How do I apply for a building permit in Shelby, MT?

1. Access the City of Shelby Permit Portal at www.cityofshelby.com/PermitPortal 2. Review application checklists available on Forms & Fees page 3. Submit complete building application through GovWell portal 4. Provide all required documents as specified in checklist 5. Planning & Development Services reviews application for completeness 6. Applicant receives plan review comments if needed 7. Address all comments and resubmit 8. Pay permit fees upon approval 9. Obtain building permit 10. Conduct inspections per city requirements 11. Receive sign-off upon completion

What work is exempt from building permits in Shelby, MT?

The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Private garages and storage for personal use; Residential buildings under five units (unless requiring state permit). Note: Shelby generally follows Montana state exemptions. Other exemptions per local ordinance require specific review of Shelby municipal code.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Shelby, MT?

Inspections can be scheduled via: , .

City Building Permits

Shelby, MT - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Montana Toole County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Building inspection and code enforcement for incorporated City of Shelby (county seat of Toole County)

Department: Planning & Development Services - Building Inspections Division
Address: 112 1st Street South, Shelby, MT 59474
Phone: (406) 434-5222
Website: https://www.cityofshelby.com/departments/planning-development-services/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Shelby Permit Portal

Platform: GovWell • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Access the City of Shelby Permit Portal at www.cityofshelby.com/PermitPortal
Review application checklists available on Forms & Fees page
Submit complete building application through GovWell portal
Provide all required documents as specified in checklist
Planning & Development Services reviews application for completeness
Applicant receives plan review comments if needed
Address all comments and resubmit
Pay permit fees upon approval
Obtain building permit
Conduct inspections per city requirements
Receive sign-off upon completion

Source: Planning & Development Services - Building Inspections Division

General Requirements

Building permits required for new construction, alterations, additions, and repairs within City of Shelby jurisdiction.

Required Documents

Site plans
Architectural/engineering plans as applicable
Application forms from city
Project-specific documentation (varies by project type)

Building code: Montana Building Code 2021 (based on IBC 2021) with local amendments adopted by Shelby. Building Inspections division enforces local code.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Planning & Development Services - Building Inspections Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

()
()

Typical inspection sequence: Inspector completes required inspections (foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, final). All inspections must pass before next construction phase. Final inspection required before Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: Montana Building Code 2021 (based on IBC 2021) with local amendments adopted by Shelby. Building Inspections division enforces local code.
Owner-builder rules: View rules
License lookup guide: Montana Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Montana Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Montana hub: Montana Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning & Development Services - Building Inspections Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shelby Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Shelby, MT?: Building permits required for new construction, alterations, additions, and repairs within City of Shelby jurisdiction.
How do I apply for a building permit in Shelby, MT?: 1. Access the City of Shelby Permit Portal at www.cityofshelby.com/PermitPortal 2. Review application checklists available on Forms & Fees page 3. Submit complete building application through GovWell portal 4. Provide all required documents as specified in checklist 5. Planning & Development Services reviews application for completeness 6. Applicant receives plan review comments if needed 7. Address all comments and resubmit 8. Pay permit fees upon approval 9. Obtain building permit 10. Conduct inspections per city requirements 11. Receive sign-off upon completion
What work is exempt from building permits in Shelby, MT?: The following work is generally exempt: Farm and ranch buildings; Private garages and storage for personal use; Residential buildings under five units (unless requiring state permit). Note: Shelby generally follows Montana state exemptions. Other exemptions per local ordinance require specific review of Shelby municipal code.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Shelby, MT?: Inspections can be scheduled via: , .

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Shelby can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Toole County

Toole County Unincorporated Kevin Sunburst

View all Toole County jurisdictions →