Unincorporated Nelson County

A Zoning Compliance Permit is required for construction, alteration, addition, or demolition of buildings and structures; placement of conventional, manufactured, or modular dwellings; commercial and industrial structures; agricultural structures; accessory structures; and interior and exterior alterations.

• Exempt Minor interior renovations or cosmetic improvements may be exempt from permitting (verify with county planning office)

Note: Agricultural structures may have different requirements under state law. Verify building code enforcement status with county.

Building code

North Dakota State Building Code adoption is voluntary; verify with county what building standards are enforced in unincorporated areas.

Contractor requirements

Contractors performing electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work must be licensed through North Dakota State boards.

1. 01
   Follow unincorporated Nelson County permit process.
2. 02
   Contact Nelson County Planning and Zoning or Joint City-County Planning Commission.
3. 03
   Complete Zoning Compliance Permit application for building/structural work.
4. 04
   Submit with site and construction plans as required.
5. 05
   Planning Commission reviews for compliance with Nelson County Zoning Regulations.
6. 06
   Approval or conditional approval issued.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact county for specific timeline.

Source: Nelson County Planning and Zoning Department (Joint City-County Planning Commission) ↗

• Nelson County Planning and Zoning (in-person)
• (701) 247-2433 (phone)
• afahey@nd.gov (email)

Typical sequence: Planning Commission reviews applications for zoning compliance before permit issuance. Inspections related to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems require contractor licensing through state boards.