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.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of Ray.
- Department
- City of Ray
- Website
- https://www.raynd.com/
Online Permit Portal
Platform: In-Person • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Application Process
- Contact City Hall for appropriate application materials
- All building permits require a survey of the property
- All building permits require City Commission approval before construction is allowed
- Submit application with required information and property survey
- City Commission reviews and approves application
- Pay applicable permit fees
- 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
- Building code: Williams County building code standards (2026 North Dakota State Building Code)
- Verify contractor license: North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractors Division
- 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 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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