This is PermitBase’s published record for Libby as of 2026-07-04. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Libby building permits
VerifiedLibby, Montana — as published 2026-07-04.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Codes adopted
Montana has a mandatory statewide building code administered by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) Building Codes Bureau, amended by the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) Title 24, Chapter 301. Cities, counties, and towns may become 'certified' to locally administer permitting and inspection for all or part of the code; non-certified trades and non-certified project scopes in a partially-certified jurisdiction fall under direct state administration by the DLI Building Codes Bureau. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, Certified City, County and Town Programs (bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits).Libby is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Building (B), RESIDENTIAL ONLY, plus Swimming Pool (SP), within city limits; certified official on file with DLI: Walter Snyder, (406) 293-2731. Verified directly against the DLI Building Codes Bureau's 'Montana Certified Local Government Program' roster PDF, updated 04/22/2026 (fetched and read directly, not taken on secondhand summary): 'Libby | B (residential only), SP | Walter Snyder | 293-2731 | City Limits'. This means COMMERCIAL building permits within Libby city limits, and Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical permits for ALL project types (residential and commercial), are issued DIRECTLY by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, not the City. Source: https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/building-codes-permits/certified-city.pdfThe City of Libby's own Building Inspector Department page and Building Permit Requirements packet list the codes referenced for construction in Libby as: the 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), and 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — consistent with a small residential-and-pool-only-certified jurisdiction enforcing the state-adopted editions rather than authoring independently amended code text. Source: City of Libby Building Inspector page, https://cityoflibby.com/departments-services/building-inspector/Per the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau's Current Codes page (statewide effective date June 11, 2022, applicable to all certified and state-enforced jurisdictions alike): 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IEBC, 2021 IMC, 2021 IFGC, 2021 IECC, 2021 ISPSC, 2021 UPC, 2020 NEC, 2017 ICC A117.1 Accessibility. Source: bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/current-codesThe City's own downloadable Building Permit Requirements and Application packet (cityoflibby.com) still references an older permit-fee appendix table sourced from the 2006 International Residential Code (Appendix L) and an inspection-record card citing the 2009 IBC/IRC — the City's packet has not been fully refreshed to reference 2021-edition appendix/section numbers even though the statewide code in force is now the 2021 edition; this is reported as an observed inconsistency in the City's own published document, not an invented fact.
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Alteration / Repair)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family home construction, additions, alterations, and repairs within Libby city limits. Issued by the City of Libby under its DLI-certified local Building (B), RESIDENTIAL ONLY, program, using the City's own Libby Building Permit Application, reviewed by Building Inspector Walter Snyder against the 2021 IRC, 2021 IECC, and 2021 IEBC as referenced on the City's Building Inspector page.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Complete the Libby Building Permit Application: project location, owner/contractor/designer/electrician/plumber contact information, type of project (Residential, New/Addition/Alteration/Repair/Move/Demolition), description of the nature of the project, and estimated total cost (labor and materials)
- Submit one set of drawings/plans and specifications defining the scope, intent, and method of construction, typically including: (A) a site plan showing property lines, location of structures, existing/proposed utilities, parking areas, and adjacent streets/alleys; (B) floor plans showing use and relationship of spaces, sizes, doorways, windows, fixtures, stairways, and handicapped-accessible features if needed; (C) a section view through the building detailing size/type of materials and assembly method; (D) additional information may be required for commercial and multi-family structures or unusual/hazardous structures
- Since January 23, 2012, all new building permits must also be reviewed and signed off by the Lincoln County Floodplain Manager; if the property lies in a FEMA-regulated floodplain, a separate floodplain permit must be obtained from the County and a detailed floodplain map must accompany the application
- Construction may not begin until fees are paid and the permit is issued; separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits issued by the State of Montana are required for all such work
- A Certificate of Occupancy must be issued before the building can be used
Required documents
- RequiredLibby Building Permit ApplicationCity of Libby combined application form with Type of Project checkboxes (Commercial/Residential/New/Addition/Alteration/Repair/Move/Demolition), returned with all required plans and specifications to the City Building Official
- RequiredSite Plan / Floor Plan / Section View DrawingsOne set of plans showing property lines, structure location, utilities, floor plan dimensions, and construction section details per the City's Building Permit Requirements packet
