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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Adams County
New construction, structural additions, alterations, accessory buildings, mobile/manufactured home placement, and any use requiring a conditional use permit under the county zoning ordinance.
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)
- 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.
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)
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not stated on public-facing materials; contact Tax Equalization office for details
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated; contact the Tax Equalization office at 701-567-2990 for current turnaround estimate
- 01 Download or pick up the County Building Permit Application from the Tax Equalization office or county website
- 02 Complete the application with project description, property legal description, valuation estimate, and owner/contractor information
- 03 For new mobile homes, also complete a Mobile Home Registration Application
- 04 Submit the completed application to the Director of Tax Equalization (in-person at 602 Adams Ave, Ste 201, or by mail)
- 05 Pay applicable permit fee upon approval
- 06 Post permit card at the job site
- 07 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
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 701-567-2990 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Not publicly stated
- Inspection hours
- County office hours; call to confirm current schedule
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, framing, rough-in mechanical/plumbing/electrical (coordinated with state boards), insulation, and final inspection
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Adams County permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Adams County, ND? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Adams County, ND, follow these steps: 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
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Adams County, ND? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Adams County, ND typically run Not publicly stated; contact the Tax Equalization office at 701-567-2990 for current turnaround estimate. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Adams County, ND? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Adams County, ND? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Adams County, ND via: 701-567-2990. Not publicly stated.
last verified April 2026
source Adams County Tax Equalization & Zoning Office ↗
entry id permits/north-dakota/adams/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Adams County Tax Equalization & Zoning Office before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.