Montana, Park County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Park County, Montana Plumbing Permit Requirements

Park County, Montana, issues building permits for properties located in unincorporated areas of the county. If your property is within an incorporated city, that city's building department will handle your permits. The Park County Planning & Zoning Department is the authority for building permits in unincorporated areas.

A building permit is required for most construction activities, including erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, improving, removing, converting, or demolishing any building or structure in unincorporated Park County. Plumbing work generally requires a permit, and inspections are necessary before covering any plumbing work.

Permit Application Process and Requirements:

• Contact the Park County Planning Department at (406) 222-4102 to obtain the necessary application forms.
• Submit a completed building permit application, which includes plans and specifications demonstrating code compliance.
• Provide a warranty deed to establish property ownership.
• Include a site plan showing the property location and any required setbacks.
• The Building Department will review the plans for code compliance.
• Upon approval, the permit will be issued.
• The applicant must schedule required inspections, including plumbing rough-in and final inspections, before the final Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.

Plumbing Specifics:

• Plumbing work must comply with the Montana Statewide Building Code, which references the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). The state is planning to adopt the 2024 ICC codes in mid-2026, with a likely prior adoption of 2021 ICC codes.
• A Montana licensed Master Plumber is required for all public/commercial buildings.
• Homeowners performing their own plumbing for their personal residence (not for speculation or rental) may be exempt from obtaining a plumbing permit, but should confirm this with the department.
• Farms, ranches, mines, mills, smelters, railroads, and public utilities are exempt from state plumbing permit requirements.

Fees:

• The minimum permit fee is $50.
• Permit fees are calculated based on a tiered structure related to the project's valuation. For specific fee calculations, it is recommended to contact the Park County Planning Department directly.

Inspections:

• A typical inspection sequence includes foundation, framing, electrical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, and a final inspection.
• Plumbing rough-in inspections are required and must be conducted before any plumbing work is covered.

Resources to Learn More

• Park County Planning & Zoning Department: (406) 222-4102, [email protected], https://www.parkcounty.org/Government-Departments/Planning/
• Montana Building Codes Bureau (for plumbing permit applications and state regulations): (406) 841-2056, ebiz.mt.gov
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