Grand Forks County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies to unincorporated areas of Grand Forks County. Does NOT apply inside incorporated city limits (each city handles its own permits) or within a city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction (e.g., the City of Grand Forks two-mile zone). Townships that have enacted their own zoning authority are also excluded from county jurisdiction. The Zoning Administrator serves as County Building Official.

Department

Grand Forks County Planning and Zoning Department

Address

151 South 4th Street, Grand Forks, ND 58201

Phone

(701) 780-8413

Website

https://www.gfcounty.nd.gov/government/planning-zoning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Planning and Zoning office at (701) 780-8413 to confirm the property is in unincorporated county jurisdiction and not within a city extraterritorial zone.
2. Complete the building permit application form (available from the Planning and Zoning office).
3. Submit plans at the time of application — plans are required with the application.
4. Pay permit fee at submission ($75.00 plus $3.00 per $1,000 of building cost).
5. Permit is reviewed and issued by the Zoning Administrator (County Building Official).
6. Proceed with construction; schedule required inspections.
7. Final inspection upon completion.

Source: Grand Forks County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Required for all structures within the county zoning jurisdiction, with the exception of agricultural buildings. This includes residential, commercial, and other non-agricultural construction in unincorporated areas.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Building plans (submitted at time of application)

Building code

International Building Code (IBC) as amended by the State of North Dakota (North Dakota State Building Code, effective January 1, 2023). County enforces state code in unincorporated areas.

Contractor requirements

North Dakota state contractor licensing law applies; verify with county office.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$75.00

Permit fee formula

$75.00 flat base fee plus $3.00 per $1,000 of total building cost (valuation-based).

Payment note

Contact office for accepted payment methods.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural buildings are explicitly exempt from county building permit requirements in the unincorporated area.
• Structures within incorporated city limits (handled by the respective city)
• Structures within a city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction

Important: Before constructing any structure in Grand Forks County, verify with the Planning and Zoning office that the property is in unincorporated county jurisdiction and not within a city extraterritorial zone.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (701) 780-8413 (phone)

Inspection hours

Standard county office hours.

Additional Resources

• Building code: International Building Code (IBC) as amended by the State of North Dakota (North Dakota State Building Code, effective January 1, 2023). County enforces state code in unincorporated areas.
• Verify contractor license: North Dakota Secretary of State Contractor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Grand Forks County Government
• Staff Directory (Zoning Administrator: Lane Magnuson)
• 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 County Building Permit FAQ

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

Required for all structures within the county zoning jurisdiction, with the exception of agricultural buildings. This includes residential, commercial, and other non-agricultural construction in unincorporated areas.

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

The minimum permit fee is $75.00. Fees are calculated as: $75.00 flat base fee plus $3.00 per $1,000 of total building cost (valuation-based)..

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

1. Contact the Planning and Zoning office at (701) 780-8413 to confirm the property is in unincorporated county jurisdiction and not within a city extraterritorial zone. 2. Complete the building permit application form (available from the Planning and Zoning office). 3. Submit plans at the time of application — plans are required with the application. 4. Pay permit fee at submission ($75.00 plus $3.00 per $1,000 of building cost). 5. Permit is reviewed and issued by the Zoning Administrator (County Building Official). 6. Proceed with construction; schedule required inspections. 7. Final inspection upon completion.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings are explicitly exempt from county building permit requirements in the unincorporated area.; Structures within incorporated city limits (handled by the respective city); Structures within a city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction. Note: Before constructing any structure in Grand Forks County, verify with the Planning and Zoning office that the property is in unincorporated county jurisdiction and not within a city extraterritorial zone.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 780-8413.