Warning Home Owners

E-Services for Code Enforcement

What does a home owner need to do?

• Before you begin any work on your home, call the Bozeman Building Division to see if a permit is required. Do not take the word of a friend, neighbor, insurance company, or the person doing the work.• Permits are relatively inexpensive. They protect you the home owner from poor or unsafe work.
• Read the below “why do we have building codes”.
• To become a contractor in Montana you only have to fill out a form, write a check and mail it to Helena. There are no tests, classes or proof of experience required. BEWARE!
• The State of Montana does not have a system to keep track of Contractors and poor workmanship. Only Electricians and Plumbers are licensed and monitored through the State. When hiring a Contractor for any work ask for references, get phone numbers, and go see the work yourself. When people are happy with their Contractors they like to show off the work.
• Before buying a home call the building division to see if all necessary permits were issued and inspections were completed, and ask if a certificate of occupancy was issued. Their problems and fines could become yours.
• A Certificate of Appropriateness from the Planning Department is NOT a building permit.
• If you begin work which requires a building permit and you do not have one, you will be fined.

Why do we have building codes?

• Codes are adopted as law. They regulate new and existing construction, and provide performance standards.
• Codes reduce potential hazards such as fire, structural collapse and general deterioration of the structures around us.
• Codes keep construction costs down by creating uniformity in the construction industry. Uniformity allows builders and materials manufacturers to do business on a larger scale. Larger scale allows cost savings which are ultimately passed on to the consumer.
• Codes provide consistent standards in construction by establishing consistent minimum standards which are applied to the quality and durability of construction methods and materials. The term “minimum standards” means that construction meets the criteria of being both practical and adequate for protecting the life, safety and welfare of the public.
• Codes contribute to the well-being of a community. The preservation of life and safety as well as the maintenance of property values over time are a direct result of the application and enforcement of building codes.

What does a code enforcement officer do?

• Enforce compliance with City ordinances and relevant codes.
• Investigates complaints of non-compliance.
• Informs violators of non –compliance.
• Imposes fines for violators of non-compliance.
• Issues stop work orders for work being done without a building permit.
• Responds to citizens’ questions, complaints, and inquiries in a timely manner.

To contact your local code enforcement office email: pfrojae@bozeman.net