Building permits, zoning and land rules in Bottineau County, North Dakota
58Index Score / 100 #5 of 53 in North Dakota
Bottineau County, North Dakota administers building permits and county zoning, but the published building-permit materials do not identify every project that requires one.12 Inside an incorporated municipality, confirm building permits and zoning with that municipality; First District Health Unit still handles septic permits unless the municipality has an equivalent or stricter onsite-sewage ordinance.34
At a glance
Building permit
County application published; ask the Zoning Administrator which work requires one1
Zoning
Countywide ordinance with district-specific lot and setback standards25
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Do you need a building permit in Bottineau County, North Dakota?
Bottineau County administers building permits for residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and other structures, but the published materials do not identify every project that legally requires a building permit.1 The building-permit application requires a sketch and building plans showing proposed structures and their distances from lot lines or the road centerline.11 Building-permit application fees are $100 for agricultural or residential work and $150 for commercial work.6
Ask the Bottineau County Tax Director & Zoning Administrator whether the proposed work requires a building permit and what review follows.12 The building-permit form authorizes county assessors to inspect for up to two years until the structure is considered complete, but we could not confirm a separate county building-code inspection program.13 North Dakota requires a county that elects to administer and enforce a building code to use the State Building Code, subject to local amendments, but we could not confirm that Bottineau County made that election.14
Who issues building permits in Bottineau County, and how do you reach them?
The Bottineau County Tax Director & Zoning Administrator administers county building permits, rezoning applications, variance applications and the county zoning ordinance.12 The office is at 314 5th St. West, Suite 10A (Second Floor), Bottineau, ND 58318, and its phone number is (701)228-2901.12
A completed building-permit application and fee go to the Bottineau County Zoning Administrator, and the county allows email submission and online fee payment.11 Include the required site sketch and building plans rather than sending only a project description.11 For land inside an incorporated municipality, ask that municipality which building permits and zoning approvals it issues; First District Health Unit remains the septic-permit contact unless an equivalent or stricter municipal onsite-sewage ordinance applies.34
Does Bottineau County have zoning?
Bottineau County has a county zoning ordinance administered by the county Zoning Administrator.152 The published zoning districts are Agricultural, Rural Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Rural Recreational.5 Incorporated municipalities may apply their own zoning ordinances, so confirm zoning with the municipality for land inside city limits; septic permits remain with First District Health Unit unless an equivalent or stricter municipal onsite-sewage ordinance applies.34
Agricultural residential development requires at least 3 acres, while Rural Residential and Commercial lots require at least 5,000 square feet with common sewer or at least 1 acre with an onsite user-owned drainage field.2 Agricultural structures use a 100-foot setback from section lines and road centerlines.2 Rural Residential yards are 20 feet from lot lines or 100 feet from the road centerline, with a 50-foot shoreline setback.2
How do septic permits work in Bottineau County?
First District Health Unit requires a septic permit before installation or repair of any part of an onsite sewage treatment system in Bottineau County.3 A septic permit is required before an individual system is installed, altered, repaired or extended.7 An equivalent or stricter municipal ordinance controls inside a municipality that has adopted one.4
After application review, First District Health Unit conducts a site evaluation, takes soil samples and determines the system location and design.16 A final septic inspection must occur before the new system is backfilled or covered.17 Only 15.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so arrange the site evaluation early.18 A privy pit must be watertight and hold at least 1,000 gallons, so off-grid sanitation is regulated rather than automatically exempt from septic rules.19
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Bottineau County?
We could not confirm a Bottineau County rule allowing long-term RV residence, private-land camping or tiny-home occupancy. Bottineau County zoning and district standards mean an RV or tiny home should not be treated as automatically allowed on every rural parcel.25
Ask the Bottineau County Zoning Administrator whether the intended use is allowed in the parcel’s zoning district and whether placement, duration or principal-dwelling conditions apply.12 We also could not confirm a minimum dwelling floor area or accessory-dwelling rule. North Dakota may exempt a person doing general-contractor work on that person’s own property from contractor licensing, but that exemption does not waive Bottineau County building permits, zoning rules, state construction laws or required specialty licenses and permits.9 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.20
Building a home in Bottineau County: what are the steps?
Ask the Bottineau County Zoning Administrator to confirm the parcel’s zoning district, allowed residential use, lot size, setbacks and required building-permit application.2
Prepare a site sketch and building plans that locate every proposed structure relative to lot lines and the road centerline.11
Submit the building-permit application and applicable fee; the published agricultural or residential fee is $100.6
Apply to First District Health Unit for the septic permit before septic work, then leave the system uncovered until the final septic inspection.317
For a private well, determine expected withdrawals; a state water permit is required above 12.5 acre-feet per year, while lower domestic and similar uses must be reported.21
Ask the County Highway Department whether a proposed county-road approach requires its published Approach Permit, because applicability was not confirmed.22
What should you check before buying land in Bottineau County?
