Billings Permits & Inspections: Where to Start
The City of Billings Building Division handles building permits, construction plan reviews, code compliance, and building inspections within Billings city limits in Montana. Permit applications are submitted online through the city’s CityView Portal, including residential and commercial roofing, siding, window, and door projects.
Quick answer: To apply for a Billings building permit, visit the official CityView Portal, register or sign in, select Apply for a Building Permit, enter your project information, upload required documents, and submit. For inspection requests, call 406-657-8270 or email inspections@billingsmt.gov.
Building Division Contact Information
| Detail | Official Information |
|---|---|
| Department | City of Billings Building Division |
| Location | 316 N. 26th Street, 5th Floor, Billings, MT 59101 |
| Telephone | 406-657-8270 |
| Permit Email | permits@billingsmt.gov |
| Inspection Email | inspections@billingsmt.gov |
| Official Website | Building Division |
| Online Permits | Billings CityView Portal |
| Service Area | Properties within City of Billings building-code jurisdiction |
Office hours were not independently confirmed. Contact the Building Division before visiting, especially near holidays.
Is your property inside Billings city limits?
A Billings mailing address does not automatically mean that your property falls under city permitting jurisdiction. The Building Division states that the Montana state building authority handles areas outside Billings city limits.
- Inside city limits: Contact the Billings Building Division.
- Outside city limits: Contact Montana’s state building authority at 406-841-2056 or visit the Montana Building Codes Program.
- Unsure of jurisdiction: Check the city’s Building/Zoning Permit and Code Enforcement Information Map or call the Building Division with your property address.
Which Construction Projects Need a Permit?
Billings requires permits for many construction, alteration, and repair projects. The city’s published guidance specifically identifies roofing, siding, decks, parking lots, certain fences, and retaining walls.
| Project | Billings Permit Guidance |
|---|---|
| New homes, additions, structural remodels | Building permit generally required; plans and additional reviews may apply. |
| Roof replacement | Permit required, including residential and commercial roofing. |
| Siding, windows, and doors | Apply through CityView for the applicable exterior-remodel permit. |
| Deck construction | Identified by the city as permit-required work. |
| Detached sheds | Detached sheds not exceeding 200 square feet are listed as exempt from a building permit. Zoning and other rules may still apply. |
| Fences and retaining walls | Building permit guidance identifies fences 8 feet or higher and retaining walls over 4 feet. Certain shorter fences require Planning Division approval; confirm your particular fence. |
| Electrical, plumbing, HVAC | Separate trade permits may be required, with contractor licensing restrictions. |
| Painting and wallpaper | Generally listed among work not requiring a building permit. |
| Private sidewalks and driveways | May be exempt when entirely on private property and not supporting a structure; work in public rights-of-way is treated separately. |
Fence detail: Billings directs applicants to the Planning Division at 406-657-8247 for certain fences between 4 and 6 feet. Since zoning rules and building-permit thresholds are different, verify your proposed fence height, location, and approval requirements before installation.
How to Apply for a Billings Building Permit Online
The city requires online building permit submissions through CityView. These steps follow the city’s published portal registration and project-submission guides.
- Open the official portal. Go to cityview.billingsmt.gov/Portal/. Select Sign In / Register. New users should register with a working email address, create a password, and complete account verification.
- Start a building application. After signing in, find the Building Department section and choose Apply for a Building Permit.
- Describe the project. Choose the application type and nature of work. Enter a specific description, building use (residential, multifamily, or commercial), project name where applicable, and estimated construction cost.
- Select relevant permit types. The portal includes building, mechanical, electrical, gas, plumbing, and other categories. Select those appropriate to the application. Subcontractors may need to create their own associated trade permits.
- Identify the property. Search for the work location by address. If it does not appear, use Can’t Find Address? and enter an address or tax parcel identification as directed. Confirm the correct site before continuing.
- Add contacts and documents. Enter contractor and additional contact information. Upload required plans, drawings, and supporting documents. The city’s guide lists PDF, DWG, CAD, JPG, and JPEG as accepted file extensions and instructs applicants to keep documents under 500 MB. Plans must be to scale.
- Review and submit. Check every detail, accept the certification statement, complete the verification challenge, and select Submit Application. Save the resulting application reference number. A temporary TMPPR number is not the final submitted application number.
- Respond to review and payment requests. Monitor the email associated with your account and the portal’s My Items section. Upload requested revisions or documents, pay assessed fees, and wait for permit issuance before beginning work requiring approval.
Useful application detail: The city’s current project-submission training guide states that applicants no longer need to attach a separate Building Permit Application form to the online submission. Required plans and other supporting documents must still be provided.
Official account registration guide (PDF) | Official project submission guide (PDF)
What documents should you prepare?
Requirements depend on the project. For work involving plan review, prepare applicable site plans, foundation details, floor plans, elevations, and structural information. The city’s instructions also identify geotechnical reports and engineered truss or joist layouts as separate supporting uploads when applicable.
Commercial plans generally need appropriate Montana-licensed architect or engineer documentation. Simple roofing or siding projects may require fewer drawings. Check your permit category before paying for unnecessary design documents.
