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

The following work is generally exempt: County may allow agricultural exemptions or variations common in rural North Dakota; Septic system installation requires North Dakota DEQ oversight (as of August 1, 2025); local public health permits still required from county health departments; Well permits subject to state water regulations. Note: Verify specific exemptions and code adoption with County Commission before proceeding.

County Building Permits

Griggs County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Griggs County, North Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

North Dakota Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas within Griggs County, including communities such as Jessie, Sutton, Karnak, Mose, Revere, Shepard, and Walum.

Department: Griggs County Commission / County Planning and Zoning Department
Website: https://www.griggscountynd.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Open Griggs County Official Website

Platform: In-Person / County Commission Office • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Contact Griggs County Planning and Zoning or County Commission office
Complete county building permit application
Submit with site plans and project specifications
County reviews and approves permit
Inspections conducted during construction as required

Source: Griggs County Commission / County Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction in unincorporated areas, additions and structural modifications, outbuildings on permanent foundations, demolitions, and any work subject to North Dakota State Building Code (if adopted by county).

Required Documents

Completed county building permit application
Site plans
Project specifications

Building code: Adoption of North Dakota State Building Code varies by county. Verification of specific code adoption required from County Commission. County authority under North Dakota Century Code Section 11-33 permits regulation of property for health, safety, and public welfare.

Fees

Payment note: Griggs County does not publicly list permit fees online. Contact the County Commission office for current fee information.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Griggs County Commission / County Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Inspection procedures and requirements should be confirmed with Griggs County. Some rural counties contract with third-party inspection services or share resources with nearby jurisdictions.

Additional Resources

Building code: Adoption of North Dakota State Building Code varies by county. Verification of specific code adoption required from County Commission. County authority under North Dakota Century Code Section 11-33 permits regulation of property for health, safety, and public welfare.
Verify contractor license: North Dakota State Electrical Board
North Dakota State Plumbing Board
North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality — Stormwater & Septic
North Dakota Department of Commerce — Building Codes
North Dakota League of Cities
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 Griggs County Commission / County Planning and Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Griggs County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Griggs County, ND?: A building permit is required for new construction in unincorporated areas, additions and structural modifications, outbuildings on permanent foundations, demolitions, and any work subject to North Dakota State Building Code (if adopted by county).
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Griggs County, ND?: 1. Contact Griggs County Planning and Zoning or County Commission office 2. Complete county building permit application 3. Submit with site plans and project specifications 4. County reviews and approves permit 5. Inspections conducted during construction as required
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Griggs County, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: County may allow agricultural exemptions or variations common in rural North Dakota; Septic system installation requires North Dakota DEQ oversight (as of August 1, 2025); local public health permits still required from county health departments; Well permits subject to state water regulations. Note: Verify specific exemptions and code adoption with County Commission before proceeding.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Griggs County Unincorporated Areas can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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