Building permits, zoning and land rules in Eddy County, North Dakota
50Index Score / 100 #26 of 53 in North Dakota
Unincorporated Eddy County, North Dakota requires a permit before construction or excavation for a new rural residential structure1. The county administers zoning, except where a township has lawfully enacted its own regulations, while a local public health permit is required before onsite wastewater work begins23. Agricultural buildings have a limited permit exemption, but RV living and tiny-home occupancy remain questions for county officials45.
At a glance
Building permit
Required before construction or excavation for a new rural residential structure in unincorporated Eddy County1
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated territory, subject to separate municipal or township authority6
Septic permit
Required from the local public health unit before work begins3
RV living
No private-land occupancy rule confirmed; ask the Zoning Commission before relying on an RV as housing75
Tiny homes
No specific occupancy rule confirmed; the residential permit and zoning process still applies15
Agricultural buildings
Agland buildings are exempt from the county building permit4
Owner-builder
No exemption from permit requirements was confirmed8
Private well
A state water-appropriation permit applies above 12.5 acre-feet per year; qualifying lower-use wells must still be reported9
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Do you need a building permit in Eddy County, North Dakota?
Yes. A person planning a new residential structure in unincorporated Eddy County must obtain a permit from the County Tax Director before construction or excavation begins1. The requirement covers new rural residential buildings or structures added to taxable property and the placement or relocation of mobile and manufactured homes1. Replacing roofs, siding, windows or decks does not require this county building permit, and agland buildings are exempt14. The residential application shows a $10 fee but also points to the county's resolution of fees and schedules, so confirm the current amount for the particular project10. North Dakota's updated state building code took effect January 1, 2026, but we could not confirm which code Eddy County currently administers or what local inspections apply115.
Who handles Eddy County building permits, and how do you reach them?
The Eddy County Tax Director administers the zoning code and assists the Zoning Commission and County Commission on zoning and development matters6. The county's Zoning Commission contact is 701-947-2434 at 524 Central Avenue, New Rockford, North Dakota 583565. Start there to confirm the parcel's zoning district, get the residential structure application and learn whether the project needs additional review125. A complete application includes the legal description, a lot map, structure type and materials, occupied lot area, probable construction cost, and any additional plans or specifications requested by the Tax Director13. The permit can be issued only when the proposal conforms to the applicable zoning and building provisions1. We could not confirm a published inspection schedule or certificate-of-occupancy requirement; ask the Zoning Commission what inspections and closeout documents apply before work starts5.
Does Eddy County have zoning?
Yes. Eddy County administers zoning in unincorporated territory through the County Tax Director and Zoning Commission, while municipal and township jurisdictions may have separate authority6. The county ordinance does not affect property in a township that has lawfully enacted its own regulations unless the township relinquishes those powers to the county, so confirm the township first2. The county maintains a zoning map and records for Residential, Agricultural, Recreational, Commercial, Industrial and Vacant categories12. Buildings and structures near county and township rights-of-way must be set back at least 100 feet, including from county-road rights-of-way14. Do not treat that road setback as the only siting rule: we could not confirm current numeric limits for minimum lot size, lot coverage or building height, so have the Zoning Commission check the district and parcel before designing the site5. County-road access also requires a County Commission permit, although farm driveways and field access points are exempt from that access provision15. The Road Department's New Rockford shop is at 104 2nd Ave SE and can be reached at (701) 947-551816.
How do septic permits work in Eddy County?
An onsite wastewater installer in Eddy County needs a North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality license and a permit from the local public health unit before beginning work173. Lake Region District Health Unit's published procedure expressly covers Eddy County and directs applicants to complete the onsite sewage treatment system application with a legal description, contact information, a site drawing and payment18. After the application and payment arrive, the health unit grants only a preliminary permit; its process calls for site review and installer design approval before installation proceeds18. Contact Environmental Health at 701.662.7039 or crberg@nd.gov, 524 4th Ave. NE Unit 9, Devils Lake, ND 58301-249018. Site evaluation matters because about 31.4% of Eddy County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field19. We could not confirm whether every installation receives an inspection or which off-grid sanitation alternatives are allowed; ask Environmental Health before choosing a system18.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Eddy County?
We could not confirm whether unincorporated Eddy County allows or prohibits full-time RV occupancy on private land; ask the Eddy County Zoning Commission before arranging utilities or moving onto the parcel5. Ask separately whether an RV may be occupied temporarily during construction because the county's residential permit materials do not answer that question5. We also could not confirm a tiny-home occupancy rule or a countywide minimum dwelling size75. A tiny home that functions as a new residence should not be assumed exempt: Eddy County's permit requirement covers new rural residential structures, and permits are issued only when the proposal conforms to zoning and building provisions1. A new manufactured home has an additional state installation path requiring a licensed installer and licensed inspector20. No owner-builder exemption from the county permit requirement was confirmed, so self-performing the work should not be treated as an exemption8.
