Building permits, zoning and land rules in Dickey County, North Dakota
44Index Score / 100 #42 of 53 in North Dakota
Dickey County, North Dakota requires a county building permit, issued by the Land Use Administrator or County Auditor, before a structure subject to its ordinance is constructed, altered, enlarged or moved1. County zoning, effective April 21, 2026, applies where the county has authority; cities and independently zoned townships may set their own building and zoning rules23. Septic permits come from the Central Valley Health District, not the county or a city4.
At a glance
Building permit
Required for construction, alteration, repair, enlargement or movement subject to the county ordinance5
Zoning
County zoning applies in unorganized townships and organized townships without their own ordinance63
Septic permit
Required through Central Valley Health District before installation, alteration, repair or extension78
Owner-builder exemption
No permit or code exemption confirmed; a discretionary property-tax exemption may be available9
RV or tiny-home living
RV and tiny-home occupancy were not confirmed; accessory dwellings depend on the zoning district10
Home lot with septic
Minimum 43,560 square feet under the county ordinance, plus district-specific rules11
Agricultural buildings
Exempt from the state building code if they meet the ordinance definition, but other county rules still apply12
Private well
State appropriation permit above 12.5 acre-feet per year; smaller qualifying uses must be reported13
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Do you need a building permit in Dickey County, North Dakota?
Yes. Dickey County requires a building permit before construction, erection, alteration, repair, enlargement or movement of a building or structure subject to the county ordinance5. The county has adopted the North Dakota State Building Code as its standard14. Agricultural buildings tied to the normal incidents of agriculture are exempt from the state building code, but they remain subject to the county ordinance's other restrictions; buildings used for human habitation or public use do not qualify1215. Projects involving a variance, conditional use, zoning change or ordinance amendment may require added procedures and a public hearing16. All required inspections and approvals must be complete before occupancy, although the ordinance passage does not list every inspection type17.
Who issues building permits and zoning approval in Dickey County?
The Dickey County Planning and Zoning Department handles building and zoning applications through the Land Use Administrator at the Dickey County Courthouse, 309 2nd St N, Ellendale, ND 58436; call 701-349-8408 or email amy.mittleider@nd.gov18. The county page publishes building-permit, conditional-use and variance applications18. The county application lists a $100 certificate fee for each named building category, including single-family residential, mobile homes, garages, commercial buildings and agricultural-exempt structures; variance and zoning-change fees are $200, and the application and fees are due before the proposed zoning meeting19. Correct deficient applications before they can be considered, and keep an issued permit posted onsite until the project and required inspections and approvals are complete16. Spring Valley Township separately requires inspections for compliance with its township regulations and an inspection of the completed building before a certificate of occupancy20.
Does Dickey County have zoning?
Yes. Dickey County's zoning ordinance took effect in 2026 and applies to property the county has legal authority to regulate; unorganized townships and organized townships without their own zoning are covered, while cities and independently zoned townships may use different rules63. The ordinance identifies Agricultural, Commercial/Industrial, Rural Residential and Recreational districts; parcels without a specific designation are Agricultural, and the current map is available through Planning and Zoning, the County Auditor or the county GIS page21. Under county jurisdiction, homes with septic need at least 43,560 square feet of lot area, at least 100 feet of width and at least 200 feet of depth11. District-specific lot coverage and road, water and property-line setbacks also apply2223. A freestanding structure taller than 40 feet requires a conditional-use permit24.
How do septic permits work in Dickey County?
Central Valley Health District's Environmental Health Department serves Dickey County and handles onsite septic systems; call 701-252-8130, ext. 9, for an appointment254. Septic permits are not part of the county building permit or of any city or township building permit; the county ordinance requires private water and sewer systems to be inspected by the health district and certified to State Health Department standards before final approval and hookup26. A permit is required before installation, alteration, repair or extension of an onsite sewage system, and the owner must sign the application8. Notify the office at least two business days before installation; private water and sewer systems require inspection before final approval and hookup27. If public sewer is available within 200 feet of the property line, an onsite permit must be refused unless the municipality denies hookup in writing8. About 53.8% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so evaluate the specific homesite28.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Dickey County?
