City Building Permits

Glendive, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Dawson County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Glendive is not a certified local building code jurisdiction. Residential projects require a city-issued Zoning Permit (no cost) to verify setback and zoning compliance. Commercial building permits are handled by the Montana Building Codes Bureau (state agency), not the city. Glendive has its own zoning ordinance (Title 11 of the City Code) and the city must confirm zoning compliance before state-permitted commercial work begins.

Department
City of Glendive Public Works Department
Address
300 S Merrill Ave, Glendive, MT 59330
Phone
406-377-3318
Website
https://www.cityofglendive.us/departments/public_works/current_projects.php

Application Process

  1. Determine project type: residential (single-family, small-scale residential) vs. commercial/non-exempt.
  2. For any project (residential or commercial): contact Glendive Public Works at (406) 377-3318 to confirm zoning compliance and obtain a Zoning Permit.
  3. For residential projects: the no-cost Zoning Permit is available by calling or emailing Public Works. This permit tracks construction and verifies setbacks; no plan review is required by the state for single-family residential.
  4. For commercial projects, additions, and remodeling: after confirming city zoning compliance, submit a Building Permit/Plan Review Application and construction plans to the Montana BCB. Application can be submitted online at https://aca-prod.accela.com/BCB/Default.aspx or via paper form downloaded from bsd.dli.mt.gov.
  5. BCB reviews plans and notifies applicant of comments and fees by mail or email. Respond to all plan review comments in writing.
  6. Pay permit fees once comments are resolved; BCB issues permit.
  7. Post permit on site before work begins.

Typical processing time: City zoning permit: no processing time specified; same-day or next-day turnaround likely for simple requests. State BCB commercial plan review: average 2-3 weeks for complete submissions; timeline varies by project complexity and bureau workload.

Source: City of Glendive Public Works Department

General Requirements

A city Zoning Permit is required for all new construction projects including fences, decks, accessory structures, and complete buildings to verify setback and zoning compliance. A state building permit is required for commercial construction, additions, and remodeling under Montana law. Single-family residential construction does not require a state building permit but still requires the city's no-cost Zoning Permit.

Required Documents

  • City Zoning Permit: no formal document list published; contact Public Works by phone or email
  • State BCB permit: complete construction plans (architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing as applicable), Building Permit/Plan Review Application, project valuation
Permit validity
State BCB permits expire if construction does not commence within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended more than 180 days. City zoning permit validity not specified.
Building code
Glendive does not operate an independent certified code program. The city's Title 9 Building Codes chapter references state code adoption. The state enforces 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 UPC, 2020 NEC, and 2021 IECC (effective June 11, 2022) with Montana ARM Title 24, Chapter 301 amendments. City zoning is governed by Title 11 of the Glendive City Code (current through Ordinance 02-2023, December 2023). City also follows Montana Public Works Standards and Specifications, 6th edition (April 2010).
Owner-builder
Montana does not prohibit owner-builders from constructing their own residential structures. For commercial or non-exempt work under state jurisdiction, the owner may apply; a licensed design professional (engineer or architect) is required for publicly-owned buildings, non-conventional construction, or structures subject to heavy loads.
Contractor requirements
Montana requires contractor registration with the Department of Labor and Industry for work valued over $2,500 ($70 registration fee). Electrical work requires a state electrical contractor license; plumbing work requires a state plumbing contractor license. Glendive city code references the requirement that no structure be erected without a permit, making the contractor responsible alongside the owner for permit compliance.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
City Zoning Permit: free of charge. State BCB: minimum $23.50 per IBC Table 109.2.
Plan check fee
State BCB: 35% of the building permit fee
Permit fee formula
City Zoning Permit: free of charge. State BCB commercial permit: valuation-based per IBC Table 109.2; approximately 1%-2% of project valuation.
Reinspection fee
State BCB: $75/hour for requested inspections
Payment note
City Zoning Permit is free. State BCB: fees communicated after plan review; permit issued once comments resolved and fees paid.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Single-family residential buildings (1-4 dwelling units, no transient guests): exempt from state building permit but still require the city's free Zoning Permit
  • Minor cosmetic repairs and maintenance that do not affect structural elements or life-safety systems
  • Farm and ranch buildings on agricultural property (state exemption; not typically applicable within city limits)
  • Private garages and storage buildings for owner's personal use (state exemption from state permit; city Zoning Permit still applies within city limits for setbacks)

Important: Glendive city code section 11-9-2 states no building may be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered without a permit; the city's Zoning Permit system applies broadly to all construction activity within city limits.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • ()
  • ()
Scheduling deadline
At least 24 hours notice before requested inspections

Typical inspection sequence: Typical state BCB commercial sequence: foundation before backfill; rough framing before insulation or wall covering; rough mechanical, plumbing, and electrical before concealment; final inspection before occupancy.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendive Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Glendive, MT?
A city Zoning Permit is required for all new construction projects including fences, decks, accessory structures, and complete buildings to verify setback and zoning compliance. A state building permit is required for commercial construction, additions, and remodeling under Montana law. Single-family residential construction does not require a state building permit but still requires the city's no-cost Zoning Permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Glendive, MT?
The minimum permit fee is City Zoning Permit: free of charge. State BCB: minimum $23.50 per IBC Table 109.2.. Fees are calculated as: City Zoning Permit: free of charge. State BCB commercial permit: valuation-based per IBC Table 109.2; approximately 1%-2% of project valuation.. Plan check fee: State BCB: 35% of the building permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in Glendive, MT?
1. Determine project type: residential (single-family, small-scale residential) vs. commercial/non-exempt. 2. For any project (residential or commercial): contact Glendive Public Works at (406) 377-3318 to confirm zoning compliance and obtain a Zoning Permit. 3. For residential projects: the no-cost Zoning Permit is available by calling or emailing Public Works. This permit tracks construction and verifies setbacks; no plan review is required by the state for single-family residential. 4. For commercial projects, additions, and remodeling: after confirming city zoning compliance, submit a Building Permit/Plan Review Application and construction plans to the Montana BCB. Application can be submitted online at https://aca-prod.accela.com/BCB/Default.aspx or via paper form downloaded from bsd.dli.mt.gov. 5. BCB reviews plans and notifies applicant of comments and fees by mail or email. Respond to all plan review comments in writing. 6. Pay permit fees once comments are resolved; BCB issues permit. 7. Post permit on site before work begins.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Glendive, MT?
Typical processing time is City zoning permit: no processing time specified; same-day or next-day turnaround likely for simple requests. State BCB commercial plan review: average 2-3 weeks for complete submissions; timeline varies by project complexity and bureau workload..
What work is exempt from building permits in Glendive, MT?
The following work is generally exempt: Single-family residential buildings (1-4 dwelling units, no transient guests): exempt from state building permit but still require the city's free Zoning Permit; Minor cosmetic repairs and maintenance that do not affect structural elements or life-safety systems; Farm and ranch buildings on agricultural property (state exemption; not typically applicable within city limits); Private garages and storage buildings for owner's personal use (state exemption from state permit; city Zoning Permit still applies within city limits for setbacks). Note: Glendive city code section 11-9-2 states no building may be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered without a permit; the city's Zoning Permit system applies broadly to all construction activity within city limits.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Glendive, MT?
Inspections can be scheduled via: , . At least 24 hours notice before requested inspections.

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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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