Bolthole Index

Adams County, North Dakota

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Adams County, North Dakota

44Index Score / 100
#43 of 53 in North Dakota

Adams County, North Dakota requires a building permit from the county Code Administrator for construction in the areas the county zones, and county zoning covers unincorporated land except townships that kept their own zoning and areas under city extraterritorial zoning12. Septic permits are a separate track: the local public health unit, the Southwestern District Health Unit, issues them before onsite wastewater work begins34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required; start with Tax Equalization & Zoning56
Zoning
Applies in covered unincorporated areas, with township and city-area exceptions7
Septic
Local public health permit required before work begins34
RV during construction
Conditional use for up to 1 year in the residential district8
Residential lot
Generally at least 1.5 acres and 150 feet wide, subject to exceptions9
Tiny home
No specific county occupancy rule confirmed; ask the zoning office6
Private well
State appropriation permit generally begins above 12.5 acre-feet per year10

Who to call

Building permits

Adams County Tax Equalization & Zoning

County building permit applications, conditional use permits and zoning variances

(701) 567-2990

kroseland@nd.gov

602 Adams Avenue Suite 201, Hettinger, ND 58639

Septic permits

Southwestern District Health Unit — Adams County office

Local contact for onsite wastewater permitting and sewer system services

(701)567-2720

609 2nd Ave. North, Hettinger, ND 58639

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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Do you need a building permit in Adams County, North Dakota?

Yes. In the areas Adams County zones, no building, structure or conversion may begin without a building permit from the county Code Administrator, and a permit expires one year from issuance1. The Tax Equalization & Zoning office provides the building-permit application6. The permit requirement does not apply to buildings directly used in farming operations and built by a farmer as the ordinance defines that term1. The county ordinance also exempts land and buildings used for agriculture from most zoning regulations, but road setbacks and floodplain regulations still apply.11 North Dakota separately exempts an agricultural building from the state building-code chapter only when it is not a place of human habitation or used by the public.12

The county zoning ordinance incorporates the North Dakota State Building Code13. North Dakota’s updated state code took effect in 2026, but state Community Services does not enforce it; enforcement belongs to jurisdictions that elect to administer it1415. The county materials do not confirm a general inspection schedule or certificate-of-occupancy process, so ask Tax Equalization & Zoning what reviews apply to the proposed structure6. Construction in a mapped special flood hazard area also needs a floodplain permit from the Code Administrator before work begins16.

Who issues building, zoning and septic permits in Adams County?

Adams County Tax Equalization & Zoning is the starting point for county building permits, conditional-use permits, and zoning variances.6 The office is at 602 Adams Avenue Suite 201 in Hettinger and lists (701) 567-2990 and kroseland@nd.gov6. It also serves as the city and county zoning administrative office, so a parcel inside a city may have a different rulebook17. The county page also links the county building-permit application and county planning-and-zoning request application.6

Before filing, tell the office the parcel location, township, proposed use, building type, and whether the site is near a city boundary so staff can identify the correct zoning authority.7 Fees follow resolutions and schedules set by the County Commission, and applicants also pay county processing costs such as publication and attorney fees before a permit issues, so ask the office for the current figures18. Also ask which inspections and occupancy approvals apply, because a general county inspection schedule and certificate-of-occupancy rule could not be confirmed.6

What does not move to the county zoning office: septic permits come from the Southwestern District Health Unit, and driveway access onto highways is limited to four access points per mile per side of the highway1920.

Does Adams County have zoning?

Adams County has zoning for covered unincorporated land, but the ordinance excludes townships that have not relinquished zoning power to the county and certain areas tied to city extraterritorial zoning.7 The ordinance establishes Agricultural, Residential, Recreation, Commercial, Industrial, and Flood Plain districts, and the zoning map is kept in the County Auditor’s office.21 Confirm the parcel’s district and governing authority with Tax Equalization & Zoning before treating a rural address as county-zoned.6

In the residential district, a single-family dwelling lot generally must contain 1.5 acres and measure 150 feet wide, with exceptions for specified subdivisions and a requirement to meet state onsite-sewage standards.9 Buildings must generally sit 150 feet from section lines and county-road centerlines and 250 feet from a state-highway centerline.22 Accessory buildings are limited to 35 feet in height, must be smaller than the principal building, and must stand at least 25 feet from every lot line.23

How do septic permits work in Adams County?

