You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-02.
Unincorporated Yellowstone County building permits
VerifiedUnincorporated Yellowstone County, Montana — as published 2026-07-02.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit
VerifiedIn unincorporated Yellowstone County, Yellowstone County itself issues NO building permits or Certificates of Occupancy — confirmed directly by the county: 'Yellowstone County does not issue Building Permits or Certificates of Occupancy for structures outside the city limits of Billings.' Building permit authority instead sits with the Montana Building Codes Bureau (state DLI), EXCEPT that Montana state law exempts private homes and apartment buildings of four or fewer dwelling units (that do not serve transient guests) from the state building permit requirement entirely. Practical effect: most single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes built in unincorporated Yellowstone County require NO building permit from any government body — county or state — for the structure itself. A state building permit IS required for 5+ unit residential buildings and any non-exempt structure.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- New single-family, duplex, triplex, or fourplex dwelling construction is EXEMPT from the state building permit requirement per the Montana Building Codes Bureau FAQ: 'A building permit is not required for a single family residence, unless you live inside a local government's jurisdiction, which requires the permit by ordinance or resolution' — unincorporated Yellowstone County has no such ordinance
- Residential buildings of 5 or more dwelling units (multi-family) DO require a state building permit
- Private garages and private storage buildings for the owner's own personal use are exempt regardless of unit count
- Farm and ranch buildings are exempt
- Confirm applicability directly with the Building Codes Bureau at (406) 841-2056 or buildingcodes@mt.gov before assuming exemption — 'additional work may also be exempt from a building permit and an inquiry to the bureau may be required to determine whether a building permit is required'
- Even when the building itself is exempt, separate state electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are still required for that work
Required documents
- OptionalApplication for Building Permit (BCP-1)Required only for non-exempt residential construction (5+ units) or if the Bureau determines a permit is needed. Filed with the Montana Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or online at aca-prod.accela.com/bcb. Governed by Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 104, MCA and ARM 24.301-131.
- OptionalConstruction Plans and SpecificationsFor non-exempt projects: site plan, dimensioned floor plan, room-use identification, structural section details, truss/foundation engineering seals where non-standard, materials specifications, and IECC energy-compliance documentation (ComCheck accepted)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Building Permit Fee | Calculated based on project valuation (fee schedule not published inline on the application; contact Building Codes Bureau at (406) 841-2056 for the current valuation-based fee table) | Montana Application for Building Permit (BCP-1, Rev. 11/25) — states 'Do not send fees with the submittal, unless you have been assigned a project number'; only applicable to non-exempt (5+ unit) residential or other non-exempt buildings |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedAll electrical work in unincorporated Yellowstone County requires a State Electrical Permit from the Montana Building Codes Bureau, since Yellowstone County is not a certified local government for electrical code enforcement. Homeowners may wire their own home under a Homeowner Electrical Permit; all other work requires a Montana-licensed electrical contractor. Governed by Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 604, MCA and ARM 24.301.431.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Required for any new electrical installation, remodel, or repair statewide except in certified local jurisdictions (per Section 50-60-602, MCA exemptions and certified-government list — Yellowstone County is not certified)
- Homeowners may self-perform wiring on their own home, garage, and premises via a Homeowner Electrical Permit — 'Is this permit for work to be done to property you own and maintain for your own personal use?' and 'Will you personally be performing the electrical work?' must both be answered yes
- All other electrical work must be performed by a Montana-licensed electrical contractor (UCO or LCO license) pulling a Residential or Commercial Electrical Permit
- Alternative energy (solar/wind/hydro) connections that are grid-tied require a licensed electrical contractor for the final connection even if a homeowner self-installs the rest
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Residential Electrical PermitFiled by a licensed electrical contractor (UCO/LCO license required) with the Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or online at aca-prod.accela.com/bcb
- OptionalApplication for Homeowner Electrical PermitUsed instead of the residential contractor application when the property owner personally performs the wiring on their own primary residence
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Family Dwelling — Up to 200-amp service | $200 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential/Homeowner Electrical Permit (ARM 24.301.431, Rev. 11/25), option A |
