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Billings, MT Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Permit required
before any electrical work begins
Contractors
state master electrician license required
Homeowner exemption
may wire own home without license
Sequencing
no electrical permit before building permit
Penalty
municipal infraction, daily civil fine

Summary

Billings adopts the state electrical code by reference and requires an electrical permit before wiring work; only licensed electrical contractors may do the work, though homeowners can wire their own house without a license if they get the permit.

If any owner wishes to do wiring in the owner's own home, the owner may do so without a license, but the owner must first obtain the permit required by the Uniform Administrative Code; provided, however, that the city may refuse to issue a permit to any person who is not competent to install the electrical work in accordance with the regulations of this article.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 66 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Under Article 6-400, the city adopts by reference the current electrical code set by the Montana Building Codes Bureau and requires a licensed electrical contractor (holding a state master electrician's license) for electrical work in the city. No electrical permit can be issued for a building until its building permit has been issued (Sec. 6-303). Homeowners may wire their own home without a contractor's license, but must still obtain the required permit and meet code, and the city can refuse the permit if the owner isn't competent to do the work (Sec. 6-419).

Violations & Fines

Violating the adopted electrical code is a municipal infraction with civil penalties under Sec. 18-1304; each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do my own electrical work in Billings?
Yes, if you own the home you can wire it yourself without a contractor's license, but you still need the permit and the city can refuse it if you're not competent to do the work.
Does Billings issue electrical permits separately from building permits?
Yes, but not first: the city won't issue an electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permit until the building permit for that structure has already been issued.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Billings

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All Billings rules

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