Check Permit Status and Pay Fees
After submission, Billings applicants can track progress in CityView without repeatedly calling the department.
- Sign in to the CityView Portal.
- Open My Items.
- Find your application by reference number or project information.
- Review the listed status, requests for information, or permit details.
- When fees are payable, select the permit and use Add Fees to Cart.
- Open My Shopping Cart, review the charges, and select Make Payment.
If a contractor needs access to the project, CityView provides a Share option that allows authorized participants to receive an invitation to the application.
The city’s guide distinguishes temporary draft references from submitted application numbers. Use the submitted reference when contacting staff.
How to Schedule a Building Inspection
Inspections help verify permitted work at required stages of construction. Depending on the project, these may include foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and final inspections.
Official inspection request contacts
Phone: 406-657-8270
Email: inspections@billingsmt.gov
Online: CityView Portal — use the inspection option available for your permit.
Inspection request checklist
- Confirm the permit is issued and identify the required inspection stage.
- Have the permit/application number and exact property address ready.
- Provide the inspection type, responsible contact, telephone number, and requested timing.
- Make sure the work is accessible and ready for inspection before requesting a visit.
- Review the inspection result and correct any deficiencies before proceeding with dependent work.
Do not conceal work that requires inspection before approval. Inspection availability and scheduling cutoffs should be confirmed directly; a requested date is not necessarily a confirmed appointment.
Billings Building Permit Fees in 2026
Billings City Council adopted Resolution 26-11315 on February 23, 2026, establishing fees for building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire-system permits. The resolution became effective upon passage and replaced inconsistent earlier fee resolutions, including Resolution 11-19068.
For residential and commercial building permits, the published schedule uses the higher of the applicable bid-price valuation or valuation established through the referenced International Code Council valuation method.
2026 residential and commercial building permit schedule
| Project Valuation | Base Permit Fee Calculation |
|---|---|
| $1–$2,000 | $45 flat fee |
| $2,001–$25,000 | $45 for first $2,000, plus $8 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $25,001–$50,000 | $229 for first $25,000, plus $5 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $50,001–$100,000 | $354 for first $50,000, plus $3.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $100,001–$500,000 | $529 for first $100,000, plus $2.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $500,001–$1,000,000 | $1,529 for first $500,000, plus $2 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| $1,000,001–$5,000,000 | $2,529 for first $1,000,000, plus $1.75 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
| Above $5,000,000 | $9,529 for first $5,000,000, plus $1.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction |
Commercial plan review: The 2026 resolution assesses a commercial plan-review fee equal to 60% of the building permit fee. This is separate from the base building permit fee. The city’s portal guide states that residential projects do not have a separate plan-review fee.
Examples of other 2026 permit charges
| Permit / Service | Published Charge |
|---|---|
| Single-family electrical service, 100–300 amps | $130 |
| Single-family electrical service, 301+ amps | $200 |
| Residential interior rewire only | $40 |
| Plumbing permit issuance | $20 plus applicable unit charges |
| Mechanical permit issuance | $20 plus applicable equipment charges |
| Residential furnace mechanical item | $20 equipment charge in addition to applicable issuance fee |
| Residential air-conditioner mechanical item | $10 equipment charge in addition to applicable issuance fee |
| Reinspection | $75 per hour; one-hour minimum |
| Inspection outside normal business hours | $75 per hour; two-hour minimum |
Fire-system permits have their own project-cost-based schedule. Plumbing fixtures, additional equipment, separate permits, and other required reviews may add charges. The amounts above are not a complete project quote.
Official fee document: Billings Resolution 26-11315 — Complete 2026 Fee Schedule (PDF).
How Long Does Permit Approval Take?
The Building Division publishes the following initial plan-review estimates after a complete submission and resolution of special issues such as variances or subdivision requirements:
| Project Type | Published Initial Review Estimate |
|---|---|
| Single-family residence or duplex | 4–7 business days |
| Minor commercial project | 2–4 weeks |
| Major commercial project | 3–6 weeks |
These are the city’s published estimates, not guaranteed permit issuance dates. Incomplete plans, zoning issues, engineering corrections, and multiple review cycles can extend the process.
Practical tip: Submit accurate plans and resolve property, zoning, and contractor questions early. Billings generally reviews applications in receipt order and does not offer routine priority treatment simply because a project is urgent.
Billings Building Codes and Local Requirements
The city’s official adopted-code list identifies these editions, subject to applicable Montana administrative rules and amendments.
| Code | Listed Edition |
|---|---|
| International Building Code (IBC) | 2021 |
| International Residential Code (IRC) | 2021, with specified chapter exclusions |
| International Existing Building Code (IEBC) | 2021 |
| International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) | 2021 |
| International Mechanical Code (IMC) | 2021 |
| International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) | 2021 |
| Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) | 2021 |
| National Electrical Code (NEC) | 2020 |
| International Swimming Pool & Spa Code | 2021 |
The city’s Building Division FAQ additionally lists the 2021 International Fire Code. Billings’ published local adoption references Administrative Order 150 dated September 1, 2022.
