How much does a building permit cost in Mandan, ND?

Fees are calculated as: Not detailed in publicly available content; fee schedule document referenced as downloadable PDF..

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

1. Determine project type and download the appropriate application form from https://www.cityofmandan.com/forms (residential, commercial, shed/accessory structure, manufactured home placement, insulation, floodplain development, MARC/architectural review, or variance). 2. For commercial, industrial, or public buildings: submit an Architectural Review Commission (MARC) application before or alongside the building permit application. MARC meets second and fourth Tuesdays at 1 p.m.; applications due by noon the Wednesday prior to the desired meeting. 3. Complete the building permit application with project details, valuations, and site information. 4. Submit application in person at City Hall, 205 Second Ave NW, or by mail. 5. Pay permit fees at submission or as invoiced. 6. Permit is reviewed and issued (standard residential: typically less than one hour per FAQ; commercial requiring MARC takes longer). 7. Post permit on job site and begin construction. 8. Schedule required inspections by calling (701) 667-3230. 9. Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy before occupancy.

What work is exempt from building permits in Mandan, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Residential fences (contact Engineering at 701-667-3225 for fence guidelines); Cosmetic work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting; Landscaping (commercial landscaping may be subject to forestry review); Decks not exceeding 120 sq ft in area; Swimming pools (permit not required per FAQ; confirm current policy); Window awnings on exterior walls; Private property sidewalks under 30 inches (boulevard sidewalks require permits).

How do I schedule a building inspection in Mandan, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 667-3230. Call when work is finishing up to schedule within the first available slot; a different time can be requested if needed..

City Building Permits

Mandan, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Morton County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers the incorporated City of Mandan and a 2-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction beyond city limits. Issues permits for building, remodeling, and business signs. Also issues demolition permits.

Department: City of Mandan Building Inspection Department
Address: City Hall, 205 Second Avenue NW, Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: (701) 667-3230
Website: https://www.cityofmandan.com/buildinginspections

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Mandan Building Permits

Platform: CivicLive • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine project type and download the appropriate application form from https://www.cityofmandan.com/forms (residential, commercial, shed/accessory structure, manufactured home placement, insulation, floodplain development, MARC/architectural review, or variance).
For commercial, industrial, or public buildings: submit an Architectural Review Commission (MARC) application before or alongside the building permit application. MARC meets second and fourth Tuesdays at 1 p.m.; applications due by noon the Wednesday prior to the desired meeting.
Complete the building permit application with project details, valuations, and site information.
Submit application in person at City Hall, 205 Second Ave NW, or by mail.
Pay permit fees at submission or as invoiced.
Permit is reviewed and issued (standard residential: typically less than one hour per FAQ; commercial requiring MARC takes longer).
Post permit on job site and begin construction.
Schedule required inspections by calling (701) 667-3230.
Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Less than one hour for standard residential. Commercial projects requiring MARC review take longer.

Source: City of Mandan Building Inspection Department

General Requirements

Permits required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, or occupancy changes within city limits and 2-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction. Also required for electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work. Specific thresholds: residential construction exceeding $2,000 in value; structures over 120 sq ft; window replacements that change size; retaining walls exceeding 4 ft in height affecting structural stability; furnace and water heater changeouts; water/sewer hookups; fireplace installations; boulevard sidewalks.

Required Documents

Completed permit application (type-specific form)
Site plan for commercial
MARC application for commercial/industrial/public projects
Floodplain development form if in floodplain
Insulation form if applicable

Permit validity: Governed by adopted building codes; typically 180 days from issuance without work triggers expiration. Confirm with office.
Building code: Mandan Municipal Code Chapter 111 (Regulation of Building Construction). State codes (IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC) apply; new ND State Building Code effective January 1, 2026.
Owner-builder: Not explicitly stated on public pages.
Contractor requirements: North Dakota state contractor license required for jobs over $4,000. Property owners should verify contractor license via ND Secretary of State website https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Not detailed in publicly available content; fee schedule document referenced as downloadable PDF.
Reinspection fee: No additional charge for standard inspections per FAQ
Payment note: In-person payment at City Hall. Contractor portal allows payment history review. MARC variance application: $400 non-refundable filing fee.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Residential fences (contact Engineering at 701-667-3225 for fence guidelines)
Cosmetic work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting
Landscaping (commercial landscaping may be subject to forestry review)
Decks not exceeding 120 sq ft in area
Swimming pools (permit not required per FAQ; confirm current policy)
Window awnings on exterior walls
Private property sidewalks under 30 inches (boulevard sidewalks require permits)

Inspections

How to Schedule

(701) 667-3230 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Call when work is finishing up to schedule within the first available slot; a different time can be requested if needed.
Inspection hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Time windows: Minimum 30-minute notice before inspector can arrive; longer wait times possible during high-volume periods

Typical inspection sequence: Water/sewer, foundation/wall, framing, plumbing, fuel/gas, attic insulation, decks, final inspection. No additional charge for inspections.

Additional Resources

Building code: Mandan Municipal Code Chapter 111 (Regulation of Building Construction). State codes (IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC) apply; new ND State Building Code effective January 1, 2026.
Verify contractor license: ND Secretary of State Contractor Licensing
Zoning information: View zoning info
Planning and Zoning Maps
Building Permit Reports
Mandan Municipal Code
Architectural Review (MARC)
Planning and Zoning Applications
Business Licensing
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 Mandan Building Inspection Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mandan Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Mandan, ND?: Permits required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, or occupancy changes within city limits and 2-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction. Also required for electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work. Specific thresholds: residential construction exceeding $2,000 in value; structures over 120 sq ft; window replacements that change size; retaining walls exceeding 4 ft in height affecting structural stability; furnace and water heater changeouts; water/sewer hookups; fireplace installations; boulevard sidewalks.
How much does a building permit cost in Mandan, ND?: Fees are calculated as: Not detailed in publicly available content; fee schedule document referenced as downloadable PDF..
How do I apply for a building permit in Mandan, ND?: 1. Determine project type and download the appropriate application form from https://www.cityofmandan.com/forms (residential, commercial, shed/accessory structure, manufactured home placement, insulation, floodplain development, MARC/architectural review, or variance). 2. For commercial, industrial, or public buildings: submit an Architectural Review Commission (MARC) application before or alongside the building permit application. MARC meets second and fourth Tuesdays at 1 p.m.; applications due by noon the Wednesday prior to the desired meeting. 3. Complete the building permit application with project details, valuations, and site information. 4. Submit application in person at City Hall, 205 Second Ave NW, or by mail. 5. Pay permit fees at submission or as invoiced. 6. Permit is reviewed and issued (standard residential: typically less than one hour per FAQ; commercial requiring MARC takes longer). 7. Post permit on job site and begin construction. 8. Schedule required inspections by calling (701) 667-3230. 9. Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy before occupancy.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Mandan, ND?: Typical processing time is Less than one hour for standard residential. Commercial projects requiring MARC review take longer..
What work is exempt from building permits in Mandan, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Residential fences (contact Engineering at 701-667-3225 for fence guidelines); Cosmetic work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting; Landscaping (commercial landscaping may be subject to forestry review); Decks not exceeding 120 sq ft in area; Swimming pools (permit not required per FAQ; confirm current policy); Window awnings on exterior walls; Private property sidewalks under 30 inches (boulevard sidewalks require permits).
How do I schedule a building inspection in Mandan, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 667-3230. Call when work is finishing up to schedule within the first available slot; a different time can be requested if needed..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Mandan can be complicated.

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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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