Building permits, zoning and land rules in Barnes County, North Dakota
43Index Score / 100 #45 of 53 in North Dakota
Unincorporated Barnes County, North Dakota requires a building permit for covered construction larger than 150 square feet in the county planning area1. County zoning excludes the civil and extraterritorial boundaries of 5 organized cities and townships that elected their own zoning2. Valley City handles its own building permits and zoning34. Septic permits come from the local public-health unit; North Dakota DEQ licenses installers5.
At a glance
Building permit
Required for covered buildings over 150 square feet in the county planning jurisdiction1
Zoning
Yes, with separate authority in certain cities and townships26
Septic
Local public-health permit required; the state licenses installers75
Agricultural buildings
Most agricultural zoning rules waived; building permits, road setbacks, new septic review and floodplain rules remain81
Manufactured homes
Allowed under district-specific conditions, including permanent-foundation requirements9
RV living
Temporary occupancy is limited to 240 days per year; residential parcels need conditional-use approval1011
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Do you need a building permit in Barnes County, North Dakota?
In Barnes County's unincorporated planning area, construction, reconstruction, additions or relocation of a building larger than 150 square feet requires a permit before work or excavation starts; the rule includes mobile homes and farm structures such as grain and hopper bins1. Like-size replacement of roofs, siding, windows or decks does not require a permit, and farm-use structures are exempt from the building-permit fee1. The Planning & Zoning Administrator prepares building and Development Code permits12. Permitted work cannot move beyond an inspection stage without the building official's approval14. Barnes County follows the North Dakota Building Code with county amendments to the latest International Code15. Barnes County exempts qualifying agricultural uses from most zoning regulations, but building permits, road setbacks, new septic permits and inspections, and floodplain rules still apply8. Inside Valley City, the city handles building permits under its own construction rules3. Septic permits in Valley City still come from the local public-health unit, City-County Health District, while ND DEQ licenses installers1617.
Who issues building permits in Barnes County, and how do you reach them?
Barnes County Planning & Zoning is the first stop for a project on county-administered land because the Planning & Zoning Administrator prepares building and Development Code permits12. Call 701-845-8188 or visit 230 4th St NW, Valley City, ND 5807212. A building application must describe the building type and materials, the portions of the lot occupied by principal and accessory buildings, and the building cost; property corners or lines must be located before new construction18. County resolutions and schedules control building-permit charges, applicants may owe processing costs, and building permits generally are not issued until applicable costs are paid19. Under the county's building-permit fee schedule, structures over 150 square feet but under $5,000 in value are charged $25, and farm-use structures are listed at no charge though they still need a permit20. Septic permits are a separate purchase from the City-County Health District, not from Planning & Zoning717. Before applying, identify the exact parcel because a city, its extraterritorial area or a township with its own zoning authority may administer it instead6. Ask Planning & Zoning for the current conditional-use or variance charge: published application fees and Development Code filing provisions differ, and processing costs may be added211912.
Does Barnes County have zoning?
Barnes County zoning applies in the county's unincorporated planning area, except within the civil and extraterritorial zoning boundaries of 5 organized cities and townships that elected their own authority2. Those excluded places retain their own zoning authority, so the correct office depends on the parcel rather than its mailing address6. The county code publishes agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial and recreational districts with different use, lot, setback and height standards22. In county-administered agricultural districts, buildings generally must sit at least 200 feet from the center of a maintained road or section line unless a variance allows less23. Agricultural residential parcels and residential-district single-family lots generally require at least 5 acres; subdivision residential lots require at least 7,500 square feet with public sewer or one acre with onsite sewer24. Confirm jurisdiction, zoning district, setbacks and lot standards with Barnes County Planning & Zoning before choosing a house site12. Valley City sets its own zoning inside city limits and its extraterritorial jurisdiction4. Valley City septic permits remain with the local public-health unit, City-County Health District1617.
How do septic permits work in Barnes County?
A septic installer must secure a permit from the local public-health unit before work begins in Barnes County, while the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality licenses installers57. City-County Health District sells Barnes County septic permits at 415 2nd Avenue NE, Ste. 101 in Valley City and can be reached at 701.845.851817. New septic systems remain subject to permits and inspections even on agricultural property, and sanitary systems in subdivisions require County Sanitarian review and approval25. Subdivisions generally need sanitary sewer service to each lot, although onsite sewage may be allowed after individual review; private septic approval requires a lot of at least 1 acre2627. Private holding tanks require County Sanitarian approval and a pumping contract filed with the Zoning Administrator26. About 45.9% of Barnes County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make site evaluation part of the purchase decision28.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Barnes County?
