This is PermitBase’s published record for Shelby as of 2026-07-07. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Shelby building permits
VerifiedShelby, Montana — as published 2026-07-07.
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 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).Shelby is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Building (B) ONLY within city limits; certified building official on file with DLI: Ken Thaut, (406) 434-5222. Verified directly against the DLI Building Codes Bureau's 'Montana Certified Local Government Program' roster PDF (fetched and text-extracted directly from the primary-source PDF, updated 04/22/2026): 'Shelby | B | Ken Thaut | 434-5222 | City Limits'. Source: https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/building-codes-permits/certified-city.pdfShelby Municipal Code Title 10 (Building Regulations), Chapter 1 (Building Codes), Section 10-1-1 (Adoption Of Model Building And Technical Codes By Administrative Action), last amended by Ordinance 803 (9-20-2010): adopts by reference, through administrative action of the building inspector as authorized by Mont. Code Ann. Section 50-60-301(1)(b), 'the current editions of the building, mechanical and related codes and all accompanying appendices, amendments and modifications adopted by the bureau of building and measurement standards, Montana department of labor and industry (or its successor), as set out in the administrative rules of Montana.' Source: City of Shelby Code of Ordinances, https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/shelbymt/latest/shelby_mt/0-0-0-2417 (section 10-1-1)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. Shelby's own municipal code (Title 10, Chapter 1) adopts the state-published editions by administrative reference rather than authoring independently amended code text, consistent with a small B-only-certified jurisdiction enforcing the state-adopted editions. Source: bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits/current-codes
Permit types & fees
Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Structural Alteration)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family home construction, additions, and structural alterations within Shelby city limits. Issued by the City of Shelby under its DLI-certified local Building (B) program, reviewed by Building Official Ken Thaut against the state-adopted building and technical codes referenced in Shelby Municipal Code Title 10, Chapter 1.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Application for a building permit submitted to the City Building Official; plans reviewed for compliance with the applicable building/technical codes adopted by administrative reference under Shelby Municipal Code 10-1-1
- Building plan review completed by the building official within 30 working days of submittal of a complete application (10-1-2.C); the building official may submit plans to other affected city departments for review before permit issuance (10-1-2.B)
- Structural changes (any work increasing or decreasing the size of a structure) require a building permit and payment of the applicable fee per the valuation-based schedule in Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-13; whether contemplated work constitutes a 'structural change' is determined by the building inspector (10-1-9.B)
- Non-structural 'remodeling' of a single-family dwelling (siding, reroofing, cupboard/counter/countertop replacement, interior wall repair/replacement, and window/door replacement using the original opening) requires NO permit and NO fee, provided it does not affect the structural integrity of the dwelling (10-1-9.A)
- Factory-built buildings approved by the Montana Building Codes Bureau are subject to local inspection and fees for zoning, utility connections, and foundations only — not full plan review (10-1-5)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted to Shelby City Hall / Building Official Ken Thaut; contact (406) 434-5222
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1.00 to $500.00 | $23.50 | Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-13, Plan Review And Building Permit Fees (Ord. 780, 5-21-2007) |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $501.00 to $2,000.00 | $23.50 for the first $500.00, plus $3.05 for each additional $100.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000.00 | Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-13 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $2,001.00 to $25,000.00 | $69.25 for the first $2,000.00, plus $14.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $25,000.00 | Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-13 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $25,001.00 to $50,000.00 | $391.00 for the first $25,000.00, plus $10.10 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $50,000.00 | Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-13 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $50,001.00 to $100,000.00 | $643.75 for the first $50,000.00, plus $7.00 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000.00 | Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-13 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $100,001.00 to $500,000.00 | $993.75 for the first $100,000.00, plus $5.60 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000.00 | Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-13 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $500,001.00 to $1,000,000.00 | $3,233.75 for the first $500,000.00, plus $4.75 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000.00 | Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-13 |
| Building Permit Fee — valuation $1,000,001.00 and up | $5,608.75 for the first $1,000,000.00, plus $3.65 for each additional $1,000.00 or fraction thereof | Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-13 |
| Other Inspections and Fees (after-hours inspections, reinspections, unlisted inspections, additional plan review) | $47.00 per hour (2-hour minimum for after-hours inspections), or the City's total hourly cost, whichever is greater | Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-13; outside-consultant use for plan checking/inspections billed at actual cost including administrative/overhead |
Non-Structural Remodel (Permit-Exempt) / Structural Alteration Permit
