City Building Permits

Bottineau, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Bottineau County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Within Bottineau city limits. Electrical permits are issued by the ND State Electrical Board; plumbing permits are issued by the ND State Plumbing Board.

Department
City of Bottineau Building Department / City Auditor & Building Inspector
Address
115 West 6th Street (City Armory), Bottineau, ND 58318
Phone
701-228-3232
Website
https://bottineau.govoffice.com

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Bottineau Website

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Submit a building permit application at City Hall (115 West 6th Street), along with blueprints or sketches showing proposed structure and its placement on the lot, including distances from lot lines.
  2. Application is reviewed by the Planning Commission, Mayor, and City Auditor & Building Inspector.
  3. Allow 10 working days for permit approval.
  4. Pay permit fee upon approval (minimum $50.00).
  5. Post permit at job site.
  6. Schedule inspections with the Building Inspector.

Typical processing time: 10 working days

Source: City of Bottineau Building Department / City Auditor & Building Inspector

General Requirements

All new construction, additions, fencing, decks, sheds. Permits required for structural work, mechanical installations, and any change in use. Strict setback, lot line distance, and zoning type requirements apply.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Blueprints or sketches showing proposed structure on lot with setback measurements
Building code
2024 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC/IECC/IEBC with North Dakota amendments (effective January 1, 2026). City of Bottineau enforces zoning ordinance (Chapter 6, City of Bottineau Municipal Code, available at https://bottineau.govoffice.com under Ordinances).
Contractor requirements
State contractor license required for hired construction over $4,000 (ND Secretary of State). Separate ND State Electrical Board license required for electrical work; ND State Plumbing Board license for plumbing.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50.00
Permit fee formula
Depends on construction type
Payment note
No publicly posted graduated fee schedule found. Contact City Hall at 701-228-3232 for specific project fee estimates. Payment made in-person at City Hall upon permit approval.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Painting and finish work
  • Reroofing (shingles only)
  • Concrete patios and flat work

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Inspector before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 701-228-3232 (phone)
Inspection hours
Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon), or by appointment

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by project. Contact Building Inspector for project-specific requirements.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Bottineau Building Department / City Auditor & Building Inspector before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bottineau Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Bottineau, ND?
All new construction, additions, fencing, decks, sheds. Permits required for structural work, mechanical installations, and any change in use. Strict setback, lot line distance, and zoning type requirements apply.
How much does a building permit cost in Bottineau, ND?
The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: Depends on construction type.
How do I apply for a building permit in Bottineau, ND?
1. Submit a building permit application at City Hall (115 West 6th Street), along with blueprints or sketches showing proposed structure and its placement on the lot, including distances from lot lines. 2. Application is reviewed by the Planning Commission, Mayor, and City Auditor & Building Inspector. 3. Allow 10 working days for permit approval. 4. Pay permit fee upon approval (minimum $50.00). 5. Post permit at job site. 6. Schedule inspections with the Building Inspector.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Bottineau, ND?
Typical processing time is 10 working days.
What work is exempt from building permits in Bottineau, ND?
The following work is generally exempt: Painting and finish work; Reroofing (shingles only); Concrete patios and flat work. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Inspector before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Bottineau, ND?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-228-3232.

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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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