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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Golden Valley County
All new construction or change of use in unincorporated Golden Valley County requires a Zoning Certificate approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
Agricultural buildings (subject to state exemptions)
Minor renovations not significantly altering property footprint or use
Temporary structures (verify scope with county)
Structures specifically exempted under North Dakota State Building Code or local ordinance
- Exempt Agricultural buildings (subject to state exemptions)
- Exempt Minor renovations not significantly altering property footprint or use
- Exempt Temporary structures (verify scope with county)
- Exempt Structures specifically exempted under North Dakota State Building Code or local ordinance
Note: Exempt from building code does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Verify all exemptions with Golden Valley County Planning & Zoning Department before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed building permit and zoning certificate application
- Site plan showing property layout and proposed structure location
- Construction plans and architectural drawings
- Project scope and description
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Compliance statement with zoning ordinance
- Building code
- North Dakota State Building Code (if adopted locally); compliance with Golden Valley County Zoning Ordinance required.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 4-12 weeks (depending on meeting schedule and application completeness)
- 01 Contact Golden Valley County Planning & Zoning Department at (701) 872-2103.
- 02 Obtain building permit application and zoning certificate forms.
- 03 Complete application with project details, site plan, and construction plans.
- 04 Submit application to Planning & Zoning Director for initial review.
- 05 Director forwards application to Planning & Zoning Board for technical review.
- 06 Planning & Zoning Board reviews application and submits recommendation to Board of County Commissioners.
- 07 Application is placed on Planning & Zoning Commission agenda (deadline: 3 weeks prior to meeting).
- 08 Planning & Zoning Commission meets last Monday of month at 3:00 PM in Commissioners' Room at courthouse.
- 09 Board of County Commissioners provides final approval.
- 10 Upon approval, obtain zoning certificate and schedule required inspections.
Typical processing time: 4-12 weeks (depending on meeting schedule and application completeness)
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8 AM - 4 PM (contact for specific availability)
Typical sequence: Standard North Dakota inspections expected: foundation/site preparation, framing, MEP rough-ins, and final inspection before occupancy. Contact county for specific sequence and scheduling.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Golden Valley County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, ND? ▸
All new construction or change of use in unincorporated Golden Valley County requires a Zoning Certificate approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, ND? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, ND, follow these steps: 1. Contact Golden Valley County Planning & Zoning Department at (701) 872-2103. 2. Obtain building permit application and zoning certificate forms. 3. Complete application with project details, site plan, and construction plans. 4. Submit application to Planning & Zoning Director for initial review. 5. Director forwards application to Planning & Zoning Board for technical review. 6. Planning & Zoning Board reviews application and submits recommendation to Board of County Commissioners. 7. Application is placed on Planning & Zoning Commission agenda (deadline: 3 weeks prior to meeting). 8. Planning & Zoning Commission meets last Monday of month at 3:00 PM in Commissioners' Room at courthouse. 9. Board of County Commissioners provides final approval. 10. Upon approval, obtain zoning certificate and schedule required inspections.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, ND? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Golden Valley County, ND typically run 4-12 weeks (depending on meeting schedule and application completeness). Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Golden Valley County, ND? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Golden Valley County, ND. The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings (subject to state exemptions); Minor renovations not significantly altering property footprint or use; Temporary structures (verify scope with county); Structures specifically exempted under North Dakota State Building Code or local ordinance. Note: Exempt from building code does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Verify all exemptions with Golden Valley County Planning & Zoning Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
last verified April 2026
source Golden Valley County Planning & Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/north-dakota/golden-valley/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Golden Valley County Planning & Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.