Adams County is served by the Southwestern District Health Unit, and North Dakota requires a local public health permit before work begins on an onsite wastewater system, so the zoning office does not issue it34. The health district’s Adams County office is at 609 2nd Ave. North in Hettinger and lists (701)567-2720.19 North Dakota also requires the installer to hold a state license and follow local codes.24

Only 11.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make the health-unit site review an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard system will work.25 The residential zoning rule also ties qualifying lots to state minimum onsite-sewage-disposal standards.9 A general individual-system inspection requirement could not be confirmed, so ask the health unit about the application, site evaluation, inspections, installer documents, and final approval for the specific parcel.19

In new subdivision developments, privies, outhouses and cesspools are prohibited26. We could not confirm a county well-permit rule; state law requires a water appropriation permit from the Department of Water Resources only above 12.5 acre-feet of withdrawal a year, so ask the health unit about a household well1019.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Adams County?

In the county residential district, an RV or mobile home may be used temporarily as a residence while a home is being built, but that use is conditional and occupancy may not continue longer than 1 year.8 That provision does not establish year-round RV living on otherwise vacant land, so ask Tax Equalization & Zoning for a written determination before relying on an RV as the primary residence.6

No county provision specifically addressing tiny-home occupancy or a minimum dwelling floor area could be confirmed.6 A tiny home still needs parcel-specific review for the building permit, zoning district, lot dimensions, setbacks, wastewater approval, and the legal classification of the unit.5219224 A new manufactured home installed for residential use in North Dakota must use a state-licensed installer and receive inspection by a state-licensed inspector.27

Commercial campgrounds and RV parks are a separate use, conditionally permitted in the Recreational District, and a campground must contain at least five acres2829.

Building a home in Adams County: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Adams County Tax Equalization & Zoning to confirm which government controls zoning for the parcel, because county coverage has township and city-area exceptions.76
  2. Confirm the zoning district, allowed residential use, lot size, lot width, and required road and yard setbacks before finalizing a site plan.21922
  3. Submit the county building-permit application and any needed conditional-use or variance request through Tax Equalization & Zoning.6
  4. Contact the Southwestern District Health Unit and secure the local public health permit before onsite wastewater work begins.34
  5. Ask the zoning office which construction inspections and occupancy approvals apply, because those county procedures could not be confirmed.6
  6. If the dwelling is manufactured, use a licensed installer and obtain the required licensed inspection.27

What should you check before buying land in Adams County?

Start with jurisdiction: determine whether the parcel is governed by county zoning, township zoning, or city extraterritorial zoning.7 Then verify the mapped district, residential use, lot dimensions, setbacks, legal access, floodplain status, and the approvals needed for the intended structure with Tax Equalization & Zoning.219226

Treat wastewater feasibility as a major due-diligence item because only 11.2% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field.25 For a private well, North Dakota generally requires a water-appropriation permit when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet, while certain uses below that threshold must still be reported to the Department of Water Resources.10 Adams County’s effective property-tax rate is about 1%, and the median annual property-tax bill is $1,106, but obtain the parcel’s current assessment and tax record before budgeting.3031

Watch-outs

  • County zoning does not necessarily control every unincorporated parcel because some townships retain zoning power and some city-adjacent areas may fall under extraterritorial zoning.7
  • An RV or mobile home used as a residence during home construction is a conditional use and is limited to 1 year in the residential district.8
  • Only 11.2% of Adams County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field.25
  • The county materials do not confirm a general certificate-of-occupancy process or a specific tiny-home occupancy rule; ask Tax Equalization & Zoning before ordering a structure6.
  • A zoning permit is not the septic permit: the Southwestern District Health Unit permit is separate and must be in hand before onsite wastewater work begins4.