| Single Family Dwelling — 201 to 400-amp service | $380 | Same source, option B |
| Single Family Dwelling — 401 to 600-amp service | $600 | Same source, option C |
| Single Family Dwelling — 601-amp service and up | $800 | Same source, option D |
| Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 4+ circuits & change of service/interior panel | $120 | Same source, option E |
| Interior/Exterior Wire or Rewire — 4+ circuits (no panel/service change) | $100 | Same source, option F |
| 2-3 additional circuits or pieces of equipment | $70 | Same source, option G |
| 1 additional circuit or piece of equipment | $45 | Same source, option H |
| Residential Change of Service — exterior meter base/main disconnect only | $45 | Same source, option I |
| Residential Change of Service — disconnect w/ feeder & distribution panelboard replacement | $75 | Same source, option J |
| Alternative Energy connection (residential change of service) | $45 | Same source, option K |
| Private Property Accessory Building (garage, etc.) — up to 200-amp panel | $80 | Same source, option L |
| Private Property Accessory Building — 201 to 300-amp panel | $150 | Same source, option M |
| Private Property Accessory Building — 301-amp panel | $250 | Same source, option N |
| Construction Service (Provisional Power) | $60 | Same source, option AA |
| Livestock wells / residential irrigation (new service) | $50 | Same source, option BB |
| Permit Renewal (expiration no more than 30 days) | $60 | Same source, option CC |
| Requested Inspection, per hour | $60 (plus $30 per additional 30 min. or fraction thereof beyond one hour, plus travel time) | Same source, option DD |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedPlumbing work in unincorporated Yellowstone County is permitted directly by the Montana Building Codes Bureau under Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 505, MCA and ARM 24.301.301/24.301.361, since the county is not a certified local plumbing-code jurisdiction. A per-fixture fee schedule applies. Homeowners performing their own plumbing on their own owner-occupied, non-rental residence are exempt from needing a permit.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Any installation, removal, alteration, or repair of plumbing/drainage systems by a business, trade, or contractor requires a state plumbing permit
- Exemption: homeowners doing their own plumbing installation on a residence for their own personal use (not built on speculation of resale and not intended as a rental) do not need a permit
- Farms, ranches, mines, mills, smelters, railroads, and public utilities are exempt from state plumbing permit requirements
- 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code fixture table (ARM 24.301.351) governs minimum required fixtures
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1)Signed by the Master Plumber performing the work (license number required) unless the owner-occupant exemption applies; filed with the Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or online at aca-prod.accela.com/bcb
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Each plumbing fixture or trap | $10 per fixture | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Plumbing Permit (ARM 24.301.301/24.301.361, Rev. 11/25) — covers bath tub, lavatory, shower, water closet, kitchen sink, dishwasher, etc. |
| Each new water heater or replacement | $25 | Same source, verbatim fee line item |
| Each connection of building water supply to water service/public utility or private well | $20 | Same source |
| Each connection of building drain to sewer system/public or septic | $20 | Same source |
| Gray water system (commercial or residential) | $60 | Same source |
| Repair or alteration of drainage or vent piping | $30 | Same source |
| Alteration or repair of water piping and/or treatment | $30 | Same source |
| Each storm drain and storm drainage | $30 | Same source |
| Each lawn sprinkler, fire protection system, meter, or backflow device | $30 | Same source |
| Each hose bibb, vacuum breaker, and/or backflow device | $6 | Same source |
| Each industrial water pre-treatment equipment (incl. drainage/vent) | $30 | Same source |
| Medical gas piping systems (per type) | $100 | Same source; additional $10 per outlet over 20 total outlets |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedHVAC, furnace, gas piping, and other mechanical work in unincorporated Yellowstone County requires a State Mechanical Permit from the Montana Building Codes Bureau under Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 104, MCA and ARM 24.301.172, since the county is not a certified local mechanical-code jurisdiction. The fee is calculated from the total cost of the mechanical system installed.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Required for forced air furnaces, air handling units, ventilation systems, refrigeration/cooling equipment, gas piping of any type, mechanical exhaust systems, and similar mechanical work
- State mechanical permits apply on all buildings to which state building permits are applicable, and in areas located outside cities certified to issue their own mechanical permits (unincorporated Yellowstone County qualifies)
- Permit fee is based on total cost of the mechanical system being installed
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Mechanical Permit (BCP-1)Signed by the mechanical contractor performing the work; filed with the Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or online at aca-prod.accela.com/bcb. Requires 17-digit geocode, parcel number, and section/township/range.
