City Building Permits

Medora, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Billings County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers the incorporated City of Medora. The entire city has been designated a Historic Integrity District with strict zoning guidelines governing construction and alterations. Building permits and inspections are administered through Billings County Building Department.

Department
City of Medora (City Auditor / City Government)
Address
645 Pacific Avenue, Medora, ND 58645
Phone
701-623-4828
Website
https://www.medorand.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Medora Website

Platform: Wix • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Review the City of Medora ordinances — particularly Chapter 6 (Zoning), Chapter 14 (Building Code), Chapter 15 (Electrical Code), and Chapter 17 (Flood Plain) at https://discovermedora.com/city/ordinances/.
  2. Contact the City Auditor at 701-623-4828 to confirm permit requirements for the specific project type.
  3. Call the Billings County Building Department at 701-260-5373 to confirm the exact jurisdictional routing for Medora permits.
  4. Download the Zoning Development Permit Application and complete it with project details, site plan, and description of work.
  5. Applications are due 3 weeks prior to the monthly zoning meeting. Check current zoning agendas at https://discovermedora.com/city/zoning-agendas/.
  6. Submit the completed application to the city office or as directed by City Auditor.
  7. The application is reviewed against Chapter 6 Zoning and Historic Integrity District standards.
  8. Because Medora is a Historic Integrity District, new construction and exterior alterations must be consistent with the historic character of the city.
  9. Zoning approval, building permit issuance, and required inspections follow. Certificate of Occupancy required before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Minimum 4–6 weeks from submission due to monthly zoning meeting cycle with 3-week advance submission deadlines.

Source: City of Medora (City Auditor / City Government)

General Requirements

Required for any new construction, structural alteration, change of use, or relocation of structures within city limits. Contact City Auditor at 701-623-4828 to confirm project-specific requirements.

Required Documents

  • Completed Zoning Development Permit Application
  • Site plan
  • Description and plans for proposed work
  • Additional documentation as required by the city
Permit validity
Not publicly stated. Confirm with city office at 701-623-4828.
Building code
Chapter 14 (Building Code) and Chapter 15 (Electrical Code) of Medora's municipal ordinances. The ND State Building Code (2024 editions, effective January 1, 2026) applies. Confirm local amendments with City Auditor.
Owner-builder
Not publicly stated. Confirm with city office.
Contractor requirements
ND state contractor license required for jobs over $4,000. Verify license at https://firststop.sos.nd.gov/.

Fees

Payment note
Not publicly stated. Contact City Auditor at 701-623-4828 for fee information. Payment in person at City Hall, 645 Pacific Avenue, Medora, ND 58645.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Important: Medora's Historic Integrity District designation applies to all new construction and exterior alterations. There are no blanket exemptions; all development must comply with historic character standards. Contact City Auditor at 701-623-4828 to confirm whether specific projects require a Certificate of Appropriateness or equivalent design review.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 701-842-2120 (Billings County Building Department) (phone)
  • 701-260-5373 (Billings County Building Department) (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (Central Time). No weekend or holiday inspections.

Typical inspection sequence: Not publicly documented. Confirm required inspection points with Billings County Building Department at 701-260-5373.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Medora (City Auditor / City Government) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medora Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Medora, ND?
Required for any new construction, structural alteration, change of use, or relocation of structures within city limits. Contact City Auditor at 701-623-4828 to confirm project-specific requirements.
How do I apply for a building permit in Medora, ND?
1. Review the City of Medora ordinances — particularly Chapter 6 (Zoning), Chapter 14 (Building Code), Chapter 15 (Electrical Code), and Chapter 17 (Flood Plain) at https://discovermedora.com/city/ordinances/. 2. Contact the City Auditor at 701-623-4828 to confirm permit requirements for the specific project type. 3. Call the Billings County Building Department at 701-260-5373 to confirm the exact jurisdictional routing for Medora permits. 4. Download the Zoning Development Permit Application and complete it with project details, site plan, and description of work. 5. Applications are due 3 weeks prior to the monthly zoning meeting. Check current zoning agendas at https://discovermedora.com/city/zoning-agendas/. 6. Submit the completed application to the city office or as directed by City Auditor. 7. The application is reviewed against Chapter 6 Zoning and Historic Integrity District standards. 8. Because Medora is a Historic Integrity District, new construction and exterior alterations must be consistent with the historic character of the city. 9. Zoning approval, building permit issuance, and required inspections follow. Certificate of Occupancy required before occupancy.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Medora, ND?
Typical processing time is Minimum 4–6 weeks from submission due to monthly zoning meeting cycle with 3-week advance submission deadlines..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Medora, ND?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-842-2120 (Billings County Building Department), 701-260-5373 (Billings County Building Department).

Need help with your project?

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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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