Building permits, zoning and land rules in Richland County, North Dakota
59Index Score / 100 #3 of 53 in North Dakota
In unincorporated Richland County, North Dakota, we could not confirm a countywide building-permit requirement; township rules determine local building permits and zoning approval.12 Dwight Township requires building permits, completion inspections and certificates of occupancy for covered non-agricultural work.345 Fargo Cass Public Health handles septic permits and inspections, while North Dakota DEQ licenses installers.6
At a glance
Building permit
Countywide requirement not confirmed; Dwight Township requires permits for covered work13
Zoning
Rules vary locally; Dwight and Mooreton townships have documented zoning27
Septic
Permit and inspection through Fargo Cass Public Health89
RV living
Mooreton Township generally limits temporary RV occupancy to 240 days per year10
Tiny home
No countywide rule confirmed; mobile homes are allowed in Dwight's A-1 district1112
Owner-builder
No countywide permit exemption confirmed; a separate builder tax exemption depends on local approval13
Private well
State water permit applies above the annual withdrawal threshold14
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Do you need a building permit in Richland County, North Dakota?
We could not confirm a countywide building-permit requirement for unincorporated Richland County.1 North Dakota’s State Building Code applies through a city, county or township’s decision to adopt and enforce building codes; local amendments are allowed, and fully chartered home-rule cities may adopt a different code.15 The updated State Building Code took effect January 1, 2026.16 Mooreton Township requires regulated structures to conform to the State Building Code.17
Dwight Township requires a Code Administrator building permit before covered construction, reconstruction, relocation, alteration, building-related excavation or mobile-home work begins.3 Dwight’s application requires a legal description, dimensioned lot map, building location, construction details, intended occupancy, probable cost and any additional requested plans.3 Covered completed buildings and placed mobile or manufactured homes need an inspection and certificate of occupancy after compliance is confirmed.1819 Dwight’s ordinance excludes agricultural land and buildings as defined there, including from these permit and inspection requirements.34
Who issues building permits in Richland County, North Dakota?
For unincorporated Richland County building permits and zoning approval, start with the parcel’s township; no single countywide building-permit authority could be confirmed.21 Dwight Township’s Code Administrator issues building permits and certificates of occupancy; its Zoning Commission approves conditional-use and site-approval applications.31920
Inside city limits, Wahpeton handles its own building permits for structural changes, re-roofing, new buildings and additions, while Wyndmere requires council approval of building-permit applications before construction.2122 On-site septic permitting and inspection remain with Fargo Cass Public Health.6
County-road right-of-way driveway or culvert work requires an application through the Richland County Highway Department.23 Dwight Township road access requires a Board of Supervisors permit, except for farm driveways and field access points.24
Does Richland County, North Dakota have zoning?
Unincorporated Richland County zoning varies by township; we could not confirm a single countywide ordinance.211 Dwight Township’s zoning excludes agricultural uses as defined in its ordinance and areas under an incorporated municipality’s declared extraterritorial jurisdiction.7 Mooreton Township also has its own zoning, subject to a municipal extraterritorial-area exception.2
Wahpeton and Wyndmere set their own zoning inside city limits; on-site septic permitting and inspection remain with Fargo Cass Public Health.25266
In Dwight’s A-1 Agricultural District, non-farm residential and nonresidential lots need at least 3 acres and a width of at least 250 feet.27 A-1 residential buildings are limited to 2.5 stories or 35 feet, except farm buildings and structures.28 Dwight’s 50% lot-coverage cap applies to principal and accessory uses other than parking in the I-1 Rural Industrial District, rather than residential lots generally.29 Dwight’s yard standards vary by district, so ask the township for the parcel’s zoning map and applicable setbacks.302
How do septic permits work in Richland County, North Dakota?
Septic authority in Richland County is split: Fargo Cass Public Health administers local on-site wastewater permits and inspections, while the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality licenses installers statewide.6 Obtain the local public-health permit before installation begins; the installer must also hold the required state license and follow local codes.31
Fargo Cass Public Health performs an open-trench inspection before the system is covered and requires 24-hour notice, so coordinate timing before backfilling.9 Only about 4.7% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, making early soil evaluation especially valuable.32 Property owners may physically install their own system, but the same permitting and inspection process applies.33 Dwight Township also requires individual water-supply and sewage-disposal systems to comply with state plumbing and sanitary codes.34
Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Richland County, North Dakota?
Mooreton Township generally limits temporary occupancy of RVs, travel trailers and other trailers to 240 days per year; storage of residents’ recreational vehicles is unlimited.10 Mooreton’s ordinance excludes a municipality’s declared extraterritorial area and contains agricultural-use and retired-active-farmer exceptions, so ask the township which provisions apply to the parcel.10 We could not confirm countywide rules for long-term RV living, private-land camping, tiny-home occupancy or minimum dwelling size; ask the parcel’s township about classification and occupancy approval.112
Dwight Township allows mobile homes in its A-1 Agricultural District.12 Covered placed mobile and manufactured homes require a completion inspection and certificate of occupancy, subject to Dwight’s agricultural exception.45 Those provisions do not establish that an RV or every tiny home qualifies as a mobile or manufactured home.35
Building a home in Richland County, North Dakota: what are the steps?
