How much does a building permit cost in Watford City, ND?

Fees are calculated as: Fees vary based on project valuation for both residential and commercial projects.

How do I apply for a building permit in Watford City, ND?

1. Download the appropriate permit application from cityofwatfordcity.gov (forms are updated for 2024). 2. Complete the application with all required documentation. 3. Email the completed application to swwilliams@nd.gov or submit in person at City Hall. 4. City staff will review the application and indicate approval or required revisions. 5. Submit payment only after staff review is complete. 6. Permit will be issued upon completion of review and payment. 7. For plumbing and electrical work, inspections will be coordinated with the State of North Dakota Plumbing and Electrical Boards.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Watford City, ND?

Typical processing time is Varies; most permits are valid for six months from date of issue.

What work is exempt from building permits in Watford City, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures under 120 square feet: No permit required; Accessory structures 120-1,000 square feet: Must be approved by Building Official; Accessory structures over 1,000 square feet: Permit required. Note: Confirm exemption eligibility with the City Building Inspector before proceeding with unpermitted work.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Watford City, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 651-7826, swwilliams@nd.gov. Inspection requests must be scheduled 24 hours prior to desired inspection time.

City Building Permits

Watford City, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota McKenzie County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Watford City.

Department: City of Watford City Building Department
Address: Watford City City Hall, Watford City, ND
Phone: (701) 651-7826
Email: swwilliams@nd.gov
Website: https://cityofwatfordcity.gov/building-department-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open Watford City Building Permit Applications

Platform: City Website • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download the appropriate permit application from cityofwatfordcity.gov (forms are updated for 2024).
Complete the application with all required documentation.
Email the completed application to swwilliams@nd.gov or submit in person at City Hall.
City staff will review the application and indicate approval or required revisions.
Submit payment only after staff review is complete.
Permit will be issued upon completion of review and payment.
For plumbing and electrical work, inspections will be coordinated with the State of North Dakota Plumbing and Electrical Boards.

Typical processing time: Varies; most permits are valid for six months from date of issue

Source: City of Watford City Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Watford City.

Required Documents

Completed permit application (current 2024 version)
Site plan and property survey
Construction plans and specifications
Project cost estimate
Proof of property ownership or authorization

Permit validity: Most permits are valid for six months from date of issue. Permits may be renewed after expiration for an additional fee.
Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
Owner-builder: Owner-builders must comply with all applicable codes and permitting requirements.
Contractor requirements: Jobs exceeding $2,000: Contractor must hold a City Contractor License (applies to general contractors and sub-contractors). Jobs exceeding $4,000: Contractor must also hold a State of North Dakota contractor license. Contractor licenses expire annually on March 31st.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Fees vary based on project valuation for both residential and commercial projects
Payment note: Consult the current fee schedule at cityofwatfordcity.gov/applications-fee-schedules-and-forms/ for specific amounts. After-hours inspections carry an additional $100/hour fee.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2024).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Accessory structures under 120 square feet: No permit required
Accessory structures 120-1,000 square feet: Must be approved by Building Official
Accessory structures over 1,000 square feet: Permit required

Important: Confirm exemption eligibility with the City Building Inspector before proceeding with unpermitted work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(701) 651-7826 (phone)
swwilliams@nd.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline: Inspection requests must be scheduled 24 hours prior to desired inspection time
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: The nature and scope of a project determines which inspections are required. Typical sequence: footing/foundation, framing, sheetrock, final inspection before Certificate of Occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
Verify contractor license: North Dakota State Electrical Board License Lookup
State of North Dakota Plumbing Board
City of Watford City Code of Ordinances
McKenzie County Information
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 City of Watford City Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Watford City Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Watford City, ND?: A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Watford City.
How much does a building permit cost in Watford City, ND?: Fees are calculated as: Fees vary based on project valuation for both residential and commercial projects.
How do I apply for a building permit in Watford City, ND?: 1. Download the appropriate permit application from cityofwatfordcity.gov (forms are updated for 2024). 2. Complete the application with all required documentation. 3. Email the completed application to swwilliams@nd.gov or submit in person at City Hall. 4. City staff will review the application and indicate approval or required revisions. 5. Submit payment only after staff review is complete. 6. Permit will be issued upon completion of review and payment. 7. For plumbing and electrical work, inspections will be coordinated with the State of North Dakota Plumbing and Electrical Boards.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Watford City, ND?: Typical processing time is Varies; most permits are valid for six months from date of issue.
What work is exempt from building permits in Watford City, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures under 120 square feet: No permit required; Accessory structures 120-1,000 square feet: Must be approved by Building Official; Accessory structures over 1,000 square feet: Permit required. Note: Confirm exemption eligibility with the City Building Inspector before proceeding with unpermitted work.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Watford City, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 651-7826, swwilliams@nd.gov. Inspection requests must be scheduled 24 hours prior to desired inspection time.

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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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