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical system cost $0–$10,000 | $48 for the first $1,000 + $14 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Mechanical Permit (ARM 24.301.172, Rev. 11/25) — verbatim fee schedule. Example given: a $9,460 project = $48 + (9 × $14) = $174 total. |
| Mechanical system cost $10,001–$50,000 | $166 for the first $10,000 + $9 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Same source |
| Mechanical system cost $50,001 or more | $514 for the first $50,000 + $6 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Same source |
Roofing Permit (Reroof)
VerifiedReroofing is listed as a 'Type of Work' option (Reroof) on the Montana state Application for Building Permit. Because most single-family and up-to-fourplex residential structures are exempt from the state building permit requirement in Montana (private homes/apartments with four or fewer units not serving transient guests), a straightforward residential re-roof on an exempt dwelling generally does NOT require a state building permit. Confirm applicability with the Building Codes Bureau for your specific structure.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- Reroofing on an exempt residential structure (4 or fewer units, non-transient) generally does not require a state building permit
- Reroofing on a non-exempt structure (5+ unit residential, commercial, or other non-exempt building) requires a state Building Permit with 'Reroof' selected as the Type of Work
- Confirm with the Building Codes Bureau at (406) 841-2056 whether your specific reroof project requires a permit
Required documents
- OptionalApplication for Building Permit (BCP-1) — ReroofOnly required for non-exempt structures; 'Reroof' is a checkbox under Type of Work on the standard state Building Permit application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Building Permit Fee (if applicable) | Calculated based on project valuation; contact Building Codes Bureau at (406) 841-2056 for current fee table | Only applies to non-exempt structures; most residential re-roofs on 1-4 unit dwellings are exempt from the state building permit entirely |
Solar Panel Permit
VerifiedSolar installations in unincorporated Yellowstone County are permitted through the Montana Building Codes Bureau's electrical/alternative-energy permitting track — there is no separate 'solar permit'; instead, the permit type depends on who performs the installation and whether it is grid-tied. The Bureau publishes a specific solar permitting decision flow for new residential construction.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- If the installer is a licensed electrical contractor: the contractor applies for a Residential (or Commercial) Electrical Permit for the dwelling/amperage and selects 'solar' on the application
- If the installer is not an electrician: the solar installer submits an Application for Alternative Energy Permit and provides solar system information
- If grid-tied, a Montana-licensed electrical contractor is required to perform the final connection to the utility grid, even if a homeowner or non-electrician installer did the rest
- A homeowner may self-install using a Homeowner Electrical Permit (option H, single family interior/exterior wire) and provide solar information, but a licensed electrical contractor must still make the grid-tie connection if applicable
- Commercial solar always requires a licensed electrical contractor; fee is based on total value of the electrical work including solar
Required documents
- OptionalApplication for Alternative Energy PermitUsed when the solar installer is not a licensed electrical contractor; filed with the Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or online. Requires answering: alternative energy type (solar/wind/hydro), solar system type (PV string, generator, or microinverter/AC module), whether the system produces 90+ volts, and whether it is grid-tied.
