Great Falls Montana Building Permit Exemption Guide

Great Falls building permit exemptions include small detached sheds, fences not more than six feet high, low retaining walls, and certain low, detached decks, but other local requirements may still apply.

Permit takeaway

Great Falls lists exemptions for one-story detached tool or storage sheds 200 square feet or less under IRC, fences not more than six feet high, retaining walls not more than four feet high, and certain detached decks under 30 inches and 200 square feet.

Zoning and placement

Exempt work may still need zoning, parking, landscaping, right-of-way, or clear-vision review depending on the property and location.

Building and trade review

A Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion and all required inspections must be obtained before transferring water service billing information.

Call before applying when

Call before relying on an exemption if the shed is near 200 square feet, the fence is near six feet, the deck is near 30 inches high, or the retaining wall approaches four feet.

Documents to prepare

• Project dimensions
• Project height
• Site location
• Zoning or clear-vision information
• Inspection records when required

Inspection planning

• Confirm exemption threshold
• Check zoning and right-of-way issues
• Apply if outside the exemption
• Complete required inspections
• Obtain certificate when applicable

Official sources

• Great Falls Building and Construction Guide
• Great Falls Public Right-of-Way
• Great Falls Planning and Community Development

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.