- OptionalFloodplain Zone-Details Request Form (if applicable)Lincoln County Emergency Management form required if the property may lie within a FEMA-regulated floodplain; determination can take up to 15 working days per the County's own form (no same-day determinations)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Valuation $1 to $500 | $24 | City of Libby Building Permit Requirements packet, Appendix L Permit Fees table (sourced in the City's own packet from the 2006 International Residential Code fee appendix; the City has not republished this table under a 2021-edition appendix number, but this remains the figure in the City's current public-facing document as of this review) |
| Total Valuation $501 to $2,000 | $24 for the first $500, plus $3 for each additional $100 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000 | City of Libby Building Permit Requirements packet, Appendix L Permit Fees table |
| Total Valuation $2,001 to $40,000 | $69 for the first $2,000, plus $11 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $40,000 | City of Libby Building Permit Requirements packet, Appendix L Permit Fees table |
| Total Valuation $40,001 to $100,000 | $487 for the first $40,000, plus $9 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000 | City of Libby Building Permit Requirements packet, Appendix L Permit Fees table |
| Total Valuation $100,001 to $500,000 | $1,027 for the first $100,000, plus $7 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000 | City of Libby Building Permit Requirements packet, Appendix L Permit Fees table |
| Total Valuation $500,001 to $1,000,000 | $3,827 for the first $500,000, plus $5 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000 | City of Libby Building Permit Requirements packet, Appendix L Permit Fees table |
| Investigation fee for work commenced without a permit | 50% of the combined plan review and building permit fee; minimum $250, maximum $1,000 | City of Libby Building Permit Requirements packet and Building Permit Application item 5; matches statewide ARM 24.301.139 formula |
Commercial Building Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedBecause Libby's DLI Building certification is scoped to RESIDENTIAL ONLY, any commercial building permit (new construction, addition, alteration, repair, change of occupancy) anywhere within Libby city limits is issued DIRECTLY by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Libby, under the 2021 IBC as adopted statewide.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Application filed directly with the Montana Building Codes Bureau (not the City of Libby) for any commercial building project within Libby city limits
- Reviewed against the 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and other state-adopted commercial code editions (2021 IECC, 2017 ICC A117.1 Accessibility, etc.) per ARM Title 24, Chapter 301
- Apply by mail (Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517) or online via ebiz.mt.gov
- Applicants should also confirm with the City of Libby whether local zoning, floodplain, or business-license requirements apply in addition to the state building permit
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Commercial Building PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form; mailed with payment to Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via ebiz.mt.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial building permit fee | The Montana Building Codes Bureau publishes a valuation-based commercial fee schedule on its Building Permits page/application forms, but a jurisdiction-specific dollar figure was not re-extracted for this record; the Bureau's own site directs fee questions to (406) 841-2056 / buildingcodes@mt.gov. Left null rather than estimated; this is the identical statewide schedule that would apply to any Montana location where the state issues commercial building permits directly. |
Swimming Pool Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction or installation of a swimming pool within Libby city limits. Libby is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Swimming Pool (SP) permitting, reviewed against the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as referenced on the City's Building Inspector page, using the same Libby Building Permit Application used for other building work.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Complete the Libby Building Permit Application, describing the nature of the project (pool construction/installation) and estimated total cost
- Submit a site plan showing pool location, setbacks, and barrier/fencing plan consistent with the 2021 ISPSC
- Reviewed and issued by the City of Libby Building Inspector under the City's DLI Swimming Pool (SP) certification — not routed to the state, unlike electrical/plumbing/mechanical work associated with the pool installation, which still requires separate state permits
- Since January 23, 2012, new building permits are also reviewed by the Lincoln County Floodplain Manager; a separate floodplain permit may be required if the property lies within a FEMA-regulated floodplain
Required documents
- RequiredLibby Building Permit ApplicationSame combined City of Libby application form used for other building/construction work, describing the pool project and estimated cost
- RequiredSite Plan (Pool Location and Barrier/Fencing)Site plan showing pool location, setbacks, and required safety barrier/fencing per the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same Appendix L table used for other building permits) | $24 minimum ($1-$500 valuation), scaling per the City of Libby Appendix L Permit Fees table (e.g., $69 for first $2,000 plus $11 per additional $1,000 up to $40,000) | City of Libby Building Permit Requirements packet, Appendix L Permit Fees table; no separate/dedicated swimming-pool-specific fee line was found published by the City distinct from the general valuation-based building permit fee table |
Electrical Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedBecause Libby holds no DLI Electrical certification, electrical work anywhere within Libby city limits — residential or commercial — requires a permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Libby, under the 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC).
