City Building Permits

Bismarck, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Burleigh County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All land within Bismarck city limits plus the Bismarck Extraterritorial Area (ETA), which extends up to four miles from city limits. ETA boundaries were adjusted effective March 1, 2026. Applicants in the ETA periphery should verify jurisdiction via the city's interactive map. Also administers floodplain management and mechanical contractor licensing for its jurisdiction.

Department
Building Inspections Department, City of Bismarck Community Development
Address
221 N. 5th St., Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone
701-355-1465
Website
https://bismarcknd.gov/111/Building-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open eTRAKiT

Platform: eTRAKiT • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Determine whether your project requires a permit by reviewing the list at bismarcknd.gov/124/Permits-Are-Required-For or calling 701-355-1465.
  2. Determine whether your property is within Bismarck city limits or the ETA using the zoning map at bismarcknd.gov/2371/Zoning-and-Guidelines.
  3. Download the appropriate application form from bismarcknd.gov/122/Permit-Applications-and-Forms, or apply directly through eTRAKiT.
  4. Gather required documents: completed application, site plan or plot plan, construction drawings/plans, energy compliance documentation (ComCheck for commercial), and project submittal checklist for your permit type.
  5. Submit application and documents online via eTRAKiT, by email to buildinginspections@bismarcknd.gov, or in person at 221 N. 5th St.
  6. Staff reviews plans. Review times vary by project type.
  7. Pay permit fees when notified.
  8. Permit is issued. Construction may begin.
  9. Schedule required inspections at each phase of construction via eTRAKiT (minimum one day in advance) or by calling 701-355-1465.
  10. Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy before occupying.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity. Contact the department for estimates.

Source: Building Inspections Department, City of Bismarck Community Development

General Requirements

A permit is required for new construction, additions, renovations, and remodels; change of occupancy; basement finishing; decks, sheds, and garages; pools, sunrooms, and gazebos; electrical wiring; plumbing; HVAC systems (furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, boilers, fireplaces, unit heaters); and demolition. Contact the division at 701-355-1465 if uncertain.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site/plot plan
  • Construction drawings
  • Project-specific submittal checklist
  • Energy efficiency certificate (where applicable)
  • ComCheck for commercial energy code compliance
  • Utility service agreements
  • Operational narratives for signs
  • FEMA elevation certificate for floodplain projects
Permit validity
Per adopted IBC Section 105.5, a permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. The building official may grant written extensions of up to 180 days each upon written request with justifiable cause shown.
Building code
2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), ICC ANSI A117.1-2017 (accessibility), National Electrical Code with ND State Wiring Standards, Uniform Plumbing Code with ND State Plumbing Standards. Note: The North Dakota state building code updated to 2024 editions effective January 1, 2026; verify whether Bismarck has adopted the updated state code by contacting the department.
Owner-builder
Owner-builder provisions not published on the city website. Contact the Building Inspections Division at 701-355-1465.
Contractor requirements
Mechanical contractors must be licensed by the City of Bismarck Community Development Department, Building Inspections Division. General contractors working on projects exceeding $4,000 must hold a North Dakota state contractor license (Class A, B, C, or D depending on contract value), issued by the ND Secretary of State.

Fees

Plan check fee
Included in separate fee schedule PDFs. Not published as plain text on the website.
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based for building permits (specific table in PDF fee schedules). Trade permits (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) use separate schedules.
Reinspection fee
Listed in the Additional and Trade Permit Fees PDF.
Payment note
Payment can be made online via eTRAKiT (credit/debit) or in person at 221 N. 5th St.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2020).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Minor repairs and maintenance (painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work)
  • Fences not over 7 feet in height (confirm locally)
  • Prefabricated swimming pools under a specified depth threshold
  • Swings, playground equipment, and similar portable structures
  • Removal and re-hanging of doors and windows without structural change

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. For a confirmed list specific to Bismarck, contact 701-355-1465 or review Title 4 of the Bismarck Code of Ordinances.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • eTRAKiT portal (online)
  • 701-355-1465 (phone)
  • buildinginspections@bismarcknd.gov (email)
Scheduling deadline
One business day advance notice required; same-day inspections may be available if requested before 3:30 p.m. Final inspections require 24-hour advance notice.
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (department hours). Inspections conducted on field; results emailed to residents and contractors.
Time windows
Inspectors route by efficiency; specific time windows not guaranteed.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for residential new construction: (1) Footing, (2) Foundation, (3) Foundation Drainage/Draintile, (4) Underground Plumbing, (5) Rough-in Plumbing, (6) Framing (after plumbing, mechanical, and electrical rough-in inspections are approved), (7) Building Thermal Envelope, (8) Fire Resistance-Rated Construction (if applicable), (9) Electrical Service and Rough-In, (10) Fuel Gas and Mechanical Rough-In, (11) Final Inspection (all trades completed, before occupancy). Temporary construction power inspection also required.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Inspections Department, City of Bismarck Community Development before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bismarck Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Bismarck, ND?
A permit is required for new construction, additions, renovations, and remodels; change of occupancy; basement finishing; decks, sheds, and garages; pools, sunrooms, and gazebos; electrical wiring; plumbing; HVAC systems (furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, boilers, fireplaces, unit heaters); and demolition. Contact the division at 701-355-1465 if uncertain.
How much does a building permit cost in Bismarck, ND?
Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for building permits (specific table in PDF fee schedules). Trade permits (electrical, mechanical, plumbing) use separate schedules.. Plan check fee: Included in separate fee schedule PDFs. Not published as plain text on the website..
How do I apply for a building permit in Bismarck, ND?
1. Determine whether your project requires a permit by reviewing the list at bismarcknd.gov/124/Permits-Are-Required-For or calling 701-355-1465. 2. Determine whether your property is within Bismarck city limits or the ETA using the zoning map at bismarcknd.gov/2371/Zoning-and-Guidelines. 3. Download the appropriate application form from bismarcknd.gov/122/Permit-Applications-and-Forms, or apply directly through eTRAKiT. 4. Gather required documents: completed application, site plan or plot plan, construction drawings/plans, energy compliance documentation (ComCheck for commercial), and project submittal checklist for your permit type. 5. Submit application and documents online via eTRAKiT, by email to buildinginspections@bismarcknd.gov, or in person at 221 N. 5th St. 6. Staff reviews plans. Review times vary by project type. 7. Pay permit fees when notified. 8. Permit is issued. Construction may begin. 9. Schedule required inspections at each phase of construction via eTRAKiT (minimum one day in advance) or by calling 701-355-1465. 10. Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy before occupying.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Bismarck, ND?
Typical processing time is Varies by project complexity. Contact the department for estimates..
What work is exempt from building permits in Bismarck, ND?
The following work is generally exempt: Minor repairs and maintenance (painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work); Fences not over 7 feet in height (confirm locally); Prefabricated swimming pools under a specified depth threshold; Swings, playground equipment, and similar portable structures; Removal and re-hanging of doors and windows without structural change. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. For a confirmed list specific to Bismarck, contact 701-355-1465 or review Title 4 of the Bismarck Code of Ordinances.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Bismarck, ND?
Inspections can be scheduled via: eTRAKiT portal, 701-355-1465, buildinginspections@bismarcknd.gov. One business day advance notice required; same-day inspections may be available if requested before 3:30 p.m. Final inspections require 24-hour advance notice..

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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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