How do you build a home in Eddy County, step by step?
Confirm that the parcel is under Eddy County zoning rather than a municipality or township with separate authority6.
Call the Zoning Commission at 701-947-2434 to confirm the district, allowed residential use and required application512.
Start the Lake Region District Health Unit septic application and site review before construction; the local permit is required before onsite wastewater work begins318.
Prepare the legal description, lot map, structure details, occupied lot area, probable building cost, and any additional plans requested by the Tax Director13.
If access connects to a county road, obtain the County Commission access permit and coordinate with the Road Department1516.
Submit the residential permit, confirm the applicable fee and wait for approval before construction or excavation110.
Ask which inspections and final occupancy documents apply because no published county schedule was confirmed5.
What should you check before buying land in Eddy County?
Start with jurisdiction and the zoning map because municipal or township authority may replace the county process on some parcels6. Confirm legal access and whether an existing approach has the required County Commission approval; farm driveways and field access points have a specific exemption, but a residential entrance should not be assumed exempt15. Screen the parcel for flood risk with Eddy County Flood Plain Management at 524 Central Ave, New Rockford, phone (701)-302-8279; the office says work in a special flood hazard area is subject to flood-damage and safety requirements21. Evaluate septic feasibility early because only about 31.4% of county soils avoid severe conventional-drain-field limitations19. For a private well, state water-appropriation permitting begins above 12.5 acre-feet per year, while qualifying lower-use wells must still be reported9. Budget for average annual precipitation of about 19.3 inches and carrying costs near a 0.9% effective property-tax rate with a median annual bill of about $1,027222324.
Watch-outs
A residential permit is required before construction or excavation begins, not after site work is underway1.
The 100-foot rule is measured from county and township rights-of-way, so verify the right-of-way rather than measuring from the traveled road edge14.
A preliminary septic permit is not approval to install; Lake Region District Health Unit requires further site and design steps first18.
RV living, tiny-home occupancy and a minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask the Zoning Commission for a parcel-specific answer5.
County zoning does not settle rules in every municipality or township, which may exercise separate authority6.
Written October 10, 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.
Eddy County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Eddy County scores
Seclusion85100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency21100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability46100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8194% 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 →
$122kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$2,088Land / acre
19.3"Annual rain
9.1% of yrsSevere drought
2.8 / yr (+2.4)Mid-century 100°F days
19.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.27" (+9.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.63×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
101,858People within 2 hr
2,694Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.6People / sq mi
29.6%Federal land
96.2%Land at 15% slope or less
31.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Eddy 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.
Bush Township · Cherry Lake Township · Columbia Township · Colvin Township · Eddy Township · Freeborn Township · Gates Township · Grandfield Township · Hillsdale Township · Lake Washington Township · Munster Township · New Rockford · New Rockford Township · Paradise Township · Pleasant Prairie Township · Rosefield Township · Sheldon Township · Sheyenne · Superior Township · Tiffany Township
Answers from the rulebook for Eddy County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Eddy County rules
Building permitRequired
New rural residential buildings and new residential structures in areas subject to the Eddy County Zoning Ordinance.
The permit must be obtained before work or excavation begins.
Mobile homes and manufactured homes require a Tax Director permit for placement and relocation when subject to the manufactured housing and building code.
Replacement of roofs, siding, windows, and decks does not require a building permit.
Agland buildings do not require a building permit.
“Building permits shall be deemed necessary for “new” rural residential buildings or structures added to taxable property only as listed in the Permit Fee Schedule.”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
Eddy County zoning ordinance in unincorporated territory under county jurisdiction.
The ordinance does not affect property within a township that has lawfully enacted its own regulations unless the township relinquishes those powers to the county.
The ordinance is subject to more restrictive lawfully adopted rules, regulations, ordinances, deed restrictions, or covenants.
“This ordinance shall affect all unincorporated territory over which the Board of County Commissioners have jurisdiction in Eddy County, ND. This ordinance shall not affect any property, real or personal, which is located within the authority of any township having lawfully enacted regulations”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — Eddy County zoning regulation in unincorporated territory administered through the county Tax Director and Zoning Commission.
“To administer this code, Eddy County is hereby invested in two offices, that being the County Tax Director and the Zoning Commission.”
Zoning districtsPublished
County zoning districts and zoning-district map administration in unincorporated Eddy County.
