Building permits, zoning and land rules in Dunn County, North Dakota
50Index Score / 100 #25 of 53 in North Dakota
Unincorporated Dunn County, North Dakota requires a building permit for new construction, but residential and agricultural buildings in the Rural Preservation District use a Notice of Construction instead1. County zoning excludes Bureau of Indian Affairs land, Dodge, Dunn Center, Halliday and Killdeer, and those municipalities' extraterritorial areas2. Septic permits come from the local public health unit before work begins3.
At a glance
Building permit
Required for new construction; certain Rural Preservation residential and agricultural buildings use a Notice of Construction instead1
Zoning
County districts apply outside Bureau of Indian Affairs, municipal and municipal extraterritorial jurisdictions42
Septic permit
Required from the local public health unit before work begins5
RV living
No county permit, but not approved as permanent housing; Rural Preservation stays must be under 30 days per six-month period67
Accessory dwellings
Up to two on a farm or ranch parcel or one on a non-farm residential lot, subject to other conditions8
Owner-builder
No permit exemption confirmed; a separate builder property-tax exemption is discretionary9
Accessory dwelling size
At least 750 square feet for the first two occupants; this is not a general minimum for every home10
Private well
A state water-appropriation permit applies above 12.5 acre-feet per year; qualifying lower-use wells must still be reported11
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Do you need a building permit in Dunn County, North Dakota?
Yes, for new construction within Dunn County's jurisdiction, but the required path depends on the project and zoning district1. Residential and agricultural buildings in the Rural Preservation District are exempt from the traditional permit process but still require a Notice of Construction through Planning & Zoning1. Residential and modular construction outside that district and commercial construction require a standard building permit; manufactured construction treated as real property needs a setting permit, while titled non-real property does not require that permit12. Work under the building-permit process is inspected during construction, and completed permitted work receives a Certificate of Occupancy or approved final inspection after substantial code compliance1314. Notice-only work follows a different path without county inspections or a Certificate of Occupancy1516. Dunn County has adopted the state building code as its construction standard, including for Rural Preservation projects that use the notice path17. The county Notice of Construction form also requires code compliance; ask Planning & Zoning which code edition applies to your project1819. Inside Killdeer, the city issues development permits for building activity, with an exception for buildings and activities directly used in farming operations20. Septic permitting remains with Southwestern District Health Unit rather than the city building office2122.
Who is the Dunn County building department, and how do you reach it?
Dunn County Planning & Zoning is the building and zoning permit office: its official page says the office processes building and zoning permits, conditional-use permits, rezoning requests, inspections and variances19. Call (701) 573-4609, email Sandy.Rohde@DunnCountyND.org, or visit 205 Owens Street, Manning, ND 58642-951319. For a building permit, submit the appropriate application with two sets of necessary drawings; staff review the plans, return comments for correction when needed, approve the plan, assign a permit number and assess fees before releasing the permit for construction23. Initial plan review can take from two days to two weeks depending on difficulty, and larger commercial projects may take longer23. A Rural Preservation Notice of Construction carries a $25 fee24.
Does Dunn County have zoning?
Dunn County zoning covers land outside Bureau of Indian Affairs jurisdiction and outside Dodge, Dunn Center, Halliday and Killdeer and their established extraterritorial areas25. The published districts are Rural Preservation, Industrial Development, Rural Residential, Manning and Floodplain Overlay; the official zoning map is kept by the Code Administrator at the county courthouse4. Uses may be permitted, conditional or prohibited by district2. Setbacks and lot sizes therefore depend on the parcel's district2627. A district-specific standard requires 40,000 square feet for a single-family home with onsite septic unless the North Dakota Department of Health approves a smaller area; ask Planning & Zoning which lot-size standard applies to the parcel2719. Land divisions require plat review unless an exemption applies; an agricultural division may qualify when it creates parcels of at least 10 acres and adds no streets or easements2829. Major subdivisions require a pre-application conference, preliminary plat and final plat; minor subdivisions require the conference and final plat30. Inside Killdeer, the city sets zoning; septic permits still come from Southwestern District Health Unit312122.
How do septic permits work in Dunn County?
