Bolthole Index

Griggs County, North Dakota

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Griggs County, North Dakota

58Index Score / 100
#6 of 53 in North Dakota

Unincorporated Griggs County, North Dakota does not appear to require a general county building permit, but we could not confirm that the county elected to enforce the state building code12. County zoning is limited to an animal-feeding-operation ordinance, while onsite septic work requires a local public-health permit before work begins345. Start with the Griggs County courthouse and Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit before committing to a rural build67.

At a glance

Building permit
County records indicate no general application process; current code adoption needs confirmation12
County zoning
Limited to the county's animal-feeding-operation ordinance3
Septic permit
Required from the local public health unit before work begins45
Private well permit
State permit only when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet8
RV or tiny-home living
County rules for private-land occupancy were not confirmed3
Septic soil suitability
34.3% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field9
Property taxes
0.9% effective rate; $1,162 median annual bill1011

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Griggs County Courthouse

General county contact for planning, zoning and questions about any current county permit process

701.797.3117

info@griggscountynd.gov

805 Odegard Ave SW, Cooperstown, ND 58425

Septic permits

Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit

Local public health contact for onsite wastewater permits; its site directs environmental-health inspection questions to Grand Forks Public Health

(701) 322-5624

116 Main Street, McVille, ND 58254

Floodplain permits

Griggs County Department of Emergency Services

County emergency-services contact to ask who administers floodplain development reviews

701.797.2413

jayme.tenneson@griggscountynd.gov

805 Odegard Ave SW, Cooperstown, ND 58425

Roads & driveways

Griggs County Highway Department

Maintains county highways and bridges; contact the department to ask about access from a county road

701.797.3420

allgriggshighwaydept@griggscountynd.gov

805 Odegard Ave SW, Cooperstown, ND 58425

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Griggs County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Griggs County, North Dakota?

Griggs County records indicate no general county residential building-permit process: the county commission eliminated existing building-permit applications along with the former zoning regulations and zoning administration structure3. Residential building permits appear not to be required in unincorporated Griggs County, but we could not confirm that the county elected to administer the North Dakota State Building Code12. North Dakota's updated state code took effect in 2026, and a city, county or township must elect to adopt and enforce that code before it applies through that jurisdiction2. Before starting a house, ask the Griggs County courthouse whether a newer county resolution or another local jurisdiction applies to the parcel6.

Who handles building and permit questions in Griggs County?

Griggs County does not identify a dedicated building or code-enforcement department, so the practical first contact is the Griggs County courthouse in Cooperstown16. The county's official site identifies planning and zoning among county services, and the courthouse can direct a buyer to the responsible local authority for a particular parcel6. North Dakota Community Services maintains the state building-code framework but does not enforce it; enforcement belongs to local jurisdictions that choose to administer the code1213. Permit and plan-review charges, where a permit is required, are set by the governing authority rather than by one statewide fee schedule14. Agricultural buildings are exempt from the state code chapter unless used for human habitation or by the public15.

Does Griggs County have zoning?

Griggs County has a county zoning ordinance, but the official commission record describes the animal-feeding-operation model ordinance as the county's sole zoning ordinance3. That same action eliminated the earlier county zoning regulations, building and underground-building permit applications, conditional-use petitions, variance petitions, zoning administrator position and planning commission3. Do not read that narrow county framework as a verified answer on RV living, tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, lot size, setbacks or building height; we could not confirm county rules for those subjects. Ask the courthouse to identify any city, township or newer county rule that applies to the exact parcel before designing a structure616.

How do septic permits work in Griggs County?

A septic permit is required before work begins on an onsite wastewater system in Griggs County, and the local public health unit is the permitting authority45. Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit is the district serving Griggs County17. The installer must hold a North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality license, obtain the local permit before starting work and follow local codes5. Only 34.3% of county soils lack severe USDA-rated limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility part of the purchase contingency and ask the district what site evaluation it requires97. Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit says it uses Grand Forks Public Health for onsite-sewer and other environmental-health inspections, so ask the district which inspections apply before installation7.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Griggs County?

We could not confirm a Griggs County rule that allows or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, private-land camping or tiny-home occupancy. The county's sole documented zoning ordinance concerns animal feeding operations, which does not answer residential occupancy questions3. North Dakota's state-park camping limit applies to state-park campsites and cabins, not private land, so it should not be used as the answer for a rural parcel18. A new manufactured home used as a residence must be installed by a state-licensed installer and inspected by a state-licensed inspector19. Ask the courthouse about parcel-specific land-use rules and Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit about an approved wastewater system before planning to occupy any small or mobile dwelling67.

