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§ ND Bowman County
County building permits

Unincorporated Bowman County

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

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 5
§ 01

Permit authority

Bowman County Planning and Zoning Department

Street address
104 1st St NW, Suite 4, Bowman, ND 58623
Phone
(701) 523-3129
Email
tax.zoning@bowmancountynd.gov
Coverage
All properties in unincorporated Bowman County, including the ghost town of Griffin.
Website
Department website
Additional resources
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Bowman County

A zoning permit is required for new construction, major additions, accessory structures, and changes of land use in unincorporated areas.

Agricultural structures on agricultural-zoned land may have reduced permit requirements under the 2024 Zoning Ordinance; confirm specifics with the zoning office.
  • Exempt Agricultural structures on agricultural-zoned land may have reduced permit requirements under the 2024 Zoning Ordinance; confirm specifics with the zoning office.

Note: Confirm edge cases with the Planning and Zoning office before proceeding. Wind and Solar Ordinances apply to energy installations.

Required documents
  • Completed application form
  • Site plan (if required)
  • Supporting documents as specified by the zoning office
Building code
2024 Bowman County Zoning Ordinance; ND State Building Code not separately enforced by county. Structural safety review is limited to what is embedded in the zoning process.
Owner-builder
Contact the zoning office at (701) 523-3129 to confirm current requirements before submitting.
Contractor requirements
Licensed electricians must comply with ND State Electrical Board rules; licensed plumbers must comply with ND State Plumbing Board rules.

Source: Bowman County Planning and Zoning Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Variable; administrative permits faster; board items subject to meeting schedule.

  1. 01
    Download or pick up the appropriate application form from the Planning and Zoning office (Zoning Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Zoning Variance, or Boring Permit).
  2. 02
    Complete and submit the form with any required site plan or supporting documents in person or by mail.
  3. 03
    For items requiring board action (conditional use, variances): submit all agenda items to the office by Tuesday of the week of the meeting.
  4. 04
    The Planning and Zoning Board meets the 2nd Thursday of January, March, May, July, September, and November at 6:00 PM in the Bowman County Courthouse Commission Room.
  5. 05
    Zoning permits that do not require board action are processed administratively.

Typical processing time: Variable; administrative permits faster; board items subject to meeting schedule.

Source: Bowman County Planning and Zoning Department ↗

§ 04

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

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 sequence: The county does not operate a building inspection program for unincorporated areas. Owners and contractors are responsible for meeting applicable code standards.

Source: Bowman County Planning and Zoning Department ↗

§ 05

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Bowman County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Bowman County, ND? ▸
A zoning permit is required for new construction, major additions, accessory structures, and changes of land use in unincorporated areas.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bowman County, ND? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bowman County, ND, follow these steps: 1. Download or pick up the appropriate application form from the Planning and Zoning office (Zoning Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Zoning Variance, or Boring Permit). 2. Complete and submit the form with any required site plan or supporting documents in person or by mail. 3. For items requiring board action (conditional use, variances): submit all agenda items to the office by Tuesday of the week of the meeting. 4. The Planning and Zoning Board meets the 2nd Thursday of January, March, May, July, September, and November at 6:00 PM in the Bowman County Courthouse Commission Room. 5. Zoning permits that do not require board action are processed administratively.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Bowman County, ND? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Bowman County, ND typically run Variable; administrative permits faster; board items subject to meeting schedule.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Bowman County, ND? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Bowman County, ND. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural structures on agricultural-zoned land may have reduced permit requirements under the 2024 Zoning Ordinance; confirm specifics with the zoning office.. Note: Confirm edge cases with the Planning and Zoning office before proceeding. Wind and Solar Ordinances apply to energy installations. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026 source Bowman County Planning and Zoning Department ↗ entry id permits/north-dakota/bowman/unincorporated
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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Bowman County Planning and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

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