The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality licenses onsite wastewater installers, while the local public health unit issues the permit that must be secured before work begins in Dunn County323. The local contact is the Southwestern District Health Unit's Dunn County office at 205 Owens Street, 2nd Floor, Manning, ND 58642, phone (701)573-551322. Dunn County's residential permit application requires an approved septic permit from that health unit, and county building paperwork requires approval of the proposed sewer and water plan before permit issuance533. Evaluate the site early: only about 11.2% of Dunn County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so careful siting or a different design may be necessary34. Statewide rules require the permitting authority or its representative to inspect a new system within one business day of the request35. Household wastewater must go through a septic tank or higher level of treatment before it reaches the soil, and if underground dispersal is not feasible the permitting authority may review an alternative, though approval is not automatic36. Ask the health unit before designing around an alternative system22.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Dunn County?
Dunn County requires no county permit for an RV, but does not approve an RV as permanent residential housing6. In the Rural Preservation District, an RV may be used temporarily only for a stay of less than 30 days within a six-month period7. We could not confirm temporary camping rules in other districts, so ask Planning & Zoning before planning a stay19. Dunn County's Land Development Code does not define a tiny-home category, so a tiny home that is a primary residence should be reviewed under the parcel's district, permit path and applicable building code3717. In the Rural Preservation District, a mobile home or cabin meeting HUD or IBC standards can be a permitted accessory dwelling only on a permanent foundation attached to sewer and water, housing family members or employees without rent37. Accessory dwellings are allowed subject to conditions: no more than two may be allowed on a farm or ranch parcel and no more than one on a non-farm residential lot8. An accessory dwelling must have at least 750 square feet for its first two occupants, with another 200 square feet per additional occupant; that is not a general minimum for every principal home38.
Building a home in Dunn County: the steps, in order
Confirm whether the parcel is in Dunn County's jurisdiction rather than Bureau of Indian Affairs, municipal or municipal extraterritorial jurisdiction25.
Ask Planning & Zoning which district applies and whether the project needs a building permit or a Rural Preservation Notice of Construction119.
Arrange sewer and water review with Southwestern District Health Unit; septic work needs the local permit before it starts335.
Resolve legal access before filing: state-highway access needs North Dakota Department of Transportation approval, while county-road access needs the County Road Superintendent's approval39. The residential building permit application must include an approved road approach permit40. The Road Department is at 458 CC Avenue, Killdeer, ND 58640, phone (701) 764-554641.
Submit the application and two drawing sets, address review comments, pay the assessed fee and wait for permit release before construction23.
For permitted work, complete required field inspections and obtain the Certificate of Occupancy or approved final inspection1314.
What should you check before buying land in Dunn County?
Start with jurisdiction, zoning district and legal access: county rules do not cover Bureau of Indian Affairs jurisdiction or the named municipalities and their extraterritorial areas, and setbacks vary by district226. Do not assume an existing track settles access; state-highway access needs state approval and county-road access needs County Road Superintendent approval39. Put soils and water near the top of due diligence because only about 11.2% of county soils avoid severe conventional-drain-field limitations, while average annual precipitation is about 17.3 inches3442. For a private well, a state water-appropriation permit is required above 12.5 acre-feet per year; qualifying lower-use wells must still be reported to the Department of Water Resources11. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, with a median annual bill near $1,4734344. Ask Planning & Zoning who handles parcel-specific floodplain review because we could not confirm a separate county floodplain contact19. A newly divided parcel must conform to the subdivision ordinance before Dunn County can issue a building permit or zoning certificate28.
Watch-outs
An RV needs no county permit, but is not approved as permanent housing; temporary RV use in the Rural Preservation District must stay under 30 days within a six-month period67.
The Rural Preservation exemption is from the traditional permit process, not from county paperwork: covered residential and agricultural buildings still need a Notice of Construction12.
North Dakota's builder property-tax exemption is discretionary and is not a building-permit or inspection exemption; ask Planning & Zoning before assuming self-performed work changes the permit requirement919.
The county zoning map does not control inside Bureau of Indian Affairs jurisdiction or the listed municipal and extraterritorial jurisdictions45.
Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Dunn County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Dunn County scores
Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency21100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost7396% 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 →
$379kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$1,516Land / acre
17.3"Annual rain
11.1% of yrsSevere drought
6.5 / yr (+5.4)Mid-century 100°F days
20.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.19" (+6.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.38×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,267Home insurance / yr
2.5% / yrInsurance growth
2.56%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
55,982People within 2 hr
1,816Radius comparison (15 mi)
2People / sq mi
6.6%Federal land
72.2%Land at 15% slope or less
11.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Dunn 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: Dodge · Dunn Center · Halliday
Answers from the rulebook for Dunn County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Dunn County rules
Building permitLimited
New construction and specified construction types under Dunn County's building department.
A permit is required for new construction within the county jurisdiction according to the cited county publication.
Residential and agricultural buildings in the Rural Preservation district are exempt from the traditional permitting process but require a Notice of Construction.
Commercial construction requires a standard building permit.
Manufactured construction on real property requires a setting permit; titled non-real property does not require a permit.
Temporary housing and man camps require county permitting in addition to stated state regulation.
Recreational vehicles require no county permit but are not approved as permanent residential housing.
“Effective October 9th a permit has been required for all new construction projects within the jurisdiction of Dunn County. Residential and agricultural buildings located within the Rural Preservation district will be exempt from the traditional permitting process in accordance with state and county code but will still require a Notice of Construction with the Planning and Zoning Department.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — New construction and specified manufactured, temporary, residential, commercial, and modular construction within Dunn County jurisdiction.
“Effective October 9th a permit has been required for all new construction projects within the jurisdiction of Dunn County. Residential and agricultural buildings located within the Rural Preservation district will be exempt from the traditional permitting process in accordance with state and county code but will still require a Notice of Construction with the Planning and Zoning Department. Also, all commercial and residential projects currently under construction prior to the effective date for building Permits must be registered with the Dunn County Planning and Zoning department.”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Construction within Dunn County under the North Dakota State Building Code.
Residential and agricultural buildings in the Rural Preservation district are exempt from the traditional permitting process but remain subject to state and county code.
The source states the code was adopted as the construction standard within the county.
“Earlier last year, the county commission unanimously adopted the North Dakota State Building Code as the standard for construction within the county. The next step in the process was the establishment of a building department and permitting process. Effective October 9th a permit has been required for all new construction projects within the jurisdiction of Dunn County. Residential and agricultural buildings located within the Rural Preservation district will be exempt from the traditional permitting process in accordance with state and county code but will still require a Notice of Construction with the Planning and Zoning Department.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Structures and alterations within the zoned area of Dunn County.
“All structures or parts of structures used for single-family dwelling units, multiple-family units, commercial, and industrial structures and accessory structures thereto and all alterations and maintenance of all structures and accessory buildings constructed or reconstructed within the zoned area of Dunn County, shall be designed and constructed according to the rules and regulations of the North Dakota State Building Code IBC 2009. The County Commissioners re-adopted the State Building Code on March 7th, 2012.”
InspectionsRequired
Building work subject to Dunn County building permitting and inspection.
Work is inspected during construction.
The residential application states that all associated work is subject to field inspection by certified individuals during construction.
“The work is then inspected during construction to confirm adherence to the approved plans and codes. A Certificate of Occupancy or approved final inspection is issued when the work is completed and found to be in substantial compliance with code requirements.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Construction proceeding through the county building permit process.
“The work is then inspected during construction to confirm adherence to the approved plans and codes.”
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Construction subject to the county building permit process.
A Certificate of Occupancy or approved final inspection is issued after completion and substantial code compliance.
The notice-only process does not receive a Certificate of Occupancy.
“A Certificate of Occupancy or approved final inspection is issued when the work is completed and found to be in substantial compliance with code requirements.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Completed permitted building work in Dunn County.
“A Certificate of Occupancy or approved final inspection is issued when the work is completed and found to be in substantial compliance with code requirements.”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land in Dunn County outside the Bureau of Indian Affairs jurisdiction, the municipal boundaries of Dodge, Dunn Center, Halliday, and Killdeer, and those municipalities' extraterritorial areas.
Municipal and extraterritorial jurisdictions are excluded.
The Land Development Code states that its effective date is after final passage and publication.
