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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Billings County
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.
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
- Exempt Agricultural activities generally do not require a zoning certificate (confirm with office for specific situations)
- Exempt 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.
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
- Building code
- North Dakota State Building Code (based on 2024 editions of IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IEBC; effective January 1, 2026)
- Permit validity
- Governed by adopted International Codes; typically 180 days from issuance. Confirm with office at 701-260-5373.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately two weeks for applications without public hearings. At least six to eight weeks for applications requiring public hearings.
- 01 Verify parcel ownership and zoning district using the parcel data viewer and Zoning District Map.
- 02 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.
- 03 If a new driveway or road access is needed, obtain an Approach Permit from the Billings County Highway Department.
- 04 If on-site wastewater/septic is needed, obtain a permit from the Southwestern District Health Unit before submitting a building permit application.
- 05 Download and complete the Application for Building & Zoning Certificate and Weed Control Plan (if applicable).
- 06 For commercial projects, complete the Commercial Plan Submittal Requirements checklist. For residential, use the Residential Plan Submittal Requirements checklist.
- 07 Submit the complete application package to the Planning & Zoning office in person or by mail.
- 08 Upon acceptance, a reference number is assigned and the package is transmitted to the Building Department.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Typical inspection sequence not publicly documented. Confirm required sequence with Building Department at 701-260-5373.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Billings County permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Billings County, ND? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Billings County, ND, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Billings County, ND? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Billings County, ND typically run Approximately two weeks for applications without public hearings. At least six to eight weeks for applications requiring public hearings.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Billings County, ND? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Billings County, ND? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Billings County, ND 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..
last verified April 2026
source Billings County Planning and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/north-dakota/billings/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Billings County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.