Building permits, zoning and land rules in Hettinger County, North Dakota
43Index Score / 100 #47 of 53 in North Dakota
Unincorporated Hettinger County, North Dakota requires a county zoning permit before a structure is erected, moved, enlarged or altered, and the Auditor/Treasurer's office supplies the application12. The county ordinance also incorporates the North Dakota State Building Code3. A separate building-code permit, general inspection process and certificate of occupancy could not be confirmed; ask the Auditor/Treasurer before work begins.
At a glance
Building permit
County zoning permit required; state building code incorporated13
Zoning
County zoning applies outside city jurisdiction, subject to township zoning4
Septic permit
Required through Southwestern District Health Unit; sanitary systems are inspected567
RV living
Temporary occupancy in an RV or trailer is limited to 240 days per year8
Manufactured home
Factory-built year-round homes must be at least 720 square feet; state installation rules apply91011
Owner-builder exemption
No construction exemption confirmed; state tax break is separate12
Private well
State appropriation permit above 12.5 acre-feet per year13
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Do you need a building permit in Hettinger County, North Dakota?
Yes. Structures in unincorporated Hettinger County may not be erected, moved, enlarged or structurally altered without a county zoning permit; agricultural land and buildings are excepted, but road setbacks and floodplain rules still apply1. Applications are available from the Auditor/Treasurer's office2. The county ordinance also incorporates the North Dakota State Building Code, whose current updates took effect in 20263. The confirmed county permit is a zoning approval tied to the parcel's district, lot, setback and height rules14151617. We could not confirm a separate building-code permit, general building inspections or a certificate of occupancy; ask the Auditor/Treasurer what code review applies before ordering plans or starting work.
Who issues building and zoning permits in Hettinger County?
Start with the Hettinger County Auditor/Treasurer at 701-824-2515, 336 Pacific Ave in Mott; that office provides building permit applications and supports the county Planning and Zoning Commission2. Ask first whether the parcel is governed by the county, a city or a township: the Zoning Administrator administers county zoning in the unincorporated planning area, while city and township jurisdiction may change which rules control1819. For a county-governed parcel, ask the Auditor/Treasurer to identify the zoning district on the official map kept in that office and confirm whether the proposal needs a conditional-use permit or variance20. The County Commission may set zoning, permit and administrative fees by resolution, but the ordinance does not state the amounts21. Request the current fee schedule and submittal checklist before filing.
Does Hettinger County have zoning?
Yes. County zoning covers unincorporated Hettinger County and the planning areas of unincorporated communities, but not city limits or established city planning territories; enacted township zoning controls where it conflicts with the county code4. The published districts are agricultural, residential, commercial and retail, industrial, public and recreation, and floodplain overlay, with the official map kept in the County Auditor's office20. In the residential district, a single-family lot must have at least 7,500 square feet with sewer or one acre without sewer; a non-farm residence in the agricultural district requires five acres, while an agricultural-use lot requires 40 acres15. Agricultural District uses also require at least 200 feet of lot width22. Residential buildings have a 40-foot height limit except church steeples, and district-specific setbacks also apply1716. Agricultural land and buildings receive a county land-use exception, but road setbacks and floodplain regulations still apply23.
How do septic permits work in Hettinger County?
Before onsite wastewater work begins in Hettinger County, the installer must hold a state license and secure a permit from the local public health unit6. Southwestern District Health Unit serves Hettinger County; call (701)824-3215 or visit 309 Millionaire Ave. in Mott2425. New development under the county regulations must connect to an approved onsite sewage system, and privies, outhouses and cesspools are prohibited26. Subdivisions must provide sanitary sewer to each lot; an onsite system requires individual review, and a private septic system must occupy a lot of at least 45,000 square feet, comply with State Plumbing Codes and receive District Health Unit inspection27. Only about 6.6% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase and design step28.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Hettinger County?
