How much does a building permit cost in Kenmare, ND?

The minimum permit fee is $4.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction costs (Kenmare city permits). Fees are calculated as: $4.50 per $1,000 of construction valuation.

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

1. Contact Kenmare City Auditor's Office for city permits 2. For county permits, contact Aaron Rust 3. Obtain and complete Building Permit Application and Building Permit Check List 4. Submit to appropriate jurisdiction 5. Schedule inspections by appointment

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Kenmare City Auditor's Office (city) or 701-857-6429 (county), aaron.rust@wardnd.com (county permits).

City Building Permits

Kenmare, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Ward County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Building permits for Kenmare are issued by the City for incorporated areas and by Ward County Building Inspector Aaron Rust for unincorporated areas within Kenmare.

Department: City Auditor's Office / Ward County Building Inspector
Address: Kenmare City Hall, Kenmare, ND (or Ward County Courthouse for county permits)
Phone: 701-857-6429
Email: aaron.rust@wardnd.com
Website: https://www.kenmarend.com/kenmare/planning-zoning/

Application Process

Contact Kenmare City Auditor's Office for city permits
For county permits, contact Aaron Rust
Obtain and complete Building Permit Application and Building Permit Check List
Submit to appropriate jurisdiction
Schedule inspections by appointment

Source: City Auditor's Office / Ward County Building Inspector

General Requirements

Building permits required for all new structures and significant alterations.

Building code: International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as adopted by North Dakota (effective January 1, 2023).
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold valid state license for jobs over $2,000. State-licensed contractors required for electrical and plumbing work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $4.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction costs (Kenmare city permits)
Permit fee formula: $4.50 per $1,000 of construction valuation
Payment note: Example: $50,000 project = $225 permit fee. Contact Kenmare City Auditor's Office or Aaron Rust for county permit fees.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City Auditor's Office / Ward County Building Inspector to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Kenmare City Auditor's Office (city) or 701-857-6429 (county) (phone)
aaron.rust@wardnd.com (county permits) (email)

Additional Resources

Building code: International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) as adopted by North Dakota (effective January 1, 2023).
Verify contractor license: North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractor Licensing
Zoning information: View zoning info
North Dakota State Building Code
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 Auditor's Office / Ward County Building Inspector before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Kenmare Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Kenmare, ND?: Building permits required for all new structures and significant alterations.
How much does a building permit cost in Kenmare, ND?: The minimum permit fee is $4.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction costs (Kenmare city permits). Fees are calculated as: $4.50 per $1,000 of construction valuation.
How do I apply for a building permit in Kenmare, ND?: 1. Contact Kenmare City Auditor's Office for city permits 2. For county permits, contact Aaron Rust 3. Obtain and complete Building Permit Application and Building Permit Check List 4. Submit to appropriate jurisdiction 5. Schedule inspections by appointment
How do I schedule a building inspection in Kenmare, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Kenmare City Auditor's Office (city) or 701-857-6429 (county), aaron.rust@wardnd.com (county permits).

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Kenmare 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 Ward County

Minot Surrey Makoti Berthold

View all Ward County jurisdictions →