The permit form identifies current zoning categories including Residential, Agricultural, Recreational, Commercial, Industrial, and Vacant.
The Tax Director maintains zoning district records and the zoning district map.
“CURRENT ZONING: Residential Agricultural Recreational Commercial Industrial Vacant [...] Maintain zoning related records and zoning district map including records of all amendments, conditional uses and variances.”
SetbacksSpecified
Buildings and structures near county and township rights-of-way in unincorporated Eddy County.
Buildings and structures must be at least 100 feet from County and township rights-of-way and at least 100 feet from County road rights-of-way.
Tree plantings and shelterbelts must follow USDA-NRCS North Dakota Field Office Technical Guide recommendations.
setback from County and township rights-of-way: >= 100 feet · setback from County road rights-of-way: >= 100 feet
“All buildings and structures shall be placed at least 100 feet from County and township right-of-ways and at least 100 feet from the County road right-of-ways for the purpose of preventing hazardous accumulations of snow and to allow for future widening of public right-of-ways.”
Septic permitRequired
Installation of onsite wastewater treatment systems in Eddy County.
A local public health unit permit is required before work begins.
Installers must also obtain a no-cost NDDEQ license.
Installers must 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.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable
Agland buildings in unincorporated Eddy County.
The exemption is limited to agland buildings.
Other zoning, floodplain, septic, access, and state requirements may still apply.
“Agland buildings do not require a building permit.”
Driveway accessRequired
Access to County roads in unincorporated Eddy County.
A County Commission access permit is required for access to County roads.
The County Commission may regulate the number of access points per mile, width, construction, and other access features.
Farm driveways and field access points are exempt.
“A permit for access to the County roads is required by the County Commission. [...] Farm driveways and field access points are exempt from these provisions.”
Permit feesPublished
Residential structure permit fees shown on the Eddy County application.
The form states that fees are also governed by the Eddy County resolution of fees and schedules.
The $10 amount is the fee printed on this application and may not represent every permit category.
residential structure permit fee: 10 USD (The form also refers to the Eddy County resolution of fees and schedules.)
“Fee: $_10.00_ paid on ____/____/____ - receipt number __________________”
Permit processPublished
Residential building permit process administered by the Eddy County Tax Director.
Applications must include a legal description and lot map.
Applications must specify structure type, materials, occupied lot area, probable building cost, and additional plans or specifications if required.
If a permitted-use permit is denied, notice is due within seven days; the applicant may request a Zoning Commission hearing or reapply.
A Zoning Commission denial may be followed by reapplication or appeal to a court of law.
“Each application for a building permit shall be accompanied by a legal description and a map showing the actual dimension of the lot to be built upon, the size and location.”
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 code adoptedPartial
North Dakota's state building code and its adoption and enforcement by cities, townships, and counties statewide; state and local government buildings and schools are also addressed by the administrative code.
The state building code is administered and updated by North Dakota Commerce, but enforcement is the responsibility of jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.
A city, county, or township that elects to adopt and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.
Cities, townships, and counties may amend the State Building Code to conform to local needs.
Fully chartered home rule cities may adopt something other than the State Building Code; the official Commerce page states that, at present, all jurisdictions enforcing a building code have adopted the same individual codes comprising the State Building Code.
The State Building Code consists of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Fuel Gas Code; Commerce also states that the 2024 updates and proposed amendments were adopted on September 11, 2025 and that the new State Building Code went into effect January 1, 2026.
The state statute separately exempts buildings that are neither heated nor cooled, certain low-energy-use buildings, qualifying restored or reconstructed historic buildings, and agricultural buildings unless used for human habitation or by the public.
The administrative code states that its chapter applies to cities, townships, and counties that elect to adopt and enforce building codes within their jurisdictional boundaries, and to all state and local government buildings and public and private schools.
new state building code effective date: 2026-01-01 · state code components: IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC
“If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.
“adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
Adopted — The North Dakota State Building Code, including residential construction covered by the state residential code.
“The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
InspectionsRequired
Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota or intended for placement in North Dakota, where the manufacturer produces two or more modular residential or commercial structures per year.
The manufacturer must contract with a third party for inspection during the manufacturing process in the factory.
The third-party inspector must be approved as a certified third-party inspector by the Division of Community Services.
The inspection covers applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards.
When a certified third-party inspector monitors compliance during factory manufacturing, no further inspection by state or local building, electrical, fire, or plumbing inspectors may be required for that structure during the manufacturing process in the factory.
The statutory provision does not apply to a factory manufacturing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year; the Commerce program page states that manufacturers producing less than two modular structures per year are exempt but must submit a yearly certification of exemption.
annual modular structures produced: >= 2 structures/year (Factories producing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year are exempt from the statutory provision; the Commerce program page requires a yearly certification of exemption.)
