Phillips County, MT: No Building Permit

A single-family home in unincorporated Phillips County, Montana generally does not need a building permit, because the county has no certified local building-code program and Montana exempts residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units from state permits.¹ Septic drainfield permits come from the local health department.² We could not confirm whether the county has zoning, or any rule on RV or tiny-home occupancy, so ask the county commissioners before buying.

At a glance

Building permit: Generally not required for a single-family home¹
Building code: Montana has a statewide code, with residential exemptions³⁴
Zoning: County status not confirmed⁵
Septic: Local drainfield permit required⁶²
RV living: Private-land occupancy rule not confirmed⁵
Tiny home: Confirm land-use and sanitation approval before building⁵²
Floodplain: Development permit required in a designated hazard area⁷

Who to call

Building permits

Montana Building Codes Program

State building-code questions and permits for covered non-exempt projects outside certified local programs

(406) 841-2056

buildingcodes@mt.gov

301 South Park Ave. Floors 4 and 5 Helena, MT 59620

Online permits →

Septic permits

Phillips County Environmental Health/Sanitarian

Local environmental health and drainfield permit questions for Phillips County

(406) 654-2521

PO Box 241 Malta, MT 59538

Floodplain permits

Phillips County Floodplain Administrator

Floodplain status and development-permit questions for Phillips County

(406) 270-1884

casey38@gmail.com

Box 318 Malta, MT 59538

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Phillips County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Phillips County, Montana?

A typical single-family home in unincorporated Phillips County does not require a building permit.¹ Phillips County and Malta are absent from Montana's certified local building-code-program list, while state jurisdiction exempts residential buildings containing fewer than five dwelling units unless they serve transient guests.¹

That exemption is not a blanket exemption from every construction permit. Montana requires state permits for certain non-exempt new buildings, alterations, additions and repairs, while farm and ranch buildings, qualifying small residential buildings, and qualifying private garages or storage buildings are among the stated exemptions.⁴ Separate electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits may still be required for a project even where no building permit applies.⁸ Ask the Montana Building Codes Program about mixed-use, commercial, transient-guest or larger residential plans before work begins.⁹

Who handles Phillips County building permits and inspections?

Phillips County does not appear on Montana's list of certified local building-code jurisdictions, so the Montana Building Codes Program is the first contact for a project that may fall outside the residential exemption.¹ The program answers coverage questions at (406) 841-2056 and accepts state building-permit applications for covered work.⁹

For a covered state project, submit construction plans and the Building Permit/Plan Review Application; the permit issues after review comments are answered and fees are paid.⁸ Montana reports an average plan-review time of three weeks, although timing depends on workload, project size and deficiencies.⁸ The state program performs inspections on work requiring a permit under its jurisdiction, and the permit holder must notify the inspector when work is ready.¹⁰ A certificate of occupancy applies to a building constructed under the state or a local building code, rather than automatically to every structure.¹¹

Does Phillips County, Montana have zoning?

Phillips County's countywide zoning status could not be confirmed from the available county information.⁵ Montana law allows a board of county commissioners that has adopted a growth policy to adopt zoning regulations for all or parts of its jurisdiction, but that authority alone does not establish that a particular Phillips County parcel is zoned.¹²

Where a Montana county has adopted zoning, it must allow at least one accessory dwelling unit by right on a lot with a single-family home, but that rule applies only if Phillips County actually exercises zoning powers.¹³

Before relying on a rural listing described as unrestricted, ask the Phillips County commissioners or clerk whether the parcel lies in a county zoning district and request the applicable map and text. Also confirm setbacks, minimum dwelling size, manufactured-home placement, accessory structures and any recorded covenants with the office that holds the land record. County zoning and private covenants are different controls, and the available county zoning field does not answer either parcel-level question.⁵ Land inside Malta, Dodson or Saco may be governed by municipal rules rather than the unincorporated-county answer, so contact the relevant town or city for land within its limits.

How do septic permits work in Phillips County?

A Montana drainfield requires a local health-department permit even when the property already has a Certificate of Subdivision Approval.² Phillips County's local contact is the County Environmental Health/Sanitarian at PO Box 241 in Malta, reachable at (406) 654-2521.¹⁴ Ask that office about site evaluation, system design, fees, installation inspections and replacement-system requirements before choosing a house site.

