How much does a building permit cost in Valley City, ND?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based (materials plus labor). Specific rate tables not fully published in text format; contact city for current fee schedule..

How do I apply for a building permit in Valley City, ND?

1. Download or pick up a permit application at valleycity.us or from City Hall/Midwest Inspection Services. 2. Prepare required documents: plot plan showing lot/block description, all easements, all existing structures with dimensions from property lines; and construction drawings (2 copies) showing elevations, dimensioned floor plans for all levels, section detail of wall/roof/foundation (footing size, walls, rebar size and spacing), and materials. 3. Homeowners may prepare their own plans; the Building Inspection Division may require architect/engineer plans if accuracy or legibility requires it. 4. Submit application with all documents. 5. Valley City office reviews the permit application. Allow up to one week for processing of complete, accurate applications; longer for complex projects or during busy summer season. 6. After approval, Valley City office calls the applicant with the invoice amount. Payment must be made and permit paperwork signed at the Valley City office before work starts. 7. Post the permit card at the job site. 8. Schedule inspections by calling (701) 532-1078, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Valley City, ND?

Typical processing time is Up to one week for complete applications; longer for complex projects..

What work is exempt from building permits in Valley City, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Carpet installation; Cement slab off boulevard; Fences (special handout available); Kitchen cabinets if no walls added/removed; Paint (interior or exterior); Patios (poured or pavers); In-ground swimming pools; Masonry porches 30" or less; Re-siding or re-shingling; Storage sheds 120 sq ft or less; Sheet rocking; Trailer house modifications (including additions and decks). Note: No building permit needed for listed items; confirm requirements with Building Department.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Valley City, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 532-1078 (Midwest Inspection Services), (701) 845-8127 (Water/sewer and sidewalk/approach). 8 a.m. to 4 p.m..

City Building Permits

Valley City, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Barnes County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Enforces the North Dakota State Building Code as adopted by the City of Valley City within city limits. Valley City is the county seat with a population of approximately 6,200.

Department: Building/Fire Inspector, City of Valley City
Address: 220 3rd Street NE, Valley City, ND 58072
Phone: 701-845-1700
Email: lcoit@valleycity.us
Website: https://valleycity.us/building/

Application Process

Download or pick up a permit application at valleycity.us or from City Hall/Midwest Inspection Services.
Prepare required documents: plot plan showing lot/block description, all easements, all existing structures with dimensions from property lines; and construction drawings (2 copies) showing elevations, dimensioned floor plans for all levels, section detail of wall/roof/foundation (footing size, walls, rebar size and spacing), and materials.
Homeowners may prepare their own plans; the Building Inspection Division may require architect/engineer plans if accuracy or legibility requires it.
Submit application with all documents.
Valley City office reviews the permit application. Allow up to one week for processing of complete, accurate applications; longer for complex projects or during busy summer season.
After approval, Valley City office calls the applicant with the invoice amount. Payment must be made and permit paperwork signed at the Valley City office before work starts.
Post the permit card at the job site.
Schedule inspections by calling (701) 532-1078, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Typical processing time: Up to one week for complete applications; longer for complex projects.

Source: Building/Fire Inspector, City of Valley City

General Requirements

Additions; arbors; changes in square footage; all commercial projects and commercial remodeling; decks with footings (attached or unattached) if over 10'x12' or over 29" high; interior renovations including structural modifications; garages; HVAC systems (gas appliances, wood stoves, etc.); new construction; finishing basements; porches larger than 10x12 (120 sq ft) with walking surface 30" or higher; replacing furnaces; storage sheds over 120 sq ft; sidewalks; demolition; windows and doors if changing the size of the opening.

Required Documents

Permit application
Plot plan showing lot/block description
All easements
All existing structures with dimensions
Construction drawings (2 copies) with elevations, floor plans, sections, footing details, and materials

Permit validity: Contact city for permit validity period.
Building code: City of Valley City has adopted the North Dakota State Building Code. The 2023 ND State Building Code (effective January 1, 2023) was in effect through December 31, 2025; the 2026 ND State Building Code (based on 2024 editions) takes effect January 1, 2026.
Owner-builder: Homeowners may prepare their own plans; engineer/architect may be required by the Building Department.
Contractor requirements: ND state contractor and specialty trade licensing requirements apply. Electrical permits issued by ND State Electrical Board (701-400-1115); plumbing permits issued by ND State Plumbing Board (Dean Staska 701-799-1555).

