Billings, MT Building Safety: Green Building Code (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum points required
- 5 points, no partial credit
- Green certification value
- 3 points (third-party rating body)
- Energy target, new construction
- 10% better than current energy code
- Applies to
- New builds & major renovations in EBURD
- Adopted
- Ord. No. 21-5748, Jan. 25, 2021
Summary
New construction and major renovations inside Billings' East Billings Urban Revitalization District must rack up at least 5 points from a menu of green building, energy, water, and site measures before the building permit is approved.
C.Sustainable development measures.1.Generally. The following sustainable development measures process shall be addressed by all developments in the EBURD districts.(a)Requirements. The applicant shall achieve no less than five (5) total points from any combination of the following sustainable development measures. No partial points will be accepted.(b)Documentation. The applicant shall submit supporting documentation detailing how the development will achieve the measure in practice, on the site where it is proposed.(c)Review and approval. Documentation on which measures and total number of points the applicant will achieve shall be indicated on the building permit application submitted to the city for review and approval.2.Certified green buildings measure (3 points).(a)Action. Certify a new construction building or building undergoing major renovations through a green building rating system requiring review by an independent, third-party certifying body and approved by the zoning coordinator.
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
Billings Municipal Code § 27-901(C) sets a sustainable development points system for the EBURD zoning districts (Rail Spur Village, Rail Spur Village Main Streets, Central Works, North 13th Street, and Industrial Sanctuary). Applicants must hit at least five points, with no partial credit, chosen from ten measures: third-party green building certification (3 points), 10% better energy performance than the current energy code for new construction, water efficiency, xeriscape landscaping, on-site renewable energy, a green roof over 50% of the roof, heat-island reduction, pervious pavement, and bicycle amenities (1-2 points each). The chosen measures must be documented on the building permit application itself.
Violations & Fines
Building permits inside EBURD are not approved until the applicant's documentation shows a full 5 points achieved -- partial points are not accepted under Sec. 27-901(C)(1)(a).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this green building rule apply citywide in Billings?
Can I combine different sustainability measures to hit 5 points?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
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