What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Adams County, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Routine farm structures (grain bins, equipment sheds) accessory to agricultural use may be exempt from building permit requirements under the county zoning ordinance (confirm with Tax Equalization office). Note: As a heavily agricultural county, agricultural exemptions may apply. Confirm specific exemptions with the Tax Equalization office before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Adams County, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-567-2990. Not publicly stated.

County Building Permits

Adams County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Adams County, North Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

North Dakota Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Governs all unincorporated land in Adams County. Electrical permits statewide are handled by the ND State Electrical Board; plumbing by the ND State Plumbing Board.

Department: Adams County Tax Equalization & Zoning Office
Address: 602 Adams Ave, Suite 201, Hettinger, ND 58639
Phone: 701-567-2990
Email: kroseland@nd.gov
Website: https://www.adamscountynd.com/departments/tax_equalization/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Open County Building Permit Application (PDF)

Platform: Paper-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download or pick up the County Building Permit Application from the Tax Equalization office or county website
Complete the application with project description, property legal description, valuation estimate, and owner/contractor information
For new mobile homes, also complete a Mobile Home Registration Application
Submit the completed application to the Director of Tax Equalization (in-person at 602 Adams Ave, Ste 201, or by mail)
Pay applicable permit fee upon approval
Post permit card at the job site
Schedule required inspections by contacting the Tax Equalization office at 701-567-2990

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated; contact the Tax Equalization office at 701-567-2990 for current turnaround estimate

Source: Adams County Tax Equalization & Zoning Office

General Requirements

New construction, structural additions, alterations, accessory buildings, mobile/manufactured home placement, and any use requiring a conditional use permit under the county zoning ordinance.

Required Documents

Completed county building permit application
Legal description of property
Project description and cost/valuation estimate
Owner and contractor information
Mobile Home Registration Application (for mobile homes)

Permit validity: Not stated on public-facing materials; contact Tax Equalization office for details
Building code: Adams County has not publicly published a formal code adoption. North Dakota does not mandate that counties adopt the State Building Code; adoption is voluntary. As a rural county, Adams County may rely primarily on its zoning ordinance. Confirm current code adoption status directly with the Tax Equalization office at 701-567-2990.
Owner-builder: Not specified publicly; contact Tax Equalization office
Contractor requirements: ND Secretary of State contractor license required for any job over $4,000. Electrical work requires licensure with the ND State Electrical Board. Plumbing requires licensure with the ND State Plumbing Board.

Fees

Payment note: No publicly posted fee schedule found online. Contact the Tax Equalization office at 701-567-2990 for current fee amounts. Likely valuation-based or flat-fee structure similar to other rural ND counties.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Adams County Tax Equalization & Zoning Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

701-567-2990 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Not publicly stated
Inspection hours: County office hours; call to confirm current schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, framing, rough-in mechanical/plumbing/electrical (coordinated with state boards), insulation, and final inspection

Additional Resources

Building code: Adams County has not publicly published a formal code adoption. North Dakota does not mandate that counties adopt the State Building Code; adoption is voluntary. As a rural county, Adams County may rely primarily on its zoning ordinance. Confirm current code adoption status directly with the Tax Equalization office at 701-567-2990.
Verify contractor license: ND Secretary of State Contractor Licensing
Zoning information: View zoning info
ND State Electrical Board
ND State Plumbing Board
Southwestern District Health Unit (Septic Systems)
ND DEQ Stormwater Permits
License lookup guide: North Dakota Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: North Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
North Dakota hub: North Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Adams County Tax Equalization & Zoning Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Adams County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Adams County, ND?: New construction, structural additions, alterations, accessory buildings, mobile/manufactured home placement, and any use requiring a conditional use permit under the county zoning ordinance.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Adams County, ND?: 1. Download or pick up the County Building Permit Application from the Tax Equalization office or county website 2. Complete the application with project description, property legal description, valuation estimate, and owner/contractor information 3. For new mobile homes, also complete a Mobile Home Registration Application 4. Submit the completed application to the Director of Tax Equalization (in-person at 602 Adams Ave, Ste 201, or by mail) 5. Pay applicable permit fee upon approval 6. Post permit card at the job site 7. Schedule required inspections by contacting the Tax Equalization office at 701-567-2990
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Adams County, ND?: Typical processing time is Not publicly stated; contact the Tax Equalization office at 701-567-2990 for current turnaround estimate.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Adams County, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Routine farm structures (grain bins, equipment sheds) accessory to agricultural use may be exempt from building permit requirements under the county zoning ordinance (confirm with Tax Equalization office). Note: As a heavily agricultural county, agricultural exemptions may apply. Confirm specific exemptions with the Tax Equalization office before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Adams County, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-567-2990. Not publicly stated.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Adams County (Unincorporated) can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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