Montana DEQ reviews sanitation facilities for covered divisions of land comprising less than 20 acres, including water supply, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal and storm drainage, but DEQ subdivision approval does not replace the local drainfield permit.¹⁵ Only about 10.5% of Phillips County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drainfield, so soil suitability deserves early investigation and an alternative design may be necessary.¹⁶ Do not assume a large rural tract or an existing approval eliminates the local permit step.²

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Phillips County?

Phillips County's rules for living in an RV on private land could not be confirmed, and Montana's public-use-site camping limit does not answer private-land occupancy. Ask the county commissioners or clerk about long-term RV occupancy, utility connections and any local land-use district before moving onto the parcel. County zoning itself also remains unconfirmed.⁵

A tiny home used as a residence fits the general residential-permit analysis only if the project actually qualifies for Montana's exemption for residential buildings containing fewer than five dwelling units and is not serving transient guests.⁴ That building-permit exemption does not remove the required local drainfield permit.² Confirm whether a tiny home on wheels is treated as an RV, whether a foundation changes its classification, and whether a parcel has minimum-size, setback or covenant restrictions before purchase. Montana's contractor-licensing law exempts an owner working on the owner's own property, but that exemption covers contractor licensing only and does not waive building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical requirements.¹⁷

How do you build a home in Phillips County, step by step?

Confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Phillips County and ask the county commissioners or clerk whether a zoning district, setbacks or other land-use rules apply; county zoning status is not confirmed.⁵

Describe the project to the Montana Building Codes Program and confirm that it qualifies for the small-residential exemption; qualifying residential buildings with fewer than five dwelling units generally need no state building permit.⁴

Contact Phillips County Environmental Health/Sanitarian before fixing the house site, because a local drainfield permit is required.²

Check the flood map with the Phillips County Floodplain Administrator; new development in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area requires a permit.⁷¹⁸

If the driveway meets a Montana state highway, apply to the appropriate MDT District Office for an approach permit or right-of-way agreement.¹⁹

Obtain any separate electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits that apply before starting those trades.⁸

What should you check before buying land in Phillips County?

Start with water, wastewater, flood exposure and legal access rather than the house plan. Phillips County receives about 13.4 inches of precipitation a year, and severe drought occurs in about 16.3% of years, so verify the well record, expected yield and water quality for the specific tract.²⁰²¹ Only about 10.5% of county soils avoid severe conventional-drainfield limits, making a septic evaluation a meaningful purchase contingency.¹⁶

A new domestic well that stays within 35 gallons per minute and 10 acre-feet per year may qualify for Montana's exempt-well exception to the water-permit process, but qualification is not automatic, so confirm with the state water office before drilling.²²

Ask the Phillips County Floodplain Administrator whether the proposed building, driveway, fill or manufactured-home location is in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area.⁷¹⁸ A new or modified driveway onto a state highway requires an MDT approach permit or right-of-way agreement, and a changed use of an existing approach can require a new permit.¹⁹ The county is sparsely settled at about 0.8 person per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 174 miles from the county center, so price contractor travel and material delivery before committing.²³²⁴

Watch-outs

No building permit does not mean no trade, septic, floodplain or highway-access permit.⁸²⁷¹⁹
Phillips County zoning, private-land RV occupancy, tiny-home classification and remain unconfirmed; ask the county commissioners or clerk before relying on a seller's description.⁵
A Certificate of Subdivision Approval does not replace the local drainfield permit.²

Sources

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Compared with neighboring counties

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, Phillips County requires no county building permit for a home.

Rule	Phillips County	Blaine County	Valley County	Garfield County	Petroleum County	Fergus County	Hill County
Building permit	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Limited
County zoning	Not published	Not published	No	Not published	No	No	Yes
Septic permits	County Health Dept.	County Env. Health	County Sanitation Dept.	Not published	MT Dept. of Env. Quality	County Health Dept.	County Health Dept.

How Phillips County scores

Seclusion89100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency14100% ev.

Admin Boringness7468% ev.

Durability37100% ev.

Property Autonomy83100% ev.

Carry Cost8396% ev.