Start with zoning, sanitation and access rather than relying on a rural address alone. Confirm the zoning district and buildable envelope with the Zoning Administrator because lot minimums and setbacks vary by district and sewer arrangement.2 Ask First District Health Unit for septic feasibility early because only 15.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field.18
Verify legal and physical access, and ask the County Highway Department whether a new county-road approach needs its published Approach Permit.22 Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a floodplain development permit before work in participating communities, but Bottineau County’s participation status and local administrator could not be confirmed; ask the Zoning Administrator who handles parcel-specific floodplain review.2312 A private well drawing more than 12.5 acre-feet per year requires a state water permit.24
Watch-outs
Bottineau County publishes building-permit applications and fees, but not every building-permit trigger; ask the Zoning Administrator whether your work requires one.112
Do not cover a new septic system before First District Health Unit completes the required final septic inspection.17
A public sewer available within 200 feet of the property line prevents issuance of an individual onsite-system permit.7
Bottineau County’s private-land RV and tiny-home rules could not be confirmed; ask the Zoning Administrator before purchase or placement.12
Written October 7, 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.
Bottineau County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Bottineau County scores
Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency22100% ev.
Admin Boringness8090% ev.
Durability46100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8096% ev.
Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$213kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$2,086Land / acre
17.9"Annual rain
12.1% of yrsSevere drought
2.7 / yr (+2.5)Mid-century 100°F days
18.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.25" (+2.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.57×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,910Home insurance / yr
1.4% / yrInsurance growth
0.56%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
150People within 30 min
110,186People within 2 hr
2,657Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.8People / sq mi
20.5%Federal land
95.5%Land at 15% slope or less
15.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Bottineau 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.
Amity Township · Antler · Antler Township · Bentinck Township · Blaine Township · Bottineau · Brander Township · Chatfield Township · Cordelia Township · Cut Bank Township · Dalen Township · Eidsvold Township · Elms Township · Elysian Township · Gardena · Haram Township · Hastings Township · Hoffman Township · Homen Township · Kane Township · Kramer · Landa · Lansford · Lansford Township · Lewis Township · Lordsburg Township · Maxbass · Mount Rose Township · Newborg Township · Newburg · Oak Creek Township · Oak Valley Township · Ostby Township · Overly · Peabody Township · Pickering Township · Renville Township · Richburg Township · Roland Township · Scandia Township · Scotia Township · Sergius Township · Sherman Township · Souris · Starbuck Township · Stone Creek Township · Tacoma Township · Wayne Township · Wellington Township · Westhope · Wheaton Township · Whitteron Township · Willow City · Willow Vale Township
Answers from the rulebook for Bottineau County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Bottineau County rules
Building permitLimited
County zoning-board permit applications for proposed residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, and other structures in Bottineau County.
The official application requires a sketch and building plans showing all proposed structures and their locations, including distances from lot lines or road centerlines.
The application requires return of the completed application and fees to the Bottineau County Zoning Administrator; email submission and online fee payment are also stated as options.
The application states a $100 agricultural/residential permit application fee and a $150 commercial permit application fee.
The application form is marked Revised 07/25/2024; that revision date is not treated as an effective date.
The official sources establish a county permit application program, but do not expressly establish that a permit is required for every construction project or identify all exemptions.
“A sketch AND building plans showing all proposed structures and their location on the lot must be attached.”
InspectionsLimited
County assessor inspection connected to a county building permit application.
The application authorizes assessor inspection for up to two years until the structure is considered complete.
This source does not establish a separate building-code inspection program.
inspection authorization period: 2 years (until the structure is considered complete)
“Your signature also gives the Bottineau County assessor(s) permission to inspect property for up to 2 years until the structure is considered complete.”
County-wide zoningPresent
County zoning ordinance and zoning administration in Bottineau County.
The county page states that the ordinance regulates orderly development of lands within the county.
Municipal ordinances may separately apply within incorporated municipalities.
“The Bottineau County Zoning Ordinance was established to promote the health, safety, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare of Bottineau County and the orderly development of lands within the county.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present — County zoning ordinance and zoning administration in Bottineau County.
“The Bottineau County Zoning Ordinance was established to promote the health, safety, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare of Bottineau County and the orderly development of lands within the county.”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land development within Bottineau County under the Bottineau County Zoning Ordinance, including the agricultural, rural residential, commercial, industrial, and rural recreational district standards published by the county.