In unincorporated Hettinger County, recreational vehicles, travel trailers and other trailers used for temporary occupancy are limited to 240 days per year; residents may store recreational vehicles without that occupancy limit8. The same rule applies to a tiny home when it falls into one of those trailer categories, but we could not confirm a specific occupancy rule for a fixed tiny home that is not an RV or trailer8. A mobile, modular or pre-manufactured year-round home must have at least 720 square feet and sit on a secure or permanent foundation or basement; the ordinance does not make that the minimum for site-built homes9. Mobile homes also require county permitting, and an agricultural-district mobile or modular home on a permanent-type foundation needs at least five acres10. New residential manufactured homes must be installed and inspected by state-licensed professionals11.
Building a home in Hettinger County: the steps, in order
Call the Auditor/Treasurer at 701-824-2515 and determine whether county, city or township zoning governs the parcel219.
For county-governed land, confirm the zoning district, minimum lot, setbacks, height limit and floodplain overlay before fixing the house location1422161729.
Obtain the county zoning permit, request the current fee resolution, and ask how the incorporated State Building Code will be reviewed and whether inspections apply1321.
Secure the local health-unit septic permit before onsite wastewater work begins; new development needs an approved onsite sewage system, while a subdivision system needs individual review, sufficient lot area and District Health Unit inspection62627.
Confirm road access because county rules limit highway access to four points per mile on each side, subject to the frontage-road exception30.
For a private well, determine whether projected use exceeds 12.5 acre-feet per year and report lower-volume domestic works as required13.
What should you check before buying land in Hettinger County?
First verify the zoning map, legal access, building envelope and sewage feasibility rather than relying only on acreage. County highway access is limited to four points per mile per side, although a frontage road with a dedicated right-of-way can allow additional access30. The floodplain overlay requires residential buildings to be floodproofed above the FEMA 100-year floodplain, so establish the mapped elevation before choosing a house site29. Septic deserves particular attention because only about 6.6% of soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field28. Hettinger County averages 16.4 inches of precipitation a year, and the state requires a water-appropriation permit when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet3113. For budgeting context, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, with a median annual bill of $1,2513233.
Watch-outs
Hettinger County incorporates the North Dakota State Building Code, but a separate code permit, inspection program and certificate of occupancy could not be confirmed; ask the Auditor/Treasurer how code review works before construction32.
Off-grid sanitation does not mean an outhouse or cesspool in Hettinger County: new development must use an approved onsite sewage system, and a subdivision alternative requires individual review2627.
Temporary occupancy in an RV, travel trailer or trailer-class tiny home is limited to 240 days per year in unincorporated Hettinger County8.
Agricultural uses retain county land-use exceptions, but road setbacks and floodplain rules still apply, and a building used as a home is not covered by the state agricultural building-code exemption3435.
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.
Hettinger County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Hettinger County scores
Seclusion89100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1592% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability46100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8194% ev.
Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$158kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$1,611Land / acre
16.4"Annual rain
10.6% of yrsSevere drought
6.8 / yr (+5.7)Mid-century 100°F days
21.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.18" (+7.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
48,767People within 2 hr
1,555Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.1People / sq mi
0.7%Federal land
97.5%Land at 15% slope or less
6.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Hettinger 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.
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Hettinger County rules
Building permitRequired
Structures, land, buildings, and structural alterations in Hettinger County areas governed by the county regulations, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.
The county ordinance requires a zoning permit; it does not use the exact phrase building permit in the operative provision.
The county regulations exclude land within city limits and established extraterritorial territories.
Township zoning preempts county zoning where the township has enacted conflicting zoning ordinances; county regulations apply where township zoning does not address or have jurisdiction over an item.
Agricultural land and buildings used for agricultural uses are exempt from the county regulations except for road setbacks and floodplain regulations.
Residential and accessory structures must also comply with the North Dakota State Building Code as incorporated by the county ordinance.
“No structure, land and building shall be hereafter used and no structure or part thereof shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a zoning permit, and the same shall be in compliance with this code.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Structures, land, and buildings in Hettinger County's unincorporated territorial planning areas, including residential construction.
“No structure, land and building shall be hereafter used [...] without a zoning permit”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Residential and commercial buildings and accessory structures regulated by the Hettinger County land-use resolution.
