Unincorporated Morton County

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure must obtain a permit first.

Note: Information on specifically exempt work categories is not publicly posted on the Morton County website. Generally under adopted International Residential Code, minor repairs and maintenance that do not affect structural, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing systems may be exempt; confirm with Building Inspector at (701) 667-3325.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). New ND State Building Code (based on 2024 editions) effective January 1, 2026.

Permit validity

Governed by adopted International Codes which typically allow 180 days from issuance before expiration for lack of work. Confirm with office at (701) 667-3325.

Owner-builder

Not publicly stated. Contact office.

Contractor requirements

North Dakota state contractor license required for projects exceeding $4,000 in value. License classes: Class A (over $500,000), Class B (up to $500,000), Class C (up to $300,000), Class D (up to $100,000). Licensed through ND Secretary of State at https://www.sos.nd.gov/business/licensing-registration/contractors.

1. 01
   Contact Planning and Zoning at (701) 667-3361 to verify zoning eligibility and setbacks for the parcel.
2. 02
   Confirm utility service availability (water, electric) with the relevant providers.
3. 03
   Obtain an Approach Permit from the Morton County Highway Department at (701) 667-7969 if a new driveway access is needed.
4. 04
   Obtain a Septic Permit from Western Plains Public Health at (701) 667-3370 if on-site wastewater is required.
5. 05
   Download the Building Permit Application from https://www.mortonnd.gov/applications or request it from the Tax Equalization Office.
6. 06
   Complete and submit the application by mail, in person, or by email to mortoncountytax@mortonnd.gov. Approach permit and septic permit must be in hand before a building permit will be issued.
7. 07
   Pay permit fees by credit card online or in person at 210 2nd Ave NW.
8. 08
   Permit is issued; construction may begin. Work must remain accessible for inspection.
9. 09
   Schedule required inspections through the Building Inspector's office.
10. 10
    Obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the structure.

Typical processing time: Not publicly specified. Contact (701) 667-3325.

Source: Morton County Tax Equalization Office - Building Inspector ↗

Credit card payments accepted online at the NPS POS portal. In-person payment accepted at 210 2nd Ave NW, Mandan.

• (701) 667-3325 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Contact Building Inspector during office hours.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding holidays)

Typical sequence: Construction or work must remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. Final Certificate of Occupancy required before occupancy. Specific inspection sequence (foundation, framing, etc.) not publicly listed; confirm with office.