Glasgow building permits

Building department

Address

319 3rd Street South, Glasgow, MT 59230

Phone

(406) 228-2476

Email

codecompliance@cityofglasgowmt.com

Office hours

City Hall: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-12:00 PM and 1:00 PM-5:00 PM, closed federal holidays. Code Compliance Officer Rod Dees: (406) 228-2476 ext. 8, cell (406) 263-3386. Public Works Department can also be reached at (406) 228-2476 ext. 4 for pre-submittal project discussions.

Website

Official site

Inspection guide

See how inspections work in Glasgow — sequence, scheduling & re-inspection fees.

Codes adopted

Montana adopts a single statewide building code by rule and, by default, enforces it directly — local governments only gain enforcement authority once the state certifies them. Under the Montana Building Codes Act (Mont. Code Ann. Title 50, Chapter 60), the Department of Labor & Industry's Building Codes Bureau adopts one state building code applicable everywhere (§ 50-60-203, codified further at Administrative Rules of Montana Title 24, Chapter 301) — currently the 2021 editions of the IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IEBC, ISPSC, and UPC, with the 2020 NEC for electrical (effective statewide since 6/11/2022 per the Bureau's own Current Codes page). A city, county, or town may adopt and enforce its own building-code program under § 50-60-301, but its adopted code "may include only codes adopted by the Building Codes Bureau" — a local edition can never diverge from or be less stringent than the state's. Critically, under § 50-60-302, a local government cannot enforce ANY building code — even one it has formally adopted — until the Bureau certifies its program (requiring an approved code, a published fee schedule, an enforcement plan, and properly licensed or nationally certified inspectors); certification is granted per TRADE, not as one blanket designation. The Bureau's own "Certified City, County and Town Programs" list uses the key B=Building, P=Plumbing, E=Electrical, M=Mechanical, SP=Pool, W=Wildland-Urban-Interface — a jurisdiction can be certified for Building only while Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical remain directly state-enforced within the same city limits (e.g., Havre, Anaconda-Deer Lodge), or certified across all trades (e.g., Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Helena, Kalispell). Non-certified jurisdictions — most of Montana's unincorporated county land, since very few counties appear on the certified list — fall under direct enforcement by the state Building Codes Bureau (§ 50-60-304). Montana also exempts private homes and buildings of four or fewer dwelling units not serving transient guests from the state building-permit requirement entirely, though electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits remain separately required regardless. Always confirm with the specific jurisdiction which trades it is certified for versus which remain directly state-enforced.

• 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. Show full textShow less

  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 list (bsd.dli.mt.gov/building-codes-permits).

• Glasgow is a Montana DLI-certified jurisdiction for Building (B) ONLY within city limits; certified building official on file with DLI: Rod Dees, (406) 228-2476. Source: Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau, 'Montana Certified Local Government Program' roster, updated 04/22/2026, https://bsd.dli.mt.gov/_docs/building-codes-permits/certified-city.pdf, which lists 'Glasgow | B | Rod Dees | 228-2476 | City Limits'.
• Per the City of Glasgow's own 'General Information for Building Permit Applications' packet (Public Information Sheet GIPBA No. Show full textShow less

  Per the City of Glasgow's own 'General Information for Building Permit Applications' packet (Public Information Sheet GIPBA No. 4, dated 11/17/2021): all building designs and plans must adhere to the 2018 International Residential Code, 2018 International Building Code, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2018 International Existing Building Code, 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2012 International Energy Code, and the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, plus applicable local zoning codes. Source: City of Glasgow Building Permit Packet, cityofglasgowmt.com/_files/ugd/2ff7f3_a263251865d842a9b7db016c72ebf448.pdf

• The 2021 editions govern. The City's own permit packet (dated 11/17/2021) cites 2018-edition I-codes and the 2012 IECC, while Montana DLI's statewide Current Codes page lists 2021 editions; Glasgow's own Municipal Code… Show full textShow less

  The 2021 editions govern. The City's own permit packet (dated 11/17/2021) cites 2018-edition I-codes and the 2012 IECC, while Montana DLI's statewide Current Codes page lists 2021 editions; Glasgow's own Municipal Code settles the discrepancy — Chapter 8, Article II adopts the 2021 editions by section, each 'Pursuant to MCA 50-60-301 and ARM 24.301.202'. The City packet is simply out of date relative to the City's own codified ordinance. City of Glasgow Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Article II (Technical Codes) (nodeId COOR_CH8BUBURE); codification current through Ordinance No. 981, adopted 2022-08-15, online content updated 2023-12-01.

