This is PermitBase’s published record for Livingston as of 2026-07-03. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Livingston building permits
VerifiedLivingston, Montana — as published 2026-07-03.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Codes adopted
Montana has a mandatory statewide building code administered by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) Building Codes Bureau, amended by the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 24, Chapter 301. Cities, counties, and towns may become 'certified' to locally administer permitting and inspection for all or part of the code (building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, swimming pool, etc.); non-certified areas/trades fall under direct state administration by the DLI Building Codes Bureau. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, Certified City, County and Town Programs and Current Codes pages (bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits).Livingston is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Building (B) and Swimming Pool (SP) ONLY within Livingston city limits; certified building official on file with DLI: Jim Woodhull, (406) 222-0083. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, Certified City, County and Town Programs / Current Codes page, bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/certified-governmentLivingston is NOT certified for Electrical (E), Plumbing/Mechanical-Gas (P(M/G)), or Mechanical (M). Per the City of Livingston Building Department page: 'The City of Livingston does not issue permits or conduct inspections for electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work. These services are regulated at the state level.' Source: City of Livingston Building Department page, https://www.livingstonmontana.org/buildingplanning/page/building-departmentPark County (unincorporated, outside Livingston city limits) does not appear on the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau's certified local government list at all — unincorporated Park County is entirely state-enforced for Building, Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical permitting. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, Certified City, County and Town Programs list, bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/certified-government2021 International Building Code (IBC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; per the City of Livingston Building Department, new 2021-edition building codes took effect locally September 23, 2022 ('NEW BUILDING CODES (2021) TAKE EFFECT SEPTEMBER 23, 2022'). Source: City of Livingston Building Department page2021 International Residential Code (IRC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; adopted locally effective September 23, 2022 per City of Livingston Building Department page2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — statewide effective June 11, 20222021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022; Livingston is DLI-certified for swimming pool (SP) permitting2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — statewide editions; state-administered permits in Livingston (city is not Mechanical-certified)2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) — statewide edition; state-administered permits in Livingston (city is not Plumbing-certified) — Montana uses the Uniform Plumbing Code, not the International Plumbing Code2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) — statewide edition; state-administered permits in Livingston (city is not Electrical-certified)2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — statewide effective June 11, 2022All codes amended by the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 24, Chapter 301. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, Current Codes page, bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/current-codesThe Livingston Building Department reviews plans and performs inspections using the ICC's IBC and IRC; codes are 're-adopted approximately every three years' per the City of Livingston Building Department page. No Livingston-specific Municode text of Chapter 6 (Uniform Building Code) confirming a distinct local amendment ordinance number could be retrieved (Municode's dynamic content did not resolve via direct fetch or Wayback Machine snapshot); the City's own Building Department page is used as the authoritative statement of adopted-code editions and effective date.
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction within Livingston city limits. Issued by the City of Livingston Building & Planning Department under its DLI-certified local Building program (2021 IBC/IRC editions, locally effective September 23, 2022). Application is a single paper/fillable form covering Residential, Commercial, Sign, Well, and Demolition work categories.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building Permit Application (City of Livingston Building Department form) must be completed and signed; application will not be accepted without a signature
- Two complete sets of plans required: site plan, cross-section(s), elevation(s), foundation plan, and floor plan, sufficient to determine code compliance
- Plans are reviewed by the Building Department; any deficiencies are noted and must be corrected by the applicant before permit issuance
- Reviewed against the 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC as adopted locally (effective September 23, 2022)
- Residential projects are charged both a plan review fee and a permit fee (valuation-based); a plan review fee equal to 65% of the building permit fee applies to any project valued over $15,000
- Impact fees (Police, Fire, Transportation, Parks, and Water/Sewer where new service is initiated) apply to new residential construction per the City's Impact Fee Schedule
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Livingston Building Department Permit Application (covers Residential/Commercial/Sign/Well/Demolition); requires project cost, zoning, site address, legal description, applicant/owner/contractor/architect/engineer/plumber/electrician contact information, and project description
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsTwo complete sets: site plan, cross-section(s), elevation(s), foundation plan, and floor plan
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $23.50 | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026), Building Fees table |
| Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation $500.01 to $2,000.00 | $23.50 for the first $500 plus $3.05 for each additional $100, or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000 | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
| Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation $2,000.01 to $25,000.00 | $69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000 | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
| Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation $25,000.01 to $50,000.00 | $391.25 for the first $25,000 plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000 | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
| Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation $50,000.01 to $100,000.00 | $643.75 for the first $50,000 plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000 | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
| Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation $100,000.01 to $500,000.00 | $993.75 for the first $100,000 plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000 | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
| Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation $500,000.01 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,233.75 for the first $500,000 plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000 | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
| Building Permit Fee — Total Valuation over $1,000,000.00 | $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000 plus $3.65 for each additional $1,000, or fraction thereof | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
| Plan Review Fee (projects over $15,000) | 65% of the Building Permit Fee as determined by the fee schedule | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) and City of Livingston Building Department page |
| Impact Fee — Residential/Single Family | Police $106 + Fire $966 + Transportation $1,852 + Parks $1,385 (per unit) | City of Livingston Impact Fee Schedule (Exhibit A, 2021); additional Water/Sewer impact fees apply based on meter size where new service is initiated (e.g., 5/8-3/4 inch: $3,542 water + $4,506 sewer) |
| Inspections outside normal business hours (minimum charge 2 hours) | Overtime rate + benefits of assistant building inspector (currently $53.89/hour) | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026), Other Building Inspection Fees table |
| Inspections with no fee specifically indicated (minimum charge 1/2 hour) | Overtime rate + benefits of assistant building inspector (currently $53.89/hour) | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
Residential Addition / Remodel / Alteration Permit
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, alterations, and exterior decks affecting existing one- and two-family dwellings in Livingston, including changes to door/window openings and moving or adding walls. Reviewed against the 2021 IRC as adopted locally. Uses the same Building Permit Application as new construction.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required per City of Livingston FAQs for: any structural work, changing door or window openings, moving or adding walls, and building exterior decks
- Two complete sets of plans (site plan, cross-section(s), elevation(s), foundation/floor plan as applicable to scope) submitted with the Building Permit Application
- Detached, one-story residential storage buildings 120 sq. ft. or smaller are exempt from the building permit requirement
- Commercial alterations, even minor, will almost always require a permit to verify life-safety code compliance for the occupancy
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Livingston Building Department Permit Application (Residential category)
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsSite plan and structural/framing details showing scope of work and connection to the existing structure
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same schedule as new construction) | $23.50 minimum ($1.00-$500.00 valuation), scaling per the City of Livingston Fee Schedule Building Fees table | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
| Plan Review Fee (projects over $15,000) | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
| Other Building Inspection Fees (after-hours, unlisted inspection, additional plan review) | Overtime rate + benefits of assistant building inspector (currently $53.89/hour); 2-hour minimum after-hours, 1/2-hour minimum otherwise | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
Electrical Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair anywhere in Livingston (city limits) and Park County. Because Livingston is NOT electrically-certified, this permit is issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau (Helena) under the 2020 NEC — not the city.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Application must be signed and dated by the licensed electrical contractor's person in charge; a separate Application for Homeowner Electrical Permit is available for owner-performed work
- Payment must accompany 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 on top of the base fee and must specify system type
- 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 |
| 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) |
| 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 (State-Issued, including Water Heater)
VerifiedRequired for plumbing work anywhere in Livingston (city limits) and Park County, including new water heater installation/replacement. Because Livingston 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 the Master Plumber License Number
- Accurate location and owner information required; property address, county, and whether the job is 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 or Septic) and Potable Water Source 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Each NEW water heater (or replacement) | $25 | 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedRequired for mechanical/HVAC work anywhere in Livingston (city limits) and Park County, including furnaces, gas piping, ventilation, and cooling equipment. Because Livingston 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 and Type of Work (New, Addition/remodel, Alteration) must be indicated
- Project Value must be provided; fee is calculated from the state's valuation-based fee schedule
- Covers air handling units, furnaces with ducts, repair/alteration of heating or cooling systems, ventilation systems, appliance venting, and gas piping
- 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 |
Re-Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for residential and commercial re-roofing in Livingston. Explicitly listed by the City's FAQ page as requiring a building permit, since re-roofing is structural work under the adopted 2021 IRC. Uses the standard Building Permit Application.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for re-roofing per City of Livingston FAQs page ('When is a building permit needed?' explicitly lists 're-roofing')
- Reviewed against 2021 IRC roofing provisions (Chapter 9) as locally adopted, effective September 23, 2022
- Two sets of plans/specifications sufficient to show compliance with the effective code must be submitted with the Building Permit Application