We could not confirm a Dickey County rule specifically answering RV occupancy or tiny-home occupancy, so ask the Land Use Administrator how the parcel's district, dwelling definition and sanitation rules apply18. A mobile or manufactured home used as a permanent farm, non-farm or seasonal residence must be on a permanent foundation, have its wheels and hitch removed, and be permanently attached to water and sewer facilities; units without permanent foundations are limited to state-regulated, licensed mobile-home parks29. New manufactured homes installed for residential use must also be installed and inspected by state-licensed professionals30. Accessory dwellings are permitted with no zoning permit requirement in the Agricultural District31, while a second principal dwelling in the Recreational District requires conditional-use approval10. We could not confirm a county minimum dwelling floor area; ask Planning and Zoning before assuming a small house qualifies18.
Building a home in Dickey County: the steps, in order
Confirm whether Dickey County, a city or an organized township controls the parcel3.
Check the county zoning map, then confirm the district, setbacks, height and conditional-use requirements with the Land Use Administrator21232418.
Submit the building-permit application with the required fee before starting work519.
Obtain the onsite septic permit from Central Valley Health District before septic work begins, and arrange the required inspection25827.
Obtain the road-access approval that fits the site: the County Road Department or Township Board handles Agricultural District access permits, subdivision access needs written culvert approval, and state-highway access needs written state approval32.
Post the building permit onsite and finish all required inspections and approvals before occupancy1617.
What should you check before buying land in Dickey County?
Start with jurisdiction: a city or organized township may apply different zoning from Dickey County, so identify the governing authority before relying on county standards3. Verify legal access; Agricultural District access requires a County Road Department or Township Board permit, subdivision plats need written culvert approval, and state-highway access needs written state approval32. For a tract split, subdivisions creating lots under 15 acres are regulated, and final county approval is required before sale contracts or building permits33. Evaluate septic soils and public-sewer proximity before choosing the homesite828. Private wells drawing more than 12.5 acre-feet annually need a state water-appropriation permit, while qualifying lower-volume uses must be reported13. An owner who builds a single-family home may qualify for a locally approved, discretionary property-tax exemption, but that is not an exemption from permits, inspections or code9.
Watch-outs
The county ordinance does not administer every city or independently zoned organized township, so verify the parcel's actual zoning authority before relying on county standards3.
A home using septic needs at least 43,560 square feet under the county ordinance, and public sewer availability within 200 feet can prevent approval of a private system unless the municipality denies hookup in writing1134.
The possible owner-builder benefit is a discretionary property-tax exemption, not relief from building permits, inspections or code; RV and tiny-home occupancy remain unconfirmed, so ask the Land Use Administrator918.
Spring Valley Township has its own inspection and certificate-of-occupancy provisions, so parcels there need township review as well as any applicable county process20.
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.
Dickey County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Dickey County scores
Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1594% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability48100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost78100% 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 →
$182kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$3,238Land / acre
22.6"Annual rain
7.7% of yrsSevere drought
4.9 / yr (+4.2)Mid-century 100°F days
21.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.51" (+7.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.59×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,726Home insurance / yr
5% / yrInsurance growth
2.38%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
122,676People within 2 hr
3,179Radius comparison (15 mi)
4.3People / sq mi
30.7%Federal land
95.6%Land at 15% slope or less
53.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Dickey 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.
Ada Township · Albertha Township · Albion Township · Bear Creek Township · Clement Township · Divide Township · Elden Township · Ellendale · Ellendale Township · Elm Township · Forbes · Fullerton · German Township · Grand Valley Township · Hamburg Township · Hudson Township · James River Valley Township · Kent Township · Kentner Township · Keystone Township · Lorraine Township · Lovell Township · Ludden · Maple Township · Monango · Northwest Township · Oakes · Port Emma Township · Porter Township · Potsdam Township · Riverdale Township · Spring Valley Township · Valley Township · Van Meter Township · Whitestone Township · Wright Township · Yorktown Township · Young Township
Answers from the rulebook for Dickey County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Dickey County rules
Building permitRequired
Construction, erection, alteration, repair, enlargement, or movement of buildings or structures subject to the County ordinance.
