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Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit in Glasgow, Montana

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.

Verified 2026-07-20 · Source

When you need this permit

  • City Building Permit Packet submitted to the City's Code Compliance Officer for the structural/racking scope
  • Electrical wiring/interconnection scope requires a State of Montana electrical permit application, not a City permit -- Glasgow is not electrically-certified
  • Licensed electrical contractors apply for a standard electrical permit and select 'Solar' as the Alternative Energy Source on the state application form; non-electrician installers submit the state's Alternate Energy Permit instead, per the Montana Building Codes Bureau's Alternative Energy Information guidance
  • State application must specify whether the solar installation is a Micro Inverter/AC Module System or a PV String System, and whether the system produces 90 or more volts of electricity
  • Per the state Application for Residential Contractor Electrical Permit (Rev 6/24), a residential 'Alternative Energy' line item carries its own flat state fee, separate from the amperage-based service fees

Required documents

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Fee schedule

City Building Permit Fee (all classes of work)
No fixed valuation-based fee schedule is published on the City of Glasgow website, in the Building Permit Packet, or in the Municode-hosted Code of Ordinances — the same gap documented on this… Show full citationNo fixed valuation-based fee schedule is published on the City of Glasgow website, in the Building Permit Packet, or in the Municode-hosted Code of Ordinances — the same gap documented on this jurisdiction's residential-building-permit entry. Contact the Building Codes Department at (406) 228-2476 ext. 8 for a current quote.
Not published — contact the department
State Electrical Permit -- Alternative Energy (residential, by licensed contractor)Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Residential Contractor Electrical Permit (Rev 6/24), line item K 'Alternative Energy' -- applies statewide to any Montana jurisdiction (including Glasgow) not certified to issue its own electrical permits
$45
State Electrical Permit -- Commercial (valuation-based, includes solar)Montana Building Codes Bureau, Application for Commercial Electrical Permit (Rev 6/24) -- the same form has a dedicated Alternative Energy Source (Solar/Wind/Hydro) question set; fee is based on total electrical project value
$45 for the 1st $500 plus 6% of balance (projects $0-$1,000); $75 for the 1st $1,000 plus 2% of balance ($1,001-$10,000); $255 for the 1st $10,000 plus 0.5% of balance ($10,000-$50,000); $455 for the 1st $50,000 plus 0.3% of balance ($50,001+)
State Electrical Permit -- Request InspectionMontana Building Codes Bureau electrical permit applications
$60 per hour (plus $30 per additional 30 minutes, plus travel time)

Review timeline

Plan review
Not published — contact the department

How long did your Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit permit actually take in Glasgow?

Anonymous — one question, no email. Answers are combined and only shown once at least 5 people have reported.

Inspection process

  1. 1

    State Electrical Inspection

    Performed by the Montana Building Codes Bureau's regional electrical inspector; wiring, disconnect placement, and interconnection point verified before energizing

  2. 2

    City Final Inspection (Building)

    Racking/roof-penetration attachment and structural compliance verified by the City's Code Compliance Officer

See the full Glasgow inspection guide — scheduling & re-inspection fees →

Tips

  • Glasgow splits solar permitting across two agencies: the City issues the structural Building Permit, but the State of Montana Building Codes Bureau (not the City) issues the electrical permit, since Glasgow is certified for Building only.
  • On the state electrical permit application, be sure to check 'Yes' to the Alternative Energy Source question and specify Solar plus your system type (Micro Inverter/AC Module vs. PV String) -- this determines how the application is processed.
  • The City's own building-permit fee schedule is not published in any document found online as of the last verification -- get a written quote directly from the Code Compliance Officer before budgeting.
  • You can apply for the state electrical permit online at ebiz.mt.gov/bcb rather than mailing a paper form.
  • The current (Rev 6/24) Application for Residential Contractor Electrical Permit and Application for Commercial Electrical Permit PDFs at bsd.dli.mt.gov carry these figures (line K 'Alternative Energy' = $45 flat on the residential form; the $45/$75/$255/$455 tiered commercial schedule, including the $60 renewal/request-inspection fees). ARM 24.301.461(1)(o), the codified administrative rule, lists a separate $65 flat fee for 'Renewable energy system: net metering system or off-grid electrical generating system (photovoltaic (PV) system, wind generator, hydro turbine, etc.)' — this figure differs from the application forms and is not reflected on either current PDF, so the application-form figures (what an applicant actually submits and pays against) are treated as the controlling, currently-charged fee.

Frequently asked questions

Glasgow requires a solar photovoltaic (pv) permit for: City Building Permit Packet submitted to the City's Code Compliance Officer for the structural/racking scope; Electrical wiring/interconnection scope requires a State of Montana electrical permit application, not a City permit -- Glasgow is not electrically-certified; Licensed electrical contractors apply for a standard electrical permit and select 'Solar' as the Alternative Energy Source on the state application form; non-electrician installers submit the state's Alternate Energy Permit instead, per the Montana Building Codes Bureau's Alternative Energy Information guidance; State application must specify whether the solar installation is a Micro Inverter/AC Module System or a PV String System, and whether the system produces 90 or more volts of electricity; Per the state Application for Residential Contractor Electrical Permit (Rev 6/24), a residential 'Alternative Energy' line item carries its own flat state fee, separate from the amperage-based service fees. If your project isn't listed, confirm with City of Glasgow Public Works Department / Building Codes Department — Rod Dees, Code Compliance Officer; city-certified for Building (B) permits only. Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical permits within Glasgow city limits are issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau, not the City. at (406) 228-2476 before starting work.

Glasgow does not publish a plan-review timeline for this permit. Contact City of Glasgow Public Works Department / Building Codes Department — Rod Dees, Code Compliance Officer; city-certified for Building (B) permits only. Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical permits within Glasgow city limits are issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau, not the City. at (406) 228-2476 for current turnaround.

You'll need: City Building Permit Packet; Montana Application for Residential (or Commercial) Contractor Electrical Permit. See the required-documents checklist on this page for details on each.

Glasgow requires 2 inspection(s) for a solar photovoltaic (pv) permit, in order: State Electrical Inspection, City Final Inspection (Building). Schedule each through City of Glasgow Public Works Department / Building Codes Department — Rod Dees, Code Compliance Officer; city-certified for Building (B) permits only. Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical permits within Glasgow city limits are issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau, not the City. ((406) 228-2476).

Apply through City of Glasgow Public Works Department / Building Codes Department — Rod Dees, Code Compliance Officer; city-certified for Building (B) permits only. Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical permits within Glasgow city limits are issued directly by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry Building Codes Bureau, not the City. at 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.. Official information: https://www.cityofglasgowmt.com/public-works-department.

Glasgow, Montana has 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 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. 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 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.. Local amendments apply — see the Glasgow overview page for the full list.

The State of Montana Building Codes Bureau, not the City of Glasgow. Glasgow is certified only for Building permits; Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical permits within city limits are issued directly by the state.

$45 flat, under the 'Alternative Energy' line item (K) on the Montana Building Codes Bureau's Application for Residential Contractor Electrical Permit (Rev 6/24), when installed by a licensed electrical contractor. Non-electrician installers instead file the state's Alternate Energy Permit.

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