City of Portal

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

• 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.

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.

Source: City of Portal — City Hall ↗

1. 01
   Contact Portal City Hall at (701) 926-3601 or cityofportal@nccray.com to discuss project and confirm permit requirements.
2. 02
   Obtain the building permit application from City Hall (in person or by request).
3. 03
   Complete and submit the application with a site plan.
4. 04
   Pay applicable fee and receive permit before starting work.
5. 05
   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 ↗

• (701) 926-3601 (phone)

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

Source: City of Portal — City Hall ↗