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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Watford City
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Watford City.
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
- Exempt Accessory structures under 120 square feet: No permit required
- Exempt Accessory structures 120-1,000 square feet: Must be approved by Building Official
- Exempt Accessory structures over 1,000 square feet: Permit required
Note: Confirm exemption eligibility with the City Building Inspector before proceeding with unpermitted work.
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
- 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)
- Permit validity
- Most permits are valid for six months from date of issue. Permits may be renewed after expiration for an additional fee.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies; most permits are valid for six months from date of issue
- 01 Download the appropriate permit application from cityofwatfordcity.gov (forms are updated for 2024).
- 02 Complete the application with all required documentation.
- 03 Email the completed application to swwilliams@nd.gov or submit in person at City Hall.
- 04 City staff will review the application and indicate approval or required revisions.
- 05 Submit payment only after staff review is complete.
- 06 Permit will be issued upon completion of review and payment.
- 07 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
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective 2024
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Fees vary based on project valuation for both residential and commercial projects
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2024) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Watford City permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Watford City, ND? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Watford City.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Watford City, ND? ▸
Building permit fees in Watford City, ND are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees vary based on project valuation for both residential and commercial projects.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Watford City, ND? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Watford City, ND, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Watford City, ND? ▸
Building permit processing times in Watford City, ND typically run Varies; most permits are valid for six months from date of issue. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Watford City, ND? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Watford City, ND? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Watford City, ND via: (701) 651-7826, swwilliams@nd.gov. Inspection requests must be scheduled 24 hours prior to desired inspection time.
last verified April 2026
source City of Watford City Building Department ↗
entry id permits/north-dakota/mckenzie/watford-city
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Watford City Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.