The county page states that the zoning administrator administers the county zoning ordinance, building permits, rezoning applications, and variance applications.
The county zoning handout states district-specific dimensional standards and setbacks, including agricultural residential development of not less than 3 acres, rural residential and commercial minimum lot sizes tied to sewer service, and rural recreational lot-area and setback standards.
agricultural residential development minimum lot area: >= 3 acres · agricultural non-farm dwellings: <= 3 per 10 acres · agricultural building and structure setback: 100 feet (from section lines and the centerline of federal, state, county, and township roads) · rural residential minimum lot area with common sewer collection: >= 5000 square feet · rural residential minimum lot area with on-site user-owned drainage field: >= 1 acre · rural residential front, side, and rear setback: 20 feet (from lot line or 100 feet from road centerline) · rural residential shoreline setback: 50 feet (from any shoreline)
“The Bottineau County Zoning Ordinance was established to promote the health, safety, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare of Bottineau County and the orderly development of lands within the county.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present — Bottineau County local zoning administered under the county zoning ordinance.
“The Bottineau County Zoning Administrator is responsible for the administration of building permits, rezoning applications, variance applications, and other regulations of the Bottineau County Zoning Ordinance.”
Zoning districtsPublished
County zoning districts and dimensional standards identified in the official county setbacks handout.
The handout identifies Agricultural, Rural Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and Rural Recreational Districts.
Lot-size standards in Bottineau County zoning districts.
Agricultural residential development requires at least 3 acres.
Rural Residential and Commercial districts require at least 5,000 square feet when served by a common sewer collection system, or at least 1 acre when drained into an onsite user-owned drainage field.
Rural Recreational requires 15,000 square feet, minimum lot width 100 feet, and minimum depth 150 feet.
The source states Industrial District dimensional standards are none.
agricultural residential lot size: >= 3 acres · rural residential/commercial lot size with common sewer: >= 5000 square feet · rural residential/commercial lot size with onsite drainage field: >= 1 acre · rural recreational lot size: >= 15000 square feet · rural recreational lot width: >= 100 feet · rural recreational lot depth: >= 150 feet
“Agricultural District: Residential development-not less than 3 acres”
SetbacksSpecified
County zoning districts identified in the Bottineau County setbacks handout.
Agricultural: 100 feet from section lines and the centerlines of federal, state, county, and township roads.
Rural Residential: front, side, and rear yard 20 feet from lot line or 100 feet from road centerline; shoreline 50 feet.
Commercial: no setbacks except at least 100 feet from road centerline.
Industrial: no setbacks except at least 100 feet from road centerline.
Rural Recreational: 45 feet from a two-way traffic roadway centerline or 33 feet from a one-way traffic roadway centerline; 20 feet from property line; 50 feet from shoreline.
agricultural road/section-line setback: 100 feet (Federal, state, county, and township roads.) · rural residential yard setback: 20 feet (From lot line, or 100 feet from road centerline.) · rural residential shoreline setback: 50 feet · commercial road-centerline setback: 100 feet (No other setbacks stated.) · industrial road-centerline setback: 100 feet (No other setbacks stated.) · rural recreational two-way-road setback: 45 feet · rural recreational one-way-road setback: 33 feet · rural recreational property-line setback: 20 feet · rural recreational shoreline setback: 50 feet
“Front, side & rear yard-20' from lot line or 100' from centerline of road Shoreline-50' from any shoreline”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Building and structure setbacks in Bottineau County zoning districts.
“Building and structure setbacks- 100' from section lines and centerline of fed, state, county and township roads.”
Who permits septicLocal
Onsite sewage treatment systems in Bottineau County administered by First District Health Unit as adopting authority, subject to equivalent or more restrictive municipal ordinances.
The FDHU resolution applies in Bottineau County and six other counties.
Equivalent or more restrictive municipal ordinances displace the FDHU requirements within that municipality.
North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-35 is cited as authority.
“First District Health Unit (FDHU) requires a permit for the installation and/or repair of any part of an onsite sewage treatment system in Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan, or Ward Counties.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Local — Onsite sewage treatment systems in Bottineau County administered by First District Health Unit.
“First District Health Unit (FDHU) requires a permit for the installation and/or repair of any part of an onsite sewage treatment system in Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan, or Ward Counties.”
Septic permitRequired
Installation, repair, alteration, or extension of onsite sewage treatment systems in Bottineau County.
A permit must be obtained before work begins.
A septic permit is required when constructing a building that will produce sewage or wastewater and no existing community septic system is available.
A public sewer within 200 feet of the property line prevents issuance of an individual OSTS permit.
