Mechanical Permits
The purpose of the mechanical permit issuance and mechanical inspections is to provide minimum standards to safeguard public, health and welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, installation, quality of materials, locations, operations and maintenance of heating, ventilating, cooling, refrigeration systems, incinerators and other miscellaneous heat-producing appliances.
In Montana a state mechanical permit is required for certain new buildings, alterations, additions and repairs prior to commencement of construction. The first step is to determine whether or not a state mechanical permit is needed.
State mechanical permits are required for heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, restaurant kitchen hoods and other mechanical systems: (a) on all buildings to which state building permits are applicable, and (b) located outside cities certified to issue their own mechanical permits. Call the BUREAU on specific installations and for the applicability of permit requirements.NOTE: Mechanical inspections do not need to be requested. Routine inspections will be conducted when the mechanical inspector is in your area. All mechanical installations must meet the requirements of the International Mechanical Code.
Certified local governments may enforce the mechanical code within their jurisdictional area. All other areas fall under the State's jursdiction.
Contact the Bureau of Building and Measurement Standards or local government to determine which jursdiction you are in.
CERTIFIED LOCAL BUILDING JURISDICTIONS / OFFICIALS / INSPECTORS
In the State's jursidiction, state law exempts the following from obtaining a mechanical permit:
- farm and ranch buildings
- mining buildings on mining property
- petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills (except offices and shop buildings)
- residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units (except when serving transient guests)
- private garages and private storage buildings used for the owner's own use (not part of a commercial enterprise or business)
If in doubt as to whether your building must be covered by a state mechanical permit, e-mail the Plumbing and Mechanical Program or call (406) 841-2051.