Identify the parcel's township and municipality because zoning and construction rules vary locally.2
Ask the township whether it enforces the State Building Code and requires building, zoning, or site approval before excavation.15 Dwight Township requires a permit before covered work begins.3
Secure the local public-health septic permit before installation; Fargo Cass Public Health will inspect the system, while the state licenses installers.8936
Confirm road jurisdiction before building access: county right-of-way work goes through the Highway Department, while Dwight Township road access goes through its Board of Supervisors.2324
For a private well, determine projected annual withdrawal because a state water permit applies above 12.5 acre-feet per year and is not required below that threshold.37
If the site is in a Special Flood Hazard Area of a participating community, obtain the local Floodplain Administrator's permit before work begins.38
For covered non-agricultural work in Dwight Township, schedule the completion inspection and obtain the certificate of occupancy.45
What should you check before buying land in Richland County?
Confirm the township and municipality first, then request the applicable zoning map, permitted-use rules, setbacks, lot standards, and permit contacts.2 Verify legal road access and ask the Richland County Highway Department about driveway or culvert work within a county road right-of-way.23
Order septic soil work early because only about 4.7% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field.32 Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area of a participating community requires a permit from the local Floodplain Administrator before work begins, with state review also required for development in the regulatory floodway.38 In Dwight Township's mapped floodplain overlay, human-habitation buildings must be floodproofed above the 500-year floodplain.39 For budgeting context, the county's effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,015.4041
Watch-outs
Do not assume Dwight or Mooreton Township rules apply elsewhere in Richland County; identify the parcel's local jurisdiction before relying on a permit fee, zoning standard, or RV rule.24210
Do not cover a septic tank or drain field before Fargo Cass Public Health completes the required open-trench inspection and gives approval.9
Dwight Township exempts agricultural land and buildings from its zoning ordinance, but that does not establish an exemption elsewhere in Richland County or from separate state rules.43
Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Richland County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Richland County scores
Seclusion82100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency26100% ev.
Admin Boringness5458% ev.
Durability55100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost76100% ev.
Evidence strength: 93%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$234kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$4,419Land / acre
24.2"Annual rain
3.8% of yrsSevere drought
4.4 / yr (+3.9)Mid-century 100°F days
19.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.47" (+7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.69×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,865Home insurance / yr
3.3% / yrInsurance growth
0.35%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,634People within 30 min
530,811People within 2 hr
4,803Radius comparison (15 mi)
11.5People / sq mi
5.7%Federal land
98.8%Land at 15% slope or less
4.7%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Richland 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.
Richland County rules
Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate of township and municipal zoning within Richland County; the county itself is not asserted to administer each local ordinance.
The official Richland County township page identifies township zoning information and links a township zoning document for DeVillo Township.
Mooreton Township has its own zoning regulations applying to lands within Mooreton Township, subject to the ordinance's incorporated-municipality extraterritorial-area exception.
Dwight Township has its own zoning regulations, including residential districts and conditional mobile-home-park provisions.
Rules therefore vary by township or municipality, and the reviewed materials do not establish that every Richland County township is zoned.
“These regulations shall apply to the use and enjoyment of all lands within the Dwight Township, Richland County, North Dakota.”
Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)
On-site sewage treatment systems installed in Richland County.
Fargo Cass Public Health provides the local permitting and inspection function for Richland County.
North Dakota DEQ licenses onsite wastewater installers statewide.
Installers must follow local codes.
“The Fargo Cass Public Health (FCPH) Division of Environmental Health provides minimum standards and criteria for design, location, installation, operation, and maintenance of on-site sewage treatment systems (OSTS) in Cass, Ransom, Richland, Sargent, and Traill Counties, and permits and conducts inspections of new and existing systems that are installed in Richland County and licenses all septic system installers in the county.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Local (with conditions) — On-site sewage treatment systems in Richland County administered through Fargo Cass Public Health Environmental Health.
“We provide training and education on proper system construction to homeowners and septic system installers in Cass, Richland, Ransom, Sargent, Steele and Traill counties.”
Septic permitRequired
New and existing on-site sewage treatment systems installed in Richland County.
Fargo Cass Public Health permits systems installed in Richland County.
The systems are subject to minimum standards and criteria for design, location, installation, operation, and maintenance.
“Any home or small commercial building that discharges household wastewater is required to have their septic system licensed and inspected by Fargo Cass Public Health. After a successful inspection, a permit is then issued for use.”
Septic inspectionRequired
New and existing on-site sewage treatment systems installed in Richland County.
Fargo Cass Public Health conducts inspections of new and existing systems installed in Richland County.
All sewage disposal systems must comply with North Dakota Administrative Code 62-03-16.
“Please note: we require a 24-hour notice prior to requesting an inspection. FCPH will then conduct an open trench inspection of the tank and drain field. Do not cover the system until FCPH has given approval.”