- OptionalApplication for Residential Electrical Permit or Homeowner Electrical PermitUsed instead of the Alternative Energy Permit when a licensed electrical contractor or the homeowner personally performs the entire installation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Change of Service (solar connection) | $45 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Alternative Energy Permit (ARM 24.301.431, Rev. 11/25), option F |
| Commercial solar/electrical project $0–$1,000 | $45 for the first $500 + 6% of the balance | Same source, option G fee chart |
| Commercial solar/electrical project $1,001–$10,000 | $75 for the first $1,000 + 2% of the balance | Same source |
| Commercial solar/electrical project $10,001–$50,000 | $255 for the first $10,000 + 0.5% of the balance | Same source |
| Commercial solar/electrical project $50,001 or more | $455 for the first $50,000 + 0.3% of the balance | Same source |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
VerifiedMontana has no ADU-specific state permit type; an ADU in unincorporated Yellowstone County is permitted the same way as any other residential structure. Because the state building-permit exemption applies to 'private homes and apartments with four or fewer units,' a detached or internal ADU that brings the total unit count on the property to four or fewer generally does not require a state building permit for the structure itself — but its electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems each require their own state permits regardless.
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- No separate state ADU building permit exists; the standard residential building-permit exemption (four or fewer dwelling units, non-transient) determines whether a structural permit is needed
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required for ADU systems (wiring, water heater, kitchen/bath plumbing, HVAC) regardless of the building-permit exemption
- Zoning compliance for adding a dwelling unit is a SEPARATE matter from building permits — contact Yellowstone County/City-County Planning Division at (406) 247-8247 to confirm zoning allows an ADU on the property before building
- Septic/well capacity for the added unit must be confirmed with Riverstone Health Environmental Health Services at (406) 256-2770
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Electrical PermitRequired for ADU wiring — see Electrical Permit entry for fee schedule
- OptionalApplication for Plumbing PermitRequired if the ADU has its own kitchen/bath plumbing — see Plumbing Permit entry for per-fixture fees
- OptionalApplication for Mechanical PermitRequired if the ADU has its own HVAC/furnace system
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Water Heater Permit
VerifiedInstalling or replacing a water heater in unincorporated Yellowstone County requires a state plumbing permit line item from the Montana Building Codes Bureau, unless the owner-occupant exemption applies (homeowner doing the work themselves on their own non-rental, non-speculative residence).
Verified 2026-07-02 · Source
Requirements
- New water heater installation or replacement by a licensed plumber requires a state Plumbing Permit
- Exempt if the owner-occupant is performing the installation themselves on their own personal residence (not a rental, not built for resale)
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1)Signed by the Master Plumber performing the work, listing 'Each new water heater or replacement' as a line item
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Each new water heater or replacement | $25 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Plumbing Permit (ARM 24.301.301/24.301.361, Rev. 11/25) — flat per-unit line item |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station / EVSE Permit (State Electrical Permit)
VerifiedUnincorporated Yellowstone County has no county-run electrical program and no dedicated EV charger/EVSE permit or fee line. All electrical work, including EV charging station/EVSE circuit installation, requires a State Electrical Permit from the Montana Building Codes Bureau (Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 604, MCA), the same statewide program used for the county's general electrical-permit entry, since Yellowstone County is not a certified local government for electrical code enforcement. The Bureau's Application for Residential/Homeowner Electrical Permit fee schedule (ARM 24.301.431) was checked directly and contains no distinct 'electric vehicle,' 'EV charger,' 'EVSE,' or 'charging station' line item; an EVSE circuit addition would be billed under an existing general-purpose fee category -- most likely 'Alternative Energy connection (residential change of service)' ($45) if tied to a service change, or the '1 additional circuit or piece of equipment' ($45) / '2-3 additional circuits or pieces of equipment' ($70) categories for a standalone dedicated circuit -- depending on project scope.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- No standalone EV charger/EVSE permit application exists; apply for a State Electrical Permit (Residential or Homeowner) from the Montana Building Codes Bureau, the same permit used for all other electrical work in unincorporated Yellowstone County
