Bolthole Index

Daniels County, Montana

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Daniels County, Montana

44Index Score / 100
#51 of 56 in Montana

Unincorporated Daniels County, Montana does not require a local building permit for an ordinary single-family home, but the county has zoning and reviews development applications123. Montana requires state permits for certain non-exempt projects, while small residential buildings and farm and ranch buildings are among the state exemptions45. A local drainfield permit is still required through environmental health67.

At a glance

Building permit
No local permit program for an ordinary single-family home; state permits apply to certain non-exempt projects14
Zoning
Yes; ask Daniels County Planning how the zoning resolution applies to the parcel2
Septic permit
A local drainfield permit is required; contact the County Environmental Health/Sanitarian6
RV living
Private-land occupancy rule could not be confirmed; ask Daniels County Planning and the sanitarian28
Tiny homes
No specific occupancy or minimum-size rule confirmed; ask Daniels County Planning2
Owner-builder
No owner-builder exemption confirmed9
Farm and ranch buildings
Exempt from the Montana state building permit where state jurisdiction applies5
Conventional septic soils
Only 7.5% of county soils rate without severe limitations10

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Daniels County Planning

County zoning, subdivision plats and development applications

406-483-5431

[email protected]

288 Sandhills Road, Dagmar, MT 59219

Septic permits

Daniels County Environmental Health/Sanitarian

Local environmental-health and sanitarian contact for Daniels County, including drainfield-permit questions

(406) 487-5560

[email protected]

PO Box 836, Scobey, MT 59263

Roads & driveways

Daniels County Road Department

County-road access questions and the county's encroachment-permit process

406-487-2633

[email protected]

102 Chapman Rd

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Daniels County, Montana?

An ordinary single-family home in unincorporated Daniels County does not require a county building permit because the county does not operate a local building-permit program for that work1. Montana's state program still requires a building permit for certain new buildings, alterations, additions and repairs, so the answer changes for a project that is not within a state exemption4. Farm and ranch buildings are exempt from the state building permit where state jurisdiction applies5.

A permit-exempt home is not exempt from land-use or sanitation review: Daniels County has zoning and its Planning Board reviews development applications, while a local drainfield permit remains required even when the land already has state subdivision sanitation approval236. Ask Daniels County Planning to confirm the parcel's zoning before fixing the house location3.

Who handles building and development permits in Daniels County?

Daniels County does not list a local building department for ordinary single-family construction; Daniels County Planning is the practical first stop because the office handles county zoning, subdivision plats and development applications13. Reach Daniels County Planning at 288 Sandhills Road, Dagmar, MT 59219, by phone at 406-483-5431 or by email at [email protected]3.

For a project subject to Montana's state building-permit program, submit construction plans and the Building Permit/Plan Review Application to the state Building Codes Program11. State plan review adds 35% of the building permit fee, and both charges must be paid before issuance12. Required state building permits come before related plumbing, mechanical or electrical permits, and the permit holder must notify the inspector when work is ready413.

Does Daniels County, Montana have zoning?

Yes. Daniels County has an adopted zoning resolution, and the Planning Board reviews subdivision plats and development applications23. Montana law gives county commissioners zoning authority after adoption of a growth policy, but the county resolution—not the general state authority—determines the parcel-level standards142.

The available county information does not establish countywide answers for minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height or minimum dwelling size2. Ask Daniels County Planning to identify the zoning designation and applicable standards for the exact parcel before designing a home or accessory structure3. The same parcel-specific check matters for an RV, tiny home, manufactured home or accessory dwelling because no official private-land occupancy rule for those uses was confirmed2.

How do septic permits work in Daniels County?

A drainfield permit from the local health authority is required even when a property already has a Montana Certificate of Subdivision Approval6. The official state directory lists Daniels County Environmental Health/Sanitarian at PO Box 836, Scobey, MT 59263, phone (406) 487-5560 and email [email protected]7. Ask that office about site evaluation, system design, the application and inspections before disturbing the drainfield area7.

Montana DEQ separately reviews sanitation for covered land divisions, condominiums, recreational camping vehicle parks and mobile-home parks; that review covers water supply, sewage disposal, solid waste and storm drainage15. Countywide soil data makes early feasibility work worthwhile because only 7.5% of Daniels County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field10. A more complex or engineered system may be necessary on a particular parcel, but only a site-specific evaluation can answer that question10.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Daniels County?

We could not confirm a Daniels County rule that allows or prohibits living in an RV on private land2. We also could not confirm a tiny-home-specific occupancy rule, minimum dwelling size, manufactured-home occupancy rule or accessory-dwelling standard2. Ask Daniels County Planning how the county zoning resolution treats the proposed unit and use on the exact parcel3.