Sources

  1. Adams County North Dakota Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  2. Adams County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  3. Southwestern District Health Unit - Environmental Health (2026 county census)
  4. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  5. Adams County North Dakota Zoning Ordinance (2026 county census)
  6. Adams County Tax Equalization & Zoning (adamscountynd.com)
  7. Adams County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  8. webgen1files1.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  9. webgen1files1.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  10. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Adams County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Adams County North Dakota Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  14. Building Codes | Commerce | North Dakota (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Building Codes (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Adams County North Dakota Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  17. Tax Equalization & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  18. Adams County North Dakota Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  19. Southwestern District Health Unit — Adams County office (swdhu.net)
  20. Adams County North Dakota Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  21. Adams County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  22. Adams County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. webgen1files1.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  24. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Adams County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  27. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. webgen1files1.revize.com, quoted and re-checked
  29. Adams County North Dakota Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  30. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Adams County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleAdams CountyHettinger CountyGrant CountyBowman CountyStark CountySlope CountyBillings County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsSouthwestern District Health UnitSWDHUWestern Plains Public HealthSouthwestern District Health UnitSouthwestern District Health UnitND Dept. of Env. QualitySouthwestern District Health Unit

County locator

Adams County in North Dakota

44
County map
Adams County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Adams County scores

Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1592% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability48100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8096% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$140kTypical home
1%Property tax
$1,552Land / acre
16"Annual rain
16.7% of yrsSevere drought
7.2 / yr (+5.9)Mid-century 100°F days
22.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.28" (+5.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,070Home insurance / yr
-1.1% / yrInsurance growth
4.22%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
41,600People within 2 hr
1,949Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.2People / sq mi
0.2%Federal land
95.2%Land at 15% slope or less
11.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
70,984 acWorkable land screen
0.2%Wooded land
42.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Adams County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Beisigl Township · Bucyrus · Bucyrus Township · Cedar Township · Chandler Township · Clermont Township · Darling Springs Township · Duck Creek Township · Gilstrap Township · Haynes · Hettinger · Hettinger Township · Lightning Creek Township · Maine Township · Orange Township · Reeder · Reeder Township · Scott Township · South Fork Township · Taylor Butte Township · Wolf Butte Township

Answers from the rulebook for Adams County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Adams County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, or conversion of buildings or structures in county-regulated areas.

    • The requirement does not apply to buildings or structures directly used in connection with farming operations and constructed by farmers as defined in the ordinance.
    • A permit expires one year from issuance.
    “without first obtaining a building permit from the Code Administrator.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Residential and commercial buildings and accessory structures governed by the Adams County zoning ordinance.

    • The ordinance incorporates the North Dakota State Building Code, N.D. Admin. Code Section 108-01-01 et seq.
    • The excerpt states the ordinance was adopted in 2009, but does not state a precise effective date.
    “in accordance with the North Dakota State Building Code”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in unincorporated Adams County.

    • The ordinance excludes townships that have not relinquished zoning power to the county.
    • The ordinance excludes areas where incorporated cities have not elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning.
    • Agricultural uses are generally excepted except for road setbacks and floodplain regulations.
    “These regulations shall apply to all unincorporated areas of Adams County, except those townships”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning in unincorporated Adams County.
      “These regulations shall apply to all unincorporated areas of Adams County, except those townships which have not by resolution relinquished the power to enact zoning regulations to the county, and those areas where the incorporated cities have not elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning as authorized by NDCC Section 40-47-01.1.”
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning regulations in unincorporated Adams County areas within the county's jurisdiction.
      “These regulations shall apply to all unincorporated areas of Adams County, except those townships which have not by resolution relinquished the power to enact zoning regulations to the county”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Adams County, including county-administered unincorporated areas and separate municipal or retained-township jurisdiction.

