County Building Permits
Mercer County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Mercer County, North Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas within Mercer County.
- Department
- Mercer County Land Use Administrator and Planning & Zoning Board
- Address
- 410 Van Slyck Ave, PO Box 39, Stanton, ND 58571-0039
- Phone
- 701-745-3294
- Website
- https://www.mercercountynd.com/
Application Process
- Contact the Mercer County Land Use Administrator to determine if a permit is required for your project.
- Submit written application with site plan and project details to the Land Use Administrator's office.
- County Planning & Zoning Board reviews zoning and development applications.
- Permit approval issued if project complies with Mercer County Zoning Ordinance.
- Inspections required before occupancy.
Source: Mercer County Land Use Administrator and Planning & Zoning Board
General Requirements
Most structural and mechanical work requires a permit. Minor cosmetic improvements may be exempt—verify with the Land Use Administrator.
Required Documents
- Written permit application
- Site plan
- Project details and scope
- Building code
- North Dakota State Building Code
Fees
- Payment note
- Contact the Land Use Administrator at 701-745-3294 for current fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Mercer County Land Use Administrator and Planning & Zoning Board to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 701-745-3294 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are required before occupancy.
Additional Resources
- Building code: North Dakota State Building Code
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- ND State Plumbing Board
- ND State Electrical Board
- ND Department of Environmental Quality
- 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 Mercer County Land Use Administrator and Planning & Zoning Board before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mercer County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Mercer County, ND?
- Most structural and mechanical work requires a permit. Minor cosmetic improvements may be exempt—verify with the Land Use Administrator.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Mercer County, ND?
- 1. Contact the Mercer County Land Use Administrator to determine if a permit is required for your project. 2. Submit written application with site plan and project details to the Land Use Administrator's office. 3. County Planning & Zoning Board reviews zoning and development applications. 4. Permit approval issued if project complies with Mercer County Zoning Ordinance. 5. Inspections required before occupancy.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Mercer County, ND?
- The following work is generally exempt: Garden sheds and storage structures under 144 square feet may be exempt (verify with county). Note: Verify all exemptions with the Mercer County Land Use Administrator before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Mercer County, ND?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-745-3294.
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