Evidence strength: 94%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$232kTypical home

0.8%Property tax

$1,124Land / acre

13.4"Annual rain

16.3% of yrsSevere drought

8.5 / yr (+7.2)Mid-century 100°F days

24.3 daysMid-century dry spell

1.04" (+7.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.22×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,892Home insurance / yr

3% / yrInsurance growth

1.45%Nonrenewal rate

single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis

310Radius comparison (15 mi)

0.8People / sq mi

48.5%Federal land

73.2%Land at 15% slope or less

10.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)

340,678 acWorkable land screen

3.8%Wooded land

10.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac

43.4°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Phillips County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Montana rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Construction, remodeling, moving, alterations, additions, repairs, or changes of occupancy for buildings subject to Montana state building-code jurisdiction.
- A state building permit is required before construction for certain types of new buildings and for certain alterations, additions, and repairs.
- The state permit requirement does not apply to projects within the jurisdictional limits of a certified local government program; local requirements may apply there.
- In the state's jurisdiction, state law exempts farm and ranch buildings; mining buildings on mining property; petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills except office and shop buildings; residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units except when serving transient guests; and private garages and private storage buildings used for the owner's own use and not as part of a commercial enterprise or business.
- Building permits must be issued on required projects before plumbing, mechanical, or electrical permits can be issued and before work authorized under those permits can start.
“In Montana a state building permit is required prior to the start of construction for certain types of new buildings, and/or for alterations, additions, and repairs.”
Building Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable
An owner working on the owner's property, or an owner contracting for work performed by a registered construction contractor, under Montana's construction-contractor licensing chapter.
- The exemption does not apply to an owner otherwise covered by the chapter who constructs a residence on the owner's property intending and for the purpose of promptly selling the improved property.
- For an owner working on the owner's property, the resale exception does not apply if the owner has continuously occupied the property as the owner's primary residence for at least the last 12 months.
- This is an exemption from the construction-contractor licensing chapter; it does not itself exempt a project from applicable building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or inspection requirements.
primary-residence occupancy period for resale exception: >= 12 months (The statute states the owner must have continuously occupied the property as the owner's primary residence for at least the last 12 months.)
“(13) to an owner working on the owner's property, whether occupied by the owner or not, but this exemption does not apply to an owner”
Montana Code Annotated, Title 37, Chapter 45, Construction Contractors ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Montana's uniform state building code for residential and commercial buildings statewide.
- The currently listed codes are amended and adopted through Administrative Rules of Montana Title 24, Chapter 301.
- Cities, counties, and towns may enforce local building codes, all or in part, only through certified local building-code-enforcement programs.
- State-owned agencies must be permitted through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
- The listed 2021 International Building, Residential, and Existing Building Codes and related codes are effective June 11, 2022; the listed ASME boiler and pressure-vessel codes are effective November 6, 2021.
International Building Code edition: 2021 · International Residential Code edition: 2021 · effective date for listed principal codes: 2022-06-11 (ASME boiler and pressure-vessel codes listed on the official page are effective 2021-11-06)
“In addition, the program is responsible for adopting a uniform state building code, which is enforced statewide for residential and commercial buildings across Montana.”
Current Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Partial — Montana's statewide building-code framework for residential and commercial construction.
  “In Montana, cities, counties and towns have the option to enforce local building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes, all or in part (except for state-owned agencies, which must be permitted through this Department). These local building code enforcement programs must be certified by the BC Program. The remaining cities, counties and towns that have chosen not to enforce building codes, fall under the jurisdiction of the BC Program. [...] the program is responsible for adopting a uniform state building code, which is enforced statewide for residential and commercial buildings across Montana.”
  Montana Building Codes Program ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Buildings and other projects requiring permits under Montana state building-code jurisdiction; certified local governments may perform inspections within their certified jurisdictional areas.
- The Montana Building Codes Program performs inspections for projects requiring a permit under state jurisdiction.
- The permit holder must notify the inspector when work is ready for inspection and provide access for required inspections.
- Cities, counties, and towns may enforce local building codes and perform inspections only through certified local government programs; remaining areas fall under the state Building Codes Program.
“The BC Program establishes and enforces statewide codes by issuing permits and performing inspections.”
Building Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Buildings constructed in accordance with the Montana state building code or a county, city, or town building code.
- The certificate must certify that the building conforms to the applicable building regulations.
- The statute addresses certificates for buildings constructed under the state or local building code; it does not establish a universal certificate requirement for every structure or every occupancy.
“A certificate of occupancy for a building constructed in accordance with the provisions of the state building code or county, city, or town building code must certify that the building conforms to the requirements of the building regulations applicable to it.”
50-60-107. Certificate of occupancy, MCA ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Living in an RVLimited
