On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Glacier County
New buildings, alterations, additions, repairs
Farm and ranch buildings (except transient-use)
Mining buildings on mining property
Petroleum refineries/pulp mills (except office/shop)
Residential under 5 units (except transient)
Private garages and storage for owner use
- Exempt Farm and ranch buildings (except transient-use)
- Exempt Mining buildings on mining property
- Exempt Petroleum refineries/pulp mills (except office/shop)
- Exempt Residential under 5 units (except transient)
- Exempt Private garages and storage for owner use
Required documents
- Building Permit/Plan Review Application
- Construction plans
- Legal property description
- Building code
- Montana 2021 International Building Codes
Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building Codes Program ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Average 2-3 weeks
- 01 Obtain Building Permit/Plan Review Application from state portal
- 02 Complete application with construction plans
- 03 Submit to Montana Building Codes Program
- 04 Plan review conducted (2-3 weeks average)
- 05 Applicant receives comments and fees
- 06 Submit responses and payment
- 07 Permit issued
- 08 Schedule inspections (24 hours notice)
- 09 All inspections must pass for certificate of occupancy
Typical processing time: Average 2-3 weeks
Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building Codes Program ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Glacier County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation; contact program
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 24 hours notice to state inspector (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hours notice required
- Time windows
- 72-hour response time
Typical sequence: Foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, final
Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building Codes Program ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Glacier County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Glacier County, MT? ▸
New buildings, alterations, additions, repairs
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Glacier County, MT? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Glacier County, MT are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation; contact program.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Glacier County, MT? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Glacier County, MT, follow these steps: 1. Obtain Building Permit/Plan Review Application from state portal 2. Complete application with construction plans 3. Submit to Montana Building Codes Program 4. Plan review conducted (2-3 weeks average) 5. Applicant receives comments and fees 6. Submit responses and payment 7. Permit issued 8. Schedule inspections (24 hours notice) 9. All inspections must pass for certificate of occupancy
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Glacier County, MT? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Glacier County, MT typically run Average 2-3 weeks. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Glacier County, MT? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Glacier County, MT. The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings (except transient-use); Mining buildings on mining property; Petroleum refineries/pulp mills (except office/shop); Residential under 5 units (except transient); Private garages and storage for owner use. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Glacier County, MT? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Glacier County, MT via: 24 hours notice to state inspector. 24 hours notice required.
last verified March 2026
source Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building Codes Program ↗
entry id permits/montana/glacier/st-mary-and-babb
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building Codes Program before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.