Building permits, zoning and land rules in Burleigh County, North Dakota
52Index Score / 100 #18 of 53 in North Dakota
Where Burleigh County zoning applies, unincorporated Burleigh County, North Dakota requires a county building permit before most residential, commercial or industrial structures are built, altered or moved.1 County zoning approval covers only specified townships, so first identify who zones the parcel.23 Septic permits are shared: the local public health unit issues the permit, and the county also approves and inspects septic work in its zoned area.45
At a glance
Building permit
Required for most construction in county-zoned unincorporated areas1
Zoning
County zoning covers listed townships; a published map shows the districts26
Minimum dwelling size
900 square feet of main-floor living space under the county ordinance7
Septic
Local public-health permit required; county approval also applies where county zoning governs45
Inspections
Foundation, framing, insulation, final and applicable septic inspections are required8
Accessory dwelling
Conditional by special-use permit in Rural Residential and Agricultural districts9
Farm building exemption
Conditional for usual-purpose farm structures on at least 10 acres10
RV / tiny home living
No general private-land rule confirmed; flood-hazard areas impose an RV time limit11
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Do you need a building permit in Burleigh County, North Dakota?
The county-zoned portions of unincorporated Burleigh County require a permit before a residential, commercial or industrial structure is built, altered or moved1. Routine maintenance or repair that does not alter structural strength, the plan or mechanical installations does not require that permit1. Burleigh County has adopted the North Dakota State Building Code within its zoning jurisdiction, with state law controlling a conflict and county zoning rules controlling a conflict with the adopted building-code article12. A building used for usual farming purposes on a farm of at least 10 acres may qualify for the agricultural permit exemption, but the exemption does not apply to non-farmers10. The county's published fee schedule lists $300 for a special-use application, $300 for a variance application and $200 for a stormwater plan review and permit; ask the Building/Planning/Zoning Department for the building permit fee itself.13 A new building cannot be occupied until the Building Official issues a Certificate of Occupancy after final inspection, and temporary certificates are not issued.14
Who is the Burleigh County building department and how do you reach them?
The Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning Department administers county building permits and publishes separate applications for residential building, septic, plumbing, manufactured-home, commercial-building and floodplain work15. Reach the department at 221 N 5th St in Bismarck, ND 58501, by phone at (701) 221-3727, or by email at burleighcobuilding@nd.gov16. Applicants can use the Permit and Inspection Portal to apply, search permit data, upload documents, schedule inspections and review inspection reports15. Paper applications may also be delivered in person or sent by mail, fax or email15. An online permit is normally reviewed and issued within 24 to 48 hours, but online payment is not accepted17. The county office is the right starting point only where Burleigh County has jurisdiction; incorporated cities and townships retaining zoning authority may administer their own rules18.
Does Burleigh County have zoning?
Burleigh County zoning is present throughout unincorporated land in Burnt Creek, Glenview, Menoken, Crofte, Hay Creek, Phoenix, Fort Rice, Riverview, Lyman, Gibbs, Florence Lake and Canfield townships, but the county ordinance does not cover every unincorporated township23. The county publishes a zoning map, and lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and height vary by district and use619202122. In the R3 Residential District, a permitted structure and its accessory buildings need a lot of at least 20,000 square feet23. The county ordinance requires a single-family dwelling to have at least 900 square feet of main-floor living space, including a qualifying manufactured home7. An accessory dwelling is conditional on a special-use permit in the Rural Residential and Agricultural districts and must meet owner-occupancy, parking, utility, septic and building-code requirements9.
How do septic permits work in Burleigh County?
A new septic system or repair in Burleigh County requires a drainfield application, and a soils report is required when one was not filed before August 200724. Septic authority is shared: before work begins, the installer must secure a permit from the applicable local public health unit and hold a North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality installer license4. In the county-zoned area, covered septic and drainfield work also requires county approval and inspection; ordinary plumbing repairs are excluded5. The county inspects drainfield location, tank size and materials and checks engineered systems against their design before covering25. About 57% of Burleigh County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, but that countywide figure does not replace parcel-specific soils documentation2624. Ask the Building/Planning/Zoning Department which local public health unit serves the parcel and whether both approvals apply45.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Burleigh County?
