Bozeman, MT Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- Uniform Plumbing Code, 2009 edition
- State rule reference
- ARM 24.301.301 et seq., Subchapter 3, Plumbing Requirements
- Work without permit
- Added fee, not more than twice the permit fee
- Permit invalid
- Work not commenced within 180 days after issuance
- Penalty
- Misdemeanor, fine not exceeding $500.00 plus costs
Summary
The City of Bozeman, Montana adopts the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2009 edition, as provided by ARM 24.301.301 or a successor provision, plus the state plumbing amendments in Subchapter 3 of the Administrative Rules of Montana. Starting plumbing work before obtaining the necessary permit adds a fee of not more than twice the permit fee.
A.Adopted. The Uniform Plumbing Code, 2009 edition as provided by ARM 24.301.301 (or successor provision), is hereby adopted subject to amendment or modification by section 10.02.010. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum requirements and standards for plumbing installations for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. The Uniform Plumbing Code is a nationally recognized model code setting forth minimum standards and requirements for plumbing installations.B.Supplemental documents. To supplement the Uniform Plumbing Code, as modified by the state, the city adopts and incorporates by reference into the Bozeman Municipal Code the amendments as set forth in the Administrative Rules of Montana at section 24.301.301 et seq. (Building Codes, Subchapter 3, Plumbing Requirements).
Full Breakdown
Section 10.02.090 of the Bozeman Municipal Code adopts the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2009 edition, as provided by ARM 24.301.301 (or successor provision), subject to amendment or modification under section 10.02.010. The Code states the purpose plainly: minimum requirements and standards for plumbing installations for the protection of the public health, safety and welfare. Subsection B supplements the code by incorporating by reference the amendments in the Administrative Rules of Montana at section 24.301.301 et seq. (Building Codes, Subchapter 3, Plumbing Requirements).
Edition changes follow the state. Section 10.02.010(A) adopts the current editions of the model technical codes, including plumbing, adopted by the Building Codes Bureau of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, and later amendments become effective in the City of Bozeman through automatic adoption upon an administrative order of the city manager unless the order specifies a different effective date.
The permit rules sit in section 10.02.020. The building division charges fees for permits, plan checks and other work under a schedule adopted by resolution of the city commission. Any person who commences work on a plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits is subject to an additional fee established by the building division, in addition to the required fees, and that added fee cannot be more than twice the permit fee amount. A permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 180 days after issuance.
The plumbing code also interacts with gas appliances. Section 10.02.070 allows LPG appliances in single-family dwellings notwithstanding the prohibition on such appliances by the UMC and the UPC, provided conditions are met, including that all LPG piping is pressure tested to insure it is gastight and is not installed in concealed locations.
A building official can withhold a certificate of occupancy or issue a stop work order when work does not conform to an adopted model technical code, which covers plumbing.
Violations & Fines
Violating Chapter 10, a building permit, or an adopted model technical code such as the Uniform Plumbing Code is a misdemeanor under section 10.02.100, with a fine not exceeding $500.00 plus the costs and expenses of the case. Each day a violation occurs or continues is a separate offense, and plumbing work started without a permit carries the added fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plumbing code applies in the City of Bozeman?
What is the penalty for plumbing work without a permit in Bozeman?
Do plumbing code updates reach Bozeman automatically?
Can LPG appliances be installed in a Bozeman house despite the plumbing code?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bozeman
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