Sanitation is a separate gate: a local drainfield permit is required for an onsite system, and Montana DEQ reviews recreational camping vehicle parks and mobile-home parks regardless of parcel size615. Ask the County Environmental Health/Sanitarian what wastewater approval is needed before occupying any RV or tiny home7. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks camping limits apply to public-use sites and do not answer the private-land question in Daniels County16.

Building a home in Daniels County: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Daniels County Planning to confirm the parcel's zoning designation and whether a development application is needed23.
  1. Contact the County Environmental Health/Sanitarian for a wastewater site evaluation and the local drainfield-permit process67.
  1. Confirm whether the structure is exempt from Montana's building permit or is a covered project that needs state plan review, permits and inspections413.
  1. If the site lies in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area, contact the local floodplain administrator because new development there requires local floodplain review17.
  1. Ask the Daniels County Road Department about access from a county road, or apply through the appropriate Montana Department of Transportation district office for a new or modified approach onto a state highway1819.

What should you check before buying land in Daniels County?

Start with zoning and wastewater feasibility: Daniels County has zoning, and only 7.5% of county soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field210. Ask Planning for the parcel's zoning designation and the County Environmental Health/Sanitarian about a site evaluation before treating a listing as buildable37.

Check water reliability as well: Daniels County averages 14.5 inches of precipitation a year, and severe drought occurs in about 20.6% of years2021. Confirm legal and physical access with the Road Department for a county road; a driveway connecting to a state highway needs an MDT approach permit or right-of-way agreement1819. Determine whether the building site is in a designated Special Flood Hazard Area before closing17. For carrying costs, the county's effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, with a median annual bill near $1,5332223.

Watch-outs

  • No county building permit for an ordinary single-family home does not remove Daniels County zoning or local septic requirements126.
  • Private-land RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy and county dimensional standards could not be confirmed; ask Daniels County Planning about the exact parcel23.
  • Only 7.5% of Daniels County soils rate without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so investigate wastewater feasibility before choosing the building site10.

Sources

  1. Daniels County Planning (2026 county census)
  2. Daniels County Planning (2026 county census)
  3. Daniels County Planning (danielscountymt.gov)
  4. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  6. Engineering Infrastructure & Subdivisions (Montana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Daniels County Environmental Health/Sanitarian (dphhs.mt.gov)
  8. Engineering Infrastructure & Subdivisions (Montana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. (2026 county census)
  10. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  11. Building Permits (Montana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Permit Frequently Asked Questions, quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Permits, quoted and re-checked
  14. 76-2-201. County zoning authorized, MCA (Montana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Engineering Infrastructure & Subdivisions, quoted and re-checked
  16. Public Use Rules and Regulations (Montana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Stream Permitting (Montana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Daniels County Road Department (danielscountymt.gov)
  19. Approach Manual for Landowners and Developers (Montana statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Daniels County in Montana

44
County map
Daniels County highlighted among the Montana counties · colored by Index score

How Daniels County scores

Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1392% ev.
Admin Boringness6590% ev.
Durability43100% ev.
Property Autonomy83100% ev.
Carry Cost8596% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$175kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$1,076Land / acre
14.5"Annual rain
20.6% of yrsSevere drought
6 / yr (+5)Mid-century 100°F days
21.3 daysMid-century dry spell
0.98" (+6.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.32×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,222Home insurance / yr
3.8% / yrInsurance growth
0.8%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
7,172People within 2 hr
1,389Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.1People / sq mi
0.5%Federal land
88%Land at 15% slope or less
7.5%Septic soil without severe limits
64,788 acWorkable land screen
0.6%Wooded land
39.6°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Daniels County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Daniels County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Daniels County has an adopted Zoning Resolution (1983), and its Planning Board reviews subdivision plats and development applications.

    Daniels County Planning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Montana rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction, remodeling, moving, alterations, additions, repairs, or changes of occupancy for buildings subject to Montana state building-code jurisdiction.

    • A state building permit is required before construction for certain types of new buildings and for certain alterations, additions, and repairs.
    • The state permit requirement does not apply to projects within the jurisdictional limits of a certified local government program; local requirements may apply there.
    • In the state's jurisdiction, state law exempts farm and ranch buildings; mining buildings on mining property; petroleum refineries and pulp and paper mills except office and shop buildings; residential buildings containing less than five dwelling units except when serving transient guests; and private garages and private storage buildings used for the owner's own use and not as part of a commercial enterprise or business.
    • Building permits must be issued on required projects before plumbing, mechanical, or electrical permits can be issued and before work authorized under those permits can start.
    “In Montana a state building permit is required prior to the start of construction for certain types of new buildings, and/or for alterations, additions, and repairs.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — State building permits for construction in Daniels County where no certified local-government program or statutory exemption applies.
      “In Montana a state building permit is required prior to the start of construction for certain types of new buildings, and/or for alterations, additions, and repairs.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Montana's uniform state building code for residential and commercial buildings statewide.