The county ordinance incorporates the North Dakota State Building Code, N.D. Admin. Code section 108-01-01 et seq.
The State Building Code page states that the 2024 code updates went into effect January 1, 2026.
“All buildings or structures or parts of structures used for residential or commercial purposes, and accessory structures thereto shall be designed and constructed, altered, equipped, and maintained in accordance with the North Dakota State Building Code, N.D. Admin. Code, Sec. 108-01-01 et seq. and the same is hereby made a part of this resolution and incorporated therein as if set out at herein, and from the date this resolution takes effect the provisions thereof shall be controlling in the construction of all residential buildings and accessory buildings thereto.”
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
County zoning and land-use regulations in Hettinger County's unincorporated areas and territorial planning areas of unincorporated communities.
The regulations exclude land within city limits and cities' established extraterritorial territories.
Township zoning pre-empts conflicting county zoning where a township has enacted a zoning ordinance.
If township zoning does not address or have jurisdiction over an item, the county regulations apply.
The regulations do not apply to agricultural land and buildings except for road setbacks and flood-plain regulations.
Structures, land, and buildings may not be used, located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted, or structurally altered without a zoning permit and compliance with the code.
“These regulations shall apply to all lands within Hettinger County, North Dakota and territorial planning areas of unincorporated communities, except land within city limits and their respectively established extra-jurisdictional territories of Hettinger County.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Present (with conditions) — County zoning in unincorporated Hettinger County and the territorial planning areas of unincorporated communities.
“These regulations shall apply to all lands within Hettinger County, North Dakota and territorial planning areas of unincorporated communities, except land within city limits and their respectively established extra-jurisdictional territories of Hettinger County.”
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate local zoning within Hettinger County, including county regulations for unincorporated areas, township zoning where enacted, and municipal zoning within city limits and established extraterritorial territories.
The county regulations exclude land within city limits and cities' established extraterritorial territories.
Township zoning pre-empts conflicting county zoning where enacted.
County regulations apply when township zoning does not address or have jurisdiction over an item.
The county code contains agricultural-use exceptions except for road setbacks and flood-plain regulations.
“Where townships within Hettinger County have enacted zoning ordinances that are in conflict with this zoning code and subdivision regulation, the township zoning will pre-empt the county zoning. However, if the township zoning does not address or have jurisdiction over certain items, these regulations shall apply.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Present — County zoning in Hettinger County's unincorporated territorial planning area.
“The purpose of this district is to provide for preservation and protection of agricultural uses while in existence in the county and its unincorporated territorial planning area.”
“These regulations shall apply to all lands within Hettinger County, North Dakota and territorial planning areas of unincorporated communities”
Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)
Zoning districts and the official zoning map for Hettinger County's unincorporated jurisdiction.
The official zoning map is maintained in the County Auditor's office and is an integral part of the code.
The listed districts are Agricultural, Residential, Commercial and Retail, Industrial, Public and Recreation, and Flood Plain Overlay.
“The following zoning districts are hereby established to carry out the purposes of this code: 5.1 A — Agricultural District 5.2 R — Residential District 5.3 CR— Commercial and Retail District 5.4 I — Industrial District 5.5 PR— Public and Recreation District 5.6 FP — Flood Plain Overlay District”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Published — County zoning districts and the official zoning map for Hettinger County.
“The following zoning districts are hereby established to carry out the purposes of this code: 5.1 A — Agricultural District 5.2 R — Residential District 5.3 CR— Commercial and Retail District 5.4 I — Industrial District 5.5 PR— Public and Recreation District 5.6 FP — Flood Plain Overlay District”
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
Mobile homes, modular homes, and pre-manufactured homes used as year-round dwelling units in Hettinger County's unincorporated territorial planning areas.
The 720-square-foot threshold is stated in the ordinance definition for mobile, modular, and pre-manufactured homes, not as a universal minimum floor area for every dwelling type.
The structure must be designed as a year-round dwelling unit and placed on a secure or permanent foundation or basement.
The mobile home must comply with the latest Manufactured Home Safety Construction and Safety Standards adopted by HUD.
