Residential Addition / Remodel / Alteration Permit in Billings, Montana
VerifiedRequired for additions, remodels, and structural alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings in Billings, including decks, garages, and interior remodels affecting structural or life-safety elements. Reviewed against the 2021 IRC as adopted by the City of Billings. Apply through the CityView Portal.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
When you need this permit
- Building permit required for additions, remodels, and alterations affecting structural, fire, or life-safety elements
- Attached/detached garages: use the City of Billings Attached/Detached Garage Submittal Workbook
- Decks: use the City of Billings Deck Submittal Workbook (for single-level, attached or detached, square or rectangular decks only; multi-level or non-rectangular decks require design-professional or structural-engineer-stamped plans)
- A site plan showing lot lines, setbacks from all property lines, and existing/proposed structures is required
- Stairs require a concrete landing as wide as the stairs and 36 inches in the direction of travel; stairs with 4 or more risers require a handrail; decks 30 inches or more above grade require guarding
- Plans must comply with City of Billings Design Criteria (30 psf snow load, 110 mph wind, 42-inch frost depth)
Required documents
- Required
Building Permit Application
Submitted online through the CityView Portal
- Optional
Deck Submittal Workbook
City of Billings fill-in workbook for single-level, attached or detached, square/rectangular deck plans
- Optional
Attached/Detached Garage Submittal Workbook
City of Billings fill-in workbook for garage construction plans
- Required
Construction Drawings
Site plan and framing/structural 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) | $30.00 minimum ($1-$1,000 valuation), scaling up per the Residential and Commercial Building Permit Fees table (e.g., $45.00 for first $2,000 plus $9.00 per additional $1,000 up to $25,000) | City of Billings Building Permit Fees schedule |
| Other Inspections and Fees (re-inspection, after-hours, unlisted inspection, extra plan review) | $45.00 minimum, or total hourly City cost if greater | City of Billings Building Permit Fees schedule |
Review timeline
4–7 business days
Billings’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 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
Tips
- The Deck Submittal Workbook is only suitable for single-level, square or rectangular attached or detached decks; multi-level decks or decks with hot tubs/enclosed structures require structural-engineer-stamped plans.
- Decks 30 inches or more above grade require guarding; stairs with 4+ risers require a handrail.
- Setbacks are typically 5 feet but vary by zoning district — check with City-County Planning at (406) 657-8247 before finalizing a site plan.
- Call 811 before digging to locate underground utility lines.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to build a deck in Billings?
- Yes. Use the City of Billings Deck Submittal Workbook for a single-level, square or rectangular attached or detached deck. Multi-level decks or decks with hot tubs require structural-engineer-stamped plans submitted for review.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- City of Billings Building Division — official building department
- Applications and Forms | City of Billings
- Deck Submittal Workbook (PDF) | City of Billings
- Deck Handbook (PDF) | City of Billings
- Attached/Detached Garage Submittal Workbook (PDF) | City of Billings
- Building Permit Fees (PDF) | 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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