The Building Codes Program (BC Programs part of the Commercial Measurements Bureau within the Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s Business Standards Division. The BC Program establishes and enforces statewide codes by issuing permits and performing inspections. The program includes inspection and permitting for Building Codes (building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical), Elevator, and Boiler programs.. In addition, the program administers the Factory-Built Building and Underground Utility Protection Programs. Field inspection staff for the programs are positioned around the state to ensure adequate coverage for inspection and regulation of projects requiring a permit.
In Montana, cities, counties and towns have the option to enforce local building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical codes, all or in part. 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 Building Codes Program safeguards individuals from potential hazards that are inherent in the construction of new buildings, as well as the enlargement, relocation, repair, alteration, or change in use or occupancy of existing buildings. The program also ensures the safety of boilers and elevators by performing annual inspections. In addition, the program is responsible for adopting a uniform state building code, which is enforced statewide for residential and commercial buildings across Montana.