Applications requiring a variance, conditional-use permit, event permit, zoning change, or ordinance amendment are subject to additional procedures and may require a public hearing.
Application fees are due at application and incomplete-fee applications are not accepted.
Agricultural buildings and structures are exempt from the State Building Code but remain subject to other County ordinance requirements.
“Any person who intends to construct, erect, alter, repair, enlarge, or move any building or structure as defined in this Ordinance must apply for a building permit.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Buildings and structures subject to the Dickey County Zoning Ordinance.
“BUILDING PERMIT: A permit issued by the Dickey County Land Use Administrator or Dickey County Auditor before and as a prerequisite to construction, erection, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or enlargement of any building or structure otherwise subject to this Ordinance and applicable state law.”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Buildings and structures erected, constructed, converted, altered, enlarged, placed, or reconstructed within Dickey County.
The county may incorporate additional requirements based on local needs.
Agricultural buildings and structures are exempt from the state building code but remain subject to other ordinance restrictions.
“The Board of County Commissioners has adopted the State Building Code (http://www.communityservices.nd.gov/government/state-building-code/) as the standard for the County.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Buildings and structures within county building-code jurisdiction.
“The Board of County Commissioners has adopted the State Building Code as the standard for the County.”
InspectionsRequired
Building projects requiring County inspections and approvals before completion and occupancy.
The ordinance does not enumerate every inspection type in the cited passage.
All required inspections and approvals must be completed before occupancy.
“Upon issuance, the building permit shall be immediately posted in a conspicuous place at the building site until the building project is complete, and all required inspections and approvals have been completed.”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land use, buildings, structures, occupancy, and development under Dickey County authority.
Effective April 21, 2026.
State or federal preemption and more restrictive township, state, or federal requirements may control.
“This Ordinance shall be effective on the 21st day of April, 2026, and, unless otherwise excepted by this Ordinance, shall apply to the location and use of any building and other structure, and each use, condition of use, and occupancy of land for residential, recreation, and other purposes under the authority of Dickey County.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present — County zoning regulation under the Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.
“The restrictions and regulations found within this Ordinance shall govern all property, whether real or personal, over which the Board of County Commissioners is empowered by law to regulate.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate of county, city, organized-township, and unorganized-township zoning authority within Dickey County.
The conclusion aggregates local zoning jurisdictions; the county ordinance does not administer every incorporated-city or independently zoned organized-township area.
The county ordinance applies to unorganized townships and organized townships that have not adopted their own zoning ordinances.
Cities may have sole or joint zoning and subdivision jurisdiction near corporate limits.
“This Ordinance shall apply to all unorganized townships and any organized townships in the County that have not adopted their own zoning ordinances pursuant to the authority granted to them under NDCC Chapter 58-03.”
Zoning districtsPublished
County zoning districts and the Dickey County Zoning District Map.
The map is prepared and recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approved by the Board of County Commissioners.
The Planning and Zoning Department regularly updates the map.
The current map may be inspected at the Planning and Zoning Department and County Auditor offices or online in GIS format at the County zoning-board page.
“The location and boundaries of the various existing zoning districts within the County are hereby established as shown on the Zoning District Map, as prepared and recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approved by the Board of County Commissioners. The map shall be regularly updated by the Planning and Zoning Department as directed by the Board of County Commissioners to show changes in zoning districts or uses resulting from amendments to this Ordinance or approved conditional use permits that are issued. A current map may be inspected at the offices of the Planning and Zoning Department and County Auditor, or online in GIS format at https://dickeynd.com/zoning-board .”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — County zoning districts and their boundaries.