• The City of Glasgow's own Building Permit Packet contains an internal inconsistency regarding Mechanical permits: one bullet in the 'General Information' page states 'The City of Glasgow also issues plumbing/mechanical… Show full textShow less

  The City of Glasgow's own Building Permit Packet contains an internal inconsistency regarding Mechanical permits: one bullet in the 'General Information' page states 'The City of Glasgow also issues plumbing/mechanical permits,' while a later 'NOTICE' section in the same packet states plainly: 'The City of Glasgow covers Building Permits and Mechanical Permits; the State of Montana issues plumbing and electrical plans for work in the city.' The DLI's own certified-jurisdictions roster (updated 04/22/2026) lists Glasgow's certification as 'B' ONLY, with no 'M' code shown (contrast with e.g. Havre or Choteau, also 'B' only, or Belgrade/Billings which show explicit 'M' certification). Given the DLI roster is the authoritative statewide certification record, this KB treats Mechanical permits in Glasgow as STATE-ISSUED (routed to the DLI Building Codes Bureau) consistent with the official 'B'-only certification, while flagging the City's own document's contrary claim as an unresolved discrepancy applicants should verify directly with (406) 228-2476 ext. 8 before assuming which office issues a mechanical permit.

• International Building Code, 2021 edition — adopted at Code of Ordinances Sec. Show full textShow less

  International Building Code, 2021 edition — adopted at Code of Ordinances Sec. 8-23, 'as amended by ARM 24.301.131 and all accompanying appendices, amendments, and modifications adopted by the building codes bureau, state department of labor and industry', pursuant to MCA 50-60-301 and ARM 24.301.202. City of Glasgow Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Article II (Technical Codes) (nodeId COOR_CH8BUBURE); codification current through Ordinance No. 981, adopted 2022-08-15, online content updated 2023-12-01.

• International Residential Code, 2021 edition — adopted at Code of Ordinances Sec. Show full textShow less

  International Residential Code, 2021 edition — adopted at Code of Ordinances Sec. 8-24, as amended by ARM 24.301.154, for detached single- or two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories and their accessory structures. City of Glasgow Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Article II (Technical Codes) (nodeId COOR_CH8BUBURE); codification current through Ordinance No. 981, adopted 2022-08-15, online content updated 2023-12-01.

• International Fuel Gas Code — adopted at Code of Ordinances Sec. Show full textShow less

  International Fuel Gas Code — adopted at Code of Ordinances Sec. 8-25 'as adopted by the state in ARM 24.301.173'. NOTE: Sec. 8-25 is the one adoption section in Article II that cites NO edition year of its own; the edition is whatever ARM 24.301.173 currently carries. Stated as the section states it rather than assumed to be 2021 by analogy with Secs. 8-23, 8-24, 8-26 and 8-27. City of Glasgow Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Article II (Technical Codes) (nodeId COOR_CH8BUBURE); codification current through Ordinance No. 981, adopted 2022-08-15, online content updated 2023-12-01.

• International Existing Building Code, 2021 edition — adopted at Code of Ordinances Sec. Show full textShow less

  International Existing Building Code, 2021 edition — adopted at Code of Ordinances Sec. 8-26, as amended by ARM 24.301.171, usable 'as an alternative prescriptive method for the remodel, repair, alteration, change of occupancy, addition, and relocation of existing buildings'. City of Glasgow Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Article II (Technical Codes) (nodeId COOR_CH8BUBURE); codification current through Ordinance No. 981, adopted 2022-08-15, online content updated 2023-12-01.

• International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 edition — adopted at Code of Ordinances Sec. Show full textShow less

  International Energy Conservation Code, 2021 edition — adopted at Code of Ordinances Sec. 8-27, as amended by ARM 24.301.161. This supersedes the 2012 IECC cited in the City's own 2021 permit packet. City of Glasgow Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Article II (Technical Codes) (nodeId COOR_CH8BUBURE); codification current through Ordinance No. 981, adopted 2022-08-15, online content updated 2023-12-01.

• Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (current edition, published by the General Services Administration) — adopted by reference at Code of Ordinances Sec. Show full textShow less

  Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (current edition, published by the General Services Administration) — adopted by reference at Code of Ordinances Sec. 8-28(a), together with the appendices, amendments and modifications adopted by the state building codes bureau as set out in the Administrative Rules of Montana. City of Glasgow Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Article II (Technical Codes) (nodeId COOR_CH8BUBURE); codification current through Ordinance No. 981, adopted 2022-08-15, online content updated 2023-12-01.

• Uniform Plumbing Code (current edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials) — adopted by reference at Code of Ordinances Sec. Show full textShow less

  Uniform Plumbing Code (current edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials) — adopted by reference at Code of Ordinances Sec. 8-88(a), with the ARM amendments. NOTE this is a UPC jurisdiction for plumbing, not an IPC one; plumbing permits themselves are issued by the Montana DLI rather than the City, per localAmendments. City of Glasgow Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Article II (Technical Codes) (nodeId COOR_CH8BUBURE); codification current through Ordinance No. 981, adopted 2022-08-15, online content updated 2023-12-01.

• City of Glasgow Code of Ordinances Chapter 8 (Buildings and Building Regulations), Article II (Technical Codes) adopts seven codes by section.

Permit types & fees

• Residential Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Alteration)

  Required for new single-family home construction, additions, garages, decks over 2 feet high, and structural alterations within Glasgow city limits. Issued by the City of Glasgow Public Works/Building Codes Department under its DLI-certified local Building (B) program. Plans are reviewed against the code editions referenced in the City's own Building Permit Packet (2018 IRC/IBC/IMC/IEBC/IFGC/ISPSC, 2012 IECC, 2018 UPC — see codesAdopted note on a possible discrepancy with the state's newer 2021-cycle codes).

  See fee schedule→

• Commercial Building Permit (New Construction / Addition / Alteration / Remodel)

  Required for new commercial construction, additions, alterations, and remodels within Glasgow city limits. Glasgow runs ONE Application for Building Permit covering residential and commercial construction alike -- there is no separate commercial application form -- issued by the City of Glasgow Public Works/Building Codes Department under its DLI-certified local Building (B) program. The City's own Building Permit Packet states plainly that 'Building Permits are issued by the City of Glasgow for all new residential and commercial structures including alterations and additions,' and carries commercial-specific plan-count, drawing-scale, and stamping requirements within that same combined process (see requirements below).

  See fee schedule→

• Electrical Permit (State-Issued)

  Because Glasgow is DLI-certified for Building only, electrical work anywhere within Glasgow 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 Glasgow. Confirmed explicitly in the City's own Building Permit Packet: 'The City of Glasgow does not issue Electrical or Plumbing Permits... Electrical and Plumbing permits are obtained from the State of Montana Business Standards Division.'

  From$200→

• Plumbing Permit (State-Issued, incl. Water Heater)

  Because Glasgow is DLI-certified for Building only, plumbing work anywhere within Glasgow 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 Glasgow. Confirmed explicitly in the City's own Building Permit Packet.

  From$25→

• Mechanical / HVAC Permit (State-Issued)

  Because Glasgow's DLI certification is Building (B) ONLY per the official DLI roster (no 'M' shown), this KB treats mechanical/HVAC work anywhere within Glasgow city limits as requiring a Mechanical Permit issued directly by the Montana DLI Building Codes Bureau in Helena. Note: the City's own Building Permit Packet contains conflicting language, at one point stating the City itself issues mechanical permits alongside building permits — see the codesAdopted discrepancy note. Applicants should confirm directly with the City (406-228-2476 ext. 8) which office to file with before submitting.

  From$48valuation-based→

• Fencing Permit

  Required for new fence/wall/hedge construction or installation, extensive repair, or additional runs of fencing over 10 feet in length within Glasgow city limits, per City Fence Ordinance No. 972 (originally required since July 15, 2015 under Ordinance No. 953). Issued by the City of Glasgow Public Works Department.

  $5.00→

• Demolition Permit

  Required for demolition of any structure within Glasgow city limits. Issued by the City of Glasgow Office of Public Works. Requires documented utility disconnection and inspected removal of footings/foundations and sewer-line plugging before close-out.

  From$50→

• Accessory Structure / Deck Permit

  Required for decks over 2 feet off the surrounding ground and for detached accessory buildings/sheds larger than 120 square feet (10'x12') within Glasgow city limits. Uses the same combined Application for Building Permit as new construction.

