How do I apply for a building permit in Lincoln, ND?

1. Determine which permit type applies to your project. 2. For accessory buildings over 120 sq ft: contact City of Lincoln at (701) 258-7969 for an accessory building use permit. 3. For concrete work (widening a driveway, adding a camper pad): contact City of Lincoln for a concrete permit. All work in the city right-of-way requires a contractor licensed and bonded with the City of Lincoln. 4. For basement finishing or deck permits: contact Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning at (701) 221-3727 -- these are not handled by the City of Lincoln. 5. For variance applications: contact City of Lincoln. 6. For other project types: contact the city at (701) 258-7969 to determine jurisdiction and process.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Lincoln, ND?

Typical processing time is Not published..

How do I schedule a building inspection in Lincoln, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 258-7969.

City Building Permits

Lincoln, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Burleigh County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Issues permits for certain work within city limits (accessory buildings over 120 sq ft, concrete/driveway work, variances). Other permit types -- specifically basement finishing and deck permits -- are routed through the Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning Department even for properties within Lincoln city limits. Some areas removed from the Bismarck ETA effective March 1, 2026 are now directed to the City of Lincoln. Work in city rights-of-way must be done by a contractor licensed and bonded with the City of Lincoln.

Department: City of Lincoln Administration / Engineering Department
Address: 74 Santee Rd, Lincoln, ND 58504
Phone: (701) 258-7969
Website: https://www.cityoflincolnnd.com/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Lincoln - Home Owner Permits

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

Application Process

Determine which permit type applies to your project.
For accessory buildings over 120 sq ft: contact City of Lincoln at (701) 258-7969 for an accessory building use permit.
For concrete work (widening a driveway, adding a camper pad): contact City of Lincoln for a concrete permit. All work in the city right-of-way requires a contractor licensed and bonded with the City of Lincoln.
For basement finishing or deck permits: contact Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning at (701) 221-3727 -- these are not handled by the City of Lincoln.
For variance applications: contact City of Lincoln.
For other project types: contact the city at (701) 258-7969 to determine jurisdiction and process.

Typical processing time: Not published.

Source: City of Lincoln Administration / Engineering Department

General Requirements

Accessory building use permit required for any accessory building over 120 sq ft. Concrete permit required when widening a driveway or adding a camper pad. Basement finishing and deck permits processed by Burleigh County. Contact the city for other project types.

Permit validity: Likely follows the ND State Building Code (IBC Section 105.5): 180-day commencement window, 180-day abandonment rule. Contact the city for confirmation.
Building code: Not confirmed from available public sources. As a city in North Dakota, Lincoln is subject to the ND State Building Code if it has elected to adopt and enforce building codes. Contact the city for confirmation.
Contractor requirements: All work in the City Right of Way must be performed by a contractor licensed and bonded with the City of Lincoln. State contractor license required for jobs over $4,000 (ND Secretary of State).

Fees

Payment note: Contact the city at (701) 258-7969.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Lincoln Administration / Engineering Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(701) 258-7969 (phone)

Inspection hours: City office hours not confirmed. Call (701) 258-7969. For permits routed to Burleigh County (basement, decks): Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Not published for city-issued permits. Burleigh County-issued permits follow the county inspection process.

Additional Resources

Building code: Not confirmed from available public sources. As a city in North Dakota, Lincoln is subject to the ND State Building Code if it has elected to adopt and enforce building codes. Contact the city for confirmation.
Verify contractor license: North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractor Licensing
Zoning information: View zoning info
Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning (for basement/deck permits)
Bismarck ETA Adjustment FAQs
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 City of Lincoln Administration / Engineering Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lincoln Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Lincoln, ND?: Accessory building use permit required for any accessory building over 120 sq ft. Concrete permit required when widening a driveway or adding a camper pad. Basement finishing and deck permits processed by Burleigh County. Contact the city for other project types.
How do I apply for a building permit in Lincoln, ND?: 1. Determine which permit type applies to your project. 2. For accessory buildings over 120 sq ft: contact City of Lincoln at (701) 258-7969 for an accessory building use permit. 3. For concrete work (widening a driveway, adding a camper pad): contact City of Lincoln for a concrete permit. All work in the city right-of-way requires a contractor licensed and bonded with the City of Lincoln. 4. For basement finishing or deck permits: contact Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning at (701) 221-3727 -- these are not handled by the City of Lincoln. 5. For variance applications: contact City of Lincoln. 6. For other project types: contact the city at (701) 258-7969 to determine jurisdiction and process.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Lincoln, ND?: Typical processing time is Not published..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Lincoln, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 258-7969.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Lincoln 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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