- Homeowners may self-perform the EVSE circuit wiring on their own home/garage/premises via a Homeowner Electrical Permit; otherwise a Montana-licensed electrical contractor (UCO or LCO license) must pull the permit
- The Bureau's numeric fee schedule (ARM 24.301.431) has no EV-specific line item; the applicable fee category depends on project scope -- a new dedicated circuit/piece of equipment, a service change, or an alternative-energy-style connection
- Governed by the 2020 NEC (effective June 11, 2022, with Technical Advisory NEC_TIA-23-3_210.8), which includes NEC Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) provisions for EVSE circuits and disconnects
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Residential Electrical PermitFiled by a licensed electrical contractor with the Building Codes Bureau, or online at aca-prod.accela.com/bcb; same application used for all electrical work including EV charger circuits
- OptionalApplication for Homeowner Electrical PermitUsed instead of the residential contractor application when the property owner personally performs the EVSE wiring on their own primary residence
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 additional circuit or piece of equipment (e.g., dedicated EVSE circuit) | $45 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential/Homeowner Electrical Permit (ARM 24.301.431, Rev. 11/25), option H -- likely fee category for a simple dedicated EV charger circuit; no EV-specific line exists so this is the closest matching general category |
| Alternative Energy connection (residential change of service) | $45 | Same source, option K -- may apply if the EV charger installation is paired with a service change |
| Residential Change of Service -- disconnect w/ feeder & distribution panelboard replacement | $75 | Same source, option J -- may apply if a panel upgrade is needed to support the EV charger's electrical load |
Sign Permit
VerifiedUnincorporated Yellowstone County has no separate county sign code or county-run permitting office. Sign permits for property in the county's zoning jurisdictional area (the area within roughly 4.5 miles of the Billings city limits, per the county zoning code) are administered by the same joint City/County Planning Division (Planning and Community Services Department) that handles Billings' own sign permits, via the shared Citizen Access / CityView online portal. The Division's own published guidance states plainly: 'Sign Permits are required in the City of Billings and in the zoning areas around the City limits.' Signs are reviewed against the Billings Municipal Code Sign Regulations (Chapter 27, Zoning, Article 27-1400, previously codified as Article 27-700) and, for electronic message display (EMD) signs specifically, against a distinct Yellowstone County EMD Sign Regulations document the Planning Division has published for county-side EMD signs.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- A sign permit is required for all signs erected or attached on property or to a structure within the City of Billings AND the surrounding Yellowstone County zoning jurisdictional area -- not just inside Billings city limits
- Confirm the property is within the joint zoning jurisdictional area (roughly 4.5 miles of the Billings city limits) using the County Zoning Map GIS tool or by calling the Planning Division at (406) 657-8247 -- land outside that boundary is not subject to this permit
- All signs and their supporting structures must be placed on private property, outside the public right-of-way (limited exceptions exist for awning/sidewalk signs in Billings' Central Business District and East Billings Urban Renewal District, which do not apply to the unincorporated county)
- Electronic message display (EMD) signs on county property are separately governed by a Yellowstone County EMD Sign Regulations document and require a Certification of Ownership - County EMD Signs form
- Illuminated signs additionally require a separate electrical permit from the Building Division for the electrical installation/hookup (see this jurisdiction's Electrical Permit entry) -- the sign permit alone does not cover electrical work
- Applications are submitted online through the Citizen Access / CityView Portal, selecting the 'Signs' project type