“The regulations of this Ordinance apply to all land in Dunn County which is outside the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and is outside the municipal boundaries of Dodge, Dunn Center, Halliday, and Killdeer, and any extraterritorial areas established by these four municipalities.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Present (with conditions) — County zoning regulations outside the Bureau of Indian Affairs jurisdiction, municipal boundaries of Dodge, Dunn Center, Halliday, and Killdeer, and those municipalities' extraterritorial areas.
“The regulations of this Ordinance apply to all land in Dunn County which is outside the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and is outside the municipal boundaries of Dodge, Dunn Center, Halliday, and Killdeer, and any extraterritorial areas established by these four municipalities.”
Present (with conditions) — County zoning regulations for land outside BIA jurisdiction, municipal boundaries, and municipal extraterritorial areas.
“The regulations of this Ordinance apply to all land in Dunn County which is outside the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and is outside the municipal boundaries of Dodge, Dunn Center, Halliday, and Killdeer, and any extraterritorial areas established by these four municipalities.”
Local zoningPresent
Land in Dunn County outside the Bureau of Indian Affairs jurisdiction, outside the municipal boundaries of Dodge, Dunn Center, Halliday, and Killdeer, and outside those municipalities' established extraterritorial areas.
The county Land Development Code applies only within the stated unincorporated geographic area.
Municipal boundaries and municipal extraterritorial areas are excluded from this county ordinance.
Bureau of Indian Affairs jurisdiction is excluded.
“A. Applicability and Jurisdiction – The regulations of this Ordinance apply to all land in Dunn County which is outside the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and is outside the municipal boundaries of Dodge, Dunn Center, Halliday, and Killdeer, and any extraterritorial areas established by these four municipalities.”
Zoning districtsPublished
County zoning districts established by the Dunn County Land Development Code for its applicable unincorporated jurisdiction.
The official zoning map is maintained by the Code Administrator and filed at the Dunn County Courthouse.
The ordinance's applicability excludes Bureau of Indian Affairs jurisdiction, the municipal boundaries of Dodge, Dunn Center, Halliday, and Killdeer, and those municipalities' established extraterritorial areas.
established zoning districts: Rural Preservation District; Industrial Development District; Rural Residential District; Manning District; Floodplain Overlay District
“A. Zoning Districts Established – The following Zoning Districts are hereby established to carry out the purposes of this Ordinance: 1. Rural Preservation District 2. Industrial Development District 3. Rural Residential District 4. Manning District 5. Floodplain Overlay District”
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Accessory dwellings in unincorporated Dunn County.
The 750-square-foot minimum applies to the first two occupants of an accessory dwelling.
Each additional occupant requires an additional 200 square feet.
The rule is located in the accessory-dwelling standards and is not established here as a universal minimum for every dwelling type.
minimum size for first two occupants: >= 750 sq ft · additional occupant area: per 200 sq ft
“Dwellings must be constructed to meet current building, fire, plumbing, and electrical codes of North Dakota, and must be sized for a minimum of 750 square feet for the first 2 occupants of the dwelling, and no more than 1 additional occupant per additional 200 square feet.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Specified — Accessory dwellings regulated by the Dunn County Land Development Code.
“Dwellings must be constructed to meet current building, fire, plumbing, and electrical codes of North Dakota, and must be sized for a minimum of 750 square feet for the first 2 occupants of the dwelling, and no more than 1 additional occupant per additional 200 square feet.”
Specified — Accessory dwellings in unincorporated Dunn County; the cited rule does not establish a general minimum for every dwelling type.
“Dwellings must be constructed to meet current building, fire, plumbing, and electrical codes of North Dakota, and must be sized for a minimum of 750 square feet for the first 2 occupants of the dwelling, and no more than 1 additional occupant per additional 200 square feet.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential, multifamily, industrial, and other uses in county zoning districts covered by the Dunn County Land Development Code.
For one district, a single-family dwelling with on-site septic requires 40,000 square feet unless North Dakota Health approves a smaller area.
Other single-family minimums shown include 5,000 or 6,000 square feet depending on sewage treatment and district.
Multifamily standards include 5,000 or 6,000 square feet for the first unit and 2,500 square feet for each additional unit, depending on district.
