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

1. Access online Application Portal or obtain paper application from Development Services. 2. Complete Building Permit Application Form with project details. 3. Prepare site plans and building specifications. 4. Submit to City of Dickinson Development Services. 5. Plan review conducted (2-5 business days typical). 6. Building permit issued upon approval. 7. Inspections conducted at required phases. 8. Final inspection and approval for occupancy.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Dickinson, ND?

Typical processing time is 2-5 business days typical for plan review..

What work is exempt from building permits in Dickinson, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Single-family residential dwellings exempt from sprinkler requirements.; Additions/alterations to existing structures have specific code compliance requirements.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Verify with Development Services before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 456-7815, Application Portal.

City Building Permits

Dickinson, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Stark County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the City of Dickinson.

Department: City of Dickinson Development Services - Buildings & Codes Division
Address: 38 1st St W, Dickinson, ND 58601
Phone: (701) 456-7815
Website: https://www.dickinsongov.com/development-services

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Dickinson Application Portal

Platform: Custom Portal • Account required: No • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Development Services

Application Process

Access online Application Portal or obtain paper application from Development Services.
Complete Building Permit Application Form with project details.
Prepare site plans and building specifications.
Submit to City of Dickinson Development Services.
Plan review conducted (2-5 business days typical).
Building permit issued upon approval.
Inspections conducted at required phases.
Final inspection and approval for occupancy.

Typical processing time: 2-5 business days typical for plan review.

Source: City of Dickinson Development Services - Buildings & Codes Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Dickinson.

Required Documents

Completed Building Permit Application Form
Architectural/engineering plans for commercial and multi-family residential
Site plans for new development or major alterations
Project and property information
Licensed contractor documentation for electrical and plumbing work
Stormwater management plan for projects disturbing 1 acre or more
Onsite wastewater permit from North Dakota DEQ (if applicable)

Building code: North Dakota State Building Code (2023 version, updated January 1, 2026); Chapter 39 Zoning Ordinance
Owner-builder: Owner-builder exemptions available for certain residential projects (verify with city).
Contractor requirements: Licensed contractors required for electrical and plumbing work per North Dakota State licensing.

Fees

Payment note: Detailed fee schedule not published. Contact City of Dickinson Development Services at (701) 456-7815 or visit Application Portal for current fees.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Dickinson Development Services - Buildings & Codes Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(701) 456-7815 (phone)
Application Portal (online)

Inspection hours: Standard business hours. Contact for specific times.

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation, framing, mechanical/electrical/plumbing, final inspection, and special inspections as needed (structural, fire-rated assemblies).

Additional Resources

Building code: North Dakota State Building Code (2023 version, updated January 1, 2026); Chapter 39 Zoning Ordinance
Verify contractor license: North Dakota State Electrical Board
Zoning information: View zoning info
North Dakota State Plumbing Board
North Dakota DEQ - NPDES Permits
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 Dickinson Development Services - Buildings & Codes Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dickinson Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Dickinson, ND?: A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Dickinson.
How do I apply for a building permit in Dickinson, ND?: 1. Access online Application Portal or obtain paper application from Development Services. 2. Complete Building Permit Application Form with project details. 3. Prepare site plans and building specifications. 4. Submit to City of Dickinson Development Services. 5. Plan review conducted (2-5 business days typical). 6. Building permit issued upon approval. 7. Inspections conducted at required phases. 8. Final inspection and approval for occupancy.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Dickinson, ND?: Typical processing time is 2-5 business days typical for plan review..
What work is exempt from building permits in Dickinson, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Single-family residential dwellings exempt from sprinkler requirements.; Additions/alterations to existing structures have specific code compliance requirements.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Verify with Development Services before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Dickinson, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 456-7815, Application Portal.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Dickinson can be complicated.

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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.

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