    • The county zoning ordinance applies only in the unincorporated areas and exceptions stated in Section 3.1.
    • The county website states that the office serves as the city and county zoning administrative office.
    • Municipalities and townships may administer zoning in areas outside the county ordinance's scope.
    “A city has joint zoning and subdivision regulation jurisdiction from one-half mile to one mile with the adjoining political subdivision”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Land use and development within Adams County's unincorporated territorial jurisdiction.
      “We also serve as the city & county zoning administrative office. Building permits, conditional use permits, and zoning variances are initiated in this office.”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Adams County; county zoning applies in qualifying unincorporated areas, while some townships and incorporated cities retain or exercise local zoning authority.
      “We also serve as the city & county zoning administrative office.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning districts in areas governed by the Adams County zoning ordinance.

    • The zoning map is on file in the County Auditor's office.
    • The Code Administrator updates the map for amendments.
    • The ordinance establishes Agricultural, Residential, Recreation, Commercial, Industrial, and Flood Plain districts.
    “The following zoning districts are hereby established to carry out the purposes of this code and found in the following sections: 5.1 Agricultural District 5.2 Residential District 5.3 Recreation District 5.4 Commercial District 5.5 Industrial District 5.6 Flood Plain District.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — County zoning districts in unincorporated Adams County.
      “Agriculture District - Purpose [...] Residential District – Purpose [...] Recreational District – Purpose [...] Commercial District – Purpose [...] Industrial District - Purpose [...] Floodplain District - Purpose”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential lots in the county Residential District and other district-specific development contexts.

    • Single-family dwelling lots generally require at least 1.5 acres and 150 feet of width.
    • The residential lot-size rule excepts dwellings in subdivisions existing at adoption or developed under Article VII.
    • The site must meet North Dakota State Health Department minimum onsite-sewage-disposal standards.

    minimum single-family lot area: >= 1.5 acres (specified subdivision exceptions) · minimum single-family lot width: >= 150 feet

    “shall be one and one-half acres (65,340 square feet)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family dwelling lots in the county residential district, subject to stated subdivision exceptions.
      “The minimum lot size for single family dwelling units (excepting dwellings constructed in subdivisions existing at the time of the adoption of this code or developed pursuant to the provisions of Article VII, Subdivision Regulations) shall be one and one-half acres (65,340 square feet) provided that the site meets the minimum standards for on-site sewage disposal by North Dakota State Health Department. The minimum lot width shall be 150 feet.”
    • Specified — Single-family dwelling lots in the Residential District.
      “shall be one and one-half acres (65,340 square feet)”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings, trees, and residential yards in areas governed by the county ordinance.

    • Buildings must be set back from section lines and county-road center lines.
    • State-highway setbacks are measured from the highway center.
    • Residential-district yard requirements also apply.
    • Agricultural uses remain subject to road setbacks.

    building setback from section lines and county-road centerline: 150 feet · tree planting setback from section lines and county-road centerline: 125 feet · building setback from state-highway center: 250 feet · residential front yard minimum depth: 70 feet (103 feet from roadway centerline) · residential side yard minimum width: 25 feet

    “The minimum setback for buildings from all section lines and the center line of county road shall be one hundred fifty (150) feet. The minimum setback for trees plantings from all section lines and the center line of county roads shall be one hundred twenty-five (125) feet. The minimum setback from the center of state highways shall be two hundred fifty (250) feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings, accessory buildings, roads, and district-specific uses in unincorporated Adams County.
      “The minimum setback from the center of state highways shall be two hundred fifty (250) feet.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Accessory buildings and structures in county residential development provisions.

    • The height limit applies to accessory buildings.
    • Accessory buildings must be smaller than the principal building and must be at least 25 feet from all lot lines.

    accessory-building maximum height: <= 35 feet · accessory-building setback from lot lines: >= 25 feet

    “Accessory buildings shall be smaller than the principal building and shall be limited to thirty-five (35) feet in height and be located at least twenty-five (25) feet from all lot lines.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Accessory buildings and certain district-specific structures in unincorporated Adams County.
      “shall be limited to thirty-five (35) feet in height”
    • Specified — Accessory buildings and structures in county-administered residential development.
      “shall be limited to thirty-five (35) feet in height”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Recreational vehicles or mobile homes used as a residence in the county Residential District.

