City Building Permits
Ellendale, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Ellendale, North Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Administers permits within Ellendale city limits. Electrical permits are handled by the ND State Electrical Board; plumbing by the ND State Plumbing Board.
- Department
- City of Ellendale — City Hall (City Auditor)
- Address
- City Hall, Ellendale, ND 58436
- Phone
- (701) 349-3252
- ellendal@drtel.net
- Website
- https://ellendalend.gov/
Online Permit Portal
Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Download or pick up a permit application at City Hall or by email request from ellendal@drtel.net.
- Submit completed application to the City Auditor at City Hall or by email.
- Applications are reviewed at the next City Council meeting (contact city for meeting schedule).
- Upon City Council approval, the permit is issued. Post the permit visibly on the construction site.
- Permit is valid for one year from issuance date.
- Schedule any required inspections with the city.
Typical processing time: Dependent on City Council meeting schedule. Contact (701) 349-3252 for the next meeting date.
General Requirements
Alterations or additions to permanent or accessory structures; new construction; concrete work; storage buildings; decks; fences; renovations that change the original structural footprint.
Required Documents
- Permit application with project description
- Property address
- Estimated value
- Permit validity
- One year from issuance.
- Building code
- City of Ellendale has adopted a building code ordinance (Chapter 14 of City Ordinances, last updated on file 2022). The ordinance references the North Dakota State Building Code. The ND State Building Code in effect as of January 1, 2026 is based on the 2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, 2024 IECC, and 2024 IEBC. Confirm with City Hall which specific code cycle is currently enforced locally.
- Contractor requirements
- ND Secretary of State contractor license required for jobs over $4,000. Electrical: ND State Electrical Board license. Plumbing: ND State Plumbing Board license.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $5.00
- Payment note
- The $5.00 residential building permit fee figure is unusually low and may be a historical rate. No online fee schedule identified. Contact (701) 349-3252 or ellendal@drtel.net for current fees and verification.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the City of Ellendale — City Hall (City Auditor) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (701) 349-3252 or (701) 349-3213 (Building Contact) (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: No detailed inspection program is described on the city website. Contact the city building contact Aaron Tschosik at (701) 349-3213 to confirm whether and when inspections are required, and what the scheduling process is. ND State Electrical Board performs electrical inspections independently. ND State Plumbing Board oversees plumbing inspections independently.
Additional Resources
- Building code: City of Ellendale has adopted a building code ordinance (Chapter 14 of City Ordinances, last updated on file 2022). The ordinance references the North Dakota State Building Code. The ND State Building Code in effect as of January 1, 2026 is based on the 2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, 2024 IECC, and 2024 IEBC. Confirm with City Hall which specific code cycle is currently enforced locally.
- Verify contractor license: ND Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing
- City Ordinances Chapter 14 (Building Code)
- ND State Electrical Board
- ND State Plumbing Board
- 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 Ellendale — City Hall (City Auditor) before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ellendale Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Ellendale, ND?
- Alterations or additions to permanent or accessory structures; new construction; concrete work; storage buildings; decks; fences; renovations that change the original structural footprint.
- How much does a building permit cost in Ellendale, ND?
- The minimum permit fee is $5.00.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Ellendale, ND?
- 1. Download or pick up a permit application at City Hall or by email request from ellendal@drtel.net. 2. Submit completed application to the City Auditor at City Hall or by email. 3. Applications are reviewed at the next City Council meeting (contact city for meeting schedule). 4. Upon City Council approval, the permit is issued. Post the permit visibly on the construction site. 5. Permit is valid for one year from issuance date. 6. Schedule any required inspections with the city.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Ellendale, ND?
- Typical processing time is Dependent on City Council meeting schedule. Contact (701) 349-3252 for the next meeting date..
- What work is exempt from building permits in Ellendale, ND?
- The following work is generally exempt: Maintenance work (siding, window replacement, door replacement, etc.) may not require a permit.. Note: Confirm with City Hall whether minor maintenance work is exempt.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Ellendale, ND?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 349-3252 or (701) 349-3213 (Building Contact).
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