Billings building inspections
VerifiedInspection sequence, scheduling, and re-inspection fees for building permits in Billings, Montana.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
How to schedule
Inspections are requested through the building department below.
- Address
- 316 N 26th St, 5th Floor, Billings, MT 59101
- Phone
- (406) 657-8270
- Office hours
- Building Division front counter, 5th Floor, City Hall, 316 N. 26th St., Billings, MT 59101 (inspection requests: inspections@billingsmt.gov or 406-657-8270)
- Website
- Official site
Published scheduling rules
- To request an inspection, email inspections@billingsmt.gov or call (406) 657-8270. (Residential Building Permit (New Construction))
- Final inspection must be requested through the Building Division with a minimum 24-hour notice; where the project includes fire protection systems, additional time must be reserved for system acceptance testing and fire-protection sub-contractors must be present on site (Certificate of Occupancy)
- To request an inspection, email inspections@billingsmt.gov or call (406) 657-8270. Roofing (Mid-Roof) inspections must be requested the day before. (General)
Inspection sequence
Applies to: Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
- 1
Foundation/Footing
Before concrete pour — verify forms, rebar, and foundation depth meets 42-inch minimum frost depth
- 2
Framing
Per City of Billings Framing Inspection checklist: moisture barrier, window/roof flashing, bottom-plate anchor bolting, floor/wall/roof framing per plans, attic and crawlspace access, egress windows, smoke alarm rough-in, and fire-rated construction
- 3
Mechanical Rough-In
Per City of Billings Mechanical Rough Inspection checklist: dryer vent length/support, combustion air, vent clearances, exhaust fan termination, duct sealing and insulation
- 4
Residential Final
Per City of Billings Residential Final Inspection checklist: address posted, exterior grading and caulking, deck/patio compliance, fire separation at garage, attic/crawlspace access, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, handrails/guardrails, final plumbing and mechanical verification
Applies to: Plumbing Permit
- 1
Underground/Slab
Before concrete pour — verify pipe slope, materials, and cleanouts
- 2
Rough-In
After pipes installed, before walls closed
- 3
Final
All fixtures connected, water heater T&P and expansion tank verified, cleanouts exposed, no leaks
Applies to: Residential Addition / Remodel / Alteration Permit
- 1
Footing/Foundation
Required before concrete pour for deck posts, garage foundations, or addition footings
- 2
Framing
Structural framing, connections to existing structure, guardrails and handrails per plan
- 3
Final
All work complete per approved plans; deck/patio structures reviewed for code compliance at final
Applies to: Demolition / Moving Permit
- 1
Pre-Backfill
Footing/foundation removal, sewer/water line capping, and septic tank removal/fill must be inspected and signed off by the Building Division before backfilling
- 2
Final
Site restoration complete (holes filled, property leveled, debris and junk removed) within 30 days of building removal; bond released after final inspection
Applies to: Electrical Permit
- 1
Rough-In
Wiring, box placement, and service connections before walls are closed
- 2
Final
Devices installed, panel labeled, protections verified per 2020 NEC
Applies to: Fence and Retaining Wall Permit
- 1
Footing
Required for engineered retaining walls before backfill
- 2
Final
Completed fence/wall verified against approved plans
Applies to: Mechanical / HVAC Permit
- 1
Rough-In
Ductwork and mechanical equipment rough-in before walls closed; gas piping pressure test before concealment
- 2
Final
Equipment operational; kitchen/bathroom exhaust vents verified; gas appliance shutoff valve within 6 feet; combustion air and clearances verified
Applies to: Sign Permit
- 1
Footing Inspection (freestanding signs only)
For pole, monument, or other freestanding signs with footings, a standard Building Division footing/foundation inspection applies before backfill, under the City's general footing and foundation requirements (masonry, concrete, or treated wood extending below the 36-inch frost line)
- 2
Electrical Final (illuminated/EMD signs only)
Illuminated or electronic message device (EMD) signs require a separate Electrical Permit and pass through the standard electrical rough-in/final inspection sequence before the sign is energized
Applies to: Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
- 1
Rough Electrical
Conduit runs, wire sizing, and disconnect placement before energizing
- 2
Final
Panel mounting, racking attachment, roof penetration sealing, electrical connections, inverter, and interconnection point verified
Re-inspection fees
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 Billings building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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