    • The currently listed codes are amended and adopted through Administrative Rules of Montana Title 24, Chapter 301.
    • Cities, counties, and towns may enforce local building codes, all or in part, only through certified local building-code-enforcement programs.
    • State-owned agencies must be permitted through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
    • The listed 2021 International Building, Residential, and Existing Building Codes and related codes are effective June 11, 2022; the listed ASME boiler and pressure-vessel codes are effective November 6, 2021.

    International Building Code edition: 2021 · International Residential Code edition: 2021 · effective date for listed principal codes: 2022-06-11 (ASME boiler and pressure-vessel codes listed on the official page are effective 2021-11-06)

    “In addition, the program is responsible for adopting a uniform state building code, which is enforced statewide for residential and commercial buildings across Montana.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — State building-code jurisdiction relevant to Daniels County.
      “Prior to the start of construction for all state-owned agencies or non-exempt building being built, remodeled, moved, or undergoing a change of occupancy, except for projects located within the jurisdictional limits of a certified local government program.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Buildings and other projects requiring permits under Montana state building-code jurisdiction; certified local governments may perform inspections within their certified jurisdictional areas.

    • The Montana Building Codes Program performs inspections for projects requiring a permit under state jurisdiction.
    • The permit holder must notify the inspector when work is ready for inspection and provide access for required inspections.
    • Cities, counties, and towns may enforce local building codes and perform inspections only through certified local government programs; remaining areas fall under the state Building Codes Program.
    “The BC Program establishes and enforces statewide codes by issuing permits and performing inspections.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Inspections for projects requiring a Montana state building permit.
      “It is the responsibility of the permit hold to notify the inspector when work is ready for inspection and to provide access for required inspections.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Buildings constructed in accordance with the Montana state building code or a county, city, or town building code.

    • The certificate must certify that the building conforms to the applicable building regulations.
    • The statute addresses certificates for buildings constructed under the state or local building code; it does not establish a universal certificate requirement for every structure or every occupancy.
    “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.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater regulation relevant to Daniels County.

    • Montana DEQ administers state water-quality requirements.
    • Local departments or boards of health may have their own rules, which cannot be less stringent than state standards and generally include review and approval.
    • Local requirements vary.
    “A Certificate of Subdivision Approval otherwise known as a COSA is sanitation approval from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. [...] Yes, even thought you have a COSA, a drainfield permit is still required by the local health department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Montana statewide sanitation and septic regulation, including subdivision sanitation review and drainfield permitting.
      “The DEQ Subdivision Program reviews divisions of land comprising less than 20 acres [...] This review is limited to sanitation facilities, including the water supply, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal, and storm drainage systems. [...] Yes, even thought you have a COSA, a drainfield permit is still required by the local health department.”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Sanitation approval for subdivisions and recreational camping vehicle or mobile-home parks in Daniels County.

    • DEQ reviews divisions creating parcels under 20 acres, condominiums, and recreational camping vehicle and mobile-home parks regardless of parcel size.
    • Review covers water supply, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal, and storm drainage.
    • The source does not establish a universal individual septic-construction permit for every parcel.
    “The DEQ Subdivision Program reviews divisions of land comprising less than 20 acres, as well as condominiums and recreational camping vehicle and mobile home parks, regardless of the size of the parcel where they are located. This review is limited to sanitation facilities, including the water supply, sewage disposal, solid waste disposal, and storm drainage systems.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of a drainfield in Montana, including property already covered by a Certificate of Subdivision Approval.
      “Yes, even thought you have a COSA, a drainfield permit is still required by the local health department.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    State building-permit exemptions for farm and ranch buildings in Daniels County where state jurisdiction applies.

    • The exemption is from the need to obtain a state building permit.
    • A local government may have separate authority or requirements.
    • Other permits, codes, or land-use rules may still apply.
    “In the State's jurisdiction, state law exempts the following from the need to obtain state building permits: 1. farm and ranch buildings”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    New or modified driveway approaches intersecting Montana state highways, and changes in use of property abutting a state highway or an existing approach.

    • A new or modified approach requires either an approach permit or a right-of-way agreement.
    • A change in property use or change in use of an existing approach requires a new approach permit.
    • The landowner is responsible for obtaining the new permit.
    • The application must be made to the appropriate MDT District Office.
    • A detailed site plan and Environmental Checklist Form are required.
    • The requirement concerns state highways; local roads may be administered by local governments.
    “ALL NEW OR MODIFIED APPROACHES REQUIRE EITHER AN APPROACH PERMIT OR A RIGHT-OF-WAY AGREEMENT.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    New development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Area in Montana.

