Building Safety in Montana (2026)
14 rules on the books across Montana, 3 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Fire Sprinkler Requirements
When residential and commercial buildings must install fire sprinkler systems, including new-construction triggers and major-renovation thresholds.
Childcare Center Rules
Building safety standards specific to family childcare homes and centers, including egress, sprinklers, lead and asbestos clearances, and outdoor play standards.
Billings
Some RestrictionsBillings adopts the 2021 International Fire Code and rewrites its Group E day care definition in Sec. 14-301. A…
Read full rule →Yellowstone County
Some RestrictionsIn unincorporated Yellowstone County, a day care center, family day care home, or group day care home must comply with…
Read full rule →Green Building Code
CALGreen and equivalent state green building codes, plus reach codes that go further (electric-only new construction, EV-readiness, low-VOC materials).
Billings
Some RestrictionsNew construction and major renovations inside Billings' East Billings Urban Revitalization District must rack up at…
Read full rule →Bozeman
Some RestrictionsThe City of Bozeman, Montana adopts the International Energy Conservation Code, 2009 edition, as provided by ARM…
Read full rule →Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Where CO detectors are required (typically near sleeping areas in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages), and seller/landlord deadlines.
Building Permits
When a building permit is required, new work, renovations, reroofing, decks, the small-project exemptions, and what unpermitted work costs when it surfaces at sale or inspection.
Billings
Some RestrictionsBillings requires a building permit for most new construction, additions, and alterations under the adopted state…
Read full rule →Bozeman
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Bozeman, Montana, a building permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 180 days after…
Read full rule →Electrical Permits
Which electrical work (panel upgrades, EV chargers, solar inverters, sub-panels) requires a licensed-electrician permit vs. an owner-builder permit.
Billings
Some RestrictionsBillings adopts the state electrical code by reference and requires an electrical permit before wiring work; only…
Read full rule →Bozeman
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Bozeman, Montana, no wiring can be altered or installed without first notifying the electrical inspector…
Read full rule →Plumbing Permits
Which plumbing work (water heaters, sewer-line replacement, repipe, gas-line) requires a permit, and which minor repairs are typically exempt.
Billings
Some RestrictionsBillings adopts Montana's state plumbing code by reference and requires a permit for any plumbing installation…
Read full rule →Bozeman
Some RestrictionsThe City of Bozeman, Montana adopts the Uniform Plumbing Code, 2009 edition, as provided by ARM 24.301.301 or a…
Read full rule →Building Inspections
Required inspection types (rough framing, electrical, plumbing, final), how to schedule, what inspectors look for, and how to handle a failed inspection.
Billings
Some RestrictionsBillings requires a city inspection within 48 hours of notice before any new or altered building wiring is energized…
Read full rule →Bozeman
Some RestrictionsIn the City of Bozeman, Montana, a building official can withhold a certificate of occupancy until a structure conforms…
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