What are the steps to build a home in Griggs County?

  1. Ask the Griggs County courthouse which jurisdiction controls the parcel and whether any current building, zoning or access approval applies6.
  2. Confirm that the proposed use is not affected by the county's animal-feeding-operation zoning ordinance and ask about any city or township rules316.
  3. Have Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit explain the septic application and obtain the local public-health permit before onsite wastewater work begins17457.
  4. Use a state-licensed onsite wastewater installer, as North Dakota requires5.
  5. Contact the Highway Department if access will come from a county road, and ask who must approve the approach20. If the driveway will meet a state highway, North Dakota requires a drive-approach permit from NDDOT, and the landowner must install the approach as the permit specifies21.
  6. If the site is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, identify the local Floodplain Administrator through County Emergency Services and obtain the floodplain development permit before work begins2223.

What should you check before buying land in Griggs County?

Start with septic feasibility: only 34.3% of Griggs County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and onsite wastewater work needs a local public-health permit before work begins945. A private well needs a state water permit when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet, and anyone hired to construct, install or repair the well, pump or pitless unit must be licensed8. Confirm legal road access with the Highway Department when the parcel fronts a county road20; a driveway onto a state highway needs a drive-approach permit, and NDDOT must check and approve the approach before it is complete21. For a site in a Special Flood Hazard Area, a local floodplain development permit is required before work begins22. Griggs County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, and the median annual property-tax bill is $1,1621011.

Watch-outs

  • Residential building permits appear not to be required in rural Griggs County, but we could not confirm a current county election to enforce the state building code; ask the courthouse before starting work16.
  • Griggs County's documented county zoning is the animal-feeding-operation ordinance, not a complete answer about RVs, tiny homes, setbacks or minimum dwelling size3.
  • A septic installer needs both a North Dakota license and a permit from the local public health unit before beginning work5.
  • Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area needs a permit from the local Floodplain Administrator before work begins22.
  • A driveway onto a state highway in Griggs County needs an NDDOT drive-approach permit, separate from any septic or county approval21.

Sources

  1. North Dakota Commerce — Building Codes (2026 county census)
  2. Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  3. Griggs County Commissioners Proceedings — Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  5. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  6. Griggs County Courthouse (griggscountynd.gov)
  7. Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit (nelsongriggshealth.com)
  8. Private Well Owner’s Guide: Well Installation, quoted and re-checked
  9. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  10. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  11. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  12. Building Codes | Commerce | North Dakota (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Building Codes (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. 2026 North Dakota State Building Code Book (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 11-33, County Zoning (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. North Dakota DEQ Septic Systems Program (2026 county census)
  18. Parks and Recreation FAQ (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Griggs County Highway Department (griggscountynd.gov)
  21. SFN 5918 Driveway Application & Permit, quoted and re-checked
  22. Floodplain Management, quoted and re-checked
  23. Griggs County Department of Emergency Services (griggscountynd.gov)

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike all 6 of its neighbors, Griggs County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleGriggs CountySteele CountyFoster CountyNelson CountyEddy CountyBarnes CountyTraill County
Building permitNot requiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesNoYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsNelson-Griggs District Health UnitCounty Public HealthCentral Valley Health DistrictNelson/Griggs District Health UnitND Dept. of Env. QualityND DEQTraill District Health Unit

County locator

Griggs County in North Dakota

58
County map
Griggs County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Griggs County scores

Seclusion83100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency24100% ev.
Admin Boringness7168% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8296% ev.

Evidence strength: 94%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$133kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$2,118Land / acre
21"Annual rain
10.8% of yrsSevere drought
3.1 / yr (+2.8)Mid-century 100°F days
19.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.43" (+9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.68×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,650Home insurance / yr
2.3% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
86,871People within 2 hr
2,479Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.2People / sq mi
25.1%Federal land
96.3%Land at 15% slope or less
34.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
154,365 acWorkable land screen
2.4%Wooded land
44.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
39.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Griggs 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.

Addie Township · Ball Hill Township · Bartley Township · Binford · Broadview Township · Bryan Township · Clearfield Township · Cooperstown · Cooperstown Township · Dover Township · Greenfield Township · Hannaford · Helena Township · Kingsley Township · Lenora Township · Mabel Township · Pilot Mound Township · Romness Township · Rosendal Township · Sverdrup Township · Tyrol Township · Washburn Township · Willow Township

Answers from the rulebook for Griggs County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Griggs County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in Griggs County, including the county's animal-feeding-operation zoning ordinance.