Industrial use may require 2 acres.
single-family dwelling with on-site septic: >= 40000 square feet (unless approved by the North Dakota Department of Health for a smaller area) · industrial use: >= 2 acres
“Minimum lot size for any single family dwelling with an on-site septic system in this district is 40,000 square feet unless approved by the North Dakota Department of Health for a smaller area”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
District specific (with conditions) — Residential and other uses in Dunn County zoning districts.
“Minimum lot size for any single family dwelling with an on-site septic system in this district is 40,000 square feet unless approved by the North Dakota Department of Health for a smaller area”
SetbacksSpecified
Buildings, accessory structures, and trees in county zoning districts covered by the Land Development Code.
Standards vary by zoning district.
Examples include 25-foot front, 10-foot side, 10-foot rear, and 3-foot accessory-structure setbacks.
The setback from the centerline of county roads is 100 feet to the building line or trees in the cited districts.
front yard setback: 25 feet (varies by district) · side yard setback: 10 feet (varies by district) · rear yard setback: 10 feet (varies by district) · accessory structure setback: 3 feet (varies by district) · county road centerline setback: 100 feet (to building line or trees)
“Front yard setback is 25 feet [...] Side yard setback is 10 feet [...] Rear yard setback is 10 feet [...] Accessory structures setback is 3 feet [...] The setback from the centerline of county roads shall be 100 feet to the building line or trees, whether for front, side, or rear yard.”
Lot coverageSpecified
New mobile home parks approved after December 31, 2014.
The 30 percent maximum is part of mobile-home-park lot standards.
Other dimensional requirements also apply, including minimum area, width, depth, setbacks, accessory-building limits, and parking.
maximum lot coverage: <= 30 percent (new mobile home park lot)
“Lots for any new mobile home park approved after December 31, 2014 must meet the following standards: (a) Minimum lot area – 6000 sq ft (b) Minimum lot width – 60 ft (c) Minimum lot depth – 100 ft (d) Front yard minimum – 25 ft (e) Rear yard minimum – 10 ft (f) Side yard minimum – 8 ft (g) Maximum lot coverage – 30%”
Living in an RVTemporary only
Recreational-vehicle occupancy in the Rural Preservation District.
Recreational vehicles may be used as a permitted temporary use in Rural Preservation Districts only when the stay is less than 30 days within a six-month period.
The county building-department notice states recreational vehicles are not approved as a permanent residential housing option.
maximum stay: < 30 days (within a six-month period)
“Recreational vehicles are allowed as a permitted temporary use in Rural Preservation Districts when the duration of the stay is less than 30 days within a six-month period”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Recreational vehicle use as housing in Dunn County.
“Recreational Vehicles: No county permit required, However, recreational vehicles are not approved as a permanent residential housing option.”
Tiny homesLimited
A tiny home that qualifies as an accessory dwelling under Dunn County's Land Development Code on land subject to the county ordinance, including qualifying mobile homes or cabins meeting HUD or IBC standards in the Rural Preservation District.
The county ordinance applies only outside Bureau of Indian Affairs jurisdiction, the municipal boundaries of Dodge, Dunn Center, Halliday, and Killdeer, and those municipalities' extraterritorial areas.
The dwelling must meet current North Dakota building, fire, plumbing, and electrical codes.
The dwelling must provide at least 750 square feet for the first two occupants and no more than one additional occupant per additional 200 square feet.
No more than two accessory dwellings may be allowed on a farm or ranch parcel.
No more than one accessory dwelling may be allowed on a non-farm residential lot.
In the Rural Development Zone, accessory dwellings are conditional uses and may be located only on residential parcels not adjoining industrial or commercial parcels and not within 1,250 feet of parcels used for industrial purposes.
In the Rural Preservation District, mobile homes or cabins meeting HUD or IBC standards are allowed as permitted accessory dwellings only when there are no more than two accessory dwellings on the primary building site, they are on permanent foundations attached to sewer and water facilities, and they provide supplemental housing for family members or employees where no rent is charged.
In the Rural Preservation District, mobile homes, qualifying cabins, or recreational vehicles may instead be approved as conditional accessory uses, subject to a maximum of two total accessory dwellings.