“The location and boundaries of the various existing zoning districts within the County are hereby established as shown on the Zoning District Map, as prepared and recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission and approved by the Board of County Commissioners.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential, recreational, commercial, and industrial districts under Section 6.2.
Homes with septic systems require 43,560 square feet, at least 100 feet width, and at least 200 feet depth.
Rural residential lots with municipal sewage may be 6,000 square feet, subject to listed setbacks and width.
Existing lots of record at adoption are exempt from district minimum lot size requirements, but new lots may not be created out of compliance.
“Homes with septic systems require a minimum lot size of 43,560 square feet and must be at least 100 feet wide and a minimum of 200 feet deep.”
SetbacksSpecified
Structures and dwellings in Dickey County, with district and road/water/property-line conditions.
Primary state or federal highways: 250 feet from road centerline.
County, rural, or township roads: 200 feet from road centerline.
Surface water: 100 feet from high-water mark.
Side lot line: 20 feet; rear lot line: 30 feet.
Rural residential front setback: 35 feet.
Industrial structures: 100 feet from residential property lines and 50 feet from other property lines.
No dwelling within 500 feet of specified oil and gas equipment.
“Adjacent to county roads – 200 feet from the center of the road to any structure. [...] Between any structure and side lot line – 20 feet. Between any structure and rear lot line – 30 feet.”
Lot coverageSpecified
Residential, recreational, and related district development.
Rural residential single-family dwellings and accessory buildings may not cover more than 40 percent of buildable area.
Churches and schools may cover up to 70 percent of buildable lot.
Recreational single-family dwellings with private water and septic may not exceed 50 percent of buildable area.
Multifamily coverage is 40 percent of net buildable area for interior lots and 45 percent for corner lots.
“Single-family dwellings and accessory buildings may not cover more than forty (40) percent of the buildable area. Churches and schools may cover up to seventy (70) percent of the buildable lot.”
Building heightSpecified
Freestanding structures and other structures regulated by Section 6.3.
Freestanding structures exceeding 40 feet require a conditional-use permit.
The ordinance exempts or does not affect church spires, chimneys, flagpoles, television aerials, and satellite dishes from the stated main-frame height restriction.
conditional-use threshold: > 40 feet
“All free-standing structures that exceed 40 feet in height shall be erected or constructed only following approval of a conditional use permit issued by the Board of County Commissioners in accordance with Section 5 of this Ordinance.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Permanent farm, non-farm, or seasonal mobile/manufactured homes.
The home must be mounted on a permanent foundation.
Wheels and hitch must be removed.
The home must be permanently attached to water and sewer facilities.
NDCC Sections 39-05-35, 39-05-22, and 47-10-27 procedures apply if not previously completed.
“Mobile homes are permitted as permanent farm, non-farm, or seasonal homes only if they are mounted on a permanent foundation, the wheels and hitch are removed, and they are permanently attached to water and sewer facilities. The owner shall also be required to follow the procedures provided for under NDCC Sections 39-05-35, 39-05-22, and 47-10-27 if not previously done.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Mobile or manufactured homes used as permanent farm, non-farm, or seasonal homes, and mobile-home parks.
“Mobile homes are permitted as permanent farm, non-farm, or seasonal homes only if they are mounted on a permanent foundation, the wheels and hitch are removed, and they are permanently attached to water and sewer facilities.”
Accessory dwellingsLimited
Accessory dwellings in county zoning districts.
Accessory dwellings are listed as permitted in the Agricultural District without permit requirements.
In the Recreational District, an accessory dwelling requires a conditional-use approval where the lot would otherwise contain more than one principal dwelling unit.
Other district-specific rules and dimensional standards apply.
“No lot shall contain more than one principal single-family dwelling unit without a conditional use permit authorizing a multi-family dwelling or an accessory dwelling.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Allowed — Accessory dwellings in the Agricultural District.
“Permitted Uses – The following uses are allowed in the Agricultural District with no permit requirements. 1) Agricultural buildings or structures 2) Agricultural production 3) Churches and cemeteries 4) Farm residence 5) Accessory Dwelling 6) Greenhouses and nurseries 7) Home occupations 8) Vineyard”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Individual sewage treatment systems and private water/sewer systems in Dickey County.