“shall contract with a third party for the inspection of the structure for compliance with all applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota.
“The manufacturer of a modular residential or commercial structure that is built in a factory shall contract with a third party for the inspection [...]”
Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
City zoning regulations governing the size of residential buildings in North Dakota; the actual minimum, if any, is established by the applicable local zoning ordinance.
The authority is permissive and applies to governing bodies of cities that adopt zoning regulations.
The regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
A local board of adjustment may determine and vary application of the regulations under the local regulations.
“For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
Local city zoning regulations governing the percentage of a lot that may be occupied.
The actual lot-coverage percentage is established by the applicable local zoning regulation.
The authority is permissive and applies to city zoning regulations.
The regulation is subject to chapter 54-21.3.
“the percentage of lot that may be occupied”
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Local city zoning regulations governing building height and number of stories.
The actual height or story limit is established by the applicable local zoning regulation.
The authority is permissive and applies to city zoning regulations.
A local board of adjustment may vary application of the regulations under the local regulations.
“For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
Manufactured homesLimited
New manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes.
Installation must be performed by an installer licensed by the Division of Community Services.
The home must be inspected by an inspector licensed by the Division of Community Services.
The installer must first apply for and receive authorization to install the home from a licensed inspector.
A minimum of two inspections are required on a double-wide home and one inspection on a single-wide home.
After installation meets the installation requirements, an insignia is attached to show the home passes inspections.
minimum inspections for double-wide manufactured home: >= 2 inspections · minimum inspections for single-wide manufactured home: 1 inspection
“All new manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes must be installed by an installer licensed by the Division of Community Services and inspected by an inspector licensed by the Division of Community Services.”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater treatment system installer licensing and permitting affecting Eddy County.
NDDEQ licenses onsite wastewater treatment system installers.
A permit from the local public health unit is also required before work begins.
Installers must follow local codes.
The source does not identify Eddy County’s specific local public health unit.
“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.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Mixed (with conditions) — On-site wastewater installer licensing and local permitting applicable in Eddy County.
“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.”
State — State licensing and oversight of onsite wastewater treatment system installers.
“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.”
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Water-supply wells serving property in Eddy County.
“If your well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,000 gallons) of water per year, it needs to be permitted by the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (dwr.nd.gov | 701-328-2750). A permit is not needed for wells that draw less than 12.5 acre-feet per year.”
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision of land in North Dakota counties that adopt and enforce subdivision regulations under N.D.C.C. chapter 11-33.2; the statute does not apply to subdivisions within city corporate limits or areas of extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
A county board of commissioners is empowered, but not required, to regulate subdivision.
A county subdivision resolution may provide for plat submission and preliminary and final approval.
A county may require public improvements and surety or other security as a condition of final plat approval.
A county may approve plats as a prerequisite to subdivision and may establish and collect reasonable fees credited to the county general fund.
If plat approval is required, final approval or disapproval requires recommendations from both the county planning commission and the township supervisors, although those recommendations are not binding; if township supervisors do not respond within sixty days after notification, the county may take final action.
Subdivision rules may not prohibit or prevent farming or the normal incidents of farming.
The statute separately requires floodplain and water-feature information on plats where applicable.
township recommendation response period: 60 days (If the county does not receive the township supervisors' recommendation by certified mail within sixty days after notification, it may take final action.) · plat approval fee: reasonable fees text (The statute authorizes fees but does not set a statewide amount.)
“For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in North Dakota, subject to county adoption and administration of subdivision regulations; the statute excludes subdivisions within city corporate limits and areas subject to a city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
“For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
Regulated (with conditions) — North Dakota's statewide statutory framework authorizing county regulation of land subdivision; actual regulation depends on county action and does not apply within city corporate limits or applicable extraterritorial zoning areas.
“the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
Regulated (with conditions) — County subdivision regulation authority throughout North Dakota, subject to exclusions for city corporate limits and applicable city extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
“the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
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 Eddy 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.
Minimum lot size
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in unincorporated Eddy County.
Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Eddy County municipalities, townships, and unincorporated areas.
Mandatory utility hookup — Required connection to public water or sewer for residential development.
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 Eddy County, North Dakota
Is Eddy County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Eddy County scores 50/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,694 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (19.3″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Eddy County, North Dakota?
Eddy County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (with local public health unit permit). 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 Eddy County, North Dakota?
Land in Eddy County runs about $2,088 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Eddy County?
Eddy County gets about 19.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.1% of years.
How remote is Eddy County?
A typical private-land location has about 2,694 people within 15 miles and 478,325 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
