Grand Forks, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers the incorporated city limits of Grand Forks and a two-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction outside the city limit line. Properties within the extraterritorial zone are subject to city building code enforcement even if outside city limits.

Department

Department of Building Safety, City of Grand Forks

Address

255 N. 4th Street, Room 225, Grand Forks, ND 58201

Phone

701-746-2631

Email

inspections@city.grandforksgov.com

Website

https://www.grandforksgov.com/government/city-departments/building-safety

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether work requires a permit.
2. For commercial projects: submit a site plan to the City Planning Department for approval first.
3. Prepare two sets of plans for commercial review; residential plans per department requirements.
4. Apply online via Tyler Technologies NWerpSuite or in person at Room 225, City Hall, 255 N. 4th Street.
5. Ensure contractor has a current North Dakota state contractor license on file with the city before online portal access.
6. Pay permit fee at submission based on estimated construction valuation.
7. For commercial projects: plan review by building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire, and health inspectors takes approximately two weeks.
8. Once approved, permit is issued. Work must begin and proceed under the permit.
9. Schedule required inspections at each stage.
10. Receive final inspection and certificate of occupancy (commercial) or final approval (residential).

Typical processing time: Commercial plan review approximately two weeks; residential typically faster.

Source: Department of Building Safety, City of Grand Forks

General Requirements

Required for virtually all construction, alteration, or remodel work — including new construction, additions, remodeling, re-roofing/re-shingling, residing, replacing windows or doors, building a deck, pouring a new driveway or sidewalk, finishing a basement, and mechanical/plumbing/electrical work.

Required Documents

• Building plans (residential and commercial)
• Site plan (commercial, must be pre-approved by Planning)
• Two sets of plans for commercial review
• Contractor license on file with city

Permit validity

Permits are valid for 180 days, or as long as work is actively continuing.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) for commercial; 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) for one- and two-family residential; also 2021 IMC, IFGC, IECC, and IEBC as adopted in the North Dakota State Building Code effective January 1, 2023.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may estimate materials only (not labor) for valuation if doing work themselves.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must have a current North Dakota state contractor license on file with the City of Grand Forks before applying for permits online.

Fees

Plan check fee

Included in plan review for commercial projects.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based — fees are calculated from the estimated total construction value (materials plus labor; owner-builders use materials only). Separate fee schedules apply for residential (one and two family) versus commercial.

Payment note

Cash and checks accepted at the office. Online payment available via Tyler Technologies portal.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Sheds 120 square feet or less in area (residential)
• Fences 6 feet and under in height
• Floor covering replacement
• Wall covering replacement

Important: The city requires permits for re-shingling, residing, replacing windows, building a deck, and pouring new driveways. Exemptions are narrower than in many jurisdictions. Confirm edge cases with the Department of Building Safety before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (701) 746-2631 (phone)
• Tyler Technologies portal (online)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, standard business hours.

Typical inspection sequence: Residential: footing/foundation inspection; framing inspection; rough mechanical/plumbing/electrical; insulation; final inspection. Commercial: plan review by building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire, and health inspectors; then construction-phase inspections at required stages; final and certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) for commercial; 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) for one- and two-family residential; also 2021 IMC, IFGC, IECC, and IEBC as adopted in the North Dakota State Building Code effective January 1, 2023.
• Verify contractor license: North Dakota Secretary of State Contractor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Residential Project Guide
• Commercial Project Guide
• Building Permit Listing (Public Lookup)
• FAQs
• 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

Grand Forks Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Grand Forks, ND?

Required for virtually all construction, alteration, or remodel work — including new construction, additions, remodeling, re-roofing/re-shingling, residing, replacing windows or doors, building a deck, pouring a new driveway or sidewalk, finishing a basement, and mechanical/plumbing/electrical work.

How much does a building permit cost in Grand Forks, ND?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based — fees are calculated from the estimated total construction value (materials plus labor; owner-builders use materials only). Separate fee schedules apply for residential (one and two family) versus commercial.. Plan check fee: Included in plan review for commercial projects..

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

1. Determine whether work requires a permit. 2. For commercial projects: submit a site plan to the City Planning Department for approval first. 3. Prepare two sets of plans for commercial review; residential plans per department requirements. 4. Apply online via Tyler Technologies NWerpSuite or in person at Room 225, City Hall, 255 N. 4th Street. 5. Ensure contractor has a current North Dakota state contractor license on file with the city before online portal access. 6. Pay permit fee at submission based on estimated construction valuation. 7. For commercial projects: plan review by building, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire, and health inspectors takes approximately two weeks. 8. Once approved, permit is issued. Work must begin and proceed under the permit. 9. Schedule required inspections at each stage. 10. Receive final inspection and certificate of occupancy (commercial) or final approval (residential).

How long does it take to get a building permit in Grand Forks, ND?

Typical processing time is Commercial plan review approximately two weeks; residential typically faster..

What work is exempt from building permits in Grand Forks, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Sheds 120 square feet or less in area (residential); Fences 6 feet and under in height; Floor covering replacement; Wall covering replacement. Note: The city requires permits for re-shingling, residing, replacing windows, building a deck, and pouring new driveways. Exemptions are narrower than in many jurisdictions. Confirm edge cases with the Department of Building Safety before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Grand Forks, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 746-2631, Tyler Technologies portal.

Other cities in Grand Forks County