Williams County, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas within Williams County.

Department

Williams County Building Division

Address

206 E. Broadway, 2nd Floor, Williston, ND 58801

Phone

701-577-4567

Website

https://www.williamsnd.com/building-division/

Application Process

1. Submit building permit applications with all required drawings to the Williams County Building Division
2. Applications can be submitted electronically via email, physical mail, or in person at the County office
3. Building Division staff reviews applications for compliance with the 2026 North Dakota State Building Code
4. Submit minimum building permit fee of $75 upon approval
5. Building and fire inspections are conducted per County standards
6. Obtain permit issuance and approval before beginning construction

Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact Building Division for estimates

Source: Williams County Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing the occupancy of a building or structure. A permit is also required prior to doing any grading or drainage work.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• All required drawings and plans
• Project scope information
• Additional documentation as requested by Building Division

Building code

2026 North Dakota State Building Code (effective January 1, 2026), which consists of the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC). County has also adopted the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC).

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$75

Permit fee formula

Minimum $75; additional fees based on project valuation and type

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft
• Fences under 8.5 feet in height
• Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge)
• Sidewalks and driveways
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops and similar finish work
• Swing sets and other playground equipment

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other County regulations. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 701-577-4567 (phone)
• Visit Building Division office (inperson)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday; contact Building Division for specific hours

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections include: Foundation inspection, Framing inspection, Energy efficiency inspection, Plumbing inspection, Heating inspection, Electrical inspection, Final inspection

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2026 North Dakota State Building Code (effective January 1, 2026), which consists of the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC). County has also adopted the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC).
• Verify contractor license: North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractors Division
• North Dakota State Plumbing Board
• North Dakota State Electrical Board
• North Dakota DEQ - Stormwater Permits
• North Dakota DEQ - Septic Systems
• License lookup guide: North Dakota Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: North Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• North Dakota hub: North Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Williams County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Williams County, ND?

A building permit is required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing the occupancy of a building or structure. A permit is also required prior to doing any grading or drainage work.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Williams County, ND?

The minimum permit fee is $75. Fees are calculated as: Minimum $75; additional fees based on project valuation and type.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Williams County, ND?

1. Submit building permit applications with all required drawings to the Williams County Building Division 2. Applications can be submitted electronically via email, physical mail, or in person at the County office 3. Building Division staff reviews applications for compliance with the 2026 North Dakota State Building Code 4. Submit minimum building permit fee of $75 upon approval 5. Building and fire inspections are conducted per County standards 6. Obtain permit issuance and approval before beginning construction

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Williams County, ND?

Typical processing time is Processing time varies; contact Building Division for estimates.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Williams County, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft; Fences under 8.5 feet in height; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge); Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops and similar finish work; Swing sets and other playground equipment. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other County regulations. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Williams County, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-577-4567, Visit Building Division office.