Looking to pull a building permit in North Dakota? Whether you're scaling into Fargo, Bismarck, or smaller towns, this guide gives construction professionals a foundational understanding of North Dakota building permits — what requires one, who issues them, cost structures, and process expectations.
Permitting is largely local here, so we’re focusing on helping you navigate the variations across different cities and counties.
Who issues building permits in North Dakota?
North Dakota does not have a centralized state permitting office. Instead, permits are handled at the city or county level.
Common local AHJs include:
- City of Fargo Inspections Department
- City of Bismarck Building Inspections Division
- Grand Forks Building Inspections
- McKenzie County Building Department
- Burleigh County (for unincorporated areas – check with county offices)
Some smaller municipalities may contract with third-party inspection services or share resources with nearby jurisdictions.
North Dakota building permit requirements
Most structural and mechanical work in North Dakota requires a permit.
Projects that typically need a permit include:
- New residential or commercial construction
- Additions or major renovations
- Electrical, mechanical, or plumbing work
- Demolition of structures
- Installation of accessory structures, like garages or decks
- Roofing and siding replacements (in some jurisdictions)
Some minor cosmetic improvements may be exempt, but always check with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for confirmation.
North Dakota building permit costs
Permit costs depend on project scope and jurisdiction. Here are sample costs from key cities:
Additional fees may include plan review, inspection, impact, or utility connection charges, especially for new developments.
Unique considerations when permitting in North Dakota
Energy efficiency compliance
Most cities in North Dakota require IECC 2021 compliance for new residential builds.
Oil and gas regions
Counties like McKenzie may have specific development standards for temporary housing, infrastructure, or modular units due to oilfield-related construction.
Floodplain or snow load zones
Projects in certain regions may need special foundation designs or site plans that address high snow loads or flood risk.
Rural vs. urban permitting
Outside city limits, county-level permitting often has fewer layers of review but may require coordination with state health or water boards for septic or well systems.
Tribal jurisdictions
Projects on reservation land may require permits through tribal governments, not cities or counties.
How to get a building permit in North Dakota
While the exact steps vary slightly, here’s the typical process:
- Confirm jurisdiction
- Determine whether your project falls under city, county, or tribal authority.
- Schedule a pre-application meeting
- This is only needed for expansive, complex projects.
- Prepare documentation
- Construction plans, site plans, structural calculations, energy forms.
- Submit application
- Many cities now accept digital submissions.
- Undergo plan review
- Departments check zoning, code compliance, and engineering.
- Receive permit and post on site
- Once fees are paid and review is complete.
- Schedule inspections
- Inspections are required at major construction milestones (e.g., foundation, framing, MEP rough-ins, final).