Permits are valid for 12 months from issuance under the FDHU regulations.
Fees are set by the adopting authority.
public sewer distance exception: <= 200 feet (The adopting authority shall refuse an individual OSTS permit where a public sewer is available within 200 feet of the property line.) · permit validity: 12 months (If construction is not started within 12 months, a current application may be required.)
“No entity shall install, alter, repair, or extend any individual OSTS without first obtaining a permit from the adopting authority.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Newly constructed onsite sewage treatment systems in Bottineau County.
No soil treatment area may be covered until inspected unless prior approval is granted.
The owner or occupant must provide reasonable access.
A system may not be placed in service until defects are corrected.
FDHU states that final inspection and approval are required before backfilling or covering.
“A final inspection must be scheduled prior to backfilling or covering the new system. Either the property owner or contractor must contact First District to schedule the inspection. Without final inspection and approval, the septic system will be considered unapproved and illegal.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — New onsite sewage treatment systems in Bottineau County.
“A final inspection must be scheduled prior to backfilling or covering the new system. Either the property owner or contractor must contact First District to schedule the inspection. Without final inspection and approval, the septic system will be considered unapproved and illegal.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Privies and other non-sewer sanitation systems in Bottineau County.
Privy pits must be watertight and have minimum capacity of 1,000 gallons.
The privy building must meet screening, vermin-control, self-closing-door, ventilation, and covered-seat requirements.
The owner must maintain a sewage-waste disposal and treatment contract with a septic-system servicer.
Individual OSTS permitting is unavailable where a public sewer is available within 200 feet of the property line.
privy pit minimum capacity: >= 1000 gallons · public sewer distance: <= 200 feet (Individual OSTS permit must be refused when public sewer is available within this distance.)
“A privy pit shall be constructed by providing a watertight structure in the pit. The watertight structure shall provide a minimum capacity of 1000 gallons.”
Permit feesPublished
Published Bottineau County zoning/building permit application fees.
Conditional use, rezoning, and variance fees are listed in the commercial application.
The residential/agricultural and commercial amounts appear on the county permit materials revised July 25, 2024; the agricultural application is revised February 19, 2025.
Bottineau County zoning/building permit application process.
Applications are returned to the Bottineau County Zoning Administrator at 314 West Fifth Street, Suite 10A, Bottineau, North Dakota 58318.
The applicant must attach a sketch and building plans showing proposed structures and distances to lot lines or road centerline.
The application may be emailed and fees may be paid online.
The application states that the applicant's signature gives county assessors permission to inspect the property for up to two years until the structure is considered complete.
“A sketch AND building plans showing all proposed structures and their location on the lot must be attached.”
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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Conditional — North Dakota’s discretionary property-tax exemption for qualifying new single-family residential property, including a property built by an individual for that individual’s own residence; for Bottineau County, the county governing body has jurisdiction outside incorporated cities.
“The city or county governing body must pass a resolution indicating that the exemption will be allowed for the property located within its jurisdiction. Each city has jurisdiction over property within that city and the county has jurisdiction over all property not located within an incorporated city. [...] “Builder” includes an individual who builds that individual’s own residence.”
Conditional — A person performing general contractor's work on that person's own property, including property in Bottineau County.
“A person performing general contractor's work on that person's own property, even if exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter”
Building code adoptedPartial
North Dakota's state building code and its adoption and enforcement by cities, townships, and counties statewide; state and local government buildings and schools are also addressed by the administrative code.
The state building code is administered and updated by North Dakota Commerce, but enforcement is the responsibility of jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.
A city, county, or township that elects to adopt and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.
Cities, townships, and counties may amend the State Building Code to conform to local needs.
Fully chartered home rule cities may adopt something other than the State Building Code; the official Commerce page states that, at present, all jurisdictions enforcing a building code have adopted the same individual codes comprising the State Building Code.
The State Building Code consists of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Fuel Gas Code; Commerce also states that the 2024 updates and proposed amendments were adopted on September 11, 2025 and that the new State Building Code went into effect January 1, 2026.
The state statute separately exempts buildings that are neither heated nor cooled, certain low-energy-use buildings, qualifying restored or reconstructed historic buildings, and agricultural buildings unless used for human habitation or by the public.
The administrative code states that its chapter applies to cities, townships, and counties that elect to adopt and enforce building codes within their jurisdictional boundaries, and to all state and local government buildings and public and private schools.
new state building code effective date: 2026-01-01 · state code components: IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC
“If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — North Dakota State Building Code and its applicability to county jurisdictions, including Bottineau County if the county elects to adopt and enforce building codes.
