County Building Permits
Ward County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Ward County, North Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas of Ward County and cities/townships that have relinquished permitting authority to the county.
- Department
- Tax Equalization Office, Building Inspector
- Address
- Ward County Courthouse, Minot, ND
- Phone
- 701-857-6429
- aaron.rust@wardnd.com
Application Process
- Obtain Building Permit Application and Building Permit Check List from the Tax Equalization Office
- Complete all required documentation
- Submit application to Aaron Rust at the Tax Equalization Office or by mail
- Contact Aaron Rust to schedule inspections by appointment
General Requirements
Building permits required for all new structures and significant alterations in unincorporated Ward County.
- 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). Local amendments per Ward County Zoning Ordinance (September 2019).
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold valid state license for jobs over $2,000. State-licensed contractors required for electrical and plumbing work.
Fees
- Payment note
- Contact Aaron Rust for current fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Tax Equalization Office, Building Inspector to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 701-857-6429 (phone)
- aaron.rust@wardnd.com (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). Local amendments per Ward County Zoning Ordinance (September 2019).
- Verify contractor license: North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractor Licensing
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- North Dakota State Building Code
- North Dakota State Plumbing Board
- North Dakota Electrical Board
- 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 Tax Equalization Office, Building Inspector before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ward County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Ward County, ND?
- Building permits required for all new structures and significant alterations in unincorporated Ward County.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Ward County, ND?
- 1. Obtain Building Permit Application and Building Permit Check List from the Tax Equalization Office 2. Complete all required documentation 3. Submit application to Aaron Rust at the Tax Equalization Office or by mail 4. Contact Aaron Rust to schedule inspections by appointment
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Ward County, ND?
- The following work is generally exempt: Temporary structures (sheds, etc.); Minor cosmetic improvements (subject to verification). Note: Verify specific projects with Aaron Rust (701-857-6429) before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Ward County, ND?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-857-6429, aaron.rust@wardnd.com.
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