Mechanical / HVAC Permit in Billings, Montana
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and related mechanical installations in Billings, governed by the 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as adopted by the City of Billings. Billings is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for mechanical permitting.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Mechanical permit required for installation or relocation of furnaces, boilers, compressors, air handling units, ventilation systems, and appliance vents
- Governed by the 2021 IMC and 2021 IFGC as adopted by City of Billings (Administrative Order #150)
- Minimum permit issuance fee of $15.00 plus per-unit fees based on appliance type and capacity
- Apply through the CityView Portal
Required documents
- Required
Mechanical Permit Application
Submitted online through the CityView Portal at cityview.billingsmt.gov/Portal/
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Issuance (minimum per permit) | $15.00 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Forced-air gravity-type furnace or burner, up to and including 100,000 Btu/h | $9.00 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Forced-air gravity-type furnace or burner, over 100,000 Btu/h | $11.00 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Floor furnace, including vent | $9.00 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Suspended heater, recessed wall heater, or floor-mounted unit heater | $9.00 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Appliance vent installed and not included in an appliance permit | $4.50 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Repair, alteration, or addition to heating/cooling/refrigeration/absorption appliance or system | $9.00 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Air handling unit up to and including 10,000 cfm, including attached ducts | $6.50 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Air handling unit over 10,000 cfm | $11.00 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Evaporative cooler other than portable type | $6.50 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Ventilation fan connected to a single duct | $4.50 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Ventilation system not part of any authorized heating/air conditioning system | $6.50 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Hood served by mechanical exhaust, including ducts | $6.50 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Domestic-type incinerator | $11.00 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Commercial or industrial-type incinerator | $45.00 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Appliance or equipment not classed in other categories / no other listed fee | $6.50 | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
| Other Inspections and Fees | $45.00 minimum, or total hourly City cost if greater | City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule |
Review timeline
~4–7 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Billings building department
Inspection process
- 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
Tips
- A typical furnace replacement (up to 100,000 Btu/h) costs $15.00 issuance + $9.00 for the appliance = $24.00 minimum.
- Billings is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for mechanical permitting within city limits.
- Dryer vent runs over 35 feet require a permanent label and manufacturer installation instructions per IMC 504.6.5, verified at mechanical rough inspection.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a mechanical permit cost for a furnace replacement in Billings?
- The mechanical permit issuance fee is $15.00, plus $9.00 for a forced-air furnace up to 100,000 Btu/h (or $11.00 if over 100,000 Btu/h), per the City of Billings Mechanical Permit Fees schedule.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Billings Building Division — official building department
- Mechanical Permit Fees (PDF) | City of Billings
- Inspection Checklists (PDF) | City of Billings
- Permit Fees | 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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