Oliver County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Hannover is an unincorporated community in central Oliver County. Permits are issued by Oliver County unless the property falls within City of Center's one-mile extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction. Applicants should verify jurisdiction before submitting applications.

Department

Oliver County Board of County Commissioners and Planning & Zoning Commission (primary); City of Center (potential secondary)

Address

Oliver County Courthouse, Center, ND

Phone

(701) 794-8777

Website

https://olivercountynd.org/permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Verify jurisdiction: determine whether property is in Oliver County unincorporated area or within City of Center's one-mile extraterritorial zone
2. If Oliver County: Complete Oliver County building/zoning permit application form
3. Prepare scale drawing showing structure dimensions, lot lines, setbacks, and distance from lot lines
4. Collect names and addresses of adjacent property owners
5. Gather additional documentation as required (erosion/sediment control plan, performance bond authorization, sewer/water certification)
6. Submit application and all required documents to Oliver County Courthouse
7. Application reviewed by Planning & Zoning Commission (meets 4th Thursday of month, tentatively)
8. For Conditional Use, Zoning Change, or Ordinance Amendments: application must be received minimum three weeks prior to next Planning & Zoning meeting for proper two-week public notice
9. County Commission reviews Planning & Zoning recommendation and votes on permit
10. Schedule inspections upon approval
11. Proceed with construction

Typical processing time: Minimum 3 weeks if public notice required; variable for standard permits depending on meeting schedule.

Source: Oliver County Board of County Commissioners and Planning & Zoning Commission (primary); City of Center (potential secondary)

General Requirements

All structures in Hannover (unincorporated area) require a permit, whether farm exempt or not.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Scale drawing with structure dimensions and lot lines
• Site plan showing setbacks and boundary lines
• Names and addresses of adjacent property owners
• Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (if applicable for substantial land modification)
• Performance Bond authorization (if required by Board of County Commissioners)
• Sewer and water installer certification (if applicable for septic systems)

Building code

North Dakota State Building Code (2023 edition; effective January 1, 2026). Oliver County Revised Zoning Ordinance (2024).

Fees

Payment note

Contact Oliver County Courthouse at (701) 794-8777 for current fee schedule. If property is within City of Center's extraterritorial zone, contact City of Center at (701) 794-3650 for applicable fees.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Oliver County Board of County Commissioners and Planning & Zoning Commission (primary); City of Center (potential secondary) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (701) 794-8777 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Standard sequence: Footing and Foundation Inspections (prior to concrete placement or backfilling), Structural Framing Inspections (before wall closure), Final Inspection (prior to occupancy), Special Inspections for erosion control measures and drainage systems as required.

Additional Resources

• Building code: North Dakota State Building Code (2023 edition; effective January 1, 2026). Oliver County Revised Zoning Ordinance (2024).
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• North Dakota State Electrical Board
• North Dakota State Plumbing Board
• North Dakota DEQ - Stormwater Management
• North Dakota DEQ - Septic Systems
• License lookup guide: North Dakota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: North Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• North Dakota hub: North Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Oliver County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Oliver County, ND?

All structures in Hannover (unincorporated area) require a permit, whether farm exempt or not.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Oliver County, ND?

1. Verify jurisdiction: determine whether property is in Oliver County unincorporated area or within City of Center's one-mile extraterritorial zone 2. If Oliver County: Complete Oliver County building/zoning permit application form 3. Prepare scale drawing showing structure dimensions, lot lines, setbacks, and distance from lot lines 4. Collect names and addresses of adjacent property owners 5. Gather additional documentation as required (erosion/sediment control plan, performance bond authorization, sewer/water certification) 6. Submit application and all required documents to Oliver County Courthouse 7. Application reviewed by Planning & Zoning Commission (meets 4th Thursday of month, tentatively) 8. For Conditional Use, Zoning Change, or Ordinance Amendments: application must be received minimum three weeks prior to next Planning & Zoning meeting for proper two-week public notice 9. County Commission reviews Planning & Zoning recommendation and votes on permit 10. Schedule inspections upon approval 11. Proceed with construction

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Oliver County, ND?

Typical processing time is Minimum 3 weeks if public notice required; variable for standard permits depending on meeting schedule..

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Oliver County, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 794-8777.