Residential code distinction: Billings’ adopted-code page excludes IRC chapters 11–14 and 16–43 and treats chapter 15 as an alternative for specified exhaust systems. Mechanical requirements therefore need to be checked against the locally applicable International Mechanical Code and Montana modifications, rather than assuming every IRC chapter applies.
Check the official Billings adopted building codes and amendments.
Zoning, Setbacks, and Other Local Approvals
A building permit does not automatically resolve zoning, subdivision, floodplain, or public-right-of-way requirements.
- Zoning and setbacks: Check the zoning district, property setbacks, allowed use, height, and lot coverage. Call City-County Planning at 406-657-8247.
- Sidewalks and street improvements: Certain developments must provide sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and associated street improvements. The city describes a possible waiver process in specified circumstances.
- Floodplain: For properties inside city limits, the city’s published contact is 406-657-8271. For properties outside city limits, the city’s FAQ directs inquiries to 406-256-2775.
- Property lines: A private surveyor may be needed to establish exact boundaries. City staff do not survey private property lines.
- Underground utilities: Contact Montana 811 before excavation and follow required utility-locate procedures.
Planning approval and building approval are different processes. For projects involving new construction, additions, fences, or changes of use, check zoning early to avoid redesigns.
Common Application Problems and Solutions
| Problem | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Property address not found | Use the portal’s Can’t Find Address? option and check the address or parcel ID. Contact staff if the property cannot be identified. |
| Contractor not listed | Contact the Building Division at 406-657-8270; the city’s guide also references Engineering at 406-657-8231 for relevant contractor-list issues. |
| Application review delayed | Check My Items for requested corrections, missing drawings, unpaid fees, or outstanding departmental reviews. |
| Plans rejected or corrections required | Review the comments, update the affected documents, and submit revisions through the applicable portal workflow. |
| Uncertain permit type | Describe the proposed work and property address to permits@billingsmt.gov before selecting an application category. |
| Inspection not approved | Review the deficiency, complete corrections, and arrange the required follow-up inspection. |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where do I apply for a building permit in Billings, Montana?
Apply through the official City of Billings CityView Portal at https://cityview.billingsmt.gov/Portal/. Register or sign in, select Apply for a Building Permit, complete the project details, upload required documents, and submit.
2. Who issues building permits outside Billings city limits?
The City of Billings directs properties outside its building jurisdiction to the Montana state building authority. Call 406-841-2056 to confirm the correct permitting process for your property.
3. Do roofing and siding projects require permits in Billings?
Yes. Billings identifies roofing and siding among work requiring permits. Residential and commercial exterior-remodel applications are submitted through CityView.
4. Does a small shed need a building permit in Billings?
The city’s Building Division lists detached sheds not exceeding 200 square feet as exempt from a building permit. Zoning, placement, utilities, and other applicable requirements still need to be checked.
5. How can I schedule a building inspection in Billings?
Request an inspection by emailing inspections@billingsmt.gov or calling 406-657-8270. CityView also provides inspection-related options for applicable permits. Have your permit number and project address ready.
6. How much does a building permit cost in Billings in 2026?
Under Resolution 26-11315, the building permit fee starts at $45 for valuations up to $2,000 and increases according to project valuation. Commercial plan review adds 60% of the building permit fee. Separate trade and inspection charges may apply.
7. How long does Billings take to review building plans?
The city’s published initial-review estimates are 4–7 business days for single-family and duplex projects, 2–4 weeks for minor commercial projects, and 3–6 weeks for major commercial projects, after complete submission and resolution of special issues.
8. Can I check my Billings permit status online?
Yes. Sign in to CityView, open My Items, and select the application to review its status, permit details, and outstanding items. The city also sends email notifications when departmental reviews are completed.
9. Which building code editions does Billings use?
Billings lists the 2021 International Building Code, modified 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code, along with other adopted 2021 technical codes and applicable Montana amendments.
10. Can a homeowner apply for a building permit in Billings?
The property owner is responsible for ensuring permits are obtained and may designate a contractor to handle applications. Some electrical and plumbing work requires appropriately licensed contractors, so confirm eligibility before applying for trade permits.
Official Billings Building Department Resources
- City of Billings Building Division — department services, contact details, and application links.
- CityView Permit Portal — online applications, application status, payments, and inspection functions.
- Creating a Project (PDF) — official application workflow and document-upload instructions.
- Application Status Guide (PDF) — tracking, sharing applications, and fee payments.
- 2026 Permit Fee Resolution (PDF) — adopted building and trade permit charges.
- Adopted Building Codes — listed code editions and Montana modifications.
- City of Billings FAQs — permit exemptions, review times, inspections, and zoning questions.
- City-County Planning Division — zoning and land-use information.
Information reviewed: October 9, 2026. Fees are based on Resolution 26-11315, adopted February 23, 2026. Permit rules, portal options, and published review estimates may change. USBuilding.org is an independent informational website, not the City of Billings or a government agency.