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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Medora
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.
Note: 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.
- Completed Zoning Development Permit Application
- Site plan
- Description and plans for proposed work
- Additional documentation as required by the city
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Not publicly stated. Confirm with city office at 701-623-4828.
- 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/.
Application process
Typical processing: Minimum 4–6 weeks from submission due to monthly zoning meeting cycle with 3-week advance submission deadlines.
- 01 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/.
- 02 Contact the City Auditor at 701-623-4828 to confirm permit requirements for the specific project type.
- 03 Call the Billings County Building Department at 701-260-5373 to confirm the exact jurisdictional routing for Medora permits.
- 04 Download the Zoning Development Permit Application and complete it with project details, site plan, and description of work.
- 05 Applications are due 3 weeks prior to the monthly zoning meeting. Check current zoning agendas at https://discovermedora.com/city/zoning-agendas/.
- 06 Submit the completed application to the city office or as directed by City Auditor.
- 07 The application is reviewed against Chapter 6 Zoning and Historic Integrity District standards.
- 08 Because Medora is a Historic Integrity District, new construction and exterior alterations must be consistent with the historic character of the city.
- 09 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.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 sequence: Not publicly documented. Confirm required inspection points with Billings County Building Department at 701-260-5373.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Medora permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Medora, ND? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Medora, ND? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Medora, ND? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Medora, ND? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Medora (City Auditor / City Government) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.