

    Rough-in of HVAC, plumbing, and electrical systems before walls closed

  4. 4

    Final

    Required approved final inspection prior to Certificate of Occupancy and occupying the structure

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

  1. 1

    Foundation / Footings

    Before concrete pour; footings minimum 42 inches below grade or otherwise frost-protected

  2. 2

    Framing

    After framing complete, before insulation or wall cover; verifies wall bracing per 105 mph wind speed and Seismic Design Category D0

  3. 3

    Insulation / Energy

    Insulation and IECC Climate Zone 6 compliance before drywall

  4. 4

    Final

    Required approved final inspection prior to moving in and occupying the dwelling

Applies to: Plumbing Permit

  1. 1

    Underground / Under-slab

    Before concrete pour — pipe slope, materials, cleanouts

  2. 2

    Rough-In

    After pipes installed, before walls closed

  3. 3

    Final

    All fixtures connected, no leaks, proper venting verified

Applies to: Residential Addition / Remodel / Alteration Permit

  1. 1

    Foundation (if new footings)

    Before concrete pour, if the addition includes new foundation work

  2. 2

    Framing

    After framing complete, before insulation or wall cover

  3. 3

    Final

    Approved final inspection required before occupying the addition

Applies to: Deck Permit

  1. 1

    Footing

    Before concrete pour, for post/pier footings

  2. 2

    Framing / Final

    Ledger connection (if any), joist framing, railing, and stair compliance

Applies to: Electrical Permit

  1. 1

    Rough-In

    Wiring and conduit installed before walls closed

  2. 2

    Final

    All devices installed, panel labeled, system energized

Applies to: EV Charger / EVSE Permit

  1. 1

    Rough-In

    Wiring and conduit installed before walls closed, where applicable

  2. 2

    Final

    Charger circuit, disconnect, and breaker protections verified per 2020 NEC before energizing

Applies to: Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System Permit

  1. 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. 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. 1

    Rough-In / Equipment

    Equipment installation and ductwork before walls closed

  2. 2

    Final

    Equipment operational, combustion air and venting verified

Applies to: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit

  1. 1

    Rough Electrical

    Conduit runs, wire sizing, and disconnect placement verified before energizing

  2. 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 Permit
Building 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… Show full citationBuilding 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.

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.

Helena building permits

Helena building permitsAccessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) PermitCommercial Building Permit (New Construction, Additions, Remodels, Tenant Improvements, Multi-Family 3+ Units)Residential Building Permit (One- and Two-Family Dwelling — New Construction)Plumbing PermitResidential Addition / Remodel / Alteration PermitDeck PermitElectrical PermitEV Charger / EVSE PermitFire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System PermitMechanical / HVAC PermitSolar Photovoltaic (PV) PermitChange of Occupancy PermitRoofing Permit (Reroof)

Get alerts for Helena

We'll email you when Helena's fees, documents, or codes change — not often.

We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.