Contractors are often more familiar with the permitting process than homeowners. This page includes helpful tips and reminders about often overlooked steps in the process.
Licensing
The Public Works Building Division refers to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s database to make sure all contractors listed on permit applications are licensed and registered to do the required work. Contractors should make sure they are included in this database.
Electricians can refer to the State Electrical Board for information on obtaining licenses for the different types of work they may perform.
A certified septic installer must install all septic systems. The Health Department maintains a a list of certified installers in Missoula County. More information on septic installer certification is online.
State law requires water well contractors and drillers to be licensed by the Board of Water Well Contractors. The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation provides resources for well contractors/drillers online.
Fees
Permit fees help defray costs for time staff spend engaged in the permit process. To minimize the chance of unexpected costs later in the process, it's best to carefully review permit fee information before applying.
Several factors go into fee determination, including type of permit and the complexity of the work being done.
Re-inspection fees
The Building Division may charge a $45 re-inspection fee for the following reasons:
- The inspection record card and approved plans are not available when the inspector is on-site to perform the requested inspection.
- The inspection record card has been lost and needs to be replaced. Inspections will not continue until the card has been replaced and posted at the job site with the approved plans.
- Failure to provide safe, approved access on the date for which the inspection was requested.
- When the work for the requested inspection is clearly not done, or when the inspection reveals that a previously identified deficiency has not been corrected.
- Deviation from the approved plans to the point that the plans have to be redrawn and re-approved.
When a re-inspection fee is assessed, no further inspections will be performed until the $45 fee has been paid.