RV, camper-trailer, and other trailer overnight use for general recreation on legally accessible Montana state trust land administered by DNRC.
- A Conservation License is required for dispersed camping on state trust land.
- RV or trailer camping must be within 50 feet of a customary access point; motorized vehicles must be parked within 50 feet of a customary access point, and the camper or trailer may not be set up farther away by driving beyond that point.
- On leased or licensed land, the stay limit is 2 days.
- On unleased or unlicensed land, the stay limit is 16 days within a 30-day period.
- Within a designated campground, the stay limit is 16 days within a 30-day period.
- The local DNRC field office should be contacted to confirm whether land is leased.
- Pets must be leashed or otherwise controlled.
- Overnight horses must be restrained, may not remain in a stream riparian zone for more than one hour, and must use certified weed-seed-free feed.
- Campfires are generally permitted within designated campgrounds and on unleased or unlicensed land but are not allowed on leased land.
- Cutting firewood requires a separate permit from the local DNRC field office, and fireworks are not allowed on state land.
- State Parks, Fishing Access Sites, and Wildlife Management Areas are managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks rather than under this DNRC camping page.
RV/trailer distance from customary access point: <= 50 ft (Motorized vehicles must be parked within 50 feet; the page states the camper or trailer may not be driven farther to set it up.) · maximum stay on leased or licensed land: 2 days · maximum stay on unleased or unlicensed land: 16 days within a 30-day period · maximum stay within designated campground: 16 days within a 30-day period
“TRAILER/RV etc. Camp within 50 ft of a customary access point. Motorized vehicles must be parked within 50 ft of a customary access point. You may not drive further to set up a camper or trailer. On leased or licensed land: 2 days On unleased/unlicensed land: 16 days within a 30-day period Within designated campground: 16 days within a 30-day period”
Camping ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)
Manufactured housing used as residential housing within Montana municipalities that exercise zoning powers under MCA Title 76, chapter 2, part 3.
- Municipal zoning regulations may not treat manufactured housing or factory-built housing units differently from other residential units.
- Placement remains subject to applicable municipal zoning districts, permits or variances where required, building-code requirements, and other applicable health and safety rules.
- The statute defines manufactured housing as a single-family dwelling built offsite in a factory and compliant with applicable prevailing HUD standards; a manufactured home does not include a mobile home or housetrailer as defined in 15-1-101, MCA.
- The source addresses municipal zoning and does not establish unrestricted occupancy on unzoned or county land statewide.
“Zoning regulations adopted under this part may not treat manufactured housing or factory-built housing units differently from any other residential units.”
76-2-302. Zoning districts, MCA ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
Accessory dwelling units in jurisdictional areas where a Montana county has established zoning regulations under MCA Title 76, chapter 2, part 2.
- The county zoning regulations must allow at least one accessory dwelling unit by right on a lot or parcel containing a single-family dwelling.
- The unit may be attached, detached, or internal.
- The county may not require owner occupancy, a familial, marital, or employment relationship between occupants, or impact fees; private restrictive covenants remain possible but cannot be required as a permit, license, or use condition.
- A county may charge up to $250 for a one-time ADU application-review fee, in addition to usual building fees.
- Applicable building codes, fire codes, and public-health and safety regulations still apply.
- The county may require expedited sanitation review for an ADU on a parcel with existing public water and wastewater capacity; the 15-day expedited-review provision terminates September 30, 2029.
- The statute applies to a county that exercises zoning powers; it does not itself create county zoning where none exists.
maximum one-time application-review fee: <= 250 USD (Usual building fees may also be required.) · expedited sanitation review: 15 days (Parcel must have existing public water and wastewater service with capacity.)
“In jurisdictional areas where the board of county commissioners has established zoning regulations under this part, the regulations must allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit by right on a lot or parcel that contains a single-family dwelling.”
76-2-215. Accessory dwelling units -- regulations -- restrictions, MCA ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units in Montana municipalities that exercise zoning powers under MCA Title 76, chapter 2, part 3.
  “A municipality shall adopt regulations under this chapter that allow a minimum of one accessory dwelling unit by right on a lot or parcel that contains a single-family dwelling.”
  76-2-345. Accessory dwelling units -- regulations -- restrictions, MCA ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Montana statewide sanitation and septic regulation, including subdivision sanitation review and drainfield permitting.
- Montana DEQ administers subdivision sanitation review for covered divisions of land and related facilities.
- The drainfield permit is administered by the local health department even when a Certificate of Subdivision Approval exists.
“The DEQ Subdivision Program reviews divisions of land comprising less than 20 acres [...] This review is limited to sanitation facilities, including the water supply, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal, and storm drainage systems. [...] Yes, even thought you have a COSA, a drainfield permit is still required by the local health department.”
Engineering Infrastructure & Subdivisions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Installation of a drainfield in Montana, including property already covered by a Certificate of Subdivision Approval.
- A Certificate of Subdivision Approval does not replace the drainfield permit.
- The cited page identifies the local health department as the permitting authority.
“Yes, even thought you have a COSA, a drainfield permit is still required by the local health department.”
Engineering Infrastructure & Subdivisions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Well permitLimited
New groundwater developments in Montana using 35 gallons per minute or less and no more than 10 acre-feet per year.
- All water uses starting after June 30, 1973, require a water right either through a water-use permit or an exception to the permitting process.