A recreational travel trailer is excluded from the definition of mobile home.
minimum floor area: >= 720 square feet (Applies to the ordinance's mobile home, modular home, or pre-manufactured home definition.)
“Mobile Home, Modular Home or pre-manufactured homes” means a factory built structure, transportable in one or more sections and has at least 720 or more square feet and is designed as a year-round dwelling unit to be placed on a secure or permanent foundation or a basement. The mobile home must comply with the latest Manufactured Home Safety Construction and Safety Standards adopted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A recreational travel trailer is not a mobile home.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Mobile, modular, or pre-manufactured homes classified under the Hettinger County Land Use Regulations.
““Mobile Home, Modular Home or pre-manufactured homes” means a factory built structure, transportable in one or more sections and has at least 720 or more square feet and is designed as a year-round dwelling unit to be placed on a secure or permanent foundation or a basement.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential and other uses in the Agricultural District.
Non-farm residential uses require at least five acres.
Non-residential uses require at least five acres.
Agricultural uses require at least 40 acres.
Any Agricultural District use requires at least 200 feet of lot width.
non-farm residential minimum lot area: >= 5 acres · agricultural-use minimum lot area: >= 40 acres · minimum lot width: >= 200 feet
“For agricultural uses, the area shall not be less than forty (40) acres.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Specified — Residential lots in the county residential and agricultural zoning districts.
“The minimum lot area for single-family units shall be seven thousand five hundred (7,500) square feet, provided sewer is in place, one acre if no sewer.”
SetbacksSpecified
Building setbacks in Hettinger County zoning districts.
Residential district: 200 feet from public-road centerline or 100 feet from private roads, with 25-foot rear and side yards. Agricultural district: 200-foot front, 50-foot rear, and 50-foot side setbacks. Road and floodplain rules remain applicable to agricultural uses.
“The minimum front yard, measured from the centerline of public roads, shall be no less than two hundred (200) feet, depending on setback. For private roads setbacks are one hundred (100) feet.”
Building heightSpecified
Buildings in Hettinger County zoning districts.
Residential buildings may not exceed 40 feet, except church steeples. Agricultural-district rules except certain farm-related structures, towers, steeples, and water tanks.
residential building height maximum: <= 40 feet (church steeples)
“No building shall be more than forty (40) feet high, excepting church steeples.”
Tiny homesLimited
Tiny homes that are recreational vehicles, travel trailers, or other trailers used for temporary occupancy in the county's unincorporated jurisdiction.
Occupancy is limited to 240 days per year.
Storage of residents' recreational vehicles is unlimited.
The ordinance does not expressly define or regulate all tiny homes, particularly fixed tiny homes that are not trailers or recreational vehicles.
City, township, building-code, septic, and other applicable rules may also apply.
maximum temporary occupancy: 240 days per year
“The use of recreational vehicles, travel trailers and other trailers used for temporary occupancy shall be limited to two hundred forty (240) days per year within the county. Storage of residents' recreational vehicles is unlimited.”
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured and mobile homes in the county residential and agricultural districts.
Manufactured units in the residential district must be placed on a permanent foundation or basement; mobile homes are conditional uses and must be permitted through the county. Agricultural-district mobile or modular homes require a permanent-type foundation and five acres or more.
agricultural-district minimum lot area: >= 5 acres (mobile or modular home on permanent-type foundation)
“Pre-manufactured and mobile homes provided that they are placed on a permanent foundation, permanent or properly anchored basement made of concrete. Loose blocks shall not constitute a permanent foundation. Wheels and hitches must be removed. All mobile homes must be permitted through the county.”
Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater systems in Hettinger County administered through the local public health unit serving the county.
North Dakota DEQ licenses installers and requires a local public health unit permit before work begins.
Southwestern District Health Unit identifies Hettinger County service contacts and lists sewer system inspections among its environmental-health services.
“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.”
Septic permitRequired
Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system in Hettinger County.
The installer must obtain a state license.
A permit from the local public health unit must be secured before beginning work.
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.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Sanitary systems in subdivisions governed by the Hettinger County Land Use Regulations.