    • Use is tied to construction of a residence on the site.
    • Occupation may not continue longer than one year.

    maximum occupation period: <= 1 year (during construction of a residence upon the site)

    “no such occupation shall continue for longer than one year.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational vehicles or mobile homes used as a temporary residence during construction of a residence on a site.
      “Recreational vehicles or mobile homes to be temporarily used as a residence during the construction of a residence upon a site, but that no such occupation shall continue for longer than one year.”
    • Limited — Recreational-vehicle occupancy as a temporary residence in county-regulated residential areas.
      “no such occupation shall continue for longer than one year.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Campgrounds and tourist or recreational trailer camps in the Recreational District.

    • Recreational parks and tourist/trailer camps require a permit.
    • The campground must contain at least five acres.
    • The ordinance specifies site-plan, sanitary-facility, water-supply, state-health, and County Commission ingress/egress requirements.

    minimum campground area: >= 5 acres

    “The minimum area for campground shall be five (5) acres”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite wastewater systems in Adams County served by the Southwestern District Health Unit.

    • The installer must also obtain a North Dakota DEQ installer license.
    • The local public health permit must be obtained before work begins.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
  • Off-grid sanitationProhibited

    Privies, outhouses, and cesspools in subdivision developments.

    • The prohibition is expressly limited to subdivision developments in the county.
    • The ordinance separately provides for approved onsite sewage systems.
    “The construction and use of privies, outhouses, and cesspools in subdivision developments in the county is prohibited.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Prohibited — Privies, outhouses, and cesspools in new subdivision developments in Adams County.
      “The construction and use of privies, outhouses, and cesspools in subdivision developments in the county is prohibited.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Multi-family dwelling units and mobile-home parks in county residential zoning districts.

    • Multi-family units require public water and sewer availability or location within existing platted areas where public water and sewer are likely to be installed.
    • Mobile-home parks require underground utilities unless waived by the County Commission.
    “Multi-family dwelling units provided that public water and sewer are available”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural land and buildings and structures directly used in farming operations.

    • Agricultural-use land and buildings are excepted from the zoning regulations except for road setbacks and floodplain regulations.
    • The building-permit section separately excludes buildings or structures directly used in farming operations and constructed by farmers as defined in the ordinance.
    “except for setbacks from roads and floodplain regulations.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Land and buildings used for agricultural uses under the Adams County zoning ordinance.
      “This ordinance shall not prohibit or prevent the use of land or buildings for farming or any of the normal incidents of farming. These regulations shall not apply to the land and buildings of agricultural uses, as herein defined, except for setbacks from roads and floodplain regulations.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Land and buildings used for agricultural purposes and buildings directly used in farming operations.
      “except for setbacks from roads and floodplain regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in the county's unincorporated planning area.

    • Preliminary plats must be prepared by a registered land surveyor.
    • Preliminary plats are submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission for review and recommendation to the County Commission.
    • A development plan may be required for more than 20 contiguous acres.

    development-plan threshold: > 20 acres (the subdivider may be required to submit a development plan)

    “The preliminary plat shall be prepared by a registered land surveyor”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision development in Adams County's unincorporated planning area.
      “The preliminary plat shall be prepared by a registered land surveyor”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Access points to highways in unincorporated Adams County.

    • Access points are limited to four per mile per side of highway.
    • Additional access may be provided through frontage roads if the landowner dedicates a suitable right-of-way by deed or easement.

    maximum access points: <= 4 per mile per side of highway (frontage-road access with suitable right-of-way)

    “The points of access shall be limited to four (4) per mile per side of the highway.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or development within Adams County areas designated as a Special Flood Hazard Area or floodplain overlay.

