City Building Permits

Ray, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Williams County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Ray.

Department
City of Ray

Online Permit Portal

Platform: In-Person • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Contact City Hall for appropriate application materials
  2. All building permits require a survey of the property
  3. All building permits require City Commission approval before construction is allowed
  4. Submit application with required information and property survey
  5. City Commission reviews and approves application
  6. Pay applicable permit fees
  7. Inspections required upon connection to city services

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; dependent on City Commission review schedule

Source: City of Ray

General Requirements

A city permit or zoning conformance is required when: any structure will be built on the property (including fences, sidewalks, storage sheds, decks, additions, garages, manufactured homes), connection to city water or sewer lines is intended, grading or drainage work is planned.

Required Documents

  • Completed building permit application
  • Property survey
  • Required drawings and documentation
Building code
Williams County building code standards (2026 North Dakota State Building Code)

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$25
Permit fee formula
City Building Permit Fee: $25; additional fees for utility connections
Payment note
Sewer Tap Fee: $750 (if connecting to city sewer)

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Work exempt per Williams County guidelines, subject to City Commission review

Important: City Commission approval and property survey required for all permits. Sewer connection fees are separate from building permit fees.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Contact City Hall to arrange (inperson)
Inspection hours
Contact City Hall for hours

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections required upon connection to city services; permit holder responsible for arranging inspections

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Ray before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ray Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Ray, ND?
A city permit or zoning conformance is required when: any structure will be built on the property (including fences, sidewalks, storage sheds, decks, additions, garages, manufactured homes), connection to city water or sewer lines is intended, grading or drainage work is planned.
How much does a building permit cost in Ray, ND?
The minimum permit fee is $25. Fees are calculated as: City Building Permit Fee: $25; additional fees for utility connections.
How do I apply for a building permit in Ray, ND?
1. Contact City Hall for appropriate application materials 2. All building permits require a survey of the property 3. All building permits require City Commission approval before construction is allowed 4. Submit application with required information and property survey 5. City Commission reviews and approves application 6. Pay applicable permit fees 7. Inspections required upon connection to city services
How long does it take to get a building permit in Ray, ND?
Typical processing time is Processing time varies; dependent on City Commission review schedule.
What work is exempt from building permits in Ray, ND?
The following work is generally exempt: Work exempt per Williams County guidelines, subject to City Commission review. Note: City Commission approval and property survey required for all permits. Sewer connection fees are separate from building permit fees.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Ray, ND?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact City Hall to arrange.

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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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