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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hettinger County
A building permit is required for any new building or structure, including fences, and for any alteration or change to an existing building in unincorporated Hettinger County.
- Exempt Minor cosmetic improvements may be exempt; contact county for clarification.
Note: North Dakota does not mandate a statewide residential building code for unincorporated areas. Hettinger County may have limited or no building code enforcement in some areas. Confirm specific requirements with the Hettinger County Planning & Zoning Board before proceeding.
- Completed permit application
- Project specifications and descriptions
- Site plan or property documentation
- Any required environmental permits (septic, stormwater)
- Building code
- North Dakota State Building Code (IBC 2024, IRC 2024, IMC 2024, IFGC 2024, and related codes effective January 1, 2026) if adopted by Hettinger County; confirm current adoption status with county.
- Contractor requirements
- Plumbing and electrical contractors must hold current state licenses from ND State Plumbing Board or ND State Electrical Board.
Application process
Typical processing: Variable; contact county for specific timelines.
- 01 Contact Hettinger County Planning & Zoning Board at the courthouse by phone or in person.
- 02 Submit building permit application with project details and specifications.
- 03 Pay applicable permit fees as determined by county.
- 04 County staff reviews application for completeness and compliance with North Dakota State Building Code.
- 05 Permit approval issued upon compliance verification.
- 06 Schedule inspections with the county as work progresses.
- 07 Final inspection required before occupancy or structure use.
Typical processing time: Variable; contact county for specific timelines.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 701-824-2515 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed 12:00 p.m. - 12:45 p.m.), Monday-Friday
Typical sequence: Final inspection required before backfilling, covering, or occupying the structure.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Hettinger County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Hettinger County, ND? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Hettinger County, ND? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Hettinger County, ND? ▸
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Hettinger County, ND? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Hettinger County, ND? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Hettinger County Planning & Zoning Board before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.