In county-administered unincorporated Barnes County, the code limits temporary occupancy in a recreational vehicle, motor home, travel trailer or park model to 240 days per year and prohibits more than 2 campers per lot unless additional campers receive conditional-use approval10. A residentially zoned parcel requires a conditional-use permit before campers are brought onto it, and units must meet applicable setbacks and stay out of the public right-of-way11. A tiny home classified under the county's definitions as a park model or other recreational vehicle falls under that same 240-day limit29. We could not confirm a separate rule for other tiny homes or a general minimum dwelling-floor-area requirement; ask Barnes County Planning & Zoning how the parcel's district and building code would classify a proposed unit1215. Qualifying manufactured homes are allowed as permanent residences in applicable districts when placed on a permanent foundation or basement, with building-permit and zoning compliance still required9. For new development in the county planning area, approved onsite sewage is required and privies, outhouses and cesspools are prohibited30.
Building a home in Barnes County: the steps, in order
Ask Barnes County Planning & Zoning whether the county, a city or a township controls the parcel, then confirm the district, lot standard and setbacks22423.
Locate the property corners or lines and prepare the building details required for the county application18.
Submit the building and Development Code materials through Barnes County Planning & Zoning when the parcel is county-administered112.
Arrange the local public-health septic permit before onsite-wastewater work starts; contact City-County Health District717.
If a private well will withdraw more than 12.5 acre-feet per year, obtain a state water-appropriation permit; qualifying lower-volume uses still have reporting requirements13.
Schedule required building inspections and do not cover work or proceed beyond an inspection stage without approval14.
Before building on a floodplain site, ask the Zoning Administrator about the Floodplain Ordinance and any additional building-application documents31.
What should you check before buying land in Barnes County?
Start with jurisdiction: Barnes County's code does not govern the civil or extraterritorial zoning areas of 5 organized cities and townships that elected their own zoning, so verify who controls the parcel26. Check the surveyed building envelope against the applicable district setbacks before treating open ground as a homesite23. If land will be divided, Barnes County regulates subdivision plats; the Planning Commission reviews the preliminary plat and recommends approval, conditions or denial to the County Commission32. Confirm septic feasibility early because only about 45.9% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field28. Floodplain construction remains subject to the county Floodplain Ordinance and may require extra building-application documents31. Barnes County averages about 21.7 inches of precipitation annually and experiences severe drought in roughly 9.7% of years, so verify a dependable water plan before closing3334.
Watch-outs
Barnes County’s agricultural exemption waives most zoning rules, but building permits, road setbacks, new septic permits and inspections, and floodplain rules still apply8.
The county zoning code excludes the civil and extraterritorial boundaries of 5 organized cities and townships that elected their own zoning; ask Planning & Zoning who regulates the exact parcel212.
We could not confirm a Barnes County owner-builder exemption from building permits or inspections; ask Planning & Zoning before relying on one12.
Written October 11, 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.
Barnes County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Barnes County scores
Seclusion82100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1594% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8096% ev.
Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$200kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$2,861Land / acre
21.7"Annual rain
9.7% of yrsSevere drought
3.4 / yr (+3)Mid-century 100°F days
19.7 daysMid-century dry spell
1.42" (+6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.65×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,750Home insurance / yr
3.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.72%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
591People within 30 min
384,452People within 2 hr
4,166Radius comparison (15 mi)
7.2People / sq mi
21.9%Federal land
96.8%Land at 15% slope or less
45.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Barnes 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.
Not yet researched: Alta Township · Anderson Township · Ashtabula Township · Baldwin Township · Binghampton Township · Brimer Township · Cuba Township · Dazey · Dazey Township · Eckelson Township · Edna Township · Ellsbury Township · Fingal · Getchell Township · Grand Prairie Township · Green Township · Greenland Township · Hemen Township · Hobart Township · Kathryn · Lake Town Township · Leal · Litchville · Mansfield Township · Marsh Township · Meadow Lake Township · Minnie Lake Township · Nelson Township · Noltimier Township · Nome · Norma Township · Oakhill Township · Oriska · Oriska Township · Pierce Township · Pillsbury · Potter Township · Raritan Township · Rogers · Rogers Township · Rosebud Township · Sanborn · Sibley · Sibley Trail Township · Skandia Township · Spring Creek Township · Springvale Township · Stewart Township · Svea Township · Thordenskjold Township · Uxbridge Township · Valley Township · Weimer Township · Wimbledon
Answers from the rulebook for Barnes County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Barnes County rules
Building permitRequired
Construction, reconstruction, additions, or relocation of buildings over 150 square feet in the county planning jurisdiction, including mobile homes and farm structures.