“If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code. However, a jurisdiction is permitted to further amend the State Building Code to conform to local needs. [...] The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
Adopted — North Dakota State Building Code as the code that a city, county, or township must adopt and enforce if it elects to administer and enforce building codes.
“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.”
Adopted (with conditions) — The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.
“adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
Adopted — The North Dakota State Building Code, including residential construction covered by the state residential code.
“The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Private water wells serving property in Bottineau County.
“If your well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,000 gallons) of water per year, it needs to be permitted by the North Dakota Department of Water Resources. A permit is not needed for wells that draw less than 12.5 acre-feet per year.”
Limited — Private wells in North Dakota, including Bottineau County.
“If your well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,000 gallons) of water per year, it needs to be permitted by the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (dwr.nd.gov | 701-328-2750). A permit is not needed for wells that draw less than 12.5 acre-feet per year.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Buildings used for agricultural purposes under North Dakota's state building code chapter.
Agricultural purposes include agriculture, farming, ranching, dairying, pasturage, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry.
The exemption does not apply when the building is a place of human habitation or is for use by the public.
The exemption is from Chapter 54-21.3; other applicable state, local, zoning, floodplain, septic, or land-use requirements may still apply.
Buildings subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act must conform to the 2010 ADA standards notwithstanding the chapter exemption.
“Any building used for agricultural purposes, unless a place of human habitation or for use by the public, is exempt from this chapter.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Available — Land and buildings used for farming, and the normal incidents of farming, when regulated under a county subdivision resolution adopted under N.D.C.C. chapter 11-33.2.
“Additionally, no resolution, regulation, or restriction adopted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall prohibit or prevent the use of land or buildings for farming or any of the normal incidents of farming.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision of land in North Dakota counties that adopt and enforce subdivision regulations under N.D.C.C. chapter 11-33.2; the statute does not apply to subdivisions within city corporate limits or areas of extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
A county board of commissioners is empowered, but not required, to regulate subdivision.
A county subdivision resolution may provide for plat submission and preliminary and final approval.
A county may require public improvements and surety or other security as a condition of final plat approval.
A county may approve plats as a prerequisite to subdivision and may establish and collect reasonable fees credited to the county general fund.
If plat approval is required, final approval or disapproval requires recommendations from both the county planning commission and the township supervisors, although those recommendations are not binding; if township supervisors do not respond within sixty days after notification, the county may take final action.
Subdivision rules may not prohibit or prevent farming or the normal incidents of farming.
The statute separately requires floodplain and water-feature information on plats where applicable.
township recommendation response period: 60 days (If the county does not receive the township supervisors' recommendation by certified mail within sixty days after notification, it may take final action.) · plat approval fee: reasonable fees text (The statute authorizes fees but does not set a statewide amount.)
“For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in North Dakota, subject to county adoption and administration of subdivision regulations; the statute excludes subdivisions within city corporate limits and areas subject to a city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
“For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
Regulated (with conditions) — North Dakota's statewide statutory framework authorizing county regulation of land subdivision; actual regulation depends on county action and does not apply within city corporate limits or applicable extraterritorial zoning areas.
“the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
Regulated (with conditions) — County subdivision regulation authority throughout North Dakota, subject to exclusions for city corporate limits and applicable city extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
“the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
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.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development in Special Flood Hazard Areas within NFIP-participating North Dakota communities, potentially including Bottineau County if the relevant community participates.
A local Floodplain Administrator issues the permit.
The permit must be obtained before beginning work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
The floodplain development permit should be the last permit issued for the project.
The Department of Water Resources must review development within the regulatory floodway before permit issuance.
Structures substantially damaged or improved by more than 50 percent must fully comply with applicable floodplain regulations.
Bottineau County-specific NFIP community status was not established in the reviewed source.
substantial improvement or damage threshold: > 50 percent (Structures substantially damaged or improved by more than 50 percent must fully comply.)
“A floodplain development permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before beginning any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Construction or modification of North Dakota water-control structures regulated by the Department of Water Resources.
“A construction permit is required from the DWR if a water control structure is constructed or modified”
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 Bottineau 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.
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
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 — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements for county-regulated structures.
Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer connection requirements for development in Bottineau 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 Bottineau County, North Dakota
Is Bottineau County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Bottineau County scores 58/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 150 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: thin water margin (17.9″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Bottineau County, North Dakota?
Bottineau County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by First 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.
How much does land cost in Bottineau County, North Dakota?
Land in Bottineau County runs about $2,086 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Bottineau County?
Bottineau County gets about 17.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 12.1% of years.
How remote is Bottineau County?
A representative private-land location has about 150 people within a 30-minute drive and 110,186 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.