Fees

Permit fee formula: Valuation-based (materials plus labor). Specific rate tables not fully published in text format; contact city for current fee schedule.
Payment note: Payment and permit paperwork signing required at Valley City City Hall before any work starts. Valley City office calls with invoice amount after application approval.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 16, 2024; amended December 2025 and January 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Carpet installation
Cement slab off boulevard
Fences (special handout available)
Kitchen cabinets if no walls added/removed
Paint (interior or exterior)
Patios (poured or pavers)
In-ground swimming pools
Masonry porches 30" or less
Re-siding or re-shingling
Storage sheds 120 sq ft or less
Sheet rocking
Trailer house modifications (including additions and decks)

Important: No building permit needed for listed items; confirm requirements with Building Department.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(701) 532-1078 (Midwest Inspection Services) (phone)
(701) 845-8127 (Water/sewer and sidewalk/approach) (phone)

Scheduling deadline: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Inspection hours: Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footings, framing, insulation, rough-in plumbing/mechanical/electrical, building final. Work cannot be covered or proceed past any inspection point without sign-off.

Additional Resources

Building code: City of Valley City has adopted the North Dakota State Building Code. The 2023 ND State Building Code (effective January 1, 2023) was in effect through December 31, 2025; the 2026 ND State Building Code (based on 2024 editions) takes effect January 1, 2026.
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 Building/Fire Inspector, City of Valley City before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Valley City Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Valley City, ND?: Additions; arbors; changes in square footage; all commercial projects and commercial remodeling; decks with footings (attached or unattached) if over 10'x12' or over 29" high; interior renovations including structural modifications; garages; HVAC systems (gas appliances, wood stoves, etc.); new construction; finishing basements; porches larger than 10x12 (120 sq ft) with walking surface 30" or higher; replacing furnaces; storage sheds over 120 sq ft; sidewalks; demolition; windows and doors if changing the size of the opening.
How much does a building permit cost in Valley City, ND?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based (materials plus labor). Specific rate tables not fully published in text format; contact city for current fee schedule..
How do I apply for a building permit in Valley City, ND?: 1. Download or pick up a permit application at valleycity.us or from City Hall/Midwest Inspection Services. 2. Prepare required documents: plot plan showing lot/block description, all easements, all existing structures with dimensions from property lines; and construction drawings (2 copies) showing elevations, dimensioned floor plans for all levels, section detail of wall/roof/foundation (footing size, walls, rebar size and spacing), and materials. 3. Homeowners may prepare their own plans; the Building Inspection Division may require architect/engineer plans if accuracy or legibility requires it. 4. Submit application with all documents. 5. Valley City office reviews the permit application. Allow up to one week for processing of complete, accurate applications; longer for complex projects or during busy summer season. 6. After approval, Valley City office calls the applicant with the invoice amount. Payment must be made and permit paperwork signed at the Valley City office before work starts. 7. Post the permit card at the job site. 8. Schedule inspections by calling (701) 532-1078, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Valley City, ND?: Typical processing time is Up to one week for complete applications; longer for complex projects..
What work is exempt from building permits in Valley City, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Carpet installation; Cement slab off boulevard; Fences (special handout available); Kitchen cabinets if no walls added/removed; Paint (interior or exterior); Patios (poured or pavers); In-ground swimming pools; Masonry porches 30" or less; Re-siding or re-shingling; Storage sheds 120 sq ft or less; Sheet rocking; Trailer house modifications (including additions and decks). Note: No building permit needed for listed items; confirm requirements with Building Department.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Valley City, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 532-1078 (Midwest Inspection Services), (701) 845-8127 (Water/sewer and sidewalk/approach). 8 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Valley City can be complicated.

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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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