    • The official county minutes state that the animal-feeding-operation model ordinance was adopted as the sole county zoning ordinance.
    • The same motion eliminated existing county zoning regulations, building permit applications, underground building permit applications, conditional-use permit petitions, and zoning-variance petitions.
    • The motion also eliminated the zoning administrator position and county planning commission effective immediately.
    “Motion by Ron Dahl that the model Zoning Ordinance for Animal Feeding Operations dated March 2000 from the ND Department of Health be adopted”
  • Building permitNot required

    North Dakota's building code is adopted and enforced only by jurisdictions that elect to; rural areas without local enforcement are not required to follow it and no Griggs County building/code-enforcement department was found.

    North Dakota Commerce — Building Codes ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — North Dakota State Building Code statewide as a state code available for adoption and enforcement by eligible jurisdictions.
      “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
    • 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.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Local city zoning regulations governing yards, courts, and other open spaces in North Dakota.

    • The actual setback distances are 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.”
  • 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 septicLocal (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater treatment systems in North Dakota, including systems in Griggs County.

    • Installers must obtain a North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality license.
    • Before beginning work, installers must secure a permit from the applicable local public health unit.
    • Installers must follow local codes; licensing may be revoked for cause under NDCC 23.1-07.1-03.
    “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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater systems in Griggs County under North Dakota's statewide program.
      “secure a permit from their local public health unit”
    • 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 permitRequired

    Onsite wastewater system installation serving Griggs County.

    • The installer must obtain a license from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.
    • A permit from the local public health unit must be secured before beginning work.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Installation of an on-site wastewater treatment system in North Dakota, including Griggs County.
      “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.”
    • Required — Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system anywhere in North Dakota.
      “Installers must obtain both a state license and a local public health permit before beginning work.”
  • 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 — Private water-supply wells in Griggs County.
      “If your well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet [...] it needs to be permitted by the North Dakota Department of Water Resources”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Buildings used for agricultural purposes under North Dakota's state building code chapter.

    • Agricultural purposes include agriculture, farming, ranching, dairying, pasturage, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry.
    • The exemption does not apply when the building is a place of human habitation or is for use by the public.
    • The exemption is from Chapter 54-21.3; other applicable state, local, zoning, floodplain, septic, or land-use requirements may still apply.
    • Buildings subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act must conform to the 2010 ADA standards notwithstanding the chapter exemption.
    “Any building used for agricultural purposes, unless a place of human habitation or for use by the public, is exempt from this chapter.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available — Land and buildings used for farming, and the normal incidents of farming, when regulated under a county subdivision resolution adopted under N.D.C.C. chapter 11-33.2.
      “Additionally, no resolution, regulation, or restriction adopted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall prohibit or prevent the use of land or buildings for farming or any of the normal incidents of farming.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in North Dakota counties that adopt and enforce subdivision regulations under N.D.C.C. chapter 11-33.2; the statute does not apply to subdivisions within city corporate limits or areas of extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.

    • A county board of commissioners is empowered, but not required, to regulate subdivision.
    • A county subdivision resolution may provide for plat submission and preliminary and final approval.
    • A county may require public improvements and surety or other security as a condition of final plat approval.
    • A county may approve plats as a prerequisite to subdivision and may establish and collect reasonable fees credited to the county general fund.
    • If plat approval is required, final approval or disapproval requires recommendations from both the county planning commission and the township supervisors, although those recommendations are not binding; if township supervisors do not respond within sixty days after notification, the county may take final action.
    • Subdivision rules may not prohibit or prevent farming or the normal incidents of farming.
    • The statute separately requires floodplain and water-feature information on plats where applicable.

    township recommendation response period: 60 days (If the county does not receive the township supervisors' recommendation by certified mail within sixty days after notification, it may take final action.) · plat approval fee: reasonable fees text (The statute authorizes fees but does not set a statewide amount.)

    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in North Dakota, subject to county adoption and administration of subdivision regulations; the statute excludes subdivisions within city corporate limits and areas subject to a city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
      “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — North Dakota's statewide statutory framework authorizing county regulation of land subdivision; actual regulation depends on county action and does not apply within city corporate limits or applicable extraterritorial zoning areas.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — County subdivision regulation authority throughout North Dakota, subject to exclusions for city corporate limits and applicable city extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway and other access connections involving the North Dakota State Highway System, including controlled-access facilities and driveways within state highway right-of-way.

