City Building Permits
Bowman, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Bowman, North Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of Bowman.
- Department
- City of Bowman Planning and Zoning Department
- Address
- 101 1st St NE, PO Box 12, Bowman, ND 58623
- Phone
- (701) 523-3309
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Paper-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Determine permit type required (structure/general, fence, deck, or land development request).
- Download or pick up the application form from City Hall or the city website.
- Complete the application with site plan and project description.
- Submit to City Hall at 101 1st St NE along with applicable fee.
- City staff review for zoning compliance.
- For items requiring Planning and Zoning Commission review: the Commission meets monthly (April–October at 6:30 PM MT; other months at 5:30 PM MT).
- Upon approval, permit is issued. Inspections are arranged through the city.
Typical processing time: Variable; contact city hall at (701) 523-3309 to confirm current process and submission deadlines.
General Requirements
Building permits are required for new structures, additions, decks, fences, and other development within city limits.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application form
- Site plan
- Project description
- Building code
- Chapter 6 Zoning Ordinance; ND State Building Code adoption status not confirmed online. Confirm with city hall whether the city has formally adopted the 2024/2026 ND State Building Code.
- Owner-builder
- Contact City Hall at (701) 523-3309 for current permit requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Licensed contractors are required for plumbing and electrical work (state licensing applies statewide).
Fees
- Payment note
- Fee schedule referenced on city website but most recently published version dates to 2014. Current fee schedule should be confirmed directly with City Hall at (701) 523-3309 before project planning. Fees are typically based on project valuation for structural permits.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the City of Bowman Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- City Hall (in-person)
- (701) 523-3309 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Mon–Thu 7:30 AM–12:00 PM MT / 12:30 PM–4:30 PM MT; Fri 7:30 AM–12:00 PM MT
Typical inspection sequence: Inspection stages typically include: foundation/footing, framing (rough), mechanical/electrical/plumbing rough-in, insulation, final inspection.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Chapter 6 Zoning Ordinance; ND State Building Code adoption status not confirmed online. Confirm with city hall whether the city has formally adopted the 2024/2026 ND State Building Code.
- Verify contractor license: ND State Electrical Board License Lookup
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Comprehensive Plan
- ND State Plumbing Board
- City Solar Ordinance
- 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 City of Bowman Planning and Zoning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bowman Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Bowman, ND?
- Building permits are required for new structures, additions, decks, fences, and other development within city limits.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Bowman, ND?
- 1. Determine permit type required (structure/general, fence, deck, or land development request). 2. Download or pick up the application form from City Hall or the city website. 3. Complete the application with site plan and project description. 4. Submit to City Hall at 101 1st St NE along with applicable fee. 5. City staff review for zoning compliance. 6. For items requiring Planning and Zoning Commission review: the Commission meets monthly (April–October at 6:30 PM MT; other months at 5:30 PM MT). 7. Upon approval, permit is issued. Inspections are arranged through the city.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Bowman, ND?
- Typical processing time is Variable; contact city hall at (701) 523-3309 to confirm current process and submission deadlines..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Bowman, ND?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: City Hall, (701) 523-3309.
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