A permit must be obtained from the Zoning Administrator before work or excavation begins.
The rule also applies to mobile homes and all farm structures, including grain bins and hopper bins, whether or not on a permanent foundation.
Farm-use structures are exempt from building permit fees.
Roof, siding, window, or deck replacements do not require a permit when they do not exceed the original size.
Floodplain construction is subject to the Barnes County Floodplain Ordinance and may require additional documentation.
Construction without a permit triggers a $500 fine, a stop-work requirement, and possible $200-per-day fines.
building size threshold: > 150 square feet (The code states that buildings more than 150 square feet require a permit.) · initial no-permit fine: 500 USD · continuing no-permit fine: 200 USD per day
“Any person or persons intending to construct or reconstruct, make additions, or relocate a building that is more than 150 square feet, shall obtain a permit from the Zoning Administrator before proceeding with the work or commencing any excavation in connection with it.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Construction, reconstruction, additions, or relocation of buildings over 150 square feet in Barnes County's unincorporated planning area, including mobile homes and farm structures.
“Any person or persons intending to construct or reconstruct, make additions, or relocate a building that is more than 150 square feet, shall obtain a permit from the Zoning Administrator before proceeding with the work or commencing any excavation in connection with it. These provisions shall also apply to mobile homes, and all farm structures including grain bins and hopper bins regardless of whether they are placed on a permanent foundation. Farm use structures are exempt from building permit fees.”
Required — Construction, reconstruction, additions, or relocation of buildings over 150 square feet in the county-regulated planning area.
“that is more than 150 square feet, shall obtain a permit from the Zoning Administrator”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Barnes County Development Code and county building regulation in the county's planning jurisdiction.
Barnes County follows the North Dakota Building Code with county amendments to the latest International Code.
The county zoning regulations exclude organized cities and townships that have elected their own zoning.
“Barnes County shall follow the North Dakota Building Code with its amendments to the latest International Code.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Partial — Barnes County building-code requirements in areas governed by the county code.
“Barnes County shall follow the North Dakota Building Code with its amendments to the latest International Code.”
InspectionsRequired
Permitted building construction subject to Barnes County inspections.
The permit holder or authorized agent must notify the building official when work is ready.
Work may not proceed beyond each inspection stage without approval.
Noncompliant work may not be covered or concealed until authorized.
“Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the approval of the building official.”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Barnes County zoning regulations in the county and unincorporated territorial jurisdiction, excluding the civil and extraterritorial boundaries of five organized cities and townships that have elected their own zoning.
The 2025 code states that five organized cities and townships that have elected their own zoning are excluded.
The source does not identify the five cities or the townships; Section 1.5 identification remains unresolved.
“These zoning regulations shall apply to all areas within the County of Barnes County, North Dakota, with the exception of those areas within the civil boundaries and extraterritorial zoning boundaries of 5 organized cities in Barnes County and those townships that have elected to have their own zoning.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Barnes County zoning regulations in the county's unincorporated territorial jurisdiction.
“These zoning regulations shall apply to all areas within the County of Barnes County, North Dakota, with the exception of those areas within the civil boundaries and extraterritorial zoning boundaries of 5 organized cities in Barnes County and those townships that have elected to have their own zoning.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate of county, organized-city, and township zoning authority in Barnes County.
The county code applies generally but excludes five organized cities and townships that have elected their own zoning authority.
This is an aggregate conclusion and does not claim that Barnes County administers each excluded local ordinance.
“Those areas will retain the opportunity to exercise their own zoning authority.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Barnes County, including county-administered unincorporated areas, five organized cities, and townships that elected their own zoning authority.
“Those areas will retain the opportunity to exercise their own zoning authority.”
Present — County zoning in the unincorporated planning area.
“development of the county and its unincorporated planning area.”
Zoning districtsPublished
County zoning districts and district-specific development standards.
The code identifies agricultural, residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational districts and provides district-specific use, lot, setback, and height provisions.
The Zoning Administrator maintains the zoning district map and records.
“The following zoning districts are hereby established to carry out the purposes of this code”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential and subdivision lots in Barnes County's county planning jurisdiction.
Agricultural residential parcels generally require five acres.