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit Application (Citizen Access / CityView Portal)Submitted online via the Citizen Access Portal (services.billingsmt.gov/citizenaccess) or CityView Portal, selecting application type 'Signs.' A Sign Permit Application User's Guide and Application Template are published by the Planning Division for reference
- RequiredSite Plan and Sign Structure SketchA site plan of the property showing frontages, setbacks, sign location, and building location, plus a detailed sketch of the sign structure with dimensions, height, construction type, footing, method of attachment, and electrical information
- OptionalCertification of Ownership - County EMD SignsRequired only for electronic message display (EMD) signs on county property, per the Yellowstone County EMD Sign Regulations
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit fee | Calculated by the Planning Division's CityView Portal fee estimator based on project scope; no single flat published rate was found in the Sign Regulations ordinance or the Planning Division's public guidance | Use the CityView Portal 'Apply for a Sign or Fence Permit (Fee Estimate)' tool (cityview.billingsmt.gov/Portal/Planning/EstimateFees) or call the Planning Division at (406) 657-8247 for the current fee before applying |
Fire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm Permit
VerifiedMontana's Building Codes Bureau (DLI) does not certify a distinct 'Fire' trade for local governments -- its Certified City, County and Town Programs roster only ever lists Building (B), Plumbing (P), Electrical (E), Mechanical (M), Pool (SP), and Wildland-Urban Interface (W) columns, and Yellowstone County does not appear on that roster at all (confirmed directly against the Bureau's own PDF, updated 4/22/2026). Separately, the Montana Department of Justice (DOJ) Division of Criminal Investigation maintains its own, different 'Fire Inspection Certified Jurisdiction' roster for local fire-code enforcement -- and on that roster too, only 'Billings City Limits' appears; unincorporated Yellowstone County is absent. With no local building-trade certification AND no local fire-inspection certification, there is no distinct fire-sprinkler or fire-alarm permit product for unincorporated Yellowstone County. Fire suppression system work is instead submitted as part of the same State Building Permit (BCP-1) used for general construction, which lists 'Fire Suppression' as one of its explicit 'Type of Work' checkboxes (confirmed directly on the Bureau's Application for Building Permit, Rev. 11/25) alongside 'Change of Use,' 'Reroof,' etc. The area's Montana DOJ Deputy State Fire Marshals (Yellowstone County is split between 'Area 4' and 'Area 9,' both currently assigned to Billings-based deputies) are responsible statewide for inspection of public buildings and certification of local inspection programs, and may be looped into plan review by the Bureau for occupancies that warrant it, but do not publish a separate permit application or fee schedule of their own for unincorporated county fire-suppression work.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- No standalone fire-sprinkler or fire-alarm permit exists for unincorporated Yellowstone County -- fire suppression system installation is submitted as 'Fire Suppression' Type of Work on the standard State Building Permit (BCP-1) application to the Montana Building Codes Bureau
- Applies because Yellowstone County is absent from BOTH the DLI Building Codes Bureau's certified-trades roster (no local Building/Plumbing/Electrical/Mechanical certification) AND the Montana DOJ's separate Fire Inspection Certified Jurisdiction roster (no local fire-code enforcement program) -- confirmed directly against both agencies' own published rosters
- Same building-permit exemption logic applies as the jurisdiction's general Building Permit entry: fire suppression work tied to an otherwise-exempt structure (private home/apartment of 4 or fewer units) may not require a state permit at all, but the applicant should confirm with the Bureau at (406) 841-2056
- Montana DOJ Deputy State Fire Marshals for 'Area 4' and 'Area 9' (both jointly covering Yellowstone County, based in Billings) are available to assist with public-building fire-safety review, but do not operate a separate local permitting office for the unincorporated county
- Governed by the 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) as the state-adopted fire code, and NFPA sprinkler/alarm standards referenced by the adopted building codes
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Building Permit (BCP-1) -- 'Fire Suppression' Type of WorkSame state Building Permit application used for all other construction in this jurisdiction; the applicant checks 'Fire Suppression' under Type of Work. Filed with the Montana Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or online at aca-prod.accela.com/bcb
