City Building Permits

Scobey, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Daniels County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Scobey is an incorporated city but NOT a certified local building code jurisdiction. City requires local zoning permits for all new construction and modifications. State permits from Montana Building Codes Program are ALSO required for building work. Both city zoning clearance and state building permit must be obtained.

Department
City of Scobey Building/Zoning Department
Address
708 1st Avenue West, Scobey, MT 59263
Phone
406-487-5581
Website
https://cityofscobey.com/

Online Permit Portal

Open State of Montana EBIZ portal (for state permits)

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Download zoning permit application from City of Scobey website or obtain in person at City Hall (708 1st Avenue West)
  2. Complete application for proposed work (new construction, additions, decks, fences, sheds, accessory structures)
  3. Submit application to City Hall by Friday prior to Zoning Commission meeting
  4. Zoning Commission/Planning Board meets second Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM in Council Chamber
  5. Board reviews application at meeting
  6. Zoning permit approved or denied by Board
  7. Prepare construction plans per Montana Building Code standards
  8. Obtain completed Building Permit/Plan Review Application from https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/permit-applications/building-permits/
  9. Submit application and plans via EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail to Montana Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau, 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT
  10. State Bureau performs plan review (average 3 weeks)
  11. Applicant addresses plan review comments
  12. Applicant pays state permit fees
  13. State permit issued
  14. Schedule state inspections by calling inspector at least 24 hours in advance
  15. Inspections performed per code (inspector has 72 hours from notification)
  16. Final inspection approval upon completion

Typical processing time: City review at monthly meeting (second Wednesday); State plan review average 3 weeks

Source: City of Scobey Building/Zoning Department

General Requirements

City zoning permits required for new construction, additions, decks, fences, sheds, and accessory structures. State building permits required for all building work per Montana Building Code. City Municipal Code Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) and Title 17 (Zoning) apply.

Required Documents

  • Zoning permit application (city)
  • Construction plans per Montana Building Code (state)
  • Proof of ownership or authorization
  • Contractor information
Building code
Montana Building Code 2018 (state standard); Scobey Municipal Code 2015 (local zoning ordinances)

Fees

Minimum permit fee
City zoning permit fees not specified; State permit fee is 1-2% of construction valuation
Permit fee formula
State: 1-2% of construction valuation
Payment note
Contact City Hall at 406-487-5581 for specific city fee schedule

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
  • Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
  • Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from footing to top (unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)

Important: City zoning permits are required for any new construction, modifications, or additions even if state building permit is exempt. Check with City Hall on local zoning exemptions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • ()
Scheduling deadline
At least 24 hours in advance
Time windows
Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (plumbing, electrical, mechanical), final inspection upon completion

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Scobey Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Scobey, MT?
City zoning permits required for new construction, additions, decks, fences, sheds, and accessory structures. State building permits required for all building work per Montana Building Code. City Municipal Code Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) and Title 17 (Zoning) apply.
How much does a building permit cost in Scobey, MT?
The minimum permit fee is City zoning permit fees not specified; State permit fee is 1-2% of construction valuation. Fees are calculated as: State: 1-2% of construction valuation.
How do I apply for a building permit in Scobey, MT?
1. Download zoning permit application from City of Scobey website or obtain in person at City Hall (708 1st Avenue West) 2. Complete application for proposed work (new construction, additions, decks, fences, sheds, accessory structures) 3. Submit application to City Hall by Friday prior to Zoning Commission meeting 4. Zoning Commission/Planning Board meets second Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM in Council Chamber 5. Board reviews application at meeting 6. Zoning permit approved or denied by Board 7. Prepare construction plans per Montana Building Code standards 8. Obtain completed Building Permit/Plan Review Application from https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/permit-applications/building-permits/ 9. Submit application and plans via EBIZ.MT.GOV or mail to Montana Building & Commercial Measurements Bureau, 301 S. Park Avenue, 4th Floor, Helena, MT 10. State Bureau performs plan review (average 3 weeks) 11. Applicant addresses plan review comments 12. Applicant pays state permit fees 13. State permit issued 14. Schedule state inspections by calling inspector at least 24 hours in advance 15. Inspections performed per code (inspector has 72 hours from notification) 16. Final inspection approval upon completion
How long does it take to get a building permit in Scobey, MT?
Typical processing time is City review at monthly meeting (second Wednesday); State plan review average 3 weeks.
What work is exempt from building permits in Scobey, MT?
The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height measured from footing to top (unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids). Note: City zoning permits are required for any new construction, modifications, or additions even if state building permit is exempt. Check with City Hall on local zoning exemptions.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Scobey, MT?
Inspections can be scheduled via: . At least 24 hours in advance.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Scobey can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
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.

Other cities in Daniels County

Daniels County Unincorporated Flaxville
View all Daniels County jurisdictions →