Billings County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Billings County. Does not cover the incorporated City of Medora or Theodore Roosevelt National Park lands.

Department

Billings County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

495 4th Street, Medora, ND 58645

Phone

701-623-4810

Website

https://www.billingscountynd.gov/169/Planning-Zoning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Verify parcel ownership and zoning district using the parcel data viewer and Zoning District Map.
2. Confirm that the proposed land use is permitted outright in the zoning district, or determine whether a Special Conditional Use Permit or Variance is required.
3. If a new driveway or road access is needed, obtain an Approach Permit from the Billings County Highway Department.
4. If on-site wastewater/septic is needed, obtain a permit from the Southwestern District Health Unit before submitting a building permit application.
5. Download and complete the Application for Building & Zoning Certificate and Weed Control Plan (if applicable).
6. For commercial projects, complete the Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements checklist. For residential, use the Residential Plan Submittal Requirements checklist.
7. Submit the complete application package to the Planning & Zoning office in person or by mail.
8. Upon acceptance, a reference number is assigned and the package is transmitted to the Building Department.
9. For applications requiring public hearings: The application is scheduled before the Zoning Board (monthly on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.). Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. approximately three weeks before the meeting date.
10. For standard building/zoning certificates: Review typically takes approximately two weeks.
11. Pick up the permit from the Building Department and keep the permit package on-site throughout construction.
12. Call the Building Department inspection line at 701-842-2120 to schedule inspections.
13. Obtain all required final approvals before occupying the structure.

Typical processing time: Approximately two weeks for applications without public hearings. At least six to eight weeks for applications requiring public hearings.

Source: Billings County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

A Zoning Certificate and Building Permit are required before starting any new construction, moving or relocating structures, altering external building dimensions, changing property use, or subdividing land.

Required Documents

• Completed Application for Building & Zoning Certificate
• Residential or Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements checklist
• Site plan
• Weed Control Plan (for new residential, commercial, or industrial development)
• Approach Permit (if new driveway required)
• Septic/wastewater permit from Southwestern District Health Unit (if applicable)
• Project description and construction plans

Permit validity

Governed by adopted International Codes; typically 180 days from issuance. Confirm with office at 701-260-5373.

Building code

North Dakota State Building Code (based on 2024 editions of IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IEBC; effective January 1, 2026)

Contractor requirements

North Dakota state contractor license required for construction projects where the cost, value, or price exceeds $4,000. License classes: Class A (over $500,000), Class B (up to $500,000), Class C (up to $300,000), Class D (up to $100,000). Apply through ND Secretary of State FirstStop Portal.

Fees

Payment note

Contact the Planning & Zoning Department at 701-623-4810 or 701-260-5373 for current fee amounts. Payment in person at 495 4th Street, Medora, ND 58645.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural activities generally do not require a zoning certificate (confirm with office for specific situations)
• Work exempt from building permit may still require zoning compliance

Important: Farming exemption applies per zoning ordinance, but confirm with the office at 701-623-4810. Any construction within Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit boundary requires NPS jurisdiction, not county permits.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 701-842-2120 (inspection scheduling line) (phone)
• 701-260-5373 (general building inquiries) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

The earliest available first inspection is one business day after the inspection request is made.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Central Time). Inspectors are not available on weekends or holidays.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence not publicly documented. Confirm required sequence with Building Department at 701-260-5373.

Additional Resources

• Building code: North Dakota State Building Code (based on 2024 editions of IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IEBC; effective January 1, 2026)
• Verify contractor license: ND Secretary of State FirstStop Portal
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Medora Area Plan (MAP)
• Southwestern District Health Unit (Septic/Wastewater)
• 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

Billings County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Billings County, ND?

A Zoning Certificate and Building Permit are required before starting any new construction, moving or relocating structures, altering external building dimensions, changing property use, or subdividing land.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Billings County, ND?

1. Verify parcel ownership and zoning district using the parcel data viewer and Zoning District Map. 2. Confirm that the proposed land use is permitted outright in the zoning district, or determine whether a Special Conditional Use Permit or Variance is required. 3. If a new driveway or road access is needed, obtain an Approach Permit from the Billings County Highway Department. 4. If on-site wastewater/septic is needed, obtain a permit from the Southwestern District Health Unit before submitting a building permit application. 5. Download and complete the Application for Building & Zoning Certificate and Weed Control Plan (if applicable). 6. For commercial projects, complete the Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements checklist. For residential, use the Residential Plan Submittal Requirements checklist. 7. Submit the complete application package to the Planning & Zoning office in person or by mail. 8. Upon acceptance, a reference number is assigned and the package is transmitted to the Building Department. 9. For applications requiring public hearings: The application is scheduled before the Zoning Board (monthly on Thursdays at 1:00 p.m.). Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. approximately three weeks before the meeting date. 10. For standard building/zoning certificates: Review typically takes approximately two weeks. 11. Pick up the permit from the Building Department and keep the permit package on-site throughout construction. 12. Call the Building Department inspection line at 701-842-2120 to schedule inspections. 13. Obtain all required final approvals before occupying the structure.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Billings County, ND?

Typical processing time is Approximately two weeks for applications without public hearings. At least six to eight weeks for applications requiring public hearings..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Billings County, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural activities generally do not require a zoning certificate (confirm with office for specific situations); Work exempt from building permit may still require zoning compliance. Note: Farming exemption applies per zoning ordinance, but confirm with the office at 701-623-4810. Any construction within Theodore Roosevelt National Park South Unit boundary requires NPS jurisdiction, not county permits.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Billings County, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-842-2120 (inspection scheduling line), 701-260-5373 (general building inquiries). The earliest available first inspection is one business day after the inspection request is made..