Dickey County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas of Dickey County only. Incorporated municipalities (Ellendale, Oakes, Edgeley, Fullerton, Forbes, Ludden, Monango) administer their own permits. County zoning is governed by the Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations (2026 public draft).

Department

Dickey County Courthouse — Auditor's Office / Board of County Commissioners

Address

309 2nd St N, Ellendale, ND 58436

Phone

(701) 349-3249

Website

https://dickeynd.com/

Application Process

1. Download applicable forms (Road Approach Permit, Utility Permit, Land Encroachment Notice) from dickeynd.com or pick up at the courthouse (309 2nd St N, Ellendale).
2. Submit completed application to the Auditor's Office at the courthouse in person or by mail.
3. For road approach or utility work along county roads, coordinate with the Highway Superintendent through (701) 349-3249.
4. The Board of County Commissioners reviews zoning-related matters. The Planning and Zoning Commission (nine members) holds public hearings, typically on the first and/or third Tuesday of each month.
5. Septic/onsite wastewater systems require a separate permit from Central Valley Health District before and after installation.

Typical processing time: Not published. Contact (701) 349-3249 for current timelines.

Source: Dickey County Courthouse — Auditor's Office / Board of County Commissioners

General Requirements

Road approach permits are required before constructing any new driveway or approach onto a county road. Utility permits are required for utility installations within the county right-of-way. Building permits for structural work depend on whether Dickey County has formally adopted and enforces the ND State Building Code. Confirm directly with the courthouse whether a structural building permit and code compliance inspection are required for your project.

Building code

North Dakota does not mandate that counties enforce building codes. Dickey County has not been identified as a jurisdiction that has formally adopted and enforces the ND State Building Code for private residential construction in unincorporated areas.

Contractor requirements

Any job with a cost, value, or price exceeding $4,000 requires the contractor to hold a valid North Dakota contractor license from the Secretary of State. Electrical work requires a license from the ND State Electrical Board. Plumbing requires a license from the ND State Plumbing Board.

Fees

Payment note

No fee schedule for county-level building permits is published on the county website. Road approach and utility permit fees, if any, are not listed online. Contact the Auditor's Office at (701) 349-3249 for current fee information.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Dickey County Courthouse — Auditor's Office / Board of County Commissioners to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: No county building inspection program for private residential construction has been identified. The ND State Electrical Board performs electrical inspections statewide; the ND State Plumbing Board oversees plumbing inspections. Septic system inspections are conducted by Central Valley Health District prior to backfill.

Additional Resources

• Building code: North Dakota does not mandate that counties enforce building codes. Dickey County has not been identified as a jurisdiction that has formally adopted and enforces the ND State Building Code for private residential construction in unincorporated areas.
• Verify contractor license: ND Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing
• ND State Electrical Board — License Lookup
• ND State Plumbing Board
• Central Valley Health District — Septic Permits
• ND Department of Environmental Quality — Stormwater
• 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

Dickey County Building Permit FAQ

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

Road approach permits are required before constructing any new driveway or approach onto a county road. Utility permits are required for utility installations within the county right-of-way. Building permits for structural work depend on whether Dickey County has formally adopted and enforces the ND State Building Code. Confirm directly with the courthouse whether a structural building permit and code compliance inspection are required for your project.

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

1. Download applicable forms (Road Approach Permit, Utility Permit, Land Encroachment Notice) from dickeynd.com or pick up at the courthouse (309 2nd St N, Ellendale). 2. Submit completed application to the Auditor's Office at the courthouse in person or by mail. 3. For road approach or utility work along county roads, coordinate with the Highway Superintendent through (701) 349-3249. 4. The Board of County Commissioners reviews zoning-related matters. The Planning and Zoning Commission (nine members) holds public hearings, typically on the first and/or third Tuesday of each month. 5. Septic/onsite wastewater systems require a separate permit from Central Valley Health District before and after installation.

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

Typical processing time is Not published. Contact (701) 349-3249 for current timelines..