1. (1) An applicant shall submit an application to the department for a building permit for any non-exempt building being built, remodeled, moved, or undergoing a change of use.

2. (2) The application shall be completed on forms provided by the department. The applicant shall include the following information with the application:

   1. (a) a detailed description of the building use, or a description of the building change of use;
   2. (b) any applicable fees pursuant to ARM 24.301.138; and
   3. (c) building plans as described in ARM 24.301.1405.
3. (3) Applications and any attachments may be submitted to the department through the department’s online portal, email, or mail to the Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau. Email attachments sized larger than 50 MG may be sent to the department over the state’s File Transfer Service.
4. (4) All applications and any attachments submitted to the department shall be in .pdf format, oriented consistently, and using minimum 12-point font.

5. (5) When an application is complete, the department shall:

   1. (a) inform the applicant;
   2. (b) begin review of the application; and
   3. (c) notify the state fire prevention and investigation section of the Department of Justice within five days.
6. (6) The department may request additional information at any time before and during the department’s review of the application. A failure of the applicant to provide additional information requested by the department may result in the application being returned unprocessed and no building permit being issued.
7. (7) Any request for a variance from the State Building Code shall be included in an initial application for a building permit or as soon as practicable after the initial application is submitted. A variance request shall include a statement of undue hardship, and the variance request shall include alternative building plans to protect health, safety, and security.

Authorizing statute(s): 50-60-203, MCA

Implementing statute(s): 50-60-101, 50-60-102, 50-60-103, 50-60-108, 50-60-201, 50-60-203, 50-60-205, 50-60-206, MCA

History: NEW, 2025 MAR, Notice No. 2025-120, Eff. 10/25/25.