How do I apply for a building permit in Columbus, ND?

1. Download the building permit application from https://cityofcolumbusnd.com/building-permits-and-inspections or request one at City Hall. 2. Complete the form with project details and submit in person or by mail to PO Box 27, Columbus, ND 58727. 3. Contact City Hall at (701) 939-5000 or the City Auditor at (701) 334-3152 for questions and to confirm fees. 4. Pay applicable fee and receive permit before starting work. 5. Contact City Maintenance at (701) 334-3828 or City Hall to arrange any required inspections.

What work is exempt from building permits in Columbus, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural exemption: State building code exempts agricultural structures. Confirm any local exemptions directly with City Hall.. Note: Columbus is one of North Dakota's smallest incorporated cities. Confirm all exemptions and requirements directly with City Hall.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Columbus, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 939-5000.

City Building Permits

Columbus, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Burke County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Columbus (population 139 as of 2020 Census) and its extraterritorial zoning boundary.

Department: City of Columbus — City Hall
Address: 104 3rd Ave East, PO Box 27, Columbus, ND 58727
Phone: (701) 939-5000
Website: https://cityofcolumbusnd.com

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Columbus - Building Permits and Inspections

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

Additional resources:

Building Permit Application (PDF Download)

Application Process

Download the building permit application from https://cityofcolumbusnd.com/building-permits-and-inspections or request one at City Hall.
Complete the form with project details and submit in person or by mail to PO Box 27, Columbus, ND 58727.
Contact City Hall at (701) 939-5000 or the City Auditor at (701) 334-3152 for questions and to confirm fees.
Pay applicable fee and receive permit before starting work.
Contact City Maintenance at (701) 334-3828 or City Hall to arrange any required inspections.

Typical processing time: Contact City Hall for current processing timeline; very small staff with minimal capacity.

Source: City of Columbus — City Hall

General Requirements

New construction, additions, structural alterations, accessory structures. Confirm specifics with City Hall.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan
Project description

Building code: If Columbus elects to enforce a building code, it must use the ND State Building Code (2024 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC/IECC/IEBC with ND amendments, effective January 1, 2026). Confirm enforcement posture with the City Auditor at (701) 334-3152.
Owner-builder: North Dakota does not require an owner-contractor license for owner-occupied residential work.
Contractor requirements: Hired contractors must hold an ND contractor license for work over $4,000 (NDCC §43-07). Licensed electricians required under the ND State Electrical Board; licensed plumbers under the ND State Plumbing Board.

Fees

Payment note: No fee schedule found publicly online. Contact the City Auditor at (701) 334-3152 for current fees.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Columbus — City Hall to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(701) 939-5000 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Confirm required inspection stages with City Hall based on project type.

Additional Resources

Building code: If Columbus elects to enforce a building code, it must use the ND State Building Code (2024 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC/IECC/IEBC with ND amendments, effective January 1, 2026). Confirm enforcement posture with the City Auditor at (701) 334-3152.
First District Health Unit - Septic Systems
Burke County Page for Columbus
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 Columbus — City Hall before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Columbus, ND?: New construction, additions, structural alterations, accessory structures. Confirm specifics with City Hall.
How do I apply for a building permit in Columbus, ND?: 1. Download the building permit application from https://cityofcolumbusnd.com/building-permits-and-inspections or request one at City Hall. 2. Complete the form with project details and submit in person or by mail to PO Box 27, Columbus, ND 58727. 3. Contact City Hall at (701) 939-5000 or the City Auditor at (701) 334-3152 for questions and to confirm fees. 4. Pay applicable fee and receive permit before starting work. 5. Contact City Maintenance at (701) 334-3828 or City Hall to arrange any required inspections.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Columbus, ND?: Typical processing time is Contact City Hall for current processing timeline; very small staff with minimal capacity..
What work is exempt from building permits in Columbus, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural exemption: State building code exempts agricultural structures. Confirm any local exemptions directly with City Hall.. Note: Columbus is one of North Dakota's smallest incorporated cities. Confirm all exemptions and requirements directly with City Hall.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Columbus, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 939-5000.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Columbus 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

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.

Other cities in Burke County

Bowbells Flaxton Powers Lake

View all Burke County jurisdictions →