Dickey County Health District rules and State Health Department standards both apply.
“All soil absorption systems shall adhere to the rules and regulations of the Dickey County Health District and the State Health Department guidelines.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Local — On-site sewage treatment systems served by Central Valley Health District, including Dickey County.
“Central Valley Health District (CVHD) provides environmental health programs, services, and education throughout southeast central North Dakota, serving Barnes, Dickey, Foster, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Stutsman, and Wells counties.”
Septic permitRequired
Installation, alteration, repair, or extension of an individual on-site sewage treatment system in the health district jurisdiction.
The permit is issued by the adopting authority within the jurisdiction where work occurs.
The fee is set by the adopting authority.
The application/permit must be signed by the property owner.
A construction permit is valid for 12 months from issuance; if construction does not start within 12 months, a current application and information must be resubmitted.
A permit must be refused where public sewer is available within 200 feet of the property line unless the municipality denies hookup in writing.
permit validity: 12 months from issuance (resubmission is required if construction has not started)
“No person, firm, or corporation shall install, alter, repair, or extend any individual OSTS without first obtaining a permit from the adopting authority.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Private water and sewer systems and individual sewage treatment systems.
Inspection is required before final approval and hookup for private water and sewer systems.
The office must be notified at least two business days before installation for inspection.
“Any building or structure that is to utilize a private water and sewer system shall, prior to final approval and hookup, have said system inspected by the Dickey County Health District and shall receive certification that the system, as designed and positioned, meets State Health Department standards for such systems.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Private water and sewer systems and permanent mobile-home placement under the County ordinance.
Private water and sewer systems require Health District inspection and State Health Department certification before final approval and hookup.
Permanent mobile or manufactured homes must be permanently attached to water and sewer facilities.
“Any building or structure that is to utilize a private water and sewer system shall, prior to final approval and hookup, have said system inspected by the Dickey County Health District and shall receive certification that the system, as designed and positioned, meets State Health Department standards for such systems.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Conditional — Buildings using private water and sewer systems.
“Any building or structure that is to utilize a private water and sewer system shall, prior to final approval and hookup, have said system inspected by the Dickey County Health District and shall receive certification that the system, as designed and positioned, meets State Health Department standards for such systems.”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Agricultural buildings and structures and normal incidents of agriculture.
Agricultural buildings and structures are exempt from the state building code.
They remain subject to all other Dickey County Ordinance restrictions and requirements.
The building-permit exception is limited to structures associated with the normal incidents of agriculture.
“AGRICULTURAL BUILDING AND STRUCTURE: A building or structure used for purposes related to agriculture, farming, ranching, dairying, pasturage, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry, and not used as a place of human habitation or for the use by the public.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Available (with conditions) — Agricultural buildings and structures as defined in the county ordinance, when not used for human habitation or public use.
“Agricultural buildings and structures, as defined in this Ordinance, are exempt from the state building code; however, such buildings and structures shall adhere to all other restrictions and requirements of this Ordinance.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivisions resulting in lots less than 15 acres per lot and other proposed subdivisions.
Subdivisions resulting in lots less than 15 acres per lot are regulated.
A subdivision must receive final Board of County Commissioners approval before sale contracts or building permits.
An active farmstead on a proposed lot smaller than 40 acres receives a one-time exemption from most subdivision requirements, but Section 8.12 administrative procedures still apply.
regulated lot threshold: < 15 acres per lot
“All Subdivisions of land resulting in lots less than fifteen (15) acres per lot shall be regulated by the procedures set forth in these Subdivision Regulations.”
Driveway accessRequired
Subdivision access from state highways, county roads, or township roads, including private drives.
State Highway access requires written approval from the North Dakota Department of Transportation.
County or township road access requires written approval from the Dickey County Water Resource District Board or County Highway Department regarding culvert size.
