Divide County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Divide County. The ordinance does not extend into incorporated city limits; each incorporated city administers its own permits.

Department

Divide County Planning and Zoning Department / Land Use Administrator

Address

200 N Main St., Room 12, Crosby, ND 58730

Phone

701-965-6661

Website

https://dividecountynd.hosted.civiclive.com/county_government/county_offices/planning_and_zoning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain the appropriate application form from the Planning and Zoning Department or download from the county website.
2. Complete the application and pay fees at time of submission. Applications without fees will not be accepted.
3. Submit no later than the first business day of the month to be placed on that month's agenda.
4. For standard building permits that do not require a variance, conditional use permit, or zoning change: the Land Use Administrator reviews and issues the permit without a public hearing.
5. For conditional use permits, variances, and zoning amendments: the Planning and Zoning Commission holds a public hearing, normally scheduled on the third Friday of each month.
6. Public notice is published in the official county newspaper for two consecutive weeks prior to the hearing; adjacent landowners (within one mile) are notified at least 10 days before the hearing.
7. The Planning and Zoning Commission forwards a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners, which takes final action at its next regular meeting.
8. If approved, the permit is issued by the Planning and Zoning Office and filed with the County Auditor.
9. Once issued, the building permit must be posted conspicuously on-site until the project is complete and all inspections are passed. No certificate of occupancy is issued until all required inspections are complete.

Typical processing time: Minimum one month for items requiring a public hearing; standard building permits may be issued sooner if the application is complete and no hearing is required.

Source: Divide County Planning and Zoning Department / Land Use Administrator

General Requirements

Any person who intends to construct, erect, alter, repair, enlarge, or move any building or structure within the county's jurisdiction must obtain a building permit. Agricultural buildings and structures on active farms are a permitted use in the Agricultural District and do not require a conditional use permit, but still must comply with the North Dakota State Building Code.

Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Project plans or drawings
• Site plan
• Project scope information
• Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) for projects disturbing 1+ acres or moving 50+ cubic yards of earth

Permit validity

Not specified in ordinance; contact the Planning and Zoning Department for expiration details.

Building code

North Dakota State Building Code (2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC effective January 1, 2026; 2023 National Electrical Code for electrical work; ND State Plumbing Code for plumbing work).

Contractor requirements

State contractor licensing requirements apply under ND Secretary of State rules for jobs over $4,000. Electrical work requires licensure through the ND State Electrical Board. Plumbing requires licensure through the ND State Plumbing Board.

Fees

Payment note

Contact the Planning and Zoning Department at 701-965-6661 for current permit fees. Application fees are due at time of submission. Fees are established by the Board of County Commissioners upon recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective March 25, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings and structures on active farms (permitted use in Agricultural District; still must comply with ND State Building Code)
• Non-farm residences on farms may require a conditional use permit; maximum two non-farm residences per 160-acre quarter section

Important: Even exempt work must comply with all applicable zoning requirements, drainage regulations, setback requirements, and may require approval from the Divide County Weed Board. Confirm edge cases with the Planning and Zoning Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 701-965-6661 (phone)
• Divide County Planning and Zoning Department, 200 N Main St., Room 12, Crosby, ND 58730 (in-person)

Typical inspection sequence: Building/structural inspections are arranged through the Planning and Zoning Department. The Board of County Commissioners is responsible for enforcement of the ND State Building Code.

Additional Resources

• Building code: North Dakota State Building Code (2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC effective January 1, 2026; 2023 National Electrical Code for electrical work; ND State Plumbing Code for plumbing work).
• Verify contractor license: North Dakota Secretary of State (Contractor Licensing)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• ND State Electrical Board
• ND State Plumbing Board
• Upper Missouri District Health Unit (UMDHU) - Septic Systems
• ND DEQ - NDPDES Construction Stormwater Permits
• ND Department of Mineral Resources - Oil and Gas Wells
• 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

Divide County Building Permit FAQ

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

Any person who intends to construct, erect, alter, repair, enlarge, or move any building or structure within the county's jurisdiction must obtain a building permit. Agricultural buildings and structures on active farms are a permitted use in the Agricultural District and do not require a conditional use permit, but still must comply with the North Dakota State Building Code.

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

1. Obtain the appropriate application form from the Planning and Zoning Department or download from the county website. 2. Complete the application and pay fees at time of submission. Applications without fees will not be accepted. 3. Submit no later than the first business day of the month to be placed on that month's agenda. 4. For standard building permits that do not require a variance, conditional use permit, or zoning change: the Land Use Administrator reviews and issues the permit without a public hearing. 5. For conditional use permits, variances, and zoning amendments: the Planning and Zoning Commission holds a public hearing, normally scheduled on the third Friday of each month. 6. Public notice is published in the official county newspaper for two consecutive weeks prior to the hearing; adjacent landowners (within one mile) are notified at least 10 days before the hearing. 7. The Planning and Zoning Commission forwards a recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners, which takes final action at its next regular meeting. 8. If approved, the permit is issued by the Planning and Zoning Office and filed with the County Auditor. 9. Once issued, the building permit must be posted conspicuously on-site until the project is complete and all inspections are passed. No certificate of occupancy is issued until all required inspections are complete.

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

Typical processing time is Minimum one month for items requiring a public hearing; standard building permits may be issued sooner if the application is complete and no hearing is required..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Divide County, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings and structures on active farms (permitted use in Agricultural District; still must comply with ND State Building Code); Non-farm residences on farms may require a conditional use permit; maximum two non-farm residences per 160-acre quarter section. Note: Even exempt work must comply with all applicable zoning requirements, drainage regulations, setback requirements, and may require approval from the Divide County Weed Board. Confirm edge cases with the Planning and Zoning Department before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-965-6661, Divide County Planning and Zoning Department, 200 N Main St., Room 12, Crosby, ND 58730.