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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Williams County
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.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft
- Exempt Fences under 8.5 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge)
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops and similar finish work
- Exempt 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.
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).
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies; contact Building Division for estimates
- 01 Submit building permit applications with all required drawings to the Williams County Building Division
- 02 Applications can be submitted electronically via email, physical mail, or in person at the County office
- 03 Building Division staff reviews applications for compliance with the 2026 North Dakota State Building Code
- 04 Submit minimum building permit fee of $75 upon approval
- 05 Building and fire inspections are conducted per County standards
- 06 Obtain permit issuance and approval before beginning construction
Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact Building Division for estimates
§ 04
Fee schedule
Williams County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$75
02
Permit fee formula
Minimum $75; additional fees based on project valuation and type
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 701-577-4567 (phone)
- Visit Building Division office (inperson)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday; contact Building Division for specific hours
Typical sequence: Inspections include: Foundation inspection, Framing inspection, Energy efficiency inspection, Plumbing inspection, Heating inspection, Electrical inspection, Final inspection
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Williams County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Williams County, ND? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Williams County, ND are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $75. Fees are calculated as: Minimum $75; additional fees based on project valuation and type.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Williams County, ND? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Williams County, ND, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Williams County, ND? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Williams County, ND typically run Processing time varies; contact Building Division for estimates. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Williams County, ND? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Williams County, ND? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Williams County, ND via: 701-577-4567, Visit Building Division office.
last verified April 2026
source Williams County Building Division ↗
entry id permits/north-dakota/williams/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Williams County Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.