Bozeman, MT Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)

Section 10.02.280 of the Bozeman Municipal Code requires a permit before any alteration is made in the existing wiring of a building, before a building is wired for the placing of any electrical current, and before further alterations are made in wiring after inspection. The person must first notify the electrical inspector. If work starts before the permit is obtained, the specified fees are doubled, and paying them does not excuse compliance with the article or the other penalties it prescribes.

The permit process has several printed requirements. Section 10.02.290 requires plans of the work on all nonresidential construction, and plans for residence-type work when the electrical inspector deems them necessary. A permit covers only the work set forth in the plans, and additional work needs a new permit. Section 10.02.300 requires anyone installing, repairing or altering electrical wiring within the corporate limits, excluding a public electric utility, to file a $5,000.00 bond with the building official. An owner can wire the owner's own single-family residence without a license, but must first obtain the permit, and the electrical inspector can refuse a permit to a person the inspector judges not competent.

Inspection is tied to the installer's notice. Under section 10.02.350, on completion the installer notifies the electrical inspector, who must inspect within 24 hours, Sundays and holidays excepted. Wires to be hidden from view must be inspected before concealment on the same 24-hour notice. The inspector can give temporary permission to use current for a length of time not exceeding 30 days when the wiring appears safe and an urgent necessity exists.

The code adopted is the National Electrical Code, 2008 edition, as provided by ARM 24.301.401 or a successor provision (section 10.02.250). Under section 10.02.340, dangerous wiring must be removed or repaired within 48 hours after receipt of the inspector's notice, or the current is disconnected.