    • The applicant must check with the local floodplain administrator to determine whether an SFHA has been designated.
    • Covered development includes placement of fill, roads, bridges, culverts, transmission lines, irrigation facilities, storage of equipment or materials, excavation, new construction or development, placement or replacement of manufactured homes, and new construction, additions, or substantial improvements to residential and commercial buildings.
    • Permit applications are obtained from the local floodplain administrator.
    • Application fees and timelines are established by the local government and vary widely throughout the state.
    “Anyone planning new development within a designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA).”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals operated in Montana.

    • A Property Manager license is required unless the operator qualifies for an exemption under MCA § 37-56-104 or MCA § 50-51.
    • Local land-use, lodging, tax, and public-accommodation requirements may also apply.

    application fee: 50 USD

    “Short Term Rentals: A Property Manager license is required for short term rentals unless an operator qualifies for an exemption”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    State building permit fees for projects subject to Montana state building permits.

    • The building permit fee is calculated by the bureau under IBC Section 109.2 as modified by ARM 24.301.138.
    • A plan-review fee is additional and equals 35 percent of the building permit fee.
    • Both fees must be paid before issuance.
    • Certified local governments may establish their own fees and valuation method.

    plan review fee: 35 percent of building permit fee (In addition to the building permit fee.)

    “A plan review fee must be paid in addition to the building permit fee. The plan review fee is 35 percent of the building permit fee as established in Table 109.2. Both the building permit fee and the plan review fee must be paid before a building permit will be issued.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — State building permit and plan-review fees for state-administered building permits.
      “The plan review fee is 35 percent of the building permit fee as established in Table 109.2.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    State-administered Montana building permits for covered non-exempt construction outside certified local-government jurisdictions.

    • A state permit applies to certain new buildings and alterations, additions, and repairs.
    • Projects within the jurisdictional limits of a certified local government program are excluded from the state permit program.
    • Construction plans and a Building Permit/Plan Review Application must be submitted for review and approval.
    • The permit is issued after plan-review comments are satisfactorily answered and fees are paid.
    • Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits may be required.
    • The permit holder must notify the inspector when work is ready and provide access for required inspections.

    average plan review time: three weeks (Actual timing depends on workload, project size, and deficiencies.)

    “To obtain a state building permit, submit construction plans and a Building Permit/Plan Review Application to the Building Codes Program for review and approval.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — State building-permit application and plan-review process relevant to Daniels County.
      “To obtain a state building permit, submit construction plans and a Building Permit/Plan Review Application to the Building Codes Program for review and approval. [...] On average it takes three weeks for a plan to be reviewed.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Camping in Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks public-use sites.

    • Camping is prohibited except in areas specifically designated or marked for camping.
    • A camping unit, vehicle, equipment, or personal items may not be left overnight without a person present.
    • Camping longer than 7 nights at one or more campsites in a public use area during any consecutive 30-day period is prohibited unless otherwise posted by the department.
    • Designated occupancy limits must not be exceeded.
    • Special-use-permit terms must be followed unless otherwise posted.
    • Campsites must be vacated by 1 p.m. on the day of departure; camping facilities must be vacated by 12 p.m. on the day of departure.

    maximum camping duration: <= 7 nights per consecutive 30-day period (unless otherwise posted by the department) · campsite departure time: 1 p.m. · camping-facility departure time: 12 p.m.

    “Unless otherwise posted by the department, within a public use site it is prohibited to: [...] camp at one or more campsites in a public use area for a period of longer than 7 nights during any consecutive 30-day period, beginning with the first night occupied unless otherwise posted by the department;”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Montana boards of county commissioners adopting zoning regulations for all or parts of their jurisdictional areas, including unincorporated land.

    • The board of county commissioners must have adopted a growth policy pursuant to Montana Code Annotated chapter 1.
    • Zoning regulations must be adopted in accordance with Title 76, chapter 2.
    • The statute also contains a temporary provision for counties that adopted a master plan before October 1, 1999; that provision authorized adoption or revision only until October 1, 2006.
    “a board of county commissioners that has adopted a growth policy pursuant to chapter 1 is authorized to adopt zoning regulations”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions in Daniels County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Daniels County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Daniels County.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in Daniels County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in Daniels County.
9 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Mandatory utility hookup

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Daniels County, Montana

Is Daniels County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Daniels County scores 44/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,389 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: weak self-sufficiency basics: only 14.5″ of rain a year, in severe drought 20.6% of years.

Do you need a building permit in Daniels County, Montana?

Daniels County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Montana DEQ (Sanitation in Subdivisions Act; local Septic Construction Authorization). These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Daniels County, Montana?

Land in Daniels County runs about $1,076 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Daniels County?

Daniels County gets about 14.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 20.6% of years.

How remote is Daniels County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,389 people within 15 miles and 109,571 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Daniels County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Daniels compares in Montana

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