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

1. Contact Portal City Hall at (701) 926-3601 or cityofportal@nccray.com to discuss project and confirm permit requirements. 2. Obtain the building permit application from City Hall (in person or by request). 3. Complete and submit the application with a site plan. 4. Pay applicable fee and receive permit before starting work. 5. Schedule inspections through City Hall.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural exemption: ND State Building Code exempts agricultural structures.. Note: Portal is the site of a US–Canada port of entry. Construction projects near the border may be subject to additional federal review or CBP (US Customs and Border Protection) restrictions. Consult with a local attorney for border-area projects.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 926-3601.

City Building Permits

Portal, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Portal, 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 Portal (population 97–164 as of recent estimates) and its extraterritorial zoning boundary. Portal is a US–Canada port of entry (US Route 52/Saskatchewan Highway 39).

Department: City of Portal — City Hall
Address: 25 Railway Street, Portal, ND 58772
Phone: (701) 926-3601
Email: cityofportal@nccray.com
Website: https://www.portalnorthdakota.org

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Portal

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

Application Process

Contact Portal City Hall at (701) 926-3601 or cityofportal@nccray.com to discuss project and confirm permit requirements.
Obtain the building permit application from City Hall (in person or by request).
Complete and submit the application with a site plan.
Pay applicable fee and receive permit before starting work.
Schedule inspections through City Hall.

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

Source: City of Portal — City Hall

General Requirements

New construction, additions, structural alterations. Confirm with City Hall.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan

Building code: If Portal 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 City Hall.
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 published online. Contact City Hall at (701) 926-3601 for current fees.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

(701) 926-3601 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Given the very small population, confirm whether inspections are performed by city staff or a contracted third party.

Additional Resources

Building code: If Portal 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 City Hall.
First District Health Unit - 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 City of Portal — City Hall before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Portal Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Portal, ND?: New construction, additions, structural alterations. Confirm with City Hall.
How do I apply for a building permit in Portal, ND?: 1. Contact Portal City Hall at (701) 926-3601 or cityofportal@nccray.com to discuss project and confirm permit requirements. 2. Obtain the building permit application from City Hall (in person or by request). 3. Complete and submit the application with a site plan. 4. Pay applicable fee and receive permit before starting work. 5. Schedule inspections through City Hall.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Portal, ND?: Typical processing time is Contact City Hall for processing timeline; very small staff with minimal capacity..
What work is exempt from building permits in Portal, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural exemption: ND State Building Code exempts agricultural structures.. Note: Portal is the site of a US–Canada port of entry. Construction projects near the border may be subject to additional federal review or CBP (US Customs and Border Protection) restrictions. Consult with a local attorney for border-area projects.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Portal, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 926-3601.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Portal can be complicated.

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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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