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 in unincorporated Nelson County.

• 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 whether unincorporated areas have adopted building standards.

Contractor requirements

Contractors performing electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work must be licensed through North Dakota State boards regardless of local adoption status.

1. 01
   Verify property is located in unincorporated Nelson County (not within an incorporated city).
2. 02
   Complete Conditional Use Permit Application or Building/Zoning Compliance Permit Application (available from county).
3. 03
   Submit application to Nelson County Planning and Zoning or Joint City-County Planning Commission.
4. 04
   Planning Commission reviews application for compliance with zoning regulations, subdivision regulations, site plan guidelines, and commercial design standards.
5. 05
   Approval or conditional approval issued by Planning Commission.

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.