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Application must be signed and dated by the licensed electrical contractor's person in charge, or filed as a homeowner permit for owner-performed work where allowed
- Payment must be submitted with the application; incomplete applications are returned unprocessed
- Property address, GEOCODE/parcel/lot/block, owner information, and power company must be provided
- Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 604, MCA and ARM 24.301.431
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Residential (or Commercial) Electrical PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form; mailed with payment to Building Codes Program, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via ebiz.mt.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — up to 200-amp service (includes meter base and attached garages if wired at the same time) | $200 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22) — same statewide fee schedule applied to all non-electrically-certified Montana jurisdictions, including Libby |
| Single Family Dwelling or Cabin — 201 to 400-amp service | $380 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22) |
| Residential Change of Service — exterior meter base & interior/exterior main disconnect only | $45 | Application for Residential Electrical Permit (Rev. 12/22) |
Plumbing Permit (State-Issued, incl. Water Heater)
VerifiedBecause Libby holds no DLI Plumbing certification, plumbing work anywhere within Libby city limits — including water heater installation/replacement — requires a Plumbing Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Libby, under the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Application must be signed by the Master Plumber and include the Master Plumber License Number, or filed as a homeowner permit for owner-performed work where allowed
- Property address, county, and whether the job is inside city limits must be indicated
- Type of Building and Type of Work must be indicated; sewer service type (public/septic) and potable water source must be indicated
- Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 505, MCA and ARM 24.301.301 / 24.301.361
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1)Montana Building Codes Bureau statewide form; mailed with payment to Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via ebiz.mt.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Each NEW water heater (or replacement) | $25 | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1) statewide Fee Schedule — same schedule applied to all non-plumbing-certified jurisdictions, including Libby |
| Each plumbing fixture or trap | $10 per fixture/trap | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1) statewide Fee Schedule |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedBecause Libby holds no DLI Mechanical certification, mechanical/HVAC work anywhere within Libby city limits requires a Mechanical Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Libby, under the 2021 International Mechanical Code and International Fuel Gas Code.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Project Value must be provided; permit fee is calculated from the state's valuation-based fee schedule
- Type of Building and Type of Work must be indicated
- Boiler work requires a separate Boiler Permit form, not the Mechanical Permit
- Apply in accordance with Title 50, Chapter 60, Section 104, MCA and ARM 24.301.172
Required documents
- RequiredApplication for Mechanical Permit (BCP-1)Montana Building Codes Bureau statewide form; mailed with payment to Building Codes Bureau, PO Box 200517, Helena, MT 59620-0517, or filed online via ebiz.mt.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit — Project value $0-$10,000 | $48 for the first $1,000, plus $14 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof | Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Mechanical Permit (BCP-1) statewide Fee Schedule — same schedule applied to all non-mechanically-certified jurisdictions, including Libby |
Deck / Accessory Structure Permit
VerifiedRequired for decks, detached garages, and storage sheds 120 square feet or larger within Libby city limits, using the City's own Libby Building Permit Application under its residential Building (B) certification. Sheds/playhouses under 120 square feet are exempt.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Complete the Libby Building Permit Application with the appropriate Type of Project checkbox (Residential / Addition) and a description of the deck, garage, or accessory structure
- Submit a site plan showing the structure's location, dimensions, and setbacks from property lines, plus a section view/detail sufficient to show size and type of materials and assembly method
- Structures under 120 square feet in floor area (tool/storage sheds/playhouses) are exempt from a building permit; fences under 6 feet and retaining walls under 4 feet are also exempt
- Since January 23, 2012, floodplain review by the Lincoln County Floodplain Manager applies to new building permits; a separate County floodplain permit may be required if applicable
Required documents
- RequiredLibby Building Permit ApplicationCity of Libby combined application form, Residential/Addition checked, describing the deck or accessory structure project
- RequiredSite Plan and Construction DetailSite plan showing structure location/dimensions/setbacks, plus a section-view detail of framing and materials
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation-based (same Appendix L table used for other building permits) | $24 minimum ($1-$500 valuation), scaling per the City of Libby Appendix L Permit Fees table | City of Libby Building Permit Requirements packet, Appendix L Permit Fees table; no separate deck-specific or accessory-structure-specific fee line was found published by the City distinct from the general valuation-based building permit fee table |
Demolition / Building Move Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition or removal of any structure within Libby city limits, and for moving a structure, using the same Libby Building Permit Application with 'Demolition' or 'Move' checked under Type of Project. A DEQ-required asbestos inspection applies before demolition given Libby's documented asbestos/vermiculite legacy.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Complete the Libby Building Permit Application with 'Demolition' or 'Move' checked under Type of Project, including a description of the nature of the project and estimated cost
- Per the Montana Asbestos Control Act (ARM 17.74.354) and a Montana DEQ memorandum distributed within the City's own Building Permit Requirements packet: an asbestos inspection by a DEQ-accredited (licensed) asbestos inspector is REQUIRED prior to building demolition, renovation, or remodeling activities, to determine whether asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are present
- Contact the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program (LCARP) hotline at (406) 291-5335, or submit a Property Evaluation Notification (PEN) form at lcarp.org/pen-form, for guidance and property status information specific to Libby's known asbestos/vermiculite contamination history
- Owner/applicant must confirm utility disconnection and site cleanup consistent with general City building-permit practice; a written verification from utility companies is good practice though not separately codified in the City's packet the way Billings documents it
- Violations of the Montana Asbestos Control Act carry penalties of $10,000 to $25,000 per day per the DEQ memorandum
Required documents
- RequiredLibby Building Permit Application (Demolition/Move)Same combined City of Libby form with 'Demolition' or 'Move' selected under Type of Project
- RequiredAsbestos Inspection DocumentationDocumentation of a DEQ-accredited asbestos inspection, required by the Montana Asbestos Control Act before demolition/renovation; coordinate with the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program (LCARP), (406) 291-5335, 503 California Avenue, Libby
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Demolition permit fee — valuation-based (same Appendix L table) | $24 minimum ($1-$500 valuation), scaling per the City of Libby Appendix L Permit Fees table | City of Libby Building Permit Requirements packet, Appendix L Permit Fees table; no separate demolition-specific fee or bond amount (e.g., Billings' $10,000 demolition site bond) was found published for Libby — this is reported as a genuine small-town publication gap after direct review of the City's packet, not an invented figure |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Libby building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.