- The development may qualify for the exception; qualification is not automatic.
- Completed groundwater uses that meet the permit exception receive a Groundwater Certificate rather than a water permit.
- A permitted water right is required for a combined appropriation from the same source by two or more wells or developed springs exceeding 10 acre-feet, regardless of flow rate.
- All lots in a multi-phase subdivision must share a combined water-use limit of 10 acre-feet per year to qualify for a permit exception.
- Beginning January 1, 2026, a water user intending to develop water use through a permit exception must file a Notice of Intent with DNRC before using water from an exempt well.
- DNRC reviews a correct and complete Notice of Intent within 10 business days; if eligible, it authorizes the Notice of Intent and gives the user five years to complete the project, put the water to use, and file a Notice of Completion.
- If the proposed use is not eligible, the Notice of Intent is denied and the user is directed to the water-right permit process.
- The Notice of Intent filing fee is $400.
- An authorized Notice of Intent expires after five years, with an opportunity for one five-year extension.
maximum flow rate: <= 35 gpm · maximum annual volume: <= 10 acre-feet per year · Notice of Intent fee: 400 USD (Beginning January 1, 2026) · Notice of Intent review period: 10 business days (For a correct and complete Notice of Intent) · authorized Notice of Intent term: 5 years (One five-year extension opportunity is available)
“Permit Exceptions, a.k.a. Exempt Wells: Small groundwater developments that use 35 gpm or less and do not exceed 10 acre-feet per year are known as “exempt wells” and may qualify for an exception to the water permit process.”
Exempt Well Updates and Information ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Surface-water uses and groundwater uses exceeding 35 gallons per minute or 10 acre-feet per year in Montana.
  “Water Permits: A water permit is required for all surface water use and groundwater uses over 35 gallons per minute (gpm) or 10 acre-feet per year.”
  Exempt Well Updates and Information ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Subdividing landLimited
Statewide divisions of land creating parcels for sale or other transfer under the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act.
- A subdivision generally consists only of parcels containing less than 160 acres that cannot be described as a one-quarter aliquot part of a United States government section.
- The subdivision plat must show all parcels, whether contiguous or not.
- The statutory definition includes resubdivisions and condominiums.
- Certain divisions or aggregations are not subdivisions under the chapter but remain subject to survey requirements and applicable zoning regulations.
- The statutory exemptions do not apply when the method of disposition is adopted for the purpose of evading the chapter.
parcel threshold: < 160 acres (A parcel describable as a one-quarter aliquot part of a United States government section is excluded from the subdivision definition.)
“subdivision comprises only those parcels containing less than 160 acres that cannot be described as a one-quarter aliquot part of a United States government section”
76-3-103. Definitions, MCA ↗Re-checked Oct 5, 2026
Driveway accessLimited
New or modified driveway approaches intersecting Montana state highways, and changes in use of property abutting a state highway or an existing approach.
- A new or modified approach requires either an approach permit or a right-of-way agreement.
- A change in property use or change in use of an existing approach requires a new approach permit.
- The landowner is responsible for obtaining the new permit.
- The application must be made to the appropriate MDT District Office.
- A detailed site plan and Environmental Checklist Form are required.
- The requirement concerns state highways; local roads may be administered by local governments.
“ALL NEW OR MODIFIED APPROACHES REQUIRE EITHER AN APPROACH PERMIT OR A RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT.”
Approach Manual for Landowners and Developers ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
New development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area in Montana.
- The applicant must check with the local floodplain administrator to determine whether an SFHA has been designated.
- Covered development includes placement of fill, roads, bridges, culverts, transmission lines, irrigation facilities, storage of equipment or materials, excavation, new construction or development, placement or replacement of manufactured homes, and new construction, additions, or substantial improvements to residential and commercial buildings.
- Permit applications are obtained from the local floodplain administrator.
- Application fees and timelines are established by the local government and vary widely throughout the state.
“Anyone planning new development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).”
Stream Permitting ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Short-term rentalsLimited
Short-term rentals operated in Montana.
- A Property Manager license is required unless the operator qualifies for an exemption under MCA § 37-56-104 or MCA § 50-51.
- Local land-use, lodging, tax, and public-accommodation requirements may also apply.
application fee: 50 USD
“Short Term Rentals: A Property Manager license is required for short term rentals unless an operator qualifies for an exemption”
Property Management Program ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
State building permit and plan-review fees for state-administered building permits.
- The building permit fee is calculated by the bureau under IBC Section 109.2 as modified by ARM 24.301.138.
- A plan review fee is charged in addition to the building permit fee and equals 35 percent of the building permit fee.
- Both fees must be paid before the building permit is issued.
- Local governments certified to enforce the state building code may establish their own permit fees and valuation method.
plan review fee: 35 percent of building permit fee
“The plan review fee is 35 percent of the building permit fee as established in Table 109.2.”
bsd.dli.mt.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
State-administered Montana building permits for covered non-exempt construction outside certified local-government jurisdictions.
- A state permit applies to certain new buildings and alterations, additions, and repairs.
- Projects within the jurisdictional limits of a certified local government program are excluded from the state permit program.
- Construction plans and a Building Permit/Plan Review Application must be submitted for review and approval.
- The permit is issued after plan-review comments are satisfactorily answered and fees are paid.
- Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits may be required.
