Plumbing Permit in Billings, Montana
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Billings, governed by the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted statewide and by the City of Billings. Billings is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for plumbing (mechanical/gas) permitting.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of any plumbing system, fixture, water heater, gas piping, or sewer/water service line
- Governed by the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as adopted by City of Billings (Administrative Order #150) — not the International Plumbing Code
- Minimum permit issuance fee of $20.00 plus per-item unit fees
- Apply through the CityView Portal
Required documents
- Required
Plumbing Permit Application
Submitted online through the CityView Portal at cityview.billingsmt.gov/Portal/
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Permit Issuance (minimum per permit) | $20.00 | City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule |
| Each plumbing fixture or trap (including water, drainage piping, and backflow protection) | $7.00 | City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule |
| Each building sewer and each trailer park sewer | $15.00 | City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule |
| Each private sewage disposal system | $40.00 | City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule |
| Each water heater and/or vent | $7.00 | City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule |
| Each gas-piping system of one to five outlets | $5.00 | City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule |
| Each additional gas piping system outlet (per outlet) | $1.00 | City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule |
| Installation, alteration, or repair of water piping and/or water-treating equipment, each | $7.00 | City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule |
| Each lawn sprinkler system on any one meter, including backflow protection devices | $7.00 | City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule |
| Backflow protective device (other than atmospheric vacuum breaker), 2 inch diameter and smaller / over 2 inch | $7.00 (2 inch and smaller) / $15.00 (over 2 inch) | City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule |
| Other Inspections and Fees | $45.00 minimum, or total hourly City cost if greater | City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule |
Review timeline
~4–7 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Billings building department
Inspection process
- 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
Tips
- Montana uses the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), not the International Plumbing Code — verify fixture and venting requirements against the 2021 UPC.
- Water heater replacement requires a plumbing permit at $7.00 per water heater/vent, plus the $20.00 issuance fee.
- Billings is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for plumbing (mechanical/gas) permitting within city limits.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in Billings?
- Yes. A plumbing permit is required, with a $20.00 issuance fee plus $7.00 per water heater/vent per the City of Billings Plumbing Permit Fees schedule.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Billings Building Division — official building department
- Plumbing Permit Fees (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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