County Building Permits
Grant County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grant County, North Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties in unincorporated Grant County outside incorporated city limits.
- Department
- Grant County Planning & Zoning Department
Application Process
- Submit building permit application to Grant County Planning & Zoning Department at least two months prior to construction or when moving a structure onto premises.
- Application must be reviewed and approved by the Grant County Board of Planning and Zoning.
- Planning and Zoning Board meetings held on the second Thursday of each month.
- No construction shall cross any county roadway without prior authorization from the Grant County Planning & Zoning Board and Commissioners.
Typical processing time: Processing timeline varies; plan submissions should be made at least two months in advance of construction start date.
General Requirements
Building permits required for all new structures (homes, garages, sheds over 79 square feet). Applies even to structures on skids and tax-exempt farm residences.
- Building code
- 2023 North Dakota State Building Code (optional local adoption; if adopted, mandatory for all jurisdictions)
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $15.00
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Grant County Planning & Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
Typical inspection sequence: Inspections conducted per county requirements during construction phases. Final inspection required before occupancy.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2023 North Dakota State Building Code (optional local adoption; if adopted, mandatory for all jurisdictions)
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- ND State Plumbing Board
- ND State Electrical Board
- ND Department of Environmental Quality - Stormwater Permits
- ND DEQ - Septic Systems
- License lookup guide: North Dakota Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: North Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- North Dakota hub: North Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Grant County Planning & Zoning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grant County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Grant County, ND?
- Building permits required for all new structures (homes, garages, sheds over 79 square feet). Applies even to structures on skids and tax-exempt farm residences.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Grant County, ND?
- The minimum permit fee is $15.00.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Grant County, ND?
- 1. Submit building permit application to Grant County Planning & Zoning Department at least two months prior to construction or when moving a structure onto premises. 2. Application must be reviewed and approved by the Grant County Board of Planning and Zoning. 3. Planning and Zoning Board meetings held on the second Thursday of each month. 4. No construction shall cross any county roadway without prior authorization from the Grant County Planning & Zoning Board and Commissioners.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Grant County, ND?
- Typical processing time is Processing timeline varies; plan submissions should be made at least two months in advance of construction start date..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Grant County, ND?
- The following work is generally exempt: Minor alterations to existing structures may be exempt; verify with county for specifics.. Note: Contact Grant County Planning & Zoning to confirm specific exemptions before proceeding.
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