VerifiedShelby Municipal Code 10-1-9 creates a specific no-fee/no-permit exception for defined non-structural 'remodeling' of single-family dwellings, while any structural change requires the standard Building Permit and fee.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- 'Remodeling' is defined to specifically include siding, reroofing, replacing cupboards/counters/countertops, and repairing or replacing interior walls; windows and doors are included as remodeling so long as the original opening is used and not enlarged
- No fee and no permit are required for remodeling of a single-family dwelling, provided the work does not in any way affect the structural integrity of the dwelling
- Any structural change (work that increases or decreases the size of the structure) requires a building permit and payment of the applicable fee under the 1-12-13 valuation schedule
- The building of any fence is explicitly classified as a structural change requiring a ZONING permit (not a building permit) and payment of the appropriate fee
- Whether contemplated work constitutes a 'structural change' (vs. exempt remodeling) is determined by the building inspector on a case-by-case basis
Required documents
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application (only if a structural change)Required only if the building inspector determines the work is a structural change rather than exempt remodeling
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Non-structural remodel (siding, reroof, cabinets/counters, interior walls, same-opening window/door replacement) | $0 (no fee, no permit required) | Shelby Municipal Code 10-1-9.A.2 — applies only if structural integrity of the single-family dwelling is unaffected |
| Structural change (size increase/decrease) — valuation-based | Per Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-13 valuation schedule, starting at $23.50 for $1-$500 valuation | Shelby Municipal Code 10-1-9.B and 1-12-13 |
Fence Zoning Permit
VerifiedConstruction of a fence within Shelby city limits is explicitly classified as a 'structural change' under Shelby Municipal Code 10-1-9.B and requires a zoning permit (administered under Title 13, Zoning Regulations) and payment of the appropriate fee.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- Any fence construction is classified as a structural change under Shelby Municipal Code 10-1-9.B and requires a zoning permit
- Zoning permit fee payment required; fee amount is referenced to the City's non-codified 'schedule of fees and permits' on file at City Hall or the Department of Public Works (Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-15) rather than published as a fixed dollar figure in the code itself
- Zoning requirements generally governed by Shelby Municipal Code Title 13 (Zoning Regulations)
Required documents
- RequiredZoning Permit ApplicationObtained from Shelby City Hall; contact (406) 434-5222
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning Permit Fee (fence) | Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-15 (Zoning) states only: 'Refer to the current "schedule of fees and permits" on file at the City Hall or Department of Public Works.' No fixed dollar figure is published in the codified ordinances themselves — confirmed via direct review of section 1-12-15 and its cross-reference to Title 13. This is an honest publication gap, not an inferred or invented number. Applicants must contact City Hall at (406) 434-5222 for the current fee. |
Moving Building Permit
VerifiedRequired to move, remove, or relocate any building or structure within or into Shelby city limits, per Shelby Municipal Code Title 10, Chapter 4 (Moving Buildings).
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
Requirements
- No person shall move, remove, or relocate any building or structure within or into the city without first obtaining a moving permit (Shelby Municipal Code 10-4-1)
- Application required per Shelby Municipal Code 10-4-2
- Permit fee established by city council resolution per Shelby Municipal Code 10-4-3, cross-referenced to section 1-12-9
- Restrictions on issuance apply per Shelby Municipal Code 10-4-4; permittee duties per 10-4-5; permit subject to revocation per 10-4-6
Required documents
- RequiredMoving Permit ApplicationObtained from Shelby City Hall; contact (406) 434-5222
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Moving Permit Fee | Shelby Municipal Code 1-12-9 (Moving Buildings) states only: 'Refer to the current "schedule of fees and permits" on file at the City Hall or Department of Public Works.' No fixed dollar figure is published in the codified ordinances themselves — confirmed via direct review of both 10-4-3 and its cross-referenced fee section 1-12-9. This is an honest publication gap, not an inferred or invented number. Applicants must contact City Hall at (406) 434-5222 for the current fee. |
Electrical Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedBecause Shelby is DLI-certified for Building only, electrical work anywhere within Shelby city limits requires a Residential (or Commercial) Electrical Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Shelby, under the 2020 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
- 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 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 Shelby; cross-verified against the identical schedule already confirmed for Choteau and Conrad, MT in this same research effort |
| 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 Shelby is DLI-certified for Building only, plumbing work anywhere within Shelby 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 Shelby, 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 PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form (BCP-1); 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 Shelby; cross-verified against the identical schedule already confirmed for Choteau and Conrad, MT in this same research effort |
| Each plumbing fixture or trap | $10 per fixture/trap | Application for Plumbing Permit (BCP-1) statewide Fee Schedule |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit (State-Issued)
VerifiedBecause Shelby is DLI-certified for Building only, mechanical/HVAC work anywhere within Shelby city limits requires a Mechanical Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena, not by the City of Shelby, 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 PermitMontana Building Codes Bureau statewide form (BCP-1); 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 Shelby; cross-verified against the identical schedule already confirmed for Choteau and Conrad, MT in this same research effort |
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 Shelby building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.