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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Scobey
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.
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)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt 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.
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)
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: City review at monthly meeting (second Wednesday); State plan review average 3 weeks
- 01 Download zoning permit application from City of Scobey website or obtain in person at City Hall (708 1st Avenue West)
- 02 Complete application for proposed work (new construction, additions, decks, fences, sheds, accessory structures)
- 03 Submit application to City Hall by Friday prior to Zoning Commission meeting
- 04 Zoning Commission/Planning Board meets second Wednesday of each month at 3:00 PM in Council Chamber
- 05 Board reviews application at meeting
- 06 Zoning permit approved or denied by Board
- 07 Prepare construction plans per Montana Building Code standards
- 08 Obtain completed Building Permit/Plan Review Application from https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/permit-applications/building-permits/
- 09 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Scobey building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
City zoning permit fees not specified; State permit fee is 1-2% of construction valuation
02
Permit fee formula
State: 1-2% of construction valuation
Contact City Hall at 406-487-5581 for specific city fee schedule
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contractor or property owner must call state building inspector at least 24 hours before inspection (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 24 hours in advance
- Time windows
- Inspector has 72 hours from notification to perform inspection
Typical sequence: Footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (plumbing, electrical, mechanical), final inspection upon completion
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Scobey permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Scobey, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in Scobey, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Scobey, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Scobey, MT, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Scobey, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Scobey, MT typically run City review at monthly meeting (second Wednesday); State plan review average 3 weeks. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Scobey, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Scobey, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Scobey, MT via: Contractor or property owner must call state building inspector at least 24 hours before inspection. At least 24 hours in advance.
last verified March 2026
source City of Scobey Building/Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/montana/daniels/scobey
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Scobey Building/Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.