County Building Permits
Bottineau County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bottineau County, North Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated areas of Bottineau County not within any city or township that independently enforces its own building code.
- Department
- Bottineau County Zoning / Tax Equalization Office
- Address
- 314 5th Street West, Suite 10, Bottineau, ND 58318
- Phone
- 701-228-2901
- Website
- https://www.bottineauco.com
Online Permit Portal
Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Contact the Zoning Administrator (Ashley Pedie, 701-228-2901) to determine permit requirements for the specific project type and parcel.
- Obtain the county building permit application form from the Zoning office.
- Submit completed application with site plan and any required drawings showing proposed structure placement, setbacks, and dimensions.
- Allow up to 2 weeks for permit review and approval.
- Pay permit fee upon approval.
- Post permit at job site and complete required inspections through the Zoning Administrator's office.
Typical processing time: Up to 2 weeks; contact office for current workload.
General Requirements
New construction, additions, fencing, decks, sheds, septic systems, demolition, structural alterations. Agricultural structures may be exempt under ND law — confirm with zoning office.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan showing lot, structure placement, and setback dimensions
- Project description/drawings
- Building code
- 2024 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC/IECC/IEBC with North Dakota amendments (effective January 1, 2026). Bottineau County enforces a zoning ordinance (Chapter 6 of the municipal code). Contact the Zoning Administrator to confirm the county's current building code enforcement posture.
- Owner-builder
- North Dakota does not require a contractor license for owner-occupied residential work; licensed contractor required for projects valued over $4,000 where a contractor is hired (ND Secretary of State, NDCC §43-07).
- Contractor requirements
- State contractor license (Classes A–D) required for all hired construction work over $4,000 in value. Licensed electricians required under the ND State Electrical Board; licensed plumbers required under the ND State Plumbing Board.
Fees
- Payment note
- Contact Zoning Administrator at 701-228-2901 for current fee schedule. Fees are set by the Board of County Commissioners. Payment made in-person at the Zoning/Tax Equalization office.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Bottineau County Zoning / Tax Equalization Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 701-228-2901 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (mechanical/plumbing/electrical), final inspection. Confirm sequence with Zoning Administrator based on project type.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2024 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC/IECC/IEBC with North Dakota amendments (effective January 1, 2026). Bottineau County enforces a zoning ordinance (Chapter 6 of the municipal code). Contact the Zoning Administrator to confirm the county's current building code enforcement posture.
- Verify contractor license: ND Secretary of State Contractor Licensing
- ND State Plumbing Board
- ND State Electrical Board
- ND Department of Environmental Quality - Septic Systems
- License lookup guide: North Dakota Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: North Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- North Dakota hub: North Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Bottineau County Zoning / Tax Equalization Office before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bottineau County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Bottineau County, ND?
- New construction, additions, fencing, decks, sheds, septic systems, demolition, structural alterations. Agricultural structures may be exempt under ND law — confirm with zoning office.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bottineau County, ND?
- 1. Contact the Zoning Administrator (Ashley Pedie, 701-228-2901) to determine permit requirements for the specific project type and parcel. 2. Obtain the county building permit application form from the Zoning office. 3. Submit completed application with site plan and any required drawings showing proposed structure placement, setbacks, and dimensions. 4. Allow up to 2 weeks for permit review and approval. 5. Pay permit fee upon approval. 6. Post permit at job site and complete required inspections through the Zoning Administrator's office.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Bottineau County, ND?
- Typical processing time is Up to 2 weeks; contact office for current workload..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Bottineau County, ND?
- The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures may be exempt under North Dakota law — confirm with zoning office.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Zoning Administrator before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bottineau County, ND?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-228-2901.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Bottineau County (Unincorporated) can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works