  See fee schedule→

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit

  Required for installation of rooftop or ground-mount solar photovoltaic systems within Glasgow city limits. Requires a City Building Permit (structural/racking, issued by the City's own Code Compliance Officer) plus a State of Montana Electrical Permit (wiring/interconnection) -- Glasgow is city-certified for Building permits only; Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical permits within city limits are issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau, not the City.

  See fee schedule→

• EV Charger / Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permit

  Montana has no dedicated EV-charger permit type or line item, and Glasgow is not electrically-certified, so installing a Level 2 (240V) home EV charger or EVSE within Glasgow city limits requires a State of Montana Electrical Permit issued directly by the DLI Building Codes Bureau, billed under the same general residential wiring/circuit line items used for any new dedicated circuit or service upgrade -- there is no separate 'EV charger' or 'EVSE' line item on the state's Residential Electrical Permit application. A City Building Permit is NOT required unless the installation also involves new structural work (e.g., a new carport/canopy). The State electrical permit application carries $45/$70 additional-circuit lines and a $200 up-to-200-amp service line.

  From$45→

• Sign Permit / Commercial Sign Standards

  Glasgow does not publish a standalone, dedicated Sign Permit application or fee schedule -- checked the City's Public Works Department page, Building Permits page, Planning & Zoning page, Documents/Projects page, and the City-hosted zoning-district guideline PDFs (Zone 'A' and 'B' Residence Districts contain no sign language at all). The one substantive, currently-live source found is the City's 'Zone "C" Commercial District' guideline PDF, which sets numeric sign standards (size, height, placement, lighting) as part of its Design Standards for Retail/Service uses over 2,500 square feet (shopping centers/PUDs, reviewed as a conditional use by the Planning Board). The document is explicitly self-described as 'general guidelines only' and directs owners to 'consult the Public Works Department directly to review the current Zoning and Use Codes,' and states plainly it is 'not a substitute for a Building Permit, nor intended to function as a Building Permit.' A sign that itself constitutes erecting or altering a structure (e.g., a freestanding/pylon sign requiring its own footing) would fall under the City's general Application for Building Permit ('permit to erect/alter a structure... located as shown on the accompanying plot plan'), the same combined form used for all other unlisted construction activity -- there is no sign-specific form.

  See fee schedule→

• Fire Sprinkler / Fire Alarm Permit

  Neither the City of Glasgow nor the State of Montana publishes a dedicated, standalone 'fire sprinkler permit' or 'fire alarm permit' product. Because Glasgow's DLI certification covers Building only (see codesAdopted), fire protection (sprinkler) system connections are billed under the State of Montana Plumbing Permit's fee schedule, which includes the line item 'Each lawn sprinkler, fire protection system, any meter, or backflow protection device -- $30' (BCP-1, Rev. 10/2019 Application for Plumbing Permit). Fire alarm systems are wired work with no dedicated line item on the State Electrical Permit forms; they are billed as ordinary new/additional circuit wiring under the same general electrical fee lines documented on the EV-charger-permit entry (e.g., the $45/$70 additional-circuit lines), the same pattern as other small, non-electrically-certified Montana jurisdictions. Separately, when a fire protection system is part of new construction, the City's own Building Permit Packet requires the design package to include a 'Fire protection system design concept adequate for shop drawing preparation by others' from a Montana-licensed design professional, reviewed as part of the City-issued Building Permit for the project. Glasgow's volunteer Fire Department (Fire Chief Brandon Brunelle) has no documented dedicated Fire Marshal/fire-prevention-bureau function, plan-review fee, or inspection fee of its own for these systems.

  From$30→

• Change of Use / Change of Occupancy (Certificate of Occupancy)

  Glasgow does not have a standalone Change of Use or Certificate of Occupancy application, product, or fee. A 'CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY FROM ____ TO ____ OCCUPANCY' field is built directly into the City's standard Application for Building Permit -- the same combined form used for all new construction, additions, and alterations (Building Permit Packet PDF, page 6, Legal Description section of the application form). This means a change of use/occupancy in Glasgow is processed as a Building-Permit-class action through the Public Works/Building Codes Department, not through a separate certificate-of-occupancy office or process. Montana state law, MCA 50-60-107, separately establishes that 'a certificate of occupancy for a building constructed in accordance with the provisions of the state building code or county, city, or town building code must certify that the building conforms to the requirements of the building regulations applicable to it,' and that such a certificate, once issued, is binding and conclusive on all local agencies unless set aside by a court.

  See fee schedule→

Comparable nearby cities