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

1. Complete permit application form (available at City of Center Planning & Zoning Office) 2. Provide site plan showing property lines and structure location 3. Submit application and documentation to City of Center Planning & Zoning Office 4. Pay applicable permit fee 5. Application reviewed by City of Center Planning & Zoning Board 6. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks prior to next board meeting for review and scheduling 7. Board determines meeting schedule based on application volume 8. Schedule inspection upon permit approval 9. Proceed with construction

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 794-3650.

City Building Permits

Center, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Oliver County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Center, plus extraterritorial zoning authority over unincorporated territory within one mile of city limits (if majority of quarter-quarter section is within radius).

Department: City of Center Planning & Zoning Board
Address: City of Center, Center, ND
Phone: (701) 794-3650
Email: cityofcenter@westriv.com
Website: https://centernd.net/city/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Center - Permits

Platform: City Website • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Complete permit application form (available at City of Center Planning & Zoning Office)
Provide site plan showing property lines and structure location
Submit application and documentation to City of Center Planning & Zoning Office
Pay applicable permit fee
Application reviewed by City of Center Planning & Zoning Board
Applications should be submitted at least two weeks prior to next board meeting for review and scheduling
Board determines meeting schedule based on application volume
Schedule inspection upon permit approval
Proceed with construction

Typical processing time: Variable, dependent on Planning & Zoning Board meeting schedule and application complexity.

Source: City of Center Planning & Zoning Board

General Requirements

Building permits are required for erecting any structure, shingling or re-siding, installing new windows, and remodeling homes or buildings.

Required Documents

Completed permit application form
Site plan showing property lines and structure location

Building code: North Dakota State Building Code (2023 edition; effective January 1, 2026). City of Center adopted zoning ordinance.

Fees

Payment note: Contact City of Center Planning & Zoning Office at (701) 794-3650 or cityofcenter@westriv.com for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Center Planning & Zoning Board to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(701) 794-3650 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Plan Review Inspection (initial review of submitted plans for code compliance), Progress Inspections (as required during construction for framing, electrical, plumbing, etc.), Final Inspection (prior to permit sign-off and occupancy).

Additional Resources

Building code: North Dakota State Building Code (2023 edition; effective January 1, 2026). City of Center adopted zoning ordinance.
North Dakota State Electrical Board
North Dakota State Plumbing Board
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 Center Planning & Zoning Board before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Center Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Center, ND?: Building permits are required for erecting any structure, shingling or re-siding, installing new windows, and remodeling homes or buildings.
How do I apply for a building permit in Center, ND?: 1. Complete permit application form (available at City of Center Planning & Zoning Office) 2. Provide site plan showing property lines and structure location 3. Submit application and documentation to City of Center Planning & Zoning Office 4. Pay applicable permit fee 5. Application reviewed by City of Center Planning & Zoning Board 6. Applications should be submitted at least two weeks prior to next board meeting for review and scheduling 7. Board determines meeting schedule based on application volume 8. Schedule inspection upon permit approval 9. Proceed with construction
How long does it take to get a building permit in Center, ND?: Typical processing time is Variable, dependent on Planning & Zoning Board meeting schedule and application complexity..
How do I schedule a building inspection in Center, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 794-3650.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Center can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Oliver County

Hannover

View all Oliver County jurisdictions →