- The permit holder must notify the inspector when work is ready and provide access for required inspections.
average plan review time: three weeks (Actual timing depends on workload, project size, and deficiencies.)
“To obtain a state building permit, submit construction plans and a Building Permit/Plan Review Application to the Building Codes Program for review and approval.”
Building Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Campground & park staysLimited
Camping in Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks public-use sites.
- Camping is prohibited except in areas specifically designated or marked for camping.
- A camping unit, vehicle, equipment, or personal items may not be left overnight without a person present.
- Camping longer than 7 nights at one or more campsites in a public use area during any consecutive 30-day period is prohibited unless otherwise posted by the department.
- Designated occupancy limits must not be exceeded.
- Special-use-permit terms must be followed unless otherwise posted.
- Campsites must be vacated by 1 p.m. on the day of departure; camping facilities must be vacated by 12 p.m. on the day of departure.
maximum camping duration: <= 7 nights per consecutive 30-day period (unless otherwise posted by the department) · campsite departure time: 1 p.m. · camping-facility departure time: 12 p.m.
“Unless otherwise posted by the department, within a public use site it is prohibited to: [...] camp at one or more campsites in a public use area for a period of longer than 7 nights during any consecutive 30-day period, beginning with the first night occupied unless otherwise posted by the department;”
Public Use Rules and Regulations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Dispersed and designated-campground temporary camping on legally accessible Montana state trust land administered by DNRC.
  “Dispersed camping is allowed on state trust land with the appropriate permit and with certain restrictions. Dispersed camping on state trust land is allowed with a Conservation License. Camping that is incidental to hunting or fishing is permitted through your conservation license, and no additional permitting is required. Group camping requires a special recreational use license. On leased or licensed land: 2 days On unleased/unlicensed land: 16 days within a 30-day period Within designated campground: 16 days within a 30-day period”
  Camping ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
county zoning authorityGeneral
Montana county boards of commissioners' authority to adopt zoning regulations, including in unincorporated portions of established jurisdictional areas.
- The board of county commissioners must have adopted a growth policy pursuant to Title 76, chapter 1.
- Zoning may be adopted for all or parts of the jurisdictional area in accordance with Title 76, chapter 2, part 2.
- Within unincorporated portions of an established jurisdictional area, the board may establish zoning regulations by resolution or divide the county into zoning districts.
- Zoning regulations may regulate the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, location, or use of buildings or structures and the use of land.
- An action challenging creation of a zoning district or adoption of zoning regulations must be commenced within 6 months after the board's order.
- Regulations in one district may differ from those in other districts.
- The statute also states that zoning regulations may not treat manufactured housing or factory-built housing units differently from other residential units, subject to the statutory presumption concerning placement.
challenge period: 6 months (after the date of the board order creating the district or adopting the regulations)
“For the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare, a board of county commissioners that has adopted a growth policy pursuant to chapter 1 is authorized to adopt zoning regulations for all or parts of the jurisdictional area in accordance with the provisions of this part.”
76-2-201. County zoning authorized, MCA ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- General — Montana county boards of commissioners adopting zoning regulations for all or parts of their jurisdictional areas, including unincorporated portions where the statutory prerequisites are met.
  “a board of county commissioners that has adopted a growth policy pursuant to chapter 1 is authorized to adopt zoning regulations”
  Montana’s 2019 Land Use & Planning Statutes ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
county building authorityGeneral
Montana counties may adopt and enforce building codes and require construction permits for residential construction in unincorporated county areas, subject to the statutory certification, geographic, code-content, and permit requirements.
- A county may adopt a building code by ordinance or resolution, or authorize adoption by administrative action.
- A county may adopt its building code on a countywide basis unless a city or town within the county has adopted a building code; the county may not enforce its county building code within that city or town.
- The county code-enforcement program must be certified by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
- The current adopted code, current fee list, and current enforcement plan must be filed with and approved by the Department.
- Inspectors must satisfy the stated state-licensing or approved national-certification requirements.
- Except for voluntary incentive-based energy-conservation standards, the county may not adopt or enforce a building code more stringent than the code adopted by the Department or required by state law.
- The county may prohibit construction from commencing until the required permit is issued after compliance is shown.
- The general construction-permit requirement applies to buildings subject to Title 50, chapter 60, parts 1 through 4.
- State agency-owned buildings remain under state Department jurisdiction for plan review, permitting, and inspections.
“The local legislative body of a county, city, or town may adopt a building code to apply to the county, city, or town by an ordinance or resolution, as appropriate: (a) adopting a building code; or (b) authorizing the adoption of a building code by administrative action.”
50-60-301. County, city, and town building codes authorized ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- General — Montana counties' authority to adopt and enforce building codes and require building-code administration for construction in county areas, including unincorporated areas.
  “The local legislative body of a county, city, or town may adopt a building code to apply to the county, city, or town by an ordinance or resolution, as appropriate: (a) adopting a building code; or (b) authorizing the adoption of a building code by administrative action.”
  50-60-301. County, city, and town building codes authorized, MCA ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Phillips County, Montana

