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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Glendive
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.
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)
- 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
- Exempt Minor cosmetic repairs and maintenance that do not affect structural elements or life-safety systems
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings on agricultural property (state exemption; not typically applicable within city limits)
- Exempt 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.
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
- 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).
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 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.
- 01 Determine project type: residential (single-family, small-scale residential) vs. commercial/non-exempt.
- 02 For any project (residential or commercial): contact Glendive Public Works at (406) 377-3318 to confirm zoning compliance and obtain a Zoning Permit.
- 03 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.
- 04 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.
- 05 BCB reviews plans and notifies applicant of comments and fees by mail or email. Respond to all plan review comments in writing.
- 06 Pay permit fees once comments are resolved; BCB issues permit.
- 07 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Glendive building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
City Zoning Permit: free of charge. State BCB: minimum $23.50 per IBC Table 109.2.
02
Plan check fee
State BCB: 35% of the building permit fee
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
State BCB: $75/hour for requested inspections
City Zoning Permit is free. State BCB: fees communicated after plan review; permit issued once comments resolved and fees paid.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Residential Zoning Permit inspections: contact Glendive Public Works at (406) 377-3318 (phone)
- Commercial building permit inspections: coordinate with state BCB Inspector Darrell Aaby at (406) 439-2551 or daaby@mt.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- At least 24 hours notice before requested inspections
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Glendive permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Glendive, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in Glendive, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Glendive, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Glendive, MT, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Glendive, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in Glendive, MT typically run 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.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Glendive, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Glendive, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Glendive, MT via: Residential Zoning Permit inspections: contact Glendive Public Works at (406) 377-3318, Commercial building permit inspections: coordinate with state BCB Inspector Darrell Aaby at (406) 439-2551 or daaby@mt.gov. At least 24 hours notice before requested inspections.
last verified March 2026
source City of Glendive Public Works Department ↗
entry id permits/montana/dawson/glendive
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Glendive Public Works Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.