Subdivision residential lots require 7,500 square feet with public sewer or one acre with on-site sewer.
Other zoning districts have separate lot standards.
agricultural residential parcel minimum: >= 5 acres · subdivision lot minimum with public sewer: >= 7500 square feet · subdivision lot minimum with on-site sewer: >= 1 acre
“Minimum lot area, 7,500 square feet with public sewer or one (1) acre on-site sewer.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Residential and other lots in Barnes County zoning districts and subdivisions.
“Minimum lot area, 7,500 square feet with public sewer or one (1) acre on-site sewer.”
SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)
Building and structure setbacks under agricultural, industrial, recreational, and other county zoning districts.
Agricultural buildings and structures generally require 200 feet from the center of maintained roads and section lines; variances are required for lesser distances.
Industrial districts require a 75-foot front building line plus 200 feet from township, county, or state road centerlines, 50-foot rear, and 25-foot side setbacks.
Recreational districts include 50 feet from fences to normal high water, 10-foot side yards, and 75 feet from subdivision roads for structures.
agricultural road or section-line setback: >= 200 feet from center (Variance may be required for a lesser distance) · industrial rear setback: >= 50 feet · industrial side setback: >= 25 feet
“Buildings and structures shall be set back from maintained roads at a distance of 200 feet from the center of the road.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Buildings and structures in Barnes County zoning districts.
“Buildings and structures shall be set back from maintained roads at a distance of 200 feet from the center of the road.”
Living in an RVLimited
Recreational vehicles, motor homes, travel trailers, and park models used for temporary occupancy.
Temporary occupancy is limited to 240 days per year.
More than two campers per lot is prohibited.
Additional campers for storage or use require a conditional use permit.
A conditional use permit must first be obtained before bringing campers onto a residentially zoned parcel.
Units must comply with applicable zone setbacks and may not obstruct a public right-of-way.
A recreational vehicle is considered occupied if used as living quarters on any calendar day.
temporary occupancy limit: 240 days per year · maximum campers per lot: <= 2 campers (Additional campers require conditional use approval)
“shall be limited to 240 days per year within the county. More than two(2) campers per lot is prohibited.”
Camping on your landLimited
Temporary camping or temporary occupancy by recreational vehicles, motor homes, travel trailers, and park models.
Temporary occupancy is limited to 240 days per year.
More than two campers per lot is prohibited.
Residentially zoned parcels require a conditional use permit before campers are brought onto the parcel.
Applicable zoning setbacks and public-right-of-way restrictions apply.
temporary occupancy limit: 240 days per year
“A Conditional Use permit must first be obtained before bringing any campers onto a residentially zoned parcel.”
Tiny homesLimited
A tiny home that is classified under Barnes County's definitions as a park model or other recreational vehicle used for temporary occupancy in the county, including on a residentially zoned parcel.
Temporary occupancy is limited to 240 days per year within Barnes County.
More than two campers per lot is prohibited.
Requests for additional campers for storage or use require a conditional use permit.
A conditional use permit must first be obtained before bringing any campers onto a residentially zoned parcel.
The units must comply with all setbacks applicable to the zoning district and may not be parked on or obstruct a public right-of-way.
A recreational vehicle is considered occupied if it is used as living quarters on any calendar day.
temporary occupancy limit: 240 days per year · campers per lot: <= 2 campers (More than two campers per lot is prohibited.) · park model enclosed living space: <= 400 square feet (Applies to the Development Code definition of park model.)
“Recreational vehicles, motor homes, travel trailers and park models used for temporary occupancy shall be limited to 240 days per year within the county.”
Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)
Manufactured or mobile homes placed as permanent residential structures in applicable county zoning districts.
Residential district single-family dwellings may include manufactured units placed on a permanent foundation or basement.
Agricultural district allows a mobile or modular home on a permanent foundation.
Building permits and zoning compliance remain required.
“Single family detached dwelling units including double wide and manufactured units placed on a permanent foundation or basement, but not including mobile homes.”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater systems in Barnes County.
The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality licenses installers.
A local public health unit issues the permit before work begins.
Installers must follow local codes.
The Barnes County code separately states that new septic permits and inspections remain applicable to agricultural uses and that sanitary systems in subdivisions are reviewed and approved by the County Sanitarian.
“Private septic systems may be approved by the County Sanitarian on lots of a minimum of one (1) acre.”
Septic permitRequired
On-site wastewater systems in Barnes County served by the local public health unit.
A permit must be secured from the local public health unit before work begins.