We could not confirm a general Burleigh County rule allowing long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land. In a Special Flood Hazard Area, an RV must remain on site for less than 180 consecutive days and be fully licensed and highway ready11. We also could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule. A house under the county ordinance must provide at least 900 square feet of main-floor living space, so many tiny-home designs will not qualify7. Manufactured homes without permanent foundations are permitted in the R5 Mobile Home Park Residential District when located in a mobile or manufactured-home park; other manufactured homes remain subject to their district and building-code requirements27. An accessory dwelling must connect to public utilities when available or demonstrate adequate onsite septic capacity28. Ask the authority for the parcel before buying or placing any of these homes because county zoning covers only specified townships3.
Building a home in Burleigh County: the steps, in order
Identify whether Burleigh County, a township or a city controls the parcel, then confirm its district, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and height rules3619202122.
If the land is being divided outside a city or its extraterritorial area, complete the county subdivision process before treating the proposed tract as buildable29.
Check the effective flood map and use the county's floodplain application when developing or building in a designated floodplain30.
Obtain the County Engineer's road-approach approval before a county residential building permit can issue31.
Submit the correct application and documents through the county portal or an accepted paper method, then confirm and pay the project-based fee1513.
Secure the local public-health septic permit, county approval where applicable, soils documentation and a state-licensed installer before septic work begins4524.
Request the final inspection when the whole project is complete, then obtain the Certificate of Occupancy before anyone lives in the home; the county does not issue temporary certificates814.
What should you check before buying land in Burleigh County, North Dakota?
Confirm the zoning authority and district before assuming a rural parcel follows county rules36. Verify that the tract was legally created, because Burleigh County regulates subdivision outside incorporated cities and their extraterritorial areas29. Use the county floodplain application if the parcel is in a designated floodplain or Special Flood Hazard Area30. Confirm a buildable driveway location early because the County Engineer's approach approval is a condition of a county residential building permit31. A state water-appropriation permit is required for any industrial use, irrigation of at least 5 acres, or specified uses exceeding 12.5 acre-feet per year; smaller qualifying uses still must be reported32. About 57% of county soils are rated without severe limits for conventional drain fields, but a parcel may still need a soils report2624. Burleigh County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, and the median annual tax bill is about $2,7643334.
Watch-outs
County zoning does not cover every parcel in Burleigh County; incorporated cities and townships with separate authority may apply different rules3.
A farm-use building exemption is conditional, not a blanket rural exemption: the farm must contain at least 10 acres, the structure must serve usual farming purposes, and non-farmers still need permits10.
We could not confirm a general owner-builder exemption, long-term private-land RV rule or off-grid sanitation allowance; ask the zoning and septic authorities for the parcel before committing to those plans35336.
Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Burleigh County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Burleigh County scores
Seclusion76100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency23100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability51100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost74100% 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 →
$374kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$1,991Land / acre
18.5"Annual rain
8.4% of yrsSevere drought
5.7 / yr (+4.9)Mid-century 100°F days
20.4 daysMid-century dry spell
1.34" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.54×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,287Home insurance / yr
1.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.78%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,334People within 30 min
261,216People within 2 hr
4,331Radius comparison (15 mi)
61.3People / sq mi
26.5%Federal land
95%Land at 15% slope or less
56.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Burleigh 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: Apple Creek Township · Bismarck · Boyd Township · Canfield Township · Christiania Township · Clear Lake Township · Crofte Township · Cromwell Township · Driscoll Township · Ecklund Township · Estherville Township · Francis Township · Ghylin Township · Gibbs Township · Glenview Township · Grass Lake Township · Harriet-Lein Township · Hay Creek Township · Hazel Grove Township · Logan Township · Long Lake Township · McKenzie Township · Menoken Township · Missouri Township · Morton Township · Naughton Township · Painted Woods Township · Regan · Richmond Township · Rock Hill Township · Schrunk-Steiber Township · Sibley Butte Township · Sterling Township · Taft Township · Telfer Township · Thelma Township · Trygg Township · Wild Rose Township · Wilson Township · Wing · Wing Township
Answers from the rulebook for Burleigh County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Burleigh County rules
Building permitRequired
Residential, commercial, and industrial structures and accessories in the zoned unincorporated part of Burleigh County.
