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

1. Download permit application from oakesnd.com/city-forms or pick up at City Hall. 2. Submit application at least one week before a City Council meeting to be placed on the agenda. 3. City Council reviews and approves or denies the application. 4. Exception: Fences, decks, and porches may begin construction with Public Works / Building Official approval, without waiting for full City Council approval. 5. Once approved, applicant must have the area staked/marked according to submitted plans for Building Official review. 6. Work must be completed within one year of the approval date. No work may begin until approval is granted.

What work is exempt from building permits in Oakes, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Maintenance projects — siding, window replacement, door replacement.. Note: Confirm with City Hall whether other minor maintenance work is exempt.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 742-2137.

City Building Permits

Oakes, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Dickey County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Administers permits within Oakes city limits. Electrical permits by ND State Electrical Board; plumbing by ND State Plumbing Board.

Department: City of Oakes — City Hall (Building/Public Works)
Address: 124 S 5th St, Oakes, ND 58474
Phone: (701) 742-2137
Website: https://oakesnd.com/

Online Permit Portal

Open City Forms

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download permit application from oakesnd.com/city-forms or pick up at City Hall.
Submit application at least one week before a City Council meeting to be placed on the agenda.
City Council reviews and approves or denies the application.
Exception: Fences, decks, and porches may begin construction with Public Works / Building Official approval, without waiting for full City Council approval.
Once approved, applicant must have the area staked/marked according to submitted plans for Building Official review.
Work must be completed within one year of the approval date. No work may begin until approval is granted.

Typical processing time: Dependent on City Council meeting schedule. Contact (701) 742-2137 for next meeting date.

Source: City of Oakes — City Hall (Building/Public Works)

General Requirements

Alterations or additions to permanent or accessory structures; new construction; concrete work; storage buildings; decks; fences; porches; renovations that change the original structural footprint.

Required Documents

Permit application with project description
Property address
Estimated project cost

Permit validity: One year from approval date.
Building code: The city has on file the ND State Building Code (an older version, Effective January 1, 2011, is hosted on the city website). The current ND State Building Code (effective January 1, 2026, based on the 2024 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC) supersedes earlier editions. Confirm with City Hall which code cycle is currently enforced.
Owner-builder: Not specified on city website. Contact City Hall.
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

Payment note: No current fee schedule is published on the city website. Contact City Hall at (701) 742-2137 for current permit fees.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Oakes — City Hall (Building/Public Works) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(701) 742-2137 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspection requirements are not detailed on the city website. Contact City Hall or the Building Official to confirm inspection sequence and scheduling. ND State Electrical Board performs electrical inspections statewide. ND State Plumbing Board oversees plumbing inspections statewide.

Additional Resources

Building code: The city has on file the ND State Building Code (an older version, Effective January 1, 2011, is hosted on the city website). The current ND State Building Code (effective January 1, 2026, based on the 2024 IBC/IRC/IMC/IFGC) supersedes earlier editions. Confirm with City Hall which code cycle is currently enforced.
Verify contractor license: ND Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing
ND State Building Code (2011 edition — reference only)
Variance Process
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 Oakes — City Hall (Building/Public Works) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakes Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Oakes, ND?: Alterations or additions to permanent or accessory structures; new construction; concrete work; storage buildings; decks; fences; porches; renovations that change the original structural footprint.
How do I apply for a building permit in Oakes, ND?: 1. Download permit application from oakesnd.com/city-forms or pick up at City Hall. 2. Submit application at least one week before a City Council meeting to be placed on the agenda. 3. City Council reviews and approves or denies the application. 4. Exception: Fences, decks, and porches may begin construction with Public Works / Building Official approval, without waiting for full City Council approval. 5. Once approved, applicant must have the area staked/marked according to submitted plans for Building Official review. 6. Work must be completed within one year of the approval date. No work may begin until approval is granted.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Oakes, ND?: Typical processing time is Dependent on City Council meeting schedule. Contact (701) 742-2137 for next meeting date..
What work is exempt from building permits in Oakes, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Maintenance projects — siding, window replacement, door replacement.. Note: Confirm with City Hall whether other minor maintenance work is exempt.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Oakes, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 742-2137.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Oakes 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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