What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Burke County, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Normal agricultural uses and buildings (farm dwellings, barns, grain bins, livestock structures, etc.) are expressly exempt from the zoning ordinance permit requirements under Article 2, Section 3 of the 2025 ordinance.. Note: Agricultural exemption applies to normal farm operations. Commercial businesses providing goods or services to farmers are not exempt. Confirm agricultural status with the Zoning Administrator before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Burke County, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 377-6242.

County Building Permits

Burke County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Burke County except the extraterritorial zoning boundaries of the six incorporated cities (Bowbells, Columbus, Flaxton, Lignite, Portal, Powers Lake) and except Dimond, Clayton, and Forthun townships which exercise independent zoning authority as of July 1, 2023.

Department: Burke County Planning and Zoning Commission / County Auditor's Office
Address: 103 Main Street, PO Box 310, Bowbells, ND 58721
Phone: (701) 377-6242
Website: https://www.burkecountynd.com/planning-and-zoning

Online Permit Portal

Open Burke County Planning and Zoning

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Contact the Planning and Zoning office at (701) 377-6242 (or County Auditor at 701-377-2861 if the Administrator position is vacant) to discuss the proposed project and confirm permit requirements.
Download and complete the applicable permit application form from the county website, or pick up a form at the courthouse (103 Main Street, Bowbells).
Submit the completed application with a site plan showing lot boundaries, proposed structure placement, setbacks from road centerlines, and dimensions.
The Planning and Zoning Commission (or designated Zoning Administrator) reviews the application for conformance with the zoning ordinance.
If plans comply, fees are collected and the permit is issued. If plans do not comply, applicant must pursue a variance, conditional use permit, or amendment (each requiring a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals or County Commission).
Post permit at the job site. Upon completion, notify the office to schedule a certificate of compliance inspection.

Typical processing time: Varies; Planning and Zoning Board meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month. County Commissioners meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday.

Source: Burke County Planning and Zoning Commission / County Auditor's Office

General Requirements

Any building or structure other than those associated with normal agriculture must have a permit before being erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered. No permit is required for maintenance that does not structurally alter the building.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan drawn to scale showing boundary lines and structure location
Setbacks from road centerlines and property lines
For conditional uses: names and addresses of adjacent property owners, parking plan, and project description

Permit validity: A permit expires if no construction takes place within one year of issuance.
Building code: Burke County does not independently enforce the ND State Building Code in unincorporated areas; the county's permit system is zoning-based, not building-inspection-based. Building code compliance (IBC/IRC) is not independently inspected at the county level.
Contractor requirements: ND NDCC §43-07 requires a state contractor license for hired construction work over $4,000 in value. Licensed electricians required under the ND State Electrical Board; licensed plumbers under the ND State Plumbing Board.

Fees

Payment note: Contact Planning and Zoning at (701) 377-6242 for current fee schedule. Online payment is accepted once a permit is approved. Check or money order payable to Burke County also accepted.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Normal agricultural uses and buildings (farm dwellings, barns, grain bins, livestock structures, etc.) are expressly exempt from the zoning ordinance permit requirements under Article 2, Section 3 of the 2025 ordinance.

Important: Agricultural exemption applies to normal farm operations. Commercial businesses providing goods or services to farmers are not exempt. Confirm agricultural status with the Zoning Administrator before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(701) 377-6242 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (closed Wednesdays and federal holidays)

Typical inspection sequence: Certificate of compliance required before any permitted structure can be occupied. Upon project completion, applicant notifies the Planning and Zoning Commission, which conducts an on-site inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: Burke County does not independently enforce the ND State Building Code in unincorporated areas; the county's permit system is zoning-based, not building-inspection-based. Building code compliance (IBC/IRC) is not independently inspected at the county level.
Zoning information: View zoning info
Burke County Zoning Ordinance (amended 10/21/2025)
First District Health Unit - Septic/Onsite Wastewater
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 Burke County Planning and Zoning Commission / County Auditor's Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Burke County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Burke County, ND?: Any building or structure other than those associated with normal agriculture must have a permit before being erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered. No permit is required for maintenance that does not structurally alter the building.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Burke County, ND?: 1. Contact the Planning and Zoning office at (701) 377-6242 (or County Auditor at 701-377-2861 if the Administrator position is vacant) to discuss the proposed project and confirm permit requirements. 2. Download and complete the applicable permit application form from the county website, or pick up a form at the courthouse (103 Main Street, Bowbells). 3. Submit the completed application with a site plan showing lot boundaries, proposed structure placement, setbacks from road centerlines, and dimensions. 4. The Planning and Zoning Commission (or designated Zoning Administrator) reviews the application for conformance with the zoning ordinance. 5. If plans comply, fees are collected and the permit is issued. If plans do not comply, applicant must pursue a variance, conditional use permit, or amendment (each requiring a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Appeals or County Commission). 6. Post permit at the job site. Upon completion, notify the office to schedule a certificate of compliance inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Burke County, ND?: Typical processing time is Varies; Planning and Zoning Board meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month. County Commissioners meet every 1st and 3rd Tuesday..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Burke County, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Normal agricultural uses and buildings (farm dwellings, barns, grain bins, livestock structures, etc.) are expressly exempt from the zoning ordinance permit requirements under Article 2, Section 3 of the 2025 ordinance.. Note: Agricultural exemption applies to normal farm operations. Commercial businesses providing goods or services to farmers are not exempt. Confirm agricultural status with the Zoning Administrator before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Burke County, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 377-6242.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Burke County (Unincorporated) 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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