No permit is required for maintenance or repair of existing residences, commercial structures, or accessory structures if the work does not alter structural strength, plan, or mechanical installations; the work must still comply with the regulation.
A separate farm exemption applies to qualifying farm structures on farms of at least ten acres.
permit commencement deadline: 6 months after issuance (Permit is cancelled unless the Board of County Commissioners grants an extension.)
“No structure of any kind used for residential, commercial or industrial purposes, including accessories thereto, shall hereafter be built, altered, or moved within the zoned area of the unincorporated part of Burleigh County until a building, alteration, or moving permit has been obtained”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Buildings and structures within the jurisdictional limits of the county zoning authority.
State law controls in a conflict; county zoning regulations control where they conflict with the adopted building-code article.
“There is hereby adopted by the County of Burleigh and incorporated by reference herein the North Dakota State Building Code”
InspectionsRequired
County building projects requiring inspection in the county building-permit jurisdiction.
The county states that a final inspection is needed when the entire project is completed; no inspection is required before drywall taping and texturing.
“a final inspection is needed when the entire project is completed.”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
New buildings and structures before occupancy.
A final inspection must be completed; approval of the final inspection results in issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.
Certificates are issued for new buildings; a letter of completion may be issued for older buildings at the contractor's request.
Temporary Certificates of Occupancy are not issued.
“A new building or structure cannot be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Building Official”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Special and non-conforming uses under Articles 8 and 9.
“Certificates of Occupancy are required for special and non-conforming uses as stated in Articles 8 and 9 of this ordinance.”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Unincorporated land within the townships listed in Article 5, Section 1.
The ordinance states that Burleigh County has zoning jurisdiction only for the listed townships; parcels may be rezoned; incorporated-city and other township rules may apply elsewhere.
“Burleigh County has zoning jurisdiction for the following townships:”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Absent (with conditions) — County zoning in unincorporated Burleigh County; the county ordinance does not establish zoning jurisdiction across all unincorporated county land.
“Burleigh County has zoning jurisdiction for the following townships: Burnt Creek Glenview Menoken Crofte Hay Creek Phoenix Fort Rice Riverview Lyman Gibbs Florence Lake Canfield”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
County aggregate of county, township, and municipal zoning in Burleigh County.
The county ordinance applies to specified townships; the county zoning page separately publishes township zoning ordinances and identifies city zoning jurisdiction on the zoning map. This is an aggregate conclusion, not a claim that the county administers every local ordinance.
“Burleigh County Zoning Ordinance - Includes all amendments through January 1, 2026 [...] Apple Creek Township Zoning Ordinance [...] Cromwell Township Zoning Ordinance [...] The map includes zoning districts in Burleigh County’s zoning jurisdiction as well as zoning districts in the City of Bismarck’s zoning jurisdiction.”
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
Burleigh County's county zoning jurisdiction and the published county zoning map.
The ordinance states that the thirteen district classes apply only to portions of Burleigh County subject to the zoning provisions.
The county zoning page separately publishes township ordinances and states that the map also includes City of Bismarck zoning jurisdiction and mapped special flood hazard areas.
Three listed classes are identified in the ordinance as repealed by Ordinance 13-09.
district classes stated in ordinance: 13 classes (The list includes repealed Article 14-1, Article 17, and Article 19 classes.)
“Zoning Map Click here to view a PDF map of zoning districts in Burleigh County, ND.”
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Single-family dwellings, including qualifying manufactured homes, under the county zoning ordinance.
A qualifying manufactured home is classified as a single-family dwelling.
“a minimum main floor living space square footage of nine hundred (900) square feet”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
District-specific lots, including R1 country-home and R5 mobile-home districts.
The ordinance contains different lot standards by zoning district and soil/platted-lot circumstances.
R1 minimum lot area: >= 40000 square feet (For a qualifying lot designed with slight soil limitations at the time of platting) · R5 single-wide minimum lot area: >= 5000 square feet · R5 double-wide minimum lot area: >= 6000 square feet
“a minimum lot area of 40,000 square feet and a minimum lot width of one hundred (100) feet”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Permitted structures and accessory buildings in the county R3 Residential District.
“Each permitted structure, together with its accessory buildings, shall be located on a lot having an area not less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet in size.”