    • The floodplain district applies to lands delineated on Adams County FEMA maps or other maps and information provided by North Dakota.
    • The floodplain is an overlay for all zoning districts.
    • A permit must be obtained from the Code Administrator before construction or development begins in any area of special flood hazard.
    • The permit must include lowest-floor elevation, flood-proofing elevation, professional-engineer-or-architect certification for non-residential flood-proofing, and a description of any watercourse alteration or relocation.
    • Residential construction and substantial improvements must have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above base flood elevation where base flood elevation data is available.
    • Non-residential structures may use compliant flood-proofing instead of elevation, with watertight construction, structural resistance to hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads and buoyancy, and professional certification.
    • Mobile-home standards include anchoring; qualifying parks, subdivisions, substantial infrastructure repairs, and mobile homes outside parks must have stands or lots elevated to base flood level, adequate drainage and hauler access, and additional piling requirements.
    • Subdivision proposals must provide base-flood-elevation data when they contain at least fifty lots or five acres, whichever is less; cumulative development may not increase base-flood water-surface elevation more than one foot at any point.
    • The North Dakota Department of Water Resources states that a floodplain development permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before work begins in an SFHA, and DWR review is required before a permit is issued for development within the regulatory floodway.

    subdivision or other proposed development threshold: 50 lots or 5 acres, whichever is less (Base flood elevation data required under the ordinance.) · maximum cumulative increase in base-flood water-surface elevation: <= 1 foot (At any point.)

    “Before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard, a permit shall be obtained from the Code Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or development within an area of special flood hazard.
      “Before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard, a permit shall be obtained from the Code Administrator.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    County conditional-use, variance, and building-permit applications.

    • Fees follow resolutions and schedules established by the County Commission.
    • Applicants are liable for county processing costs including publication costs, attorney fees, mileage, and copying expense.
    • No permit is issued until those costs are paid unless the Code Administrator provides otherwise for good cause.
    “according to the resolution of fees and schedules established by the County Commission.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — County building permits, conditional-use permits, and variances.
      “according to the resolution of fees and schedules established by the County Commission.”
  • Permit processPartial

    County zoning and building-permit process.

    • Building permits are obtained from the Code Administrator.
    • Conditional-use permits and variances involve Planning and Zoning Commission review and recommendation and County Commission action.
    • A conditional-use public hearing notice must be published at least two weeks before the hearing.
    “Building permits, conditional use permits, and zoning variances are initiated in this office.”

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An individual who builds that individual’s own single-family residence and seeks the North Dakota builder property-tax exemption.

    • The exemption is discretionary and requires the governing city or county to pass a resolution allowing it.
    • For property within a city, the city governing body has jurisdiction; for property outside an incorporated city, the county has jurisdiction.
    • The property must remain owned by the builder and unoccupied.
    • The exemption applies for the taxable year in which construction began and the next two taxable years.
    • The governing body may impose conditions, including limits on the exemption period and dollar value.
    • A builder may receive the exemption for no more than ten properties in a taxable year within each jurisdiction that approved the exemption.
    • General taxes and installments of special assessments may not be delinquent.
    • This is a property-tax exemption, not a building-permit or building-inspection exemption.

    exemption period: taxable year in which construction began and next two taxable years · maximum properties per builder per jurisdiction per taxable year: 10 properties

    “Whether or not to offer the exemption is at the discretion of the governing body. [...] “Builder” includes an individual who builds that individual’s own residence.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota or intended for placement in North Dakota, where the manufacturer produces two or more modular residential or commercial structures per year.

    • The manufacturer must contract with a third party for inspection during the manufacturing process in the factory.
    • The third-party inspector must be approved as a certified third-party inspector by the Division of Community Services.
    • The inspection covers applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards.
    • When a certified third-party inspector monitors compliance during factory manufacturing, no further inspection by state or local building, electrical, fire, or plumbing inspectors may be required for that structure during the manufacturing process in the factory.
    • The statutory provision does not apply to a factory manufacturing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year; the Commerce program page states that manufacturers producing less than two modular structures per year are exempt but must submit a yearly certification of exemption.

    annual modular structures produced: >= 2 structures/year (Factories producing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year are exempt from the statutory provision; the Commerce program page requires a yearly certification of exemption.)