Access spacing must comply with the Dickey County Comprehensive Plan, county policies, the ordinance, and township approval.
“Where access is from a State Highway, written approval for the access, including culvert size, from the North Dakota Department of Transportation shall be submitted with the plat. Where access is off a County or township Road, written approval from the Dickey County Water Resource District Board or County Highway Department as to culvert size for all private drives, as well as the public access, shall be submitted with the plat.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Access points serving lots and subdivisions in county and township road jurisdictions.
“The Board of County Commissioners shall review all proposed points of access, and the applicant shall obtain a permit from the County Road Department or the Township Board for the road being accessed.”
Required — Access points for lots in the Agricultural District.
“The Board of County Commissioners shall review all proposed points of access, and the applicant shall obtain a permit from the County Road Department or the Township Board for the road being accessed.”
Permit feesPublished
Dickey County building and zoning certificate applications for rural county locations.
The application is revised 4/2026.
The completed application and fees must be returned to the Land Use Administrator before the proposed upcoming zoning meeting.
The listed fees include building categories, an agricultural-exempt structure, variance, and zoning change.
single-family residential certificate fee: 100 USD · multi-family residential certificate fee: 100 USD · singlewide mobile home certificate fee: 100 USD · doublewide mobile home certificate fee: 100 USD · garage or storage building certificate fee: 100 USD · commercial building certificate fee: 100 USD · industrial building certificate fee: 100 USD · ag exempt structure certificate fee: 100 USD · variance fee: 200 USD · zoning change fee: 200 USD
“CERTIFICATE FEES: CHECK ALL THAT APPLY: $ 100.00................ Single-Family Residential”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County building permits, zoning permits, conditional-use permits, variances, and ordinance amendments.
Building-permit applications requiring variance, conditional-use, event permit, zoning change, or amendment must follow additional procedures and may require a public hearing.
Permits must be posted conspicuously at the building site until completion and required inspections and approvals are complete.
Applications must be corrected before consideration if deficient.
“A copy of the Ordinance and all application forms are available in the offices of the Planning and Zoning Department and County Auditor. Links for forms are also available under the ”Zoning Board” section under the “Departments” section of the official Dickey County website located at www.dickeynd.com.”
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 — The North Dakota builder-owned single-family residential property tax exemption under N.D.C.C. § 57-02-08(42).
“The city or county governing body must pass a resolution indicating that the exemption will be allowed for the property located within its jurisdiction.”
Conditional — An individual who builds that individual's own new single-family residence, including qualifying property in Dickey County, for the North Dakota builder-owned residential property tax exemption.
“For purposes of this subsection, "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.”
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
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.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Construction or modification of North Dakota water-control structures regulated by the Department of Water Resources.
A DWR construction permit is required when a water-control structure is capable of retaining, diverting, or obstructing more than 50 acre-feet for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams.
The threshold is more than 25 acre-feet for medium-hazard and high-hazard dams.
This claim does not establish the separate local floodplain-development-permit requirements administered by local floodplain administrators.
retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams: > 50 acre-feet · retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for medium- and high-hazard dams: > 25 acre-feet
“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.”
Inside cities and towns in Dickey County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
InspectionsRequired
Buildings, structures, and land uses regulated by the Spring Valley Township zoning ordinance.
Inspection is for determining compliance with the township ordinance and other applicable township regulations.
The certificate-of-occupancy provision separately requires inspection of the completed building before issuance.
“Inspect all buildings, structures and use of land to determine compliance with these and other applicable regulations of the township.”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In North Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Dickey 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
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 Dickey 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 Dickey County, North Dakota
Is Dickey County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Dickey County scores 44/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 3,179 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (22.6″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Dickey County, North Dakota?
Dickey County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Central Valley Health District (Environmental Health). 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 Dickey County, North Dakota?
Land in Dickey County runs about $3,238 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Dickey County?
Dickey County gets about 22.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.7% of years.
How remote is Dickey County?
A typical private-land location has about 3,179 people within 15 miles and 341,469 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