SetbacksSpecified
District-specific development under the county zoning ordinance.
Setbacks vary by zoning district and use; the cited R1 standard applies to interior subdivision streets.
R1 front yard depth: >= 40 feet (Interior subdivision streets)
“Each lot shall have a front yard not less than forty (40) feet in depth on interior subdivision streets or local roads.”
Lot coverageSpecified
District-specific development, including R5 mobile-home districts.
The ordinance provides district-specific lot-coverage standards; the opened excerpt does not establish a single countywide percentage.
“The ground area occupied by the principal and accessory buildings shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the total area of the lot.”
Building heightSpecified
Buildings and accessory structures under district-specific county zoning rules.
Height limits vary by zoning district and use.
accessory structure containing an accessory dwelling unit maximum height: <= 25 feet
“The height of any accessory structure containing an accessory dwelling unit may be up to twenty-five (25) feet.”
Living in an RVLimited
Recreational vehicles placed in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
The vehicle must be on site for less than 180 consecutive days and fully licensed and highway ready.
maximum consecutive days: < 180 days (Special Flood Hazard Area)
“must be on the site for less that 180 consecutive days; AND be fully licensed and highway ready.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured homes in the county zoning jurisdiction.
Manufactured homes are listed as permitted in the R5 Mobile Home Park Residential District when not located on a permanent foundation and located within mobile/manufactured home parks.
Other manufactured-home dwellings are subject to district standards and building-code requirements.
“Single-family mobile home dwellings or manufactured homes not located on a permanent foundation located within mobile/manufactured home parks.”
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
Accessory dwelling units in the RI Rural Residential and A Agricultural zoning districts.
A special use permit is required.
No more than one accessory dwelling unit may be permitted per lot or parcel.
The principal or accessory dwelling must be owner-occupied for more than six months of each year.
The unit may have no more than one bedroom.
Units must meet stated size, setback, parking, utility, septic, and building-code requirements.
A building plan and, for new accessory structures, a site plan are required; septic-served units require Article 24 compliance documentation.
A signed no-conversion agreement must be recorded before building and special-use permits are issued.
maximum units: 1 per lot or parcel · maximum external accessory-structure height: <= 25 feet · owner occupancy: > 6 months per year · maximum bedrooms: 1 bedroom · unit size: 300-900 square feet (Up to 1,500 square feet on lots or parcels greater than five acres.) · larger-lot maximum size: <= 1500 square feet (Lot or parcel must be greater than five acres.)
“An accessory dwelling unit to a single-family dwelling is permitted as a special use within any R1-Rural Residential, and A-Agricultural zoning district subject to all requirements of the Burleigh County Ordinances, unless otherwise stated within this section.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units in RI Rural Residential and A Agricultural zoning districts.
“An accessory dwelling unit to a single-family dwelling is permitted as a special use within any RI Rural Residential and A — Agricultural zoning district”
Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units to single-family dwellings in R1 Rural Residential and A Agricultural zoning districts.
“An accessory dwelling unit to a single-family dwelling is permitted as a special use within any RI Rural Residential and A — Agricultural zoning district”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater systems in Burleigh County.
The county/local public health authority handles the permit; North Dakota DEQ licenses installers and requires compliance with local codes.
“All installers must obtain a license from the department [...] and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
Septic permitRequired
New septic systems and repairs, including drainfield work.
A soils report is required if one was not filed before August 2007.
A drainfield permit application must be completed.
“Use this application for all new septic systems and repairs.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Septic tanks, drainfields, private sanitary drains, and related plumbing work in the county's zoned area, excluding farms and agricultural uses.
“For septic tanks and drainfields, a report from a Certified Soils Classifier or a Certified Soils Testing Agency [...] is required prior to issuance of a permit.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Permitted septic systems and drainfields.
Drainfield location, tank size, materials, and engineered-system design are inspected before the system may be covered.
“Once inspection has been completed, the septic system can be covered.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Residential zoning districts and accessory dwelling units.
R2 lots must be served by a central sanitary sewer system approved by the North Dakota State Department of Health.
Accessory dwelling units must connect to public utilities if available; where onsite septic is used, sufficient treatment capacity must be demonstrated.
