City of Bismarck

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.

• Exempt Minor repairs and maintenance (painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work)
• Exempt Fences not over 7 feet in height (confirm locally)
• Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools under a specified depth threshold
• Exempt Swings, playground equipment, and similar portable structures
• Exempt 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.

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.

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.

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.

Source: Building Inspections Department, City of Bismarck Community Development ↗

1. 01
   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. 02
   Determine whether your property is within Bismarck city limits or the ETA using the zoning map at bismarcknd.gov/2371/Zoning-and-Guidelines.
3. 03
   Download the appropriate application form from bismarcknd.gov/122/Permit-Applications-and-Forms, or apply directly through eTRAKiT.
4. 04
   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. 05
   Submit application and documents online via eTRAKiT, by email to buildinginspections@bismarcknd.gov, or in person at 221 N. 5th St.
6. 06
   Staff reviews plans. Review times vary by project type.
7. 07
   Pay permit fees when notified.
8. 08
   Permit is issued. Construction may begin.
9. 09
   Schedule required inspections at each phase of construction via eTRAKiT (minimum one day in advance) or by calling 701-355-1465.
10. 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 ↗

Payment can be made online via eTRAKiT (credit/debit) or in person at 221 N. 5th St.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 1, 2020) before budgeting.

• 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 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.

Source: Building Inspections Department, City of Bismarck Community Development ↗