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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for McKenzie County
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and changes of occupancy in unincorporated McKenzie County since July 9, 2012.
Minor exemptions may exist for small accessory structures; confirm with Building Department
- Exempt Minor exemptions may exist for small accessory structures; confirm with Building Department
Note: All new construction is generally required to obtain a permit. Confirm exemption status with the McKenzie County Building Department before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application packet
- Site plan and property survey
- Construction plans and specifications
- Project scope and cost estimate
- Proof of property ownership or authorization
- Building code
- North Dakota State Building Code (2024 version effective January 1, 2026), including International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), and International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
- Permit validity
- Permit validity period should be confirmed with the Building Department at (701) 444-2533.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must provide appropriate documentation and meet all code compliance requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must comply with North Dakota state licensing requirements. For jobs exceeding $4,000, a State of North Dakota contractor license is required.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 10-15 business days
- 01 Download the appropriate permit application packet from the county website or contact the Building Department.
- 02 Complete all required application forms with project details and documentation.
- 03 Submit the completed packet via email to building@co.mckenzie.nd.us or through the online portal at county.mckenziecounty.net.
- 04 County staff reviews the application for completeness. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
- 05 Upon receiving all required documents, the permit process takes approximately 10-15 business days.
- 06 Do not submit payment until staff review is complete.
- 07 Once approved, obtain the permit and pay all required fees.
- 08 Permit must be kept on-site at all times and available for inspection. A 4 ft x 8 ft sign with project name and address is required.
Typical processing time: 10-15 business days
§ 04
Fee schedule
McKenzie County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Fees based on project valuation; consult Building Department for specific amounts
Fees are payable upon permit approval. Contact building@co.mckenzie.nd.us for the current fee schedule.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- building@co.mckenzie.nd.us (email)
- (701) 444-2533 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Contact Building Department for office hours and inspection availability
Typical sequence: Mandatory inspections include: (1) Footings after dug/formed with rebar placed, (2) Foundation after forms set and rebar placed, (3) Framing after complete but before siding/insulation/MEP, (4) Sheetrock after nailed/screwed but before taping, (5) Final inspection before occupancy.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated McKenzie County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated McKenzie County, ND? ▸
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, alterations, and changes of occupancy in unincorporated McKenzie County since July 9, 2012.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McKenzie County, ND? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated McKenzie County, ND are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees based on project valuation; consult Building Department for specific amounts.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated McKenzie County, ND? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated McKenzie County, ND, follow these steps: 1. Download the appropriate permit application packet from the county website or contact the Building Department. 2. Complete all required application forms with project details and documentation. 3. Submit the completed packet via email to building@co.mckenzie.nd.us or through the online portal at county.mckenziecounty.net. 4. County staff reviews the application for completeness. Incomplete applications will not be accepted. 5. Upon receiving all required documents, the permit process takes approximately 10-15 business days. 6. Do not submit payment until staff review is complete. 7. Once approved, obtain the permit and pay all required fees. 8. Permit must be kept on-site at all times and available for inspection. A 4 ft x 8 ft sign with project name and address is required.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McKenzie County, ND? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated McKenzie County, ND typically run 10-15 business days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated McKenzie County, ND? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated McKenzie County, ND. The following work is generally exempt: Minor exemptions may exist for small accessory structures; confirm with Building Department. Note: All new construction is generally required to obtain a permit. Confirm exemption status with the McKenzie County Building Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McKenzie County, ND? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McKenzie County, ND via: building@co.mckenzie.nd.us, (701) 444-2533.
last verified April 2026
source McKenzie County Building Department ↗
entry id permits/north-dakota/mckenzie/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with McKenzie County Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.