Is Phillips County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Phillips County scores 44/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 310 people within 15 miles and a stronger property-autonomy legal backdrop. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 13.4″ of rain a year and elevated current hazard exposure.

Do you need a building permit in Phillips County, Montana?

Phillips County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas. Onsite septic is permitted by Phillips County Health Department. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Phillips County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Phillips County is limited to specific cases: Statewide rule. RV, camper-trailer, and other trailer overnight use for general recreation on legally accessible Montana state trust land administered by DNRC. A Conservation License is required for dispersed camping on state trust land. RV or trailer camping must be within 50 feet of a customary access point; motorized vehicles must be parked within 50 feet of a customary access point, and the camper or trailer may not be set up farther away by driving beyond that point. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Phillips County, Montana?

Land in Phillips County runs about $1,124 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Phillips County?

Phillips County gets about 13.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.3% of years.

How remote is Phillips County?

A typical private-land location has about 310 people within 15 miles and 50,868 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Phillips County, Montana

At a glance

Who to call

Do you need a building permit in Phillips County, Montana?

Who handles Phillips County building permits and inspections?

Does Phillips County, Montana have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Phillips County?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Phillips County?

How do you build a home in Phillips County, step by step?

What should you check before buying land in Phillips County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Compared with neighboring counties

Phillips County in Montana

How Phillips County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Cities and towns in Phillips County

Answers from the rulebook for Phillips County

Montana rules that apply here

Living off-grid in Phillips County, Montana

Is Phillips County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Do you need a building permit in Phillips County, Montana?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Phillips County?

How much does land cost in Phillips County, Montana?

What is the water situation in Phillips County?

How remote is Phillips County?

How Phillips compares in Montana