County code separately requires approved on-site sewage systems for new development and county sanitarian approval for sanitary systems.
“All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
Septic inspectionRequired
New septic systems and sanitary systems in Barnes County's county planning jurisdiction.
The Development Code's agricultural-use exception expressly retains new septic system permits and inspections.
All sanitary systems in subdivisions must be reviewed and approved by the County Sanitarian.
State and local public-health requirements also apply.
“These regulations shall not apply to the land and buildings for agricultural uses, as herein defined, except for building permits, setbacks from roads, new septic system permits and inspections, and flood plan regulations.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — New septic systems and sanitary systems in Barnes County, including agricultural uses.
“These regulations shall not apply to the land and buildings for agricultural uses, as herein defined, except for building permits, setbacks from roads, new septic system permits and inspections, and flood plan regulations.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
On-site sewage systems and private holding tanks where public sanitary sewer is unavailable or an individual-case exception is approved.
On-site sewage systems may be allowed only on individual-case review in subdivisions.
Private septic systems may be approved by the County Sanitarian on lots of at least one acre.
Private holding tanks require County Sanitarian approval and a pumping contract on file with the Zoning Administrator.
State and local public-health requirements apply.
minimum lot for private septic in subdivision: >= 1 acre
“Construction and use of privies, outhouses, and cesspools is prohibited within the county.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Prohibited — Privies, outhouses, and cesspools serving new development in the county's unincorporated planning area.
“privies, outhouses, and cesspools is prohibited”
Limited — Off-grid or onsite sanitation for subdivisions governed by the county code.
“Private septic systems may be approved by the County Sanitarian on lots of a minimum of one (1) acre.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Subdivision lots and development subject to the Barnes County Development Code.
Where appropriate, water mains must provide individual service to each lot and extend to the subdivision boundary unless the Planning Commission finds extension impractical.
All subdivisions must be provided with sanitary sewers to each lot, but on-site sewage systems may be allowed on individual case review.
Private septic systems may be approved on lots of at least one acre.
Private holding tanks require County Sanitarian approval and a pumping contract on file with the Zoning Administrator.
minimum lot size for private septic approval: >= 1 acre
“On an individual case review, on-site sewage systems may be allowed.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Conditional — Subdivision utility service and sanitary systems in Barnes County.
“All subdivisions shall be provided with sanitary sewers to each lot. On an individual case review, on-site sewage systems may be allowed.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Farm-use structures subject to the Barnes County building-permit provisions.
The exemption is from building permit fees, not from the building-permit requirement itself.
The code separately states that all farm structures, including grain bins and hopper bins, require a permit when over 150 square feet.
“Farm use structures are exempt from building permit fees.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Conditional — Land and buildings used for agriculture as defined by the Barnes County Development Code.
“These regulations shall not apply to the land and buildings for agricultural uses, as herein defined, except for building permits, setbacks from roads, new septic system permits and inspections, and flood plan regulations.”
Conditional — Agricultural land and buildings as defined by the Barnes County Development Code.
“These regulations shall not apply to the land and buildings for agricultural uses, as herein defined, except for building permits, setbacks from roads, new septic system permits and inspections, and flood plan regulations.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision of land in Barnes County's unincorporated planning area.
Preliminary plats are submitted to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation to the County Commission.
The preliminary plat must cover the entire contiguous area owned or controlled when less than 40 acres.
Preliminary plats require specified contents, surveyor preparation, county-highway approval of roads and approaches, and filing timing.
Valley City's extraterritorial zoning district follows Valley City's comprehensive plan and building permits are issued by Valley City there.
minimum preliminary subdivision area: >= 5 acres · preliminary-plat filing lead time: >= 10 days (Before the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting.)
“The Planning Commission shall review the preliminary plat and recommend to the County Commission for approval, approval with conditions or denial of the preliminary plat.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Structures or buildings constructed in a Barnes County floodplain.
Floodplain construction is subject to the Barnes County Floodplain Ordinance.
The Zoning Administrator may require additional documentation with the building-permit application.
Agricultural land and buildings remain subject to floodplain regulations despite the agricultural exemption.
“A structure or building constructed in the floodplain shall be subject to the Barnes County Floodplain Ordinance and the Zoning Administrator may require additional documentation to be submitted with the application for a building permit”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Structures and buildings constructed in Barnes County floodplain areas.
“A structure or building constructed in the floodplain shall be subject to the Barnes County Floodplain Ordinance and the Zoning Administrator may require additional documentation to be submitted with the application for a building permit”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Barnes County building permit applications in the county's unincorporated planning and zoning area.