    “shall contract with a third party for the inspection of the structure for compliance with all applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota.
      “The manufacturer of a modular residential or commercial structure that is built in a factory shall contract with a third party for the inspection [...]”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    City zoning regulations governing the size of residential buildings in North Dakota; the actual minimum, if any, is established by the applicable local zoning ordinance.

    • The authority is permissive and applies to governing bodies of cities that adopt zoning regulations.
    • The regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
    • A local board of adjustment may determine and vary application of the regulations under the local regulations.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Local city zoning regulations governing the percentage of a lot that may be occupied.

    • The actual lot-coverage percentage is established by the applicable local zoning regulation.
    • The authority is permissive and applies to city zoning regulations.
    • The regulation is subject to chapter 54-21.3.
    “the percentage of lot that may be occupied”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    New manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes.

    • Installation must be performed by an installer licensed by the Division of Community Services.
    • The home must be inspected by an inspector licensed by the Division of Community Services.
    • The installer must first apply for and receive authorization to install the home from a licensed inspector.
    • A minimum of two inspections are required on a double-wide home and one inspection on a single-wide home.
    • After installation meets the installation requirements, an insignia is attached to show the home passes inspections.

    minimum inspections for double-wide manufactured home: >= 2 inspections · minimum inspections for single-wide manufactured home: 1 inspection

    “All new manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes must be installed by an installer licensed by the Division of Community Services and inspected by an inspector licensed by the Division of Community Services.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater systems in Adams County under North Dakota's state installer-licensing and local-public-health permitting framework.

    • North Dakota DEQ licenses installers.
    • A local public health unit issues the system permit.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • State — State licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers.
      “The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers”
    • Mixed — On-site wastewater treatment systems statewide in North Dakota.
      “The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system anywhere in North Dakota

    • The inspection is conducted by the permitting authority or its authorized representative.
    • The inspection must occur within one business day after the request for inspection.
    • Construction, alteration, repair, or extension requires a permit before work begins; regular system maintenance does not require a permit.
    • The permitting authority is a local public health unit, other political subdivision, or designee.

    inspection deadline: 1 business day (After receiving the request for inspection) · permit validity: <= 12 months (From date of issuance)

    “Inspection of the installation of a system must be conducted by the permitting authority or an authorized representative of the permitting authority in accordance with paragraph 3 of subdivision c of subsection 2 of North Dakota Century Code section 23-35-02, which requires the inspection to be conducted within one business day of receiving the request for inspection.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Private water-supply wells statewide in North Dakota.

    • A water appropriation permit from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources is required when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet.
    • A permit is not needed for wells drawing less than 12.5 acre-feet per year, according to the official private-well guide.
    • For domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses below 12.5 acre-feet per year, the location and capacity of constructed works must be reported to the Department of Water Resources.
    • Anyone hired to construct, install, or repair a well, pump, or pitless unit must be licensed; individuals may install or repair wells on their own property without a license.

    annual water withdrawal threshold: > 12.5 acre-feet per year (Domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses below this threshold do not require a water appropriation permit but must be reported.) · annual water withdrawal threshold: > 4073137 gallons per year (Equivalent threshold stated by the Department of Water Resources.)

    “Domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational water use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,137 gallons or 96,979 barrels) per year.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Transient lodging rentals held out to the public for a charge in North Dakota.

    • A lodging license applies to buildings or structures held out to the public where sleeping accommodations are furnished to transient guests for a charge.
    • The lodging license does not apply to a single structure with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
    • The lodging license also does not apply to a series or group of buildings or structures containing five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
    • License applications must be submitted at least 30 days before beginning construction or acquiring new ownership; new construction, renovation, or remodeling also requires the Section 3 Plan Review Checklist; after payment, review may take up to 30 calendar days.

    guest-room exemption threshold: <= 5 guest rooms or fewer (Only when total occupants are ten or fewer.) · occupant exemption threshold: <= 10 occupants or fewer (Only when the structure has five or fewer guest rooms.)

