County Building Permits

Dawson County, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Dawson County does not operate a certified local building code program. Most unincorporated land has no zoning and therefore no local building permit requirement. Two citizen-driven zoned subdivisions -- Highland Park and Forest Park -- require a Zoning Compliance Permit for any construction. Outside these two districts and outside incorporated city/town limits, state building permits apply for commercial and non-exempt structures; residential single-family construction is exempt from both state and local permit requirements.

Department
Dawson County Planning Department
Address
207 W Bell St, Glendive, MT 59330
Phone
406-377-3058
Website
https://www.dawsonmt.gov/departments/planning/zoning.php

Online Permit Portal

Open Dawson County Planning Department Forms

Platform: County - Paper/In-Person • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine whether the project site falls within a zoned area (Highland Park, Forest Park, or River Road overlay) by contacting the County Planner at 406-377-3058 or reviewing the zoning maps on the county website.
  2. For sites inside a zoned district: obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit Application from the Planning Department at 207 W Bell St, Glendive, MT 59330.
  3. Complete and submit the Zoning Compliance Permit Application with required site information to the County Planner. No fee schedule is publicly posted; contact the Planning Department for current fees.
  4. For sites outside all zoned districts: single-family residential construction does not require a county or state building permit. Commercial or non-residential structures, additions, or change-of-occupancy projects require a state building permit through the Montana Building Codes Bureau (BCB).
  5. For state-required permits: submit construction plans and a Building Permit/Plan Review Application to the BCB at buildingcodes@mt.gov or via the online portal at https://aca-prod.accela.com/BCB/Default.aspx.
  6. BCB reviews plans and communicates fees by mail or email. Once all comments are resolved and fees paid, the permit is issued.
  7. For development in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area: also complete a Floodplain Development Application available from the Planning Department.

Typical processing time: State BCB averages 2-3 weeks for plan review on complete submissions; county zoning compliance permit processing time not publicly specified.

Source: Dawson County Planning Department

General Requirements

A Zoning Compliance Permit is required for any construction (new structure, addition, alteration, or relocation) within the Highland Park or Forest Park zoned districts. State building permits are required for commercial, institutional, and multi-family (5+ units) structures anywhere in unincorporated Dawson County not served by a certified local program.

Required Documents

  • Zoning Compliance Permit: application form, site plan showing setbacks and lot lines, description of proposed work
  • State BCB permit: complete construction plans, Building Permit/Plan Review Application form (available at bsd.dli.mt.gov), project valuation
Permit validity
State permits typically expire if work does not commence within 180 days or if construction is suspended more than 180 days; county permit validity not publicly specified.
Building code
Unincorporated Dawson County defers to state codes. Montana currently enforces the 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC), and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, all effective June 11, 2022, with Montana ARM Title 24, Chapter 301 amendments.
Owner-builder
Montana does not restrict owner-builders from constructing their own single-family residence. For commercial or state-permitted work, the property owner may apply; licensed design professionals (engineer or architect) are required for publicly-owned buildings and non-conventional or high-load structures.
Contractor requirements
Montana requires contractors performing work valued over $2,500 to register with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (Construction Contractor Registration, $70 fee). Electrical contractors must hold a state electrical license; plumbing contractors must hold a state plumbing license. No additional local contractor licensing is required in unincorporated Dawson County.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
County fees not published; state BCB minimum is $23.50 (for projects valued $1-$500)
Plan check fee
State BCB: 35% of the building permit fee
Permit fee formula
State BCB: valuation-based using IBC Table 109.2; general range 1%-2% of building valuation. County Zoning Compliance Permit: fee not publicly specified; contact Planning Department at 406-377-3058.
Reinspection fee
State BCB: $75/hour for requested inspections
Payment note
State BCB: Once plan review comments are resolved and fees paid, permit is issued. County permits: contact Planning Department for fee and payment information.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Single-family residential buildings (1-4 dwelling units, no transient guests) in unincorporated areas
  • Farm and ranch buildings on agricultural property
  • Private garages and storage buildings used solely for the owner's personal use (not part of a commercial enterprise)
  • Mining buildings on mining property regulated under Title 82, MCA
  • Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (excluding office and shop buildings)
  • Minor repairs and maintenance that do not affect structural elements or life-safety systems
  • Land outside zoned districts (Highland Park, Forest Park) has no local zoning permit requirement

Important: Single-family residential exemptions apply only outside Highland Park and Forest Park zoned subdivisions. Within those zoned areas, a Zoning Compliance Permit is required even for single-family residential construction.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Scheduling deadline
24 hours advance notice required

Typical inspection sequence: Typical state BCB commercial/non-exempt sequence: foundation and footing before backfill; framing inspection before insulation or sheathing; rough-in inspections for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical before concealment; final inspection prior to occupancy.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Dawson County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Dawson County, MT?
A Zoning Compliance Permit is required for any construction (new structure, addition, alteration, or relocation) within the Highland Park or Forest Park zoned districts. State building permits are required for commercial, institutional, and multi-family (5+ units) structures anywhere in unincorporated Dawson County not served by a certified local program.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Dawson County, MT?
The minimum permit fee is County fees not published; state BCB minimum is $23.50 (for projects valued $1-$500). Fees are calculated as: State BCB: valuation-based using IBC Table 109.2; general range 1%-2% of building valuation. County Zoning Compliance Permit: fee not publicly specified; contact Planning Department at 406-377-3058.. Plan check fee: State BCB: 35% of the building permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Dawson County, MT?
1. Determine whether the project site falls within a zoned area (Highland Park, Forest Park, or River Road overlay) by contacting the County Planner at 406-377-3058 or reviewing the zoning maps on the county website. 2. For sites inside a zoned district: obtain a Zoning Compliance Permit Application from the Planning Department at 207 W Bell St, Glendive, MT 59330. 3. Complete and submit the Zoning Compliance Permit Application with required site information to the County Planner. No fee schedule is publicly posted; contact the Planning Department for current fees. 4. For sites outside all zoned districts: single-family residential construction does not require a county or state building permit. Commercial or non-residential structures, additions, or change-of-occupancy projects require a state building permit through the Montana Building Codes Bureau (BCB). 5. For state-required permits: submit construction plans and a Building Permit/Plan Review Application to the BCB at buildingcodes@mt.gov or via the online portal at https://aca-prod.accela.com/BCB/Default.aspx. 6. BCB reviews plans and communicates fees by mail or email. Once all comments are resolved and fees paid, the permit is issued. 7. For development in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area: also complete a Floodplain Development Application available from the Planning Department.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Dawson County, MT?
Typical processing time is State BCB averages 2-3 weeks for plan review on complete submissions; county zoning compliance permit processing time not publicly specified..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Dawson County, MT?
The following work is generally exempt: Single-family residential buildings (1-4 dwelling units, no transient guests) in unincorporated areas; Farm and ranch buildings on agricultural property; Private garages and storage buildings used solely for the owner's personal use (not part of a commercial enterprise); Mining buildings on mining property regulated under Title 82, MCA; Petroleum refineries and pulp/paper mills (excluding office and shop buildings); Minor repairs and maintenance that do not affect structural elements or life-safety systems; Land outside zoned districts (Highland Park, Forest Park) has no local zoning permit requirement. Note: Single-family residential exemptions apply only outside Highland Park and Forest Park zoned subdivisions. Within those zoned areas, a Zoning Compliance Permit is required even for single-family residential construction.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Dawson County, MT?
Inspections can be scheduled via: , , . 24 hours advance notice required.

Need help with your project?

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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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