The ordinance does not define a general 'tiny home' category or expressly resolve whether a non-accessory tiny home is regulated as a single-family dwelling or another category.
minimum floor area for first 2 occupants: >= 750 square feet · additional occupants per additional floor area: per 1 occupant per 200 square feet · maximum accessory dwellings on farm or ranch parcel: <= 2 dwellings · maximum accessory dwellings on non-farm residential lot: <= 1 dwelling · industrial parcel separation in Rural Development Zone: >= 1250 feet · temporary recreational-vehicle stay in Rural Preservation District: < 30 days within a six-month period (This is a permitted temporary use, not a general permanent tiny-home authorization.)
“must be sized for a minimum of 750 square feet for the first 2 occupants of the dwelling”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured or mobile homes in mobile home parks.
New mobile home parks approved after December 31, 2014 have specified lot, road, utility, access, health, and site-plan requirements.
Mobile homes in qualifying new or newly added park lots must be new at installation.
This claim does not establish a countywide rule for every manufactured home outside a mobile home park.
approval cutoff: 2014-12-31
“Mobile homes in mobile home parks approved after December 31, 2014 must be new mobile homes at the time they are installed in a mobile home lot.”
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
Accessory dwellings on farm or ranch parcels and non-farm residential lots in unincorporated Dunn County.
Dwellings must meet current North Dakota building, fire, plumbing, and electrical codes.
The dwelling must be at least 750 square feet for the first two occupants and may have no more than one additional occupant per additional 200 square feet.
No more than two accessory dwellings may be allowed on a farm or ranch parcel.
No more than one accessory dwelling may be allowed on a non-farm residential lot.
Rural Development Zone accessory dwellings require conditional-use approval and additional criteria.
minimum size for first two occupants: >= 750 sq ft · additional occupant area: per 200 sq ft (one additional occupant per additional 200 square feet) · maximum accessory dwellings on farm or ranch parcel: <= 2 dwellings · maximum accessory dwellings on non-farm residential lot: <= 1 dwelling
“No more than two accessory dwellings may be allowed on any farm or ranch parcel. No more than one accessory dwelling may be allowed on a non-farm residential lot.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwellings under the Dunn County Land Development Code.
“No more than two accessory dwellings may be allowed on any farm or ranch parcel. No more than one accessory dwelling may be allowed on a non-farm residential lot.”
Septic permitRequired
Installation of an on-site wastewater treatment system in Dunn County.
The permit must be obtained from the local public health unit before beginning work.
Installers must also obtain a no-cost NDDEQ license and follow local codes.
“All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)
Buildings using the county Notice of Construction/building process.
Before a permit can be issued, the application must include plan approval by the Southwest District Health Unit for the proposed sewer and water system of the building.
“The following information must be provided and attached before a permit can be issued: • Plan approval by the SW District Health Unit of proposed sewer and water system of the building.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Agricultural land divisions in unincorporated Dunn County.
The division must create lots, tracts, or parcels of 10 acres or more.
The division must be for agricultural use.
The division must not involve new streets or easements.
minimum parcel size: >= 10 acres (no new streets or easements)
“A division of land into lots, tracts, or parcels of ten acres or more in size for the purpose of agricultural use which does not involve any new streets or easements;”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Divisions of land for sale or development in unincorporated Dunn County.
Any division of land for sale or development is subject to platting review and approval unless an enumerated exemption applies.
Exemptions include court-ordered divisions, public-facility rights-of-way without new streets or access easements, corrections of prior division errors, agricultural divisions into parcels of at least 10 acres without new streets or easements, and specified divisions involving an existing single-family dwelling.
No building permit or zoning certificate may be issued unless the lot, tract, or parcel conforms to the ordinance.
agricultural exemption minimum parcel size: >= 10 acres (must not involve new streets or easements)
“Any division of land for the purpose of sale or development is subject to platting review and approval as established in this section unless it is exempt for one of the following reasons: (1) A division of land which may be ordered or approved by a court or affected by testamentary or intestate provisions; (2) A division of land for use as right-of-way for public facilities which do not involve any new streets or easements of access; (3) A division of land made to correct errors in prior divisions of land pursuant to applicable provisions of the North Dakota Century Code; (4) A division of land into lots, tracts, or parcels of ten acres or more in size for the purpose of agricultural use which does not involve any new streets or easements;”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land under the Dunn County Land Development Code.
