Fence and Retaining Wall Permit in Billings, Montana
VerifiedFences and retaining walls in Billings are regulated by height and structural criteria, with two separate approval pathways: a Planning Department permit for mid-height fences, and a Building Division permit for tall fences and taller/load-bearing retaining walls.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Fences 3 to 6 feet in height: do not require a building permit, but do require a permit from the Planning Department (contact Planning at 406-657-8247)
- Fences exceeding 7 feet in height / 8 feet or taller per Building FAQ: require a building permit, must be designed for a 105 MPH wind load per adopted codes, and require a Planning-reviewed site plan as part of the submittal
- Retaining walls supporting a surcharge/slope of any kind, or 4 feet or more in height: must be designed by a Montana-licensed engineer with wet-stamped, wet-signed plans, require a building permit, must follow recognized engineering practices, and require a Planning-reviewed site plan
- Walls 4 feet or more in height should also be reviewed by Planning for zoning conformance
Required documents
- Required
Fence/Retaining Wall Building Permit Application
Submitted online through the CityView Portal for fences over the Planning-only threshold and for regulated retaining walls
- Required
Site Plan
Required for tall fences and retaining walls; reviewed by the Planning Department
- Optional
Engineer-Stamped Structural Design
Required for retaining walls 4 feet or taller or supporting a surcharge/slope; must be wet-stamped and wet-signed by a Montana-licensed engineer
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same schedule as new construction) | $30.00 minimum ($1-$1,000 valuation), scaling per the Residential and Commercial Building Permit Fees table | City of Billings Building Permit Fees schedule |
Review timeline
~4–7 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Billings building department
Inspection process
- 1
Footing
Required for engineered retaining walls before backfill
- 2
Final
Completed fence/wall verified against approved plans
Tips
- Fences 3-6 feet tall need only a Planning Department permit, not a Building Division permit — contact Planning at (406) 657-8247.
- Tall fences (7-8+ feet) must be engineered for a 105 MPH wind load per the City's Fences & Retaining Walls page.
- Any retaining wall 4 feet or taller, or one supporting a surcharge/slope of any kind regardless of height, needs a Montana-licensed engineer's wet-stamped design.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to build a fence in Billings?
- Fences between 3 and 6 feet require a Planning Department permit (not a building permit) — contact Planning at (406) 657-8247. Fences taller than that threshold require a building permit and must be engineered for a 105 MPH wind load. Source: City of Billings Fences & Retaining Walls page.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Billings Building Division — official building department
- Fences & Retaining Walls | City of Billings
- Building Division FAQs | City of Billings
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 Billings building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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