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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Barnes County
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).
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.
- Exempt Structures 150 square feet or less do not require a permit.
- Exempt Agricultural use structures of any size require a permit but pay no fee.
- Exempt 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.
Required documents
- Completed application
- Site plan with Google Maps image showing structure location
- Legal description (section, township, range)
- Estimated construction cost
- Property corners identified
- Building code
- Barnes County follows the North Dakota State Building Code (IBC 2018(A) with amendments) per NDCC chapter 54-21.3.
- Permit validity
- Not specified in the 2025 Development Code; contact the P&Z office.
- 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).
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Not specified; contact Jessica Jenrich at 701-845-8188 for current turnaround times.
- 01 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.
- 02 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.
- 03 Include a Google Maps image showing the proposed structure location.
- 04 Define property corners/lines before submitting; applicant is responsible for locating corners.
- 05 Submit to the P&Z Administrator in person or by mail. Pay the applicable fee.
- 06 The Zoning Administrator reviews for conformance with the Development Code. If denied, the applicant has the right to appeal to the Planning Commission.
- 07 Contact the P&Z Administrator when construction is about to start and/or if the project is delayed.
- 08 Schedule required inspections.
Typical processing time: Not specified; contact Jessica Jenrich at 701-845-8188 for current turnaround times.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2025-08
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25.00
02
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.
03
Penalty (no permit)
$500 for unpermitted construction; $200/day if construction continues; additional $500 if Conditional Use Permit or Variance also required.
Payment must be made before the permit is issued.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025-08) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 701-845-8188 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, business hours
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Barnes County permits
01 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).
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Barnes County, ND? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Barnes County, ND are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Barnes County, ND? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Barnes County, ND, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Barnes County, ND? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Barnes County, ND typically run Not specified; contact Jessica Jenrich at 701-845-8188 for current turnaround times.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Barnes County, ND? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Barnes County, ND? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Barnes County, ND via: 701-845-8188.
last verified April 2026
source Barnes County Planning & Zoning ↗
entry id permits/north-dakota/barnes/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Barnes County Planning & Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.