County Building Permits
Wells County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wells County, North Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas of Wells County.
- Department
- Planning and Zoning Department
- Address
- 700 Railway Street North, Suite 361, Fessenden, ND 58438
- Phone
- (701) 547-3220
- Website
- https://www.wellscountynd.com/
Application Process
- Contact Planning and Zoning Department to determine project requirements
- Complete permit application form (provided by county)
- Submit application with supporting documents (site plans, construction details)
- County reviews application for compliance with zoning and any adopted building standards
- Permit issued upon approval
General Requirements
Building permits required for most structural and mechanical work in unincorporated areas.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application form
- Site plans
- Construction details
- Building code
- North Dakota State Building Code (2020 International Building Code); not mandatory for residential construction. Local municipalities may adopt locally.
- Contractor requirements
- Electrical and plumbing contractors must be licensed by state boards.
Fees
- Payment note
- Contact Planning and Zoning Department for current fee structure and project cost estimates.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (701) 547-3220 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Frequency and timing depend on project scope. Contact the department for inspection scheduling procedures.
Additional Resources
- Building code: North Dakota State Building Code (2020 International Building Code); not mandatory for residential construction. Local municipalities may adopt locally.
- North Dakota State Electrical Board
- North Dakota State Plumbing Board
- North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality
- 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 Planning and Zoning Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wells County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Wells County, ND?
- Building permits required for most structural and mechanical work in unincorporated areas.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wells County, ND?
- 1. Contact Planning and Zoning Department to determine project requirements 2. Complete permit application form (provided by county) 3. Submit application with supporting documents (site plans, construction details) 4. County reviews application for compliance with zoning and any adopted building standards 5. Permit issued upon approval
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Wells County, ND?
- The following work is generally exempt: Minor cosmetic improvements may be exempt from permitting (verify with Planning and Zoning Department). Note: Projects in unincorporated areas must comply with county zoning ordinances. Septic systems require permits from local county health department. Well installation may require coordination with state water resources. Stormwater permits required for land disturbance of 1 or more acres via North Dakota DEQ.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wells County, ND?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (701) 547-3220.
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