“All lots shall be served by a central sanitary sewer system approved by the North Dakota State Department of Health.”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Buildings or structures on qualifying farms in the county zoning jurisdiction.
The farm must be at least ten acres and the building or structure must be used for usual farming purposes; building permits are required for non-farmers.
“A building permit shall not be required for any building or structure located on a farm of ten (10) acres or more and used for the usual farming purposes”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision of land outside city corporate limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction.
For areas not under county zoning jurisdiction, the township board reviews the subdivision and recommends action to the Board of County Commissioners.
“The following regulations apply to the subdivision of any and all land within Burleigh County that is not within the corporate limits or within the area of application of extraterritorial jurisdiction of any city.”
Driveway accessRequired
Residential building permits and subdivision approaches on county or township roads.
A residential building permit requires a road approach permit from the County Engineer.
No approach may be constructed without an approach permit.
No more than two approaches onto a county or township road in any 1,320 feet are permitted without prior approval.
approach spacing: per 1320 feet (prior approval may allow more than two approaches)
“A road approach permit has been granted by the County Engineer.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Construction, development, and land-disturbing activity within Burleigh County special flood hazard areas.
A development permit is required before construction or development begins within a special flood hazard area.
A non-structural development permit is required before land-disturbing activity begins within a special flood hazard area.
Applications may require scaled plans, elevations, structure and fill information, drainage facilities, lowest-floor elevations, floodproofing certification, and a description of altered or relocated watercourses.
The floodplain application form states it is for development in a Special Flood Hazard Area shown on the community's effective FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map.
This claim does not establish requirements outside mapped special flood hazard areas.
“A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any special flood hazard area”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Development or building in a designated floodplain or Special Flood Hazard Area.
“Use this permit if you are planning on developing or building in the floodplain.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
County zoning, subdivision, development, special-use, variance, stormwater, and resubmittal applications.
Fees are in addition to license fees or other charges required under other regulations.
special-use application fee: 300 USD · variance application fee: 300 USD · stormwater plan review and permit: 200 USD · final plat fee: 250 USD
“Storm Water Plan Review & Permit $200.00 [...] Special Use (Application Fee) $300.00 [...] Variance (Application Fee) $300.00”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County building, zoning, platting, and inspection applications.
Applications may be submitted through the online portal or in PDF form in person, by mail, fax, or email.
Online permits are generally reviewed and issued within 24 to 48 hours; missing information may delay review; online payments are not accepted.
online permit review and issuance: 24-48 hours (missing information and documentation may slow review)
“Permits created on-line are reviewed and issued within 24 to 48 hours.”
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.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid or alternative domestic sewage collection, treatment, and disposal systems in North Dakota
Domestic wastewater from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry fixtures, and other household plumbing must pass through a septic tank or higher level of treatment before discharge into soil.
If underground dispersal is not feasible, the permitting authority may review alternative collection and disposal methods; approval is not automatic.
Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a system requires a permit before work begins, subject to the regular-maintenance exception.
Wastewater may not be disposed of in a manner that creates a nuisance or causes a system to malfunction or fail.
The applicable permitting authority is a local public health unit, other political subdivision, or designee.
minimum lot size for a new system: >= 1 acre (A variance may be available under Section 33.1-21-01-15)
“Water carried from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry fixtures, and other household plumbing must pass through a septic tank or higher level of treatment prior to its discharge into the soil. If underground dispersal for treatment is not feasible, the permitting authority may review alternative methods of collection and disposal.”
Well permitLimited
Groundwater-use projects, including wells, that impound or divert water for beneficial use in Burleigh County.
The requirement is a water appropriation permit, not a general county well-placement permit.
A permit is required for any industrial water use.
A permit is required for irrigation of 5 acres or more.
A permit is required for domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet per year.
For qualifying domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and other recreational uses below 12.5 acre-feet per year, an appropriation permit is not required, but the location and capacity of constructed works must be reported to DWR.
irrigation threshold: >= 5 acres · annual domestic and specified-use threshold: > 12.5 acre-feet per year (Below this threshold, reporting is required even though an appropriation permit is not required.)
“A water appropriation permit is required for: Any industrial water use; Irrigation of 5 acres or more; or Domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational water use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Private water-supply wells statewide in North Dakota.
“Domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational water use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,137 gallons or 96,979 barrels) per year.”
