County Building Permits
Sargent County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sargent County, North Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated portions of Sargent County.
- Department
- Sargent County Board of Commissioners
- Address
- Sargent County Courthouse, 355 Main Street SW, Suite 2, Forman, ND 58032
- Phone
- 701-724-6241 ext. 108
- Website
- https://www.sargentnd.com
Application Process
- Contact Sargent County Recorder or Building Official through County Auditor at 701-724-6241 ext. 108
- Obtain and complete permit application form
- Prepare required documentation including grid diagram of building placement
- Submit application with documentation to Sargent County Courthouse
- Permit processing: typically 14-30 days for approval
- Schedule and pass required inspections before occupancy
Typical processing time: 14-30 days
General Requirements
Building permits required for new construction (homes, garages, sheds, outbuildings), decks, fences, and demolition.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Grid diagram of building placement
- Proof of well and septic system approvals (may be required)
- Building code
- 2023 North Dakota State Building Code (based on IBC and IRC)
Fees
- Payment note
- Contact County Auditor at 701-724-6241 ext. 108 for current fee information.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Sargent County Board of Commissioners to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- County Auditor (701-724-6241 ext. 108) (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Final inspection must be scheduled prior to occupancy or use of structure.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2023 North Dakota State Building Code (based on IBC and IRC)
- Verify contractor license: North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing
- Sargent County Departments
- North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)
- 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 Sargent County Board of Commissioners before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sargent County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Sargent County, ND?
- Building permits required for new construction (homes, garages, sheds, outbuildings), decks, fences, and demolition.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Sargent County, ND?
- 1. Contact Sargent County Recorder or Building Official through County Auditor at 701-724-6241 ext. 108 2. Obtain and complete permit application form 3. Prepare required documentation including grid diagram of building placement 4. Submit application with documentation to Sargent County Courthouse 5. Permit processing: typically 14-30 days for approval 6. Schedule and pass required inspections before occupancy
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Sargent County, ND?
- Typical processing time is 14-30 days.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Sargent County, ND?
- The following work is generally exempt: Roof replacement; Siding replacement; Window replacement. Note: North Dakota does not mandate statewide residential building code for unincorporated areas; zoning and planning regulations apply locally.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Sargent County, ND?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: County Auditor (701-724-6241 ext. 108).
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