City Building Permits

Miles City, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Miles City, Montana. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Montana Custer County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City limits of Miles City. Certified Local Jurisdiction for building code enforcement. Enforces: Building (B), Pool (SP), Electrical (E - residential only). Residential electrical outside Miles City still requires state permit.

Department
Miles City Building Department
Address
City Hall, 17 South 8th Street, Miles City, MT 59301
Phone
(406) 234-3462
Website
https://www.milescitymt.gov/building-department

Online Permit Portal

Open Online permit application system

Platform: Online portal (specific URL accessible through website) • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Visit Miles City Building Department website or contact Building Inspector Gabe Martinsen at (406) 874-8611
  2. Determine permit type needed: Building, Residential Electrical, Roofing, or Fence
  3. Complete online permit application or obtain paper form
  4. For online: Complete and submit through portal - application received instantly
  5. For paper: Email to gmartinsen@milescity-mt.org or deliver in-person
  6. Provide construction plans and specifications as required
  7. Pay permit fee (schedule available from building inspector)
  8. Permit reviewed and issued
  9. Schedule required inspections (contact building inspector for scheduling)
  10. Conduct work in compliance with approved plans and code
  11. Request inspections as required during construction phases
  12. Final inspection and approval issued upon completion

Source: Miles City Building Department

General Requirements

All building, residential electrical, roofing, and fence work within City limits. Residential electrical outside city limits requires state permit.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Construction plans and specifications as required for project scope
  • Proof of property ownership or authorization
  • Electrical plans (for electrical permits)
Building code
Miles City certified to enforce building, pool, and residential electrical codes. Adopts state-mandated 2021 International Building Code, 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, and 2020 NEC (residential electrical only). City ordinances in Code of Ordinances Chapter 5.
Owner-builder
Residential electrical work performed by homeowner on own primary residence can use state homeowner electrical permit (not exempt from permit, but uses state permit pathway)

Fees

Permit fee formula
Fees vary with permit type and project valuation
Payment note
Contact Building Inspector Gabe Martinsen at (406) 874-8611 for specific fee quote and published schedule

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Structures less than 160 square feet (storage buildings, sheds, etc.)
  • Minor repairs and maintenance not requiring structural changes or electrical work changes

Important: Residential electrical work performed by homeowner on own primary residence is not exempt from permit but uses state homeowner electrical permit pathway

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/footing inspection, framing inspection, electrical rough-in inspection (if applicable), plumbing/mechanical rough-in, final inspection

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Miles City Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Miles City Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Miles City, MT?
All building, residential electrical, roofing, and fence work within City limits. Residential electrical outside city limits requires state permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Miles City, MT?
Fees are calculated as: Fees vary with permit type and project valuation.
How do I apply for a building permit in Miles City, MT?
1. Visit Miles City Building Department website or contact Building Inspector Gabe Martinsen at (406) 874-8611 2. Determine permit type needed: Building, Residential Electrical, Roofing, or Fence 3. Complete online permit application or obtain paper form 4. For online: Complete and submit through portal - application received instantly 5. For paper: Email to gmartinsen@milescity-mt.org or deliver in-person 6. Provide construction plans and specifications as required 7. Pay permit fee (schedule available from building inspector) 8. Permit reviewed and issued 9. Schedule required inspections (contact building inspector for scheduling) 10. Conduct work in compliance with approved plans and code 11. Request inspections as required during construction phases 12. Final inspection and approval issued upon completion
What work is exempt from building permits in Miles City, MT?
The following work is generally exempt: Structures less than 160 square feet (storage buildings, sheds, etc.); Minor repairs and maintenance not requiring structural changes or electrical work changes. Note: Residential electrical work performed by homeowner on own primary residence is not exempt from permit but uses state homeowner electrical permit pathway
How do I schedule a building inspection in Miles City, MT?
Inspections can be scheduled via: .

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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