Farm-use structures are listed as no charge, but a permit is required.
Structures up to 150 square feet are listed as requiring no permit.
Structures over 150 square feet but less than $5,000 in value are charged $25.
Structures valued from $5,000 through $25,000 are charged $50.
Residential and recreational structures over $25,000 are charged $50 plus $1 for each additional $1,000 of value.
All other structures over $25,000 are charged $50 plus $2 for each additional $1,000 of value.
The form is marked REV 05/2020; this is a revision stamp, not an effective date.
farm-use building permit fee: 0 USD (Permit is required.) · structure size threshold: <= 150 square feet (No permit required according to the application.) · building permit fee: 25 USD (Structures over 150 square feet but less than $5,000 in value.) · building permit fee: 50 USD (Structures valued from $5,000 through $25,000.) · residential or recreational structure fee: 50 plus 1 for each additional 1,000 of value USD (Structures over $25,000.) · other structure fee: 50 plus 2 for each additional 1,000 of value USD (Structures over $25,000.)
“Structures over 150 sq ft but less than $5000.00 in value - $25.00 Structures $5,000.00 - $25,000.00 - $50.00”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Variable (with conditions) — Building permits, conditional-use permits, and zoning-ordinance amendments administered under the Barnes County Development Code.
“The Zoning Administrator shall charge and collect a fee according to the resolution of fees and schedules established by the County.”
Published (with conditions) — County zoning, conditional-use, amendment, variance, subdivision, and building-permit applications.
“COST: $100 – 10 lots or less, $250 – 11 lots or more plus advertising expense.”
Variable (with conditions) — County-administered building permits, conditional use permits, zoning ordinance amendments, and variance applications in Barnes County's unincorporated planning and zoning area.
“The Zoning Administrator shall charge and collect a fee according to the resolution of fees and schedules established by the County.”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County building, zoning, conditional-use, variance, and subdivision permit processes.
Building permit applications must identify building type, materials, occupied portions of the lot, accessory buildings, and building cost.
Property corners or lines must be located before new construction.
Conditional-use and site-approval permits require Planning Commission and County Commission approval.
Variance and plat procedures are specified in Sections 11-13.
The county planning page provides the Building Permit Application, Building Inspection Checklist, Forms Checklist, and Unified Development Application.
“The application shall specify the type of the building, structure, material of which it is composed, the part or portion of the lot to be occupied by the principal building and accessory buildings and the building cost.”
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.”
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”
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Local city zoning regulations governing building height and number of stories.
The actual height or story limit is established by the applicable local zoning regulation.
The authority is permissive and applies to city zoning regulations.
A local board of adjustment may 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.”
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.”
Driveway accessLimited
Driveway and other access connections involving the North Dakota State Highway System, including controlled-access facilities and driveways within state highway right-of-way.
The North Dakota statute applies specifically to controlled-access facilities; access is available only at designated points and on terms and conditions specified from time to time.
NDDOT maintains access control on the State Highway System, and proposed changes to access require contact with the District Engineer for coordination.
For a driveway on state highway right-of-way, the NDDOT driveway permit must be granted before the permitted work proceeds; failure to construct the drive approach as permitted may result in cancellation and removal or correction at the landowner's expense.
A driveway is not complete until checked and approved by NDDOT; surfacing may be omitted on field entrances if specified in the application.
The driveway may be used only to provide entrance to and exit from the landowner's property.
A driveway or improvement on the highway right-of-way may not be altered or relocated without permission of the NDDOT District Engineer.
NDDOT supervises the location, construction, and maintenance of driveways and may direct future removal, relocation, or maintenance; NDDOT may diminish or expand use as required for highway-traffic safety.
“No driveway, or improvement constructed on the highway right-of-way shall be altered or relocated without permission of the District Engineer of NDDOT.”
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 Barnes 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.
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 Barnes 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 Barnes County, North Dakota
Is Barnes County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Barnes County scores 43/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 591 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (21.7″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Barnes County, North Dakota?
Barnes County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (ND DEQ). 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 Barnes County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Barnes County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicles, motor homes, travel trailers, and park models used for temporary occupancy. Temporary occupancy is limited to 240 days per year. More than two campers per lot is prohibited. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Barnes County, North Dakota?
Land in Barnes County runs about $2,861 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Barnes County?
Barnes County gets about 21.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.7% of years.
How remote is Barnes County?
A representative private-land location has about 591 people within a 30-minute drive and 384,452 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