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| State Building Permit Fee (Fire Suppression work) | Calculated based on project valuation, same as the jurisdiction's general Building Permit -- fee schedule not published inline on the application; contact Building Codes Bureau at (406) 841-2056 for the current valuation-based fee table | No separate fire-sprinkler/fire-alarm fee line exists on any Montana Building Codes Bureau application -- Fire Suppression is billed under the same valuation-based Building Permit fee as any other Type of Work checked on the BCP-1 |
Change of Use / Zoning Compliance Permit
VerifiedYellowstone County itself issues no building Certificates of Occupancy for structures outside Billings city limits (confirmed elsewhere in this dataset), so there is no county-issued 'Change of Occupancy' building certificate. The county's real change-of-use control operates on the zoning side: Section 27-1628 of the joint Billings/Yellowstone County zoning code requires a County Zoning Compliance Permit from the City/County Planning Division before any land use is established OR CHANGED, in whole or in part, anywhere in the county's zoning jurisdictional area -- regardless of whether new construction is involved. This permit is explicitly limited to a zoning-conformance review and does not substitute for building-code compliance; if a change of use also changes a building's occupancy classification under the International Building Code (egress, fire rating, etc.), a separate state Building Permit (BCP-1) marking 'Change of Use' as the Type of Work is additionally required from the Montana Building Codes Bureau, unless the structure/use qualifies for the state's residential building-permit exemption.
Verified 2026-07-22 · Source
Requirements
- A Zoning Compliance Permit (Section 27-1628, Billings/Yellowstone County Zoning Code) is required before any land use is established or changed, in whole or in part, within the county's zoning jurisdictional area -- this applies even to a pure use change with no new construction
- Zoning Compliance Permit review is limited strictly to zoning-regulation conformance; per the code itself, it 'shall not constitute a review of compliance with any applicable building codes or other County, State, or Federal regulations'
- If the change of use also changes the building's IBC occupancy classification, a separate State Building Permit (BCP-1) marking 'Change of Use' as Type of Work is required from the Montana Building Codes Bureau -- unless the structure/use qualifies for the state's 4-or-fewer-unit residential exemption
- Commercial change-of-use projects must additionally submit a landscaping plan and an off-street parking/loading site plan as part of the Zoning Compliance Permit application
- Applicant should separately confirm septic/wastewater capacity for the new use with Riverstone Health (406-256-2770) and any state building-code applicability with the Building Codes Bureau (406-841-2040) before applying
- A Zoning Compliance Permit is valid for 6 months from approval and may be extended once, for an additional 6 months, with written approval from the zoning coordinator
Required documents
- RequiredZoning Compliance Permit ApplicationCompleted and signed application to the Planning and Community Services Department (316 N 26th St, 5th Floor, Billings), submitted with the applicable fee via the Citizen Access Portal
- RequiredSite PlanShowing all existing and proposed structures, decks/porches, driveways, off-street parking and loading areas (commercial), property lines, watercourses, and easements, drawn to scale with setback measurements
- RequiredBuilding Elevation PlansDrawn to scale with measurements labeled
- OptionalLandscaping PlanCommercial projects only -- shows how the property will be landscaped in adherence to the zoning district's landscaping requirements
- OptionalApplication for Building Permit (BCP-1) -- 'Change of Use'Required separately from the Montana Building Codes Bureau only if the change of use also changes the building's occupancy classification under building code
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning Compliance Permit fee | $77.00 | Current fee per the Planning and Community Services Department's Zoning Compliance Permit Information and Application form; flat fee regardless of residential or commercial project |
| State Building Permit Fee (if occupancy classification change requires a state Building Permit) | Calculated based on project valuation; fee schedule not published inline on the application -- contact Building Codes Bureau at (406) 841-2056 for the current valuation-based fee table | Only applies if the change of use also triggers a state Building Permit 'Change of Use' review, separate from the Zoning Compliance Permit |
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 Unincorporated Yellowstone County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.