“Major Subdivisions include any subdivision of land not exempted by a rule of this Ordinance, other than a minor subdivision. [...] a major subdivision requires a pre-application conference, a preliminary plat, and a final plat”
Driveway accessRequired
Residential driveways in platted subdivisions.
Residential driveways in platted subdivisions may not have direct access onto a State Highway.
Any vehicular access onto a State Highway requires North Dakota Department of Transportation approval.
Any vehicular access onto a county road requires County Road Superintendent approval.
“approved by the County Road Superintendent”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Residential construction permit applications in Dunn County.
“An approved road approach permit must be submitted.”
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Dunn County permit and notice processes.
The county permits page says permit fees should be included when required.
The Notice of Construction form requires a $25 fee.
The county building publication states that fees are assessed after plan approval.
Notice of Construction fee: 25 USD
“Return Application & $25 Fee to: Dunn County 205 Owens Street Manning, ND 58642”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County building permit applications and plans.
Applicants submit the appropriate application and necessary drawings in two sets.
Planning and Building Department staffs review applications and plans.
Applicants must correct comments and resubmit.
After requirements are met, the plan is stamped approved, a permit number is issued, fees are assessed, and the permit is released for construction.
First-time plan reviews may vary from two days to two weeks for larger commercial buildings.
Inspections occur during construction and a Certificate of Occupancy or approved final inspection follows substantial compliance.
plan-review duration: 2 days to 2 weeks (depending on degree of difficulty; larger commercial buildings may take longer)
“Fill out the appropriate permit application and submit it with the necessary drawings (2 sets) to the Building Department. Please be aware that, depending on the degree of difficulty, 1st time plan reviews can vary from 2 days to 2 weeks (for larger commercial buildings).”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published (with conditions) — County building-permit applications and plan review.
“Fill out the appropriate permit application and submit it with the necessary drawings (2 sets) to the Building Department. Please be aware that, depending on the degree of difficulty, 1st time plan reviews can vary from 2 days to 2 weeks (for larger commercial buildings).”
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.”
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.”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
On-site wastewater treatment systems in Dunn County under North Dakota's statewide installer and local public-health permitting framework.
NDDEQ licenses installers.
A permit must be obtained from the local public health unit before work begins.
Installers must follow local codes.
“The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers under the authority of NDCC 23.1-07.1. All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Mixed — On-site wastewater treatment systems statewide in North Dakota.
“The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers”
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system anywhere in North Dakota
The inspection is conducted by the permitting authority or its authorized representative.
The inspection must occur within one business day after the request for inspection.
Construction, alteration, repair, or extension requires a permit before work begins; regular system maintenance does not require a permit.
The permitting authority is a local public health unit, other political subdivision, or designee.
inspection deadline: 1 business day (After receiving the request for inspection) · permit validity: <= 12 months (From date of issuance)
“Inspection of the installation of a system must be conducted by the permitting authority or an authorized representative of the permitting authority in accordance with paragraph 3 of subdivision c of subsection 2 of North Dakota Century Code section 23-35-02, which requires the inspection to be conducted within one business day of receiving the request for inspection.”
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.”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In North Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Dunn 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
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 Dunn County, North Dakota
Is Dunn County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Dunn County scores 50/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,816 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (17.3″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Dunn County, North Dakota?
Dunn 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 North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (ND DEQ); permits administered through the local public health unit. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Dunn County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Dunn County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Recreational-vehicle occupancy in the Rural Preservation District. Recreational vehicles may be used as a permitted temporary use in Rural Preservation Districts only when the stay is less than 30 days within a six-month period. The county building-department notice states recreational vehicles are not approved as a permanent residential housing option. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Dunn County, North Dakota?
Land in Dunn County runs about $1,516 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Dunn County?
Dunn County gets about 17.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 11.1% of years.
How remote is Dunn County?
A typical private-land location has about 1,816 people within 15 miles and 264,246 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