Short-term rentalsLimited
Transient lodging rentals held out to the public for a charge in North Dakota.
A lodging license applies to buildings or structures held out to the public where sleeping accommodations are furnished to transient guests for a charge.
The lodging license does not apply to a single structure with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
The lodging license also does not apply to a series or group of buildings or structures containing five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
License applications must be submitted at least 30 days before beginning construction or acquiring new ownership; new construction, renovation, or remodeling also requires the Section 3 Plan Review Checklist; after payment, review may take up to 30 calendar days.
guest-room exemption threshold: <= 5 guest rooms or fewer (Only when total occupants are ten or fewer.) · occupant exemption threshold: <= 10 occupants or fewer (Only when the structure has five or fewer guest rooms.)
“The lodging license does not apply to: Single structures with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.”
Campground & park staysLimited
Campsite occupancy in North Dakota state parks.
The limit applies to campsite and cabin occupancy in state parks.
All vehicles entering a state park must have a valid daily or annual vehicle entrance permit, including overnight stays and day visits.
Campers must check in at 4:00 p.m. on the first reservation day and check out by 3:00 p.m. on the last day.
maximum campsite or cabin occupancy: <= 14 nights in any 30-day period
“Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to no more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.”
county zoning authorityGeneral
North Dakota counties adopting zoning regulations for land and buildings within the county, including unincorporated areas.
The authority is exercised by the board of county commissioners.
Regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
The authority covers the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.
County zoning regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
A county may divide all or any parts of the county into districts, and regulations must be uniform within each district but may differ between districts.
County zoning regulations must account for the statutory limitations governing farming, ranching, and animal feeding operations in section 11-33-02.1.
The board must state the grounds for approving or disapproving zoning amendments or variances, and written findings must be included in the records.
The board must establish zoning requirements for solid waste disposal and incineration facilities before July 1, 1994.
The board may impose tipping or other fees on solid waste management and incineration facilities, but may not impose a fee under this section on an energy conversion facility or coal mining operation that disposes of its waste onsite.
The board may establish institutional controls addressing environmental concerns with the department of environmental quality under section 23.1-10-16.
“For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county, subject to chapter 54-21.3, the location and the use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
General — North Dakota county boards of commissioners adopting zoning regulations, including regulation of unincorporated county land.
“the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county”
county building authorityGeneral
County authority to administer and enforce the state building code, including the residential code, and to provide for building permits for buildings or structures subject to county zoning in unincorporated areas of North Dakota.
A county that elects to administer and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the state building code; it may amend that code to conform to local needs.
A county may administer and enforce the state building code only in areas where a city or township does not administer it. A city or township may relinquish that authority to its county under N.D.C.C. § 54-40.5-03; local governments may also agree to joint administration and enforcement or contract for private enforcement.
County permit authority under N.D.C.C. § 11-33-18 applies to a building or structure otherwise subject to the County Zoning chapter.
If the county provides for permits, it must require the applicant to state whether the structure is reasonably anticipated to have a significant transportation-system impact. A structure has such impact if it will average at least twenty-five motor vehicles per day during one year with gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].
For a structure with significant transportation-system impact, the county must notify the director of the department of transportation and allow an opportunity to comment; director approval is not required.
The county may establish and collect reasonable permit fees, which must be credited to the county general fund.
A county-adopted building code may not require fire sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or a residential building containing no more than two dwelling units.
significant transportation-system impact threshold: >= 25 motor vehicles per day (Over a period of one year; vehicles must have gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].) · fire-sprinkler requirement: false (A county building code may not require sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or residential building with no more than two dwelling units.)
“The governing body of a city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code shall adopt and enforce the state building code. However, the state building code may be amended by cities, townships, and counties to conform to local needs.”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In North Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Burleigh 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.
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
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 Burleigh County, North Dakota
Is Burleigh County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Burleigh County scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,334 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.5″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Burleigh County, North Dakota?
Burleigh County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning Department. 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 Burleigh County, North Dakota?
Land in Burleigh County runs about $1,991 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Burleigh County?
Burleigh County gets about 18.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.4% of years.
How remote is Burleigh County?
A representative private-land location has about 1,334 people within a 30-minute drive and 261,216 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.
