Building & Construction Guide
What You Need to Know

Planning to construct, enlarge, repair or demolish any structure within the city limits of Great Falls?

The project will probably require that the plans and specifications for the project be approved and a building permit be obtained from the Department of Community Development located in the Civic Center. The permitting process helps to ensure that Great Falls develops in a quality manner and that lives and property are protected.

The City of Great Falls has adopted the following national codes:

1. International Building Code, 2006 Edition (IBC), together with the following:
   1. IBC Appendix Chapters
      1. Appendix Chapter C (group U- Agricultural Buildings)
   2. The IBC, as Modified and amended by the following rules
      1. ARM 24.301.131
      2. ARM 24.301.146
2. International Energy Conservation Code, 2003 (IECC).
   1. The IECC, as modified and amended by the following rules:
      1. ARM 24.301.161.
3. International Existing Building Code, 2006 Edition (IEBC)
   1. The IEBC, as modified and amended by the following rules:
      1. 24.301.171
4. International Residential Code, 2006 Edition (IRC).
   1. The IRC, as modified and amended by the following rules:
      1. ARM 24.301.154
5. Uniform Plumbing Code, 2006 Edition (UPC), together with the following:
   1. Appendix Chapters
      1. Appendix Chapter A, Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System
      2. Appendix Chapter B, Explanatory Notes on Combination waste and Vent Systems
      3. Appendix Chapter D, Sizing Storm water Drainage Systems
   2. The UPC, as modified and amended by the following rules:
      1. ARM 24.301.301 except (f)
      2. ARM 24.301.351
6. National Electrical Code, 2005 Edition (NEC).
   1. The NEC, as modified and amended by the following rules:
      1. ARM 24.301.351
7. International Mechanical Code, 2006 Edition (IMC).
   1. The IMC, as modified and amended by the following rules:
      1. 24.301.172 except (c)
8. International Fuel Gas Code, 2006 Edition (IFGC).
   1. The IFGC, as modified and amended by the following rules:
      1. 24.301.173 except (b)
9. International Property Maintenance Code, 2003 Edition
10. NFPA 1/Uniform Fire Code, 2003 Edition

The City also has ordinances governing, landscaping, off street parking and signage. See Official Codes for the City of Great Falls or contact Kim McCleary, 455-8405.

Design Review Board

Persons interested in constructing or remodeling a commercial structure or a residential structure with eight or more units will need Design Review Board approval of the building and site design. Contact Kim McCleary in the Department of Community Development to schedule design review early in your planning process. Design review will need to be approved by the Design Review Board before a building permit can be issued.

See also: Application for project review by the Design Review Board.

Electrical, Plumbing and Gas Permits

Homeowners can do their own plumbing and electrical work if they live in the residence. Gas permits may be issued only to licensed gas contractors. All commercial or rental properties needing electrical or plumbing work must contact a licensed contractor to do the work. The contractor will secure the proper permits from the Department of Community Development. Homeowners wishing to do their own plumbing may get a permit from the Community Development Department. Homeowners wishing to do their own electrical work will still need a permit from the Department of Community Development.

Building Permit Exemptions

1. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds 200 square feet or less.
2. Fences not more than 6 feet high.
3. Cases, counters and partitions not more than 5' 9" high.
4. Retaining walls not more than 4 feet high.
5. Painting, papering and similar finish work.
6. Window awnings if they don't project more than 54 inches.
7. Decks less than 30 inches off the ground.

Questions - please call:
Building - Jeff Jenkins, 455-8530
Design Review Board - Kim McCleary, 455-8405
Parking or Landscaping - Kim McCleary, 455-8405
Code Enforcement/Property Complaints - Heather Rohlf, 455-8574