    • The North Dakota statute applies specifically to controlled-access facilities; access is available only at designated points and on terms and conditions specified from time to time.
    • NDDOT maintains access control on the State Highway System, and proposed changes to access require contact with the District Engineer for coordination.
    • For a driveway on state highway right-of-way, the NDDOT driveway permit must be granted before the permitted work proceeds; failure to construct the drive approach as permitted may result in cancellation and removal or correction at the landowner's expense.
    • A driveway is not complete until checked and approved by NDDOT; surfacing may be omitted on field entrances if specified in the application.
    • The driveway may be used only to provide entrance to and exit from the landowner's property.
    • A driveway or improvement on the highway right-of-way may not be altered or relocated without permission of the NDDOT District Engineer.
    • NDDOT supervises the location, construction, and maintenance of driveways and may direct future removal, relocation, or maintenance; NDDOT may diminish or expand use as required for highway-traffic safety.
    “No driveway, or improvement constructed on the highway right-of-way shall be altered or relocated without permission of the District Engineer of NDDOT.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Drive approaches on North Dakota state-highway right-of-way in Griggs County.
      “The Landowner agrees to install the drive approach in accordance with this permit and attachments hereto and made a part hereof.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area within a North Dakota NFIP-participating community, potentially including applicable areas of Griggs County.

    • The local Floodplain Administrator issues the floodplain development permit.
    • The permit must be obtained before beginning work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
    • The permit should be the last permit issued for the project.
    • For development within the regulatory floodway, the North Dakota Department of Water Resources must review the development before the floodplain permit is issued.
    • Structures substantially damaged or improved by more than 50 percent must fully comply with applicable floodplain regulations.

    substantial improvement threshold: > 50 percent (or substantial damage)

    “A floodplain development permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before beginning any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or modification of North Dakota water-control structures regulated by the Department of Water Resources.
      “A construction permit is required from the DWR if a water control structure is constructed or modified”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Transient lodging rentals held out to the public for a charge in North Dakota.

    • A lodging license applies to buildings or structures held out to the public where sleeping accommodations are furnished to transient guests for a charge.
    • The lodging license does not apply to a single structure with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
    • The lodging license also does not apply to a series or group of buildings or structures containing five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
    • License applications must be submitted at least 30 days before beginning construction or acquiring new ownership; new construction, renovation, or remodeling also requires the Section 3 Plan Review Checklist; after payment, review may take up to 30 calendar days.

    guest-room exemption threshold: <= 5 guest rooms or fewer (Only when total occupants are ten or fewer.) · occupant exemption threshold: <= 10 occupants or fewer (Only when the structure has five or fewer guest rooms.)

    “The lodging license does not apply to: Single structures with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building-permit fee schedules under the North Dakota State Building Code framework.

    • The applicable enforcing jurisdiction determines how it administers and enforces the state building code.
    • The state publication provides only a sample jurisdiction fee schedule, not a single statewide fee schedule.
    • Permit and plan-review fees are established by the applicable governing authority; plan-review fees are separate from and in addition to permit fees.
    “Where a permit is required, a fee for each permit and plan review shall be paid as required, in accordance with the schedule as established by the applicable governing authority.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Administration and enforcement of the North Dakota State Building Code by eligible city, township, and county jurisdictions.

    • A city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the state building code.
    • Local jurisdictions may amend the state building code to conform to local needs.
    • A city or township may enforce only within its jurisdictional area; a county may enforce in areas where the state building code is not administered by a city or township.
    “Community Services is not involved in the enforcement of the State Building Code. This is the responsibility of jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.”
  • 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 Griggs 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.

  • Zoning districts
  • 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 in unincorporated Griggs County.
  • Local zoning — Zoning administered by municipalities or townships within Griggs County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connection requirements in Griggs County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Griggs County, North Dakota

Is Griggs County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Griggs County scores 58/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,479 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (21″/yr rainfall).

Do you need a building permit in Griggs County, North Dakota?

Griggs County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Griggs County, North Dakota?

Land in Griggs County runs about $2,118 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Griggs County?

Griggs County gets about 21" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.8% of years.

How remote is Griggs County?

A typical private-land location has about 2,479 people within 15 miles and 586,971 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Griggs compares in North Dakota

Compare side-by-side →See all 53 North Dakota counties ranked →