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Livingston Building Department Permit Application (Residential or Commercial category)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same schedule as new construction) | $23.50 minimum ($1.00-$500.00 valuation), scaling per the City of Livingston Fee Schedule Building Fees table | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
| Other Building Inspection Fees | Overtime rate + benefits of assistant building inspector (currently $53.89/hour) | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedResidential solar PV installations in Livingston require two separate permits: a City of Livingston Building Permit for the structural/mounting component (reviewed under the 2021 IBC/IRC), and a state-issued Residential Electrical Permit with the Alternative Energy Source add-on for the electrical interconnection, since Livingston is not electrically-certified.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Structural/roof-mounting or ground-mounting component requires a City of Livingston Building Permit Application, per the general building-permit process (plans/specifications sufficient to show code compliance)
- Electrical interconnection requires a state Residential Electrical Permit (issued by the Montana Building Codes Bureau) with the Alternative Energy Source box checked
- Must specify alternative energy type (Solar, Wind, or Hydro) and, if solar, system type (Micro Inverter/AC Module System or PV String System)
Required documents
- RequiredCity of Livingston Building Permit ApplicationRequired for the structural/mounting component of the solar installation
- RequiredApplication for Residential Electrical Permit (with Alternative Energy Source section completed)Montana Building Codes Bureau statewide form; required for the electrical interconnection
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (project bid value used as valuation) | $23.50 minimum ($1.00-$500.00 valuation), scaling per the City of Livingston Fee Schedule Building Fees table | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026); no dedicated solar fee waiver was found on the City's fee schedule |
| Alternative Energy Source add-on fee (solar, wind, or hydro) | $65, added to the base electrical work fee selected on the state Residential Electrical Permit application | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22), Fee Schedule |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any building within Livingston city limits. Uses the same Building Permit Application form as new construction, with 'Demolition' as a distinct work-type checkbox alongside Residential, Commercial, Sign, and Well.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Building Permit Application must be completed with the 'Demolition' box checked, including project cost, site address, legal description, and property owner information
- Application must be signed; unsigned applications are not accepted
- Reviewed and approved by the appropriate City departments prior to permit issuance, per the standard Building Permit Application process
- No separate, dedicated demolition-specific checklist, bond requirement, or fee line distinct from the standard valuation-based Building Permit Fee was found published by the City of Livingston (unlike Billings, which publishes a distinct Demolition Permit Requirements/Checklist with an explicit $10,000 site bond)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Demolition)City of Livingston Building Department Permit Application, with the Demolition work-type box checked
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same schedule as new construction) | $23.50 minimum ($1.00-$500.00 valuation), scaling per the City of Livingston Fee Schedule Building Fees table | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026); no separate demolition fee line or bond amount was found published by the City |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
VerifiedAccessory dwelling units are legalized by right on any lot where a single-family dwelling use is allowed, per Montana Code Annotated 76-2-345 (enacted via 2023 Senate Bill 528) and codified locally through City of Livingston Ordinance No. 3056 (approved by the City Commission, effective ~January 2025, amending Municipal Code Chapter 30). There is no separate ADU permit application — ADU construction uses the standard Building Permit Application (Residential category), subject to the statutory size, parking, and fee constraints below.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Municipalities must allow a minimum of one ADU by right on any lot containing a single-family dwelling, without public hearings or discretionary review, per MCA 76-2-345
- ADU size capped at 75% of the gross floor area of the primary single-family dwelling, or 1,000 sq. ft., whichever is less (detached or attached units; internal units have no statutory size cap)
- City may NOT require additional off-street parking, or a fee in lieu of parking, for an ADU
- City may NOT impose stricter building height, setback, lot size, lot coverage, or frontage requirements on an ADU than apply to the primary single-family dwelling
- City may NOT mandate matching exterior design/roof pitch/materials with the primary dwelling, require owner-occupancy of either unit, or require a familial/employment relationship between occupants
- Standard City of Livingston Building Permit Application and 2021 IBC/IRC review process applies to the structural scope, same as any residential addition or new accessory structure
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCity of Livingston Building Department Permit Application (Residential category); no separate ADU-specific form was found published
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same schedule as new construction/addition) | $23.50 minimum ($1.00-$500.00 valuation), scaling per the City of Livingston Fee Schedule Building Fees table | City of Livingston Fee Schedule (Resolution 5181, approved 2/03/2026) |
| One-time ADU application review fee (statutory cap) | Up to $250 per unit (statutory maximum); no distinct Livingston-specific ADU review fee line was found published separately from the standard building permit fee | MCA 76-2-345 |
| Impact fees on ADU construction | $0 — full waiver required by MCA 76-2-345 ('may not assess impact fees on the construction of an accessory dwelling unit'), which supersedes the City's older 2021 Impact Fee Schedule Exhibit A (that pre-statute document listed only a 50% ADU impact-fee reduction, not a full waiver) | MCA 76-2-345; City of Livingston Impact Fee Schedule (Exhibit A, 2021) — the 2021 PDF's 50% figure is superseded by the later-enacted statute and Ordinance 3056 |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
Fee schedules
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 Livingston building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.