    “The lodging license does not apply to: Single structures with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Campsite occupancy in North Dakota state parks.

    • The limit applies to campsite and cabin occupancy in state parks.
    • All vehicles entering a state park must have a valid daily or annual vehicle entrance permit, including overnight stays and day visits.
    • Campers must check in at 4:00 p.m. on the first reservation day and check out by 3:00 p.m. on the last day.

    maximum campsite or cabin occupancy: <= 14 nights in any 30-day period

    “Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to no more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    North Dakota counties adopting zoning regulations for land and buildings within the county, including unincorporated areas.

    • The authority is exercised by the board of county commissioners.
    • Regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
    • The authority covers the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.
    • County zoning regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    • A county may divide all or any parts of the county into districts, and regulations must be uniform within each district but may differ between districts.
    • County zoning regulations must account for the statutory limitations governing farming, ranching, and animal feeding operations in section 11-33-02.1.
    • The board must state the grounds for approving or disapproving zoning amendments or variances, and written findings must be included in the records.
    • The board must establish zoning requirements for solid waste disposal and incineration facilities before July 1, 1994.
    • The board may impose tipping or other fees on solid waste management and incineration facilities, but may not impose a fee under this section on an energy conversion facility or coal mining operation that disposes of its waste onsite.
    • The board may establish institutional controls addressing environmental concerns with the department of environmental quality under section 23.1-10-16.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county, subject to chapter 54-21.3, the location and the use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — North Dakota county boards of commissioners adopting zoning regulations, including regulation of unincorporated county land.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    County authority to administer and enforce the state building code, including the residential code, and to provide for building permits for buildings or structures subject to county zoning in unincorporated areas of North Dakota.

    • A county that elects to administer and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the state building code; it may amend that code to conform to local needs.
    • A county may administer and enforce the state building code only in areas where a city or township does not administer it. A city or township may relinquish that authority to its county under N.D.C.C. § 54-40.5-03; local governments may also agree to joint administration and enforcement or contract for private enforcement.
    • County permit authority under N.D.C.C. § 11-33-18 applies to a building or structure otherwise subject to the County Zoning chapter.
    • If the county provides for permits, it must require the applicant to state whether the structure is reasonably anticipated to have a significant transportation-system impact. A structure has such impact if it will average at least twenty-five motor vehicles per day during one year with gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].
    • For a structure with significant transportation-system impact, the county must notify the director of the department of transportation and allow an opportunity to comment; director approval is not required.
    • The county may establish and collect reasonable permit fees, which must be credited to the county general fund.
    • A county-adopted building code may not require fire sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or a residential building containing no more than two dwelling units.

    significant transportation-system impact threshold: >= 25 motor vehicles per day (Over a period of one year; vehicles must have gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].) · fire-sprinkler requirement: false (A county building code may not require sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or residential building with no more than two dwelling units.)

    “The governing body of a city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code shall adopt and enforce the state building code. However, the state building code may be amended by cities, townships, and counties to conform to local needs.”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In North Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Adams County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in unincorporated Adams County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Adams County, North Dakota

Is Adams County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Adams County scores 44/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,949 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (16″/yr rainfall).

Do you need a building permit in Adams County, North Dakota?

Adams County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Southwestern District Health Unit. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Adams County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Adams County is limited to specific cases: Recreational-vehicle occupancy as a temporary residence in county-regulated residential areas. Temporary RV or mobile-home residence is allowed during construction of a residence. Occupation may not continue longer than one year. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Adams County, North Dakota?

Land in Adams County runs about $1,552 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Adams County?

Adams County gets about 16" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.7% of years.

How remote is Adams County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,949 people within 15 miles and 91,705 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Adams compares in North Dakota

Compare side-by-side →See all 53 North Dakota counties ranked →