Burleigh County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Driscoll is an unincorporated census-designated place in southeastern Burleigh County with a population of approximately 68 (2020 census). It is a census-designated place with no municipal government. All building permit authority falls to Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning Department. All permit procedures, portals, fees, and contacts are identical to the Burleigh County (Unincorporated Areas) section.

Department

Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning Department

Address

221 N 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58501

Phone

(701) 221-3727

Email

burleighcobuilding@nd.gov

Website

https://www.burleigh.gov/departments/buildingplanningzoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the appropriate application from burleigh.gov/departments/buildingplanningzoning/buildings/applications/ or apply online via SmartGov.
2. Complete the application with full project details. Provide comprehensive information to avoid review delays.
3. Attach required documents (site plan, construction drawings, etc.).
4. Submit by any of the methods: online via SmartGov, in person at 221 N 5th St, by mail to PO Box 5518, Bismarck, ND 58506-5518, by fax to 701-221-3726, or by email to burleighcobuilding@nd.gov.
5. Department reviews application. Review times: commercial projects 7-10 business days; residential new construction 3-5 business days; drainfield permits 2-3 business days; all other permits 1 business day.
6. Permit is issued online. Invoice sent within five (5) days of permit issue date.
7. Pay invoice. Note: Burleigh County does not accept online payments at this time. Payment must be made in person or by mail.
8. Construction may begin after permit is issued and payment is arranged.
9. Schedule inspections via the SmartGov portal or by texting (701) 220-4319.
10. Receive final inspection and approval before occupying.

Typical processing time: Commercial 7-10 days; residential new construction 3-5 days; drainfield 2-3 days; other permits 1 day.

Source: Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning Department

General Requirements

Permits required by state statute and local ordinance for: new buildings and structures; remodels involving structural changes; basement finish work; septic systems; mechanical work. Projects completed without permits can affect home insurability and resale value.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application (type varies by project)
• Site plan
• Construction drawings
• Plumbing Permit Worksheet (for septic/drainfield)
• ADA Form (for commercial)
• Manufactured Home Application (for manufactured homes)
• Floodplain Development Application (for floodplain projects)

Permit validity

Per adopted IBC Section 105.5, permits become invalid if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. Written extensions may be requested. Burleigh County does not issue temporary Certificates of Occupancy; occupying a residence before receiving final certification is prohibited.

Building code

North Dakota State Building Code, currently based on the 2024 International Codes (IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IEBC), effective January 1, 2026. Prior to that date, the 2021 editions applied. Local structural design standards enforced by the county: frost depth 48 inches, ground snow load 36 psf, wind load 90 mph, soil bearing capacity 1,500 psf. Ice and water shield protection required (adopted May 25, 2004).

Owner-builder

Owner-builder provisions not published on the county website. Contact the department at 701-221-3727.

Contractor requirements

General contractors must hold a North Dakota state contractor license for work exceeding $4,000. License classes: Class A (contracts over $500,000, fee $450), Class B (up to $500,000, fee $300), Class C (up to $300,000, fee $225), Class D (up to $100,000, fee $100). Apply through the ND Secretary of State at sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Not confirmed from available public sources. Contact the department at (701) 221-3727 for the current fee formula.

Payment note

Burleigh County does not accept online payments at this time. Invoiced within five days of permit issue. Pay in person at 221 N 5th St or by mail to PO Box 5518, Bismarck, ND 58506-5518.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• SmartGov portal (online)
• (701) 221-3727 (phone)
• Text (701) 220-4319 (text)

Scheduling deadline

Callers after 4:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day. Online-scheduled time slots are not guaranteed -- inspectors route by efficiency.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (inspection hours). Two-hour block format, first block starts at 10:00 a.m. Department office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Time windows

Two-hour inspection blocks starting at 10:00 a.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by project type. The department follows the adopted building code inspection requirements. Contact 701-221-3727 for the required inspection sequence for your specific project.

Additional Resources

• Building code: North Dakota State Building Code, currently based on the 2024 International Codes (IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IEBC), effective January 1, 2026. Prior to that date, the 2021 editions applied. Local structural design standards enforced by the county: frost depth 48 inches, ground snow load 36 psf, wind load 90 mph, soil bearing capacity 1,500 psf. Ice and water shield protection required (adopted May 25, 2004).
• Verify contractor license: North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractor Licensing
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Burleigh County Zoning Ordinance (2024)
• FAQ
• ND State Building Codes
• License lookup guide: North Dakota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: North Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• North Dakota hub: North Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Burleigh County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Burleigh County, ND?

Permits required by state statute and local ordinance for: new buildings and structures; remodels involving structural changes; basement finish work; septic systems; mechanical work. Projects completed without permits can affect home insurability and resale value.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Burleigh County, ND?

Fees are calculated as: Not confirmed from available public sources. Contact the department at (701) 221-3727 for the current fee formula..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Burleigh County, ND?

1. Download the appropriate application from burleigh.gov/departments/buildingplanningzoning/buildings/applications/ or apply online via SmartGov. 2. Complete the application with full project details. Provide comprehensive information to avoid review delays. 3. Attach required documents (site plan, construction drawings, etc.). 4. Submit by any of the methods: online via SmartGov, in person at 221 N 5th St, by mail to PO Box 5518, Bismarck, ND 58506-5518, by fax to 701-221-3726, or by email to burleighcobuilding@nd.gov. 5. Department reviews application. Review times: commercial projects 7-10 business days; residential new construction 3-5 business days; drainfield permits 2-3 business days; all other permits 1 business day. 6. Permit is issued online. Invoice sent within five (5) days of permit issue date. 7. Pay invoice. Note: Burleigh County does not accept online payments at this time. Payment must be made in person or by mail. 8. Construction may begin after permit is issued and payment is arranged. 9. Schedule inspections via the SmartGov portal or by texting (701) 220-4319. 10. Receive final inspection and approval before occupying.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Burleigh County, ND?

Typical processing time is Commercial 7-10 days; residential new construction 3-5 days; drainfield 2-3 days; other permits 1 day..

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov portal, (701) 221-3727, Text (701) 220-4319. Callers after 4:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day. Online-scheduled time slots are not guaranteed -- inspectors route by efficiency..