Water Heater Permit in Unincorporated Yellowstone County, Montana
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
When you need this permit
- 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
- Required
Application 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 |
Review timeline
~1–5 business days
Typical estimate — confirm current times with the Unincorporated Yellowstone County building department
Inspection process
Tips
- If you own and personally occupy the residence (not a rental, not built for resale) and are replacing your own water heater yourself, no state plumbing permit is required.
- If a licensed plumber performs the replacement, the flat fee is $25 per the Building Codes Bureau's published fee schedule.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to replace a water heater in unincorporated Yellowstone County?
- Only if a licensed plumber performs the work — the state plumbing permit fee is $25 per water heater. Homeowners replacing their own water heater in their own owner-occupied, non-rental residence are exempt from the permit requirement.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
- Montana Department of Labor & Industry — Building Codes Bureau (Business Standards Division, Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau) — official building department
- Montana Building Codes Bureau — Application for Plumbing Permit (ARM 24.301.301/24.301.361, Rev. 11/25)
- Montana Building Codes Bureau — Plumbing Permits (owner-occupant exemption)
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.
Other permits in Unincorporated Yellowstone County
Water Heater Permit in other cities
Compare water heater permit fees across Montana →
Related guides
Project checklist — coming soon
Describe your project once and get every permit, document, and fee it triggers in Unincorporated Yellowstone County — in one checklist. Leave your email and we'll tell you when it's ready.
We only use your email to send permit updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. Privacy.