Building Safety in Billings, MT (2026)
8 verified building safety rules for Billings, Montana, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
Billings requires automatic fire sprinklers in Group R residential buildings with 5 or more dwelling units, more than 2 stories, or 9 or more transient guests, under its locally amended 2021 International Fire Code.
Billings Sprinklers for Larger Residential Buildings
Some RestrictionsSec. 14-301(b) (2021 IFC § 903.2.8, as amended)
Section 903.2.8 Group R. Delete subsection 903.2.8 and replace with the following: "903.2.8 Group R. 1.An approved automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3 shall be provided in all Group R buildings meeting any of the following criteria: a.9 or more transient guests or 5 or more transient guestrooms b.9 or more occupants in other than dwelling units; c.5 or more dwe...
Childcare Center Rules
Billings' Fire Prevention Code amendments classify day care facilities serving more than five children as a Group E occupancy, with lighter treatment for small in-home programs and care during religious services.
Billings Day Care Occupancy Rules
Some RestrictionsSec. 14-301 (Art. 14-300, Fire Prevention Code)
OCCUPANCY CLASSIFICATION Group E, day care facilities is modified to read: "This group includes buildings and structures or portions thereof occupied by more than five children older than 2 1/2 years of age who receive educational, supervision or personal care services for less than 24 hours per day. (A)Fifteen or fewer children. A facility having fifteen or fewer children receiving such care s...
Green Building Code
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.
Billings EBURD Green Building Points Rule
Some RestrictionsSec. 27-901(C)
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 ...
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Billings requires every short-term rental, guest homes and tourist homes, to have working smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors before the city will issue or renew a rental permit.
Billings Short-Term Rental Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Some RestrictionsSec. 27-1005.O.10.a
Short-term rental units must contain smoke detectors, fire extinguishers and CO2 detectors; and shall remain compliant with all zoning, building, fire, noise, and other applicable city and state codes.
Building Permits
Billings requires a building permit for most new construction, additions, and alterations under the adopted state building code, with a narrow exemption for small farm and ranch accessory structures.
Billings Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsSec. 6-301, Billings Municipal Code
The following indicated sections of the Uniform Building Code are amended or added as follows: Section 106.2 is amended to add another exemption from a building permit: Farm and ranch accessory structures such as livestock barns, hay sheds, equipment storage, agriculture fences or similar uses directly related to agricultural operations. Structures are limited to one thousand (1,000) square fee...
Electrical Permits
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.
Billings Electrical Permit & License Rules
Some RestrictionsSec. 6-419
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.
Plumbing Permits
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.
Billings Plumbing Permit Required for Work
Some RestrictionsSec. 6-201
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 co...
Building Inspections
Billings requires a city inspection within 48 hours of notice before any new or altered building wiring is energized, plus a separate concealment inspection.
Billings Electrical Inspection Process
Some RestrictionsSec. 6-431
Upon the completion of the wiring or alterations or additions to the wiring of any building, it shall be the duty of the person installing such wiring to notify the city. The city shall inspect the installation within forty-eight (48) hours of the time notice is given...the city shall issue...a certificate of inspection authorizing connection to the electrical service...All wires which are to b...
Looking for Yellowstone County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Billings city rules.
Building Safety in Yellowstone County →