How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Barnes County, ND?

The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: Structures $5,000–$25,000 in value: $50.00. Residential and recreational structures over $25,000 in value: $50.00 plus $1.00 for each additional $1,000 of value. All other structures (commercial, industrial, etc.) over $25,000 in value: $50.00 plus $2.00 for each additional $1,000 of value..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Structures 150 square feet or less do not require a permit.; Agricultural use structures of any size require a permit but pay no fee.; Replacement of roofs, siding, windows, and decks does not require a permit if the replacement does not exceed the size of the original.. Note: Confirm with P&Z Administrator whether a specific project falls under exemptions.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-845-8188.

County Building Permits

Barnes County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Barnes County. Jurisdiction explicitly excludes areas within the civil boundaries and extraterritorial zoning boundaries of organized cities in Barnes County, and townships that have elected their own zoning.

Department: Barnes County Planning & Zoning
Address: 230 4th St NW, Room 300, Valley City, ND 58072
Phone: 701-845-8188
Email: jjenrich@barnescounty.us
Website: https://www.barnescounty.us/index.php/planning-zoning/

Application Process

Download or pick up the Building Permit Application (2025) from the P&Z office at 230 4th St NW, Room 300, or the county website.
Complete the application: applicant info, building description, type of construction (wood/steel/pole), building use (residential/agricultural/recreational/storage/animal), class of work (new/addition/move/renewal), site plan including legal description (section, township, range), and estimated cost of construction.
Include a Google Maps image showing the proposed structure location.
Define property corners/lines before submitting; applicant is responsible for locating corners.
Submit to the P&Z Administrator in person or by mail. Pay the applicable fee.
The Zoning Administrator reviews for conformance with the Development Code. If denied, the applicant has the right to appeal to the Planning Commission.
Contact the P&Z Administrator when construction is about to start and/or if the project is delayed.
Schedule required inspections.

Typical processing time: Not specified; contact Jessica Jenrich at 701-845-8188 for current turnaround times.

Source: Barnes County Planning & Zoning

General Requirements

Any person intending to construct, reconstruct, make additions to, or relocate a building over 150 square feet must obtain a permit before beginning work or excavation. Applies to mobile homes, and all farm structures including grain bins and hopper bins (regardless of permanent foundation).

Required Documents

Completed application
Site plan with Google Maps image showing structure location
Legal description (section, township, range)
Estimated construction cost
Property corners identified

Permit validity: Not specified in the 2025 Development Code; contact the P&Z office.
Building code: Barnes County follows the North Dakota State Building Code (IBC 2018(A) with amendments) per NDCC chapter 54-21.3.
Owner-builder: Owner must certify they are the owner or authorized agent.
Contractor requirements: ND contractor licensing requirements apply. Electrical work inspected by ND State Electrical Board (701-328-9522); plumbing inspected by ND State Plumbing Board (701-328-9977).

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $25.00
Permit fee formula: Structures $5,000–$25,000 in value: $50.00. Residential and recreational structures over $25,000 in value: $50.00 plus $1.00 for each additional $1,000 of value. All other structures (commercial, industrial, etc.) over $25,000 in value: $50.00 plus $2.00 for each additional $1,000 of value.
Penalty (no permit): $500 for unpermitted construction; $200/day if construction continues; additional $500 if Conditional Use Permit or Variance also required.
Payment note: Payment must be made before the permit is issued.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025-08).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Structures 150 square feet or less do not require a permit.
Agricultural use structures of any size require a permit but pay no fee.
Replacement of roofs, siding, windows, and decks does not require a permit if the replacement does not exceed the size of the original.

Important: Confirm with P&Z Administrator whether a specific project falls under exemptions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

701-845-8188 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection sequence per IBC 2018(A): Footings, Foundation, Ground Plumbing, Rough Plumbing, Rough Mechanical, Rough Electrical, Framing/Bolting, Roof/Window Nailing, Insulation/Sheetrock, Fire Sprinklers (when applicable), Mechanical Final, Building Final. Permit holder is responsible for notifying the Building Official when work is ready for inspection. No work may proceed beyond any inspection point without prior approval.

Additional Resources

Building code: Barnes County follows the North Dakota State Building Code (IBC 2018(A) with amendments) per NDCC chapter 54-21.3.
Zoning information: View zoning info
ND State Electrical Board
ND State Plumbing Board
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 Barnes County Planning & Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Barnes County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Barnes County, ND?: Any person intending to construct, reconstruct, make additions to, or relocate a building over 150 square feet must obtain a permit before beginning work or excavation. Applies to mobile homes, and all farm structures including grain bins and hopper bins (regardless of permanent foundation).
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Barnes County, ND?: The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: Structures $5,000–$25,000 in value: $50.00. Residential and recreational structures over $25,000 in value: $50.00 plus $1.00 for each additional $1,000 of value. All other structures (commercial, industrial, etc.) over $25,000 in value: $50.00 plus $2.00 for each additional $1,000 of value..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Barnes County, ND?: 1. Download or pick up the Building Permit Application (2025) from the P&Z office at 230 4th St NW, Room 300, or the county website. 2. Complete the application: applicant info, building description, type of construction (wood/steel/pole), building use (residential/agricultural/recreational/storage/animal), class of work (new/addition/move/renewal), site plan including legal description (section, township, range), and estimated cost of construction. 3. Include a Google Maps image showing the proposed structure location. 4. Define property corners/lines before submitting; applicant is responsible for locating corners. 5. Submit to the P&Z Administrator in person or by mail. Pay the applicable fee. 6. The Zoning Administrator reviews for conformance with the Development Code. If denied, the applicant has the right to appeal to the Planning Commission. 7. Contact the P&Z Administrator when construction is about to start and/or if the project is delayed. 8. Schedule required inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Barnes County, ND?: Typical processing time is Not specified; contact Jessica Jenrich at 701-845-8188 for current turnaround times..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Barnes County, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Structures 150 square feet or less do not require a permit.; Agricultural use structures of any size require a permit but pay no fee.; Replacement of roofs, siding, windows, and decks does not require a permit if the replacement does not exceed the size of the original.. Note: Confirm with P&Z Administrator whether a specific project falls under exemptions.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Barnes County, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-845-8188.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Barnes 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.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

← Back to Barnes County permit guides