Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit), ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All land within NPS-administered boundaries of Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit). Billings County building permits, zoning certificates, and City of Medora permits have no applicability within park boundaries. All construction, grading, utility work, or land disturbance requires NPS Special Use Permit or other NPS authorization.

Department

U.S. National Park Service, Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Address

P.O. Box 7, Medora, ND 58645

Phone

701-623-4466

Website

https://www.nps.gov/thro/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the parcel is within NPS boundary using official park boundary maps. Contact park office at 701-623-4466 to verify.
2. Schedule a pre-application meeting with the park superintendent's office to discuss the proposed activity, potential impacts, and required environmental or cultural analysis.
3. Submit a completed NPS Special Use Permit application to the park administrative office as far in advance as possible (but not more than one year before the anticipated dates). Include the required application fee.
4. NPS evaluates the request against potential impacts to natural and cultural resources and visitor experience.
5. Environmental (NEPA) and/or cultural resource (Section 106, NHPA) review may be required, particularly for construction.
6. If proposing permanent or temporary construction, NPS may require a separate temporary construction permit in addition to the special use permit.
7. If approved, NPS issues a draft permit for review and signature. Signed draft is returned to the park; superintendent countersigns.
8. Proof of liability insurance is typically required.
9. All NPS permit conditions must be met throughout the activity. NPS retains authority to revoke the permit for non-compliance.

Typical processing time: Varies significantly by scope of activity and required environmental review. Allow several months for any construction-related special use permit application.

Source: U.S. National Park Service, Theodore Roosevelt National Park

General Requirements

NPS authorization is required for any activity within NPS boundaries that is not casual visitor recreation, including: construction of any kind, grading, excavation, utility installation, pipeline placement, road work, filming/photography for commercial purposes, research activities, and any activity benefiting a private party rather than the general public.

Required Documents

• Completed NPS Special Use Permit application
• Project description and scope of work
• Environmental impact analysis (may be required by NPS)
• Proof of liability insurance (typically required)

Permit validity

Determined on a case-by-case basis by NPS. Permit conditions and any temporary restrictions are specified in the issued permit.

Building code

Federal law supersedes state/local codes. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA, Section 106); NPS Organic Act (54 U.S.C. § 100101 et seq.); 36 CFR Part 5.

Owner-builder

Not applicable; NPS permits are issued to entities, not individual owner-builders.

Contractor requirements

Not specified by NPS. However, work on NPS land must comply with all federal laws and NPS regulations. Any contractors must carry appropriate insurance as specified by NPS permit conditions.

Fees

Payment note

NPS charges an application fee to reimburse park for processing time. Additional charges may be assessed for staff monitoring during permitted activities. Fee amounts are determined on a case-by-case basis. Contact 701-623-4466 for information.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Casual visitor recreation and park-authorized recreational activities
• NPS-initiated infrastructure projects (e.g., South Unit Scenic Loop Road rehabilitation; conducted under NPS procurement, not private permits)

Important: All non-recreational activities within park boundaries require NPS authorization. Private contractors working on NPS-initiated projects operate under NPS construction contracts, not private special use permits. Research activities within the park require a separate Research/Scientific Study Permit.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• NPS Park Superintendent's Office (direct)

Inspection hours

Contact park office at 701-623-4466 for specific inspection scheduling procedures.

Typical inspection sequence: NPS retains inspection and monitoring authority over all permitted activities within park boundaries. NPS may assign staff to monitor construction activities at the permittee's cost.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Federal law supersedes state/local codes. National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA, Section 106); NPS Organic Act (54 U.S.C. § 100101 et seq.); 36 CFR Part 5.
• NPS Special Use Permits (General)
• NPS Right-of-Way Permits
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park Homepage
• License lookup guide: North Dakota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: North Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• North Dakota hub: North Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit) Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit), ND?

NPS authorization is required for any activity within NPS boundaries that is not casual visitor recreation, including: construction of any kind, grading, excavation, utility installation, pipeline placement, road work, filming/photography for commercial purposes, research activities, and any activity benefiting a private party rather than the general public.

How do I apply for a building permit in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit), ND?

1. Confirm the parcel is within NPS boundary using official park boundary maps. Contact park office at 701-623-4466 to verify. 2. Schedule a pre-application meeting with the park superintendent's office to discuss the proposed activity, potential impacts, and required environmental or cultural analysis. 3. Submit a completed NPS Special Use Permit application to the park administrative office as far in advance as possible (but not more than one year before the anticipated dates). Include the required application fee. 4. NPS evaluates the request against potential impacts to natural and cultural resources and visitor experience. 5. Environmental (NEPA) and/or cultural resource (Section 106, NHPA) review may be required, particularly for construction. 6. If proposing permanent or temporary construction, NPS may require a separate temporary construction permit in addition to the special use permit. 7. If approved, NPS issues a draft permit for review and signature. Signed draft is returned to the park; superintendent countersigns. 8. Proof of liability insurance is typically required. 9. All NPS permit conditions must be met throughout the activity. NPS retains authority to revoke the permit for non-compliance.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit), ND?

Typical processing time is Varies significantly by scope of activity and required environmental review. Allow several months for any construction-related special use permit application..

What work is exempt from building permits in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit), ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Casual visitor recreation and park-authorized recreational activities; NPS-initiated infrastructure projects (e.g., South Unit Scenic Loop Road rehabilitation; conducted under NPS procurement, not private permits). Note: All non-recreational activities within park boundaries require NPS authorization. Private contractors working on NPS-initiated projects operate under NPS construction contracts, not private special use permits. Research activities within the park require a separate Research/Scientific Study Permit.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (South Unit), ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: NPS Park Superintendent's Office.