All sanitary systems must meet State Plumbing Codes.
The District Health Unit performs or administers the stated inspection.
The ordinance allows on-site sewage systems only on individual case review.
Private septic systems must be on lots of at least 45,000 square feet under Section 9.4.2.
minimum lot area for private septic systems: >= 45000 square feet (On-site sewage systems may be allowed on individual case review.)
“All sanitary systems shall meet State Plumbing Codes and be inspected by the District Health Unit.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
On-site sewage systems as an alternative to subdivision sanitary sewers.
Individual case review is required.
State Plumbing Codes apply.
Private septic systems must be on lots of at least 45,000 square feet.
minimum lot area: >= 45000 square feet (On-site sewage systems may be allowed on individual case review.)
“On an individual case review on-site sewage systems may be allowed.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Prohibited — Privies, outhouses, and cesspools in Hettinger County.
“Construction and use of privies, outhouses, and cesspools is prohibited within the county.”
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Water and sewer service for subdivisions in Hettinger County.
All subdivisions must provide sanitary sewers to each lot, subject to individual case review for on-site sewage.
Watermains are required where appropriate and may be omitted where the Planning and Zoning Commission finds them impractical.
A rural water supply must comply with North Dakota requirements.
“All subdivisions shall be provided with sanitary sewers to each lot.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Sewer (with conditions) — All new development subject to the county regulations in unincorporated Hettinger County.
“To protect the public health, to control water pollution and to reduce nuisance and odor, all new development within the county shall be connected to an approved on-site sewage system. Construction and use of privies, outhouses, and cesspools is prohibited within the county.”
Sewer (with conditions) — Subdivision lots in unincorporated areas governed by the Hettinger County subdivision regulations.
“All subdivisions shall be provided with sanitary sewers to each lot. On an individual case review on-site sewage systems may be allowed. Private septic systems must comply with current State Plumbing Codes on lots of a minimum of 45,000 square feet.”
Agricultural exemptionConditional
Land and buildings used for agricultural uses under the Hettinger County Land Use Regulations.
The exemption does not apply to setbacks from roads or flood plain regulations.
The ordinance's definition of agricultural uses controls.
“except for setbacks from roads and flood plain regulations.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Conditional — Agricultural land and buildings under Hettinger County land-use regulations.
“These regulations shall not apply to the land and buildings for agricultural uses, as herein defined except for setbacks from roads and flood plain regulations.”
Driveway accessLimited
Highway and public-road access for development in Hettinger County.
Additional access points may be provided via frontage roads when the landowner dedicates a suitable right-of-way by deed or easement.
highway access points: <= 4 per mile per side (Additional access may be provided via frontage roads with suitable dedication)
“The points of access shall be limited to four (4) per mile per side of the highway. Additional access points may be provided via frontage roads where the land owner shall dedicate a suitable right-of-way by deed or easement.”
Building in a floodplainLimited
Development in the Hettinger County floodplain overlay district.
The floodplain is an overlay for all zoning districts. Residential buildings must be floodproofed above the FEMA 100-year floodplain; temporary buildings and structures not related to flood control are conditional uses.
“General building uses including general farming, pasture, grazing and related uses provided that the buildings and structures for residential use are flood proofed above the 100-Year Flood Plain as established by FEMA.”
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
County zoning, permit, and administrative fees under the Land Use Regulations.
Fees may be established by resolution of the Board of County Commissioners; the opened ordinance does not state fee amounts.
“the Board of County Commissioners may establish a permit and/or an administrative fee system”
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.”
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 [...]”
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”
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.”
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.”
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 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 Hettinger County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
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 Hettinger 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 Hettinger County, North Dakota
Is Hettinger County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Hettinger County scores 43/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,555 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (16.4″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Hettinger County, North Dakota?
Hettinger County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Southwestern District Health Unit (SWDHU). 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 Hettinger County, North Dakota?
Land in Hettinger County runs about $1,611 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Hettinger County?
Hettinger County gets about 16.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.6% of years.
How remote is Hettinger County?
A typical private-land location has about 1,555 people within 15 miles and 109,351 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
