Billings, MT Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Before any plumbing work begins
- Contractor license
- State plumbing or contractor license required
- Surety bond
- $10,000 required for contractors
- Homeowner DIY
- Permitted without license, permit still required
- Violation penalty
- Municipal infraction, civil penalty per day
Summary
Billings adopts Montana's state plumbing code by reference and requires a permit for any plumbing installation, alteration, or repair, whether done by a licensed contractor or a homeowner working in their own home.
The adopted plumbing code shall regulate and control the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, erection, alteration, repair, location, relocation, replacement, addition to, operation, and maintenance or use of any plumbing system within the city and its jurisdictional area; providing for issuance of permits and collections of fees; and penalties.
The adopted electrical code shall regulate and control the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, erection, alteration, repair, location, relocation, replacement, addition to, operation, and maintenance or use of any electrical system within the city and its jurisdictional area.
(b)One (1) copy of each code shall be on file in the office of the city clerk.(c)Any codes or amendments adopted by the Building Codes Bureau which apply to local government jurisdictions, including the adoption of the latest editions of the model technical codes or applicable Administrative Rules of Montana, shall become effective in the city upon order of the city administrator within ninety (90) days after the date that the bureau notifies the city of said amendments. (Ord. No. 82-4469, § 1(21.04.010), 11-2-82; Ord. No. 86-4692, § 1, 6-2-86; Ord. No. 89-4791, § 1, 7-10-89; Ord. No. 92-4905, § 1, 7-27-92; Ord. No. 94-4961, § 1, 5-23-94; Ord. No. 98-5073, § 1, 11-23-98; Ord. No. 02-5186, § 1, 3-25-02)
State Law reference— Adoption of codes by reference, MCA 7-5-108.
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
The city adopts Montana's state plumbing code by reference under Sec. 6-201 and regulates design, installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing systems citywide, requiring a permit before work begins. Permit fees follow Table 3-D of the Uniform Administrative Code as set by council resolution. Anyone doing plumbing contracting for others must hold a state plumbing or construction contractor's license, post a $10,000 surety bond, and carry liability insurance (Sec. 6-511, 6-512). A homeowner can do plumbing work in their own home without a license, but still must obtain the required permit (Sec. 6-513).
Violations & Fines
Doing plumbing work without a permit, or contracting without a state license and city business tax receipt, is a municipal infraction with civil penalties under Sec. 18-1304; each day of continued violation is a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to do my own plumbing in Billings?
What license does a Billings plumbing contractor need?
What plumbing code applies in Billings?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Billings
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