How much does a building permit cost in Williston, ND?

The minimum permit fee is $35 to $100 depending on permit type. Fees are calculated as: Varies by project type and valuation.

How do I apply for a building permit in Williston, ND?

1. Complete building permit application fully before submission 2. Include all required drawings with application; incomplete applications will be rejected 3. Submit applications electronically to buildingapps@ci.williston.nd.us, in person, or by mail 4. For residential new homes and garages: allow minimum 3 weeks for processing 5. For commercial projects with professional plans: typically processed within 1 hour (depending on complexity) 6. City reviews applications for compliance with the 2026 North Dakota State Building Code 7. Respond to any review comments and provide revised plans if required 8. Pay permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work

What work is exempt from building permits in Williston, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq ft; Fences under 8.5 feet in height; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height; Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops, similar finish work; Swing sets and playground equipment. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from City zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Safety Department before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Williston, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-577-8115, buildingapps@ci.williston.nd.us, Visit Building Safety Department.

City Building Permits

Williston, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Williston, 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 Williston.

Department: City of Williston Building Safety Department
Address: 113 4th Street East, 2nd Floor, Williston, ND 58801
Phone: 701-577-8115
Email: buildingapps@ci.williston.nd.us
Website: https://cityofwilliston.com/departments/building_safety/

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Williston Building Safety Department

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Complete building permit application fully before submission
Include all required drawings with application; incomplete applications will be rejected
Submit applications electronically to buildingapps@ci.williston.nd.us, in person, or by mail
For residential new homes and garages: allow minimum 3 weeks for processing
For commercial projects with professional plans: typically processed within 1 hour (depending on complexity)
City reviews applications for compliance with the 2026 North Dakota State Building Code
Respond to any review comments and provide revised plans if required
Pay permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work

Typical processing time: Residential new homes and garages: minimum 3 weeks; commercial projects with professional plans: typically within 1 hour (depending on complexity)

Source: City of Williston Building Safety Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing the occupancy of a building or structure.

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
All required drawings and plans
Construction plans drawn to scale (for commercial projects)
Project scope information
Additional documentation as requested by Building Department

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)

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $35 to $100 depending on permit type
Permit fee formula: Varies by project type and valuation
Trade permit fee: $25 to $100 depending on trade

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq ft
Fences under 8.5 feet in height
Retaining walls under 4 feet in height
Sidewalks and driveways
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops, similar finish work
Swing sets and playground equipment

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from City zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Safety Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

701-577-8115 (phone)
buildingapps@ci.williston.nd.us (email)
Visit Building Safety Department (inperson)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday; contact Building Department for specific hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence: Foundation inspection, Framing inspection, Energy efficiency inspection, Plumbing inspection, Heating inspection, Electrical inspection, Final inspection. Permit holder is responsible for arranging inspections. No additional charge for inspections.

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)
Verify contractor license: North Dakota Secretary of State - Contractors Division
New Home Permit Refund Program (Effective January 1, 2024)
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 Williston Building Safety Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Williston Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Williston, ND?: A building permit is required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing the occupancy of a building or structure.
How much does a building permit cost in Williston, ND?: The minimum permit fee is $35 to $100 depending on permit type. Fees are calculated as: Varies by project type and valuation.
How do I apply for a building permit in Williston, ND?: 1. Complete building permit application fully before submission 2. Include all required drawings with application; incomplete applications will be rejected 3. Submit applications electronically to buildingapps@ci.williston.nd.us, in person, or by mail 4. For residential new homes and garages: allow minimum 3 weeks for processing 5. For commercial projects with professional plans: typically processed within 1 hour (depending on complexity) 6. City reviews applications for compliance with the 2026 North Dakota State Building Code 7. Respond to any review comments and provide revised plans if required 8. Pay permit fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work
How long does it take to get a building permit in Williston, ND?: Typical processing time is Residential new homes and garages: minimum 3 weeks; commercial projects with professional plans: typically within 1 hour (depending on complexity).
What work is exempt from building permits in Williston, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 120 sq ft; Fences under 8.5 feet in height; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height; Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops, similar finish work; Swing sets and playground equipment. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from City zoning and planning requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Safety Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Williston, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-577-8115, buildingapps@ci.williston.nd.us, Visit Building Safety Department.

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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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