Pierce County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Pierce County areas outside incorporated city limits.

Department

Pierce County Planning & Zoning Board

Address

240 2nd Street SE, Suite 9, Rugby, ND 58368

Phone

701-776-5868

Website

https://www.piercecountynd.gov/

Application Process

1. Contact Karla Harmel, Planning & Zoning Administrator at 701-776-5868
2. Submit required documentation to County Assessor at 240 2nd Street SE, Suite 9, Rugby, ND 58368
3. Plan reviewed by Planning & Zoning Board (meets third Thursday of each month)
4. Approval or denial issued after board review
5. Construction may commence upon permit issuance

Typical processing time: Reviewed at next scheduled Planning & Zoning Board meeting; typical turnaround 2-4 weeks from submission.

General Requirements

Building permits required by North Dakota State Statute 77-1318.01 for improvements and new structures.

Building code

North Dakota State Building Code (2023, effective January 1, 2023); building code consists of International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with state amendments.

Fees

Payment note

Contact Karla Harmel at 701-776-5868 for current fee schedule information.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Pierce County Planning & Zoning Board to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Final inspection required before occupancy. Coordinate through County Assessor's office.

Additional Resources

• Building code: North Dakota State Building Code (2023, effective January 1, 2023); building code consists of International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with state amendments.
• North Dakota Department of Commerce — Building Codes
• North Dakota State Electrical Board
• North Dakota State Plumbing Board
• 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

Pierce County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits required by North Dakota State Statute 77-1318.01 for improvements and new structures.

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

1. Contact Karla Harmel, Planning & Zoning Administrator at 701-776-5868 2. Submit required documentation to County Assessor at 240 2nd Street SE, Suite 9, Rugby, ND 58368 3. Plan reviewed by Planning & Zoning Board (meets third Thursday of each month) 4. Approval or denial issued after board review 5. Construction may commence upon permit issuance

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

Typical processing time is Reviewed at next scheduled Planning & Zoning Board meeting; typical turnaround 2-4 weeks from submission..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Pierce County, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Property owners installing septic systems on their own property for personal use do not require a state installer license (but must still obtain local public health permit).