County-wide zoningPresent
Zoning in Richland County is administered at the township level; individual townships (e.g., Dwight Township) have adopted zoning ordinances on file with the state, though not all townships are zoned and there is no confirmed single countywide zoning ordinance.
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.”
5 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted — The North Dakota State Building Code, including the state code components applicable when a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes.
“If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
Adopted — North Dakota State Building Code, including the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Fuel Gas Code.
“adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC [...] The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
Adopted (with conditions) — North Dakota State Building Code as it applies to cities, counties, and townships that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.
“If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code. However, a jurisdiction is permitted to further amend the State Building Code to conform to local needs.”
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.”
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.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Private water wells in Richland County subject to North Dakota requirements.
“If your well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,000 gallons) of water per year, it needs to be permitted by the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (dwr.nd.gov | 701-328-2750). A permit is not needed for wells that draw less than 12.5 acre-feet per year.”
Limited — Private water wells serving property in Richland County.
“If your well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,000 gallons) of water per year, it needs to be permitted”
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.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area in Richland County where the relevant community participates in the NFIP.
The permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before work begins.
The floodplain permit should be the last permit issued for the project.
The North Dakota Department of Water Resources must review development within the regulatory floodway before a 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 (structures substantially damaged or improved by more than 50 percent)
“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.”
Inside cities and towns in Richland County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Building permitLimited
Construction, reconstruction, relocation, alteration, excavation connected with building work, and mobile homes in Dwight Township, except agricultural uses covered by the ordinance exception.
Before proceeding with the work or commencing excavation, the applicant must obtain a permit from the Code Administrator.
The application must include a legal description, a lot map showing dimensions and building location, building type and materials, site occupancy, probable cost, and any additionally required plans and specifications.
The permit is issued only if the proposed building or structure conforms to the zoning and building provisions.
The regulations do not apply to the use of land and buildings for agriculture as defined therein.
Fees are governed by the Township Board resolution and schedule; the ordinance fee schedule lists no fee under $500, $50 for $501-$20,000, and $40 plus $2 for each additional $1,000 over $20,000, plus processing costs unless otherwise provided by resolution.
building permit fee for work under $500: 0 USD · building permit fee for work from $501 to $20,000: 50 USD · building permit fee for work over $20,000: 40 + 2 per additional 1000 of valuation USD (plus processing costs described in the ordinance)
“shall obtain a permit from the Code Administrator.”
Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
Structures and buildings regulated by the Mooreton Township zoning regulations.
The ordinance also requires compliance with the most recent edition of the National Fire Protection Association standards and the National Electrical Code.
Individual water-supply and sewage-disposal systems must conform to the North Dakota Plumbing Code and Sanitary Code.
“shall conform to requirements of the North Dakota State Building Code”
InspectionsLimited
Inspection of completed buildings, including placement of mobile homes and manufactured homes, as part of the certificate-of-occupancy process in Dwight Township, except agricultural uses covered by the ordinance exception.
The inspection is tied to issuance of a certificate of occupancy and assurance that all ordinance provisions and conditions are met.
If violations or deviations are found, the Code Administrator must report and recommend action to the Board of Supervisors.
The regulations do not apply to the use of land and buildings for agriculture as defined therein.
“The Code Administrator shall issue a certificate of occupancy upon inspection of the completed building, including placement of mobile homes and manufactured homes and assurance that all provisions and conditions set forth by the authority of these regulations are met. In the event the Code Administrator finds violations and deviations from the terms and conditions of these regulations, he shall make a report and recommendation for action to the Board of Supervisors.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Required — Completed buildings, including placement of mobile homes and manufactured homes, in Dwight Township.
“The Code Administrator shall issue a certificate of occupancy upon inspection of the completed building, including placement of mobile homes and manufactured homes and assurance that all provisions and conditions set forth by the authority of these regulations are met.”
Required — Completed buildings, mobile homes, and manufactured homes in Dwight Township.
“The Code Administrator shall issue a certificate of occupancy upon inspection of the completed building, including placement of mobile homes and manufactured homes and assurance that all provisions and conditions set forth by the authority of these regulations are met.”
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Completed buildings and placement of mobile or manufactured homes in Dwight Township.
The certificate follows inspection of the completed building.
All applicable provisions and conditions must be satisfied.
Violations or deviations are reported to the Board of Supervisors.
“The Code Administrator shall issue a certificate of occupancy upon inspection of the completed building, including placement of mobile homes and manufactured homes and assurance that all provisions and conditions set forth by the authority of these regulations are met.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Completed buildings and placement of mobile homes and manufactured homes in Dwight Township, except agricultural uses covered by the ordinance exception.
“The Code Administrator shall issue a certificate of occupancy upon inspection of the completed building, including placement of mobile homes and manufactured homes and assurance that all provisions and conditions set forth by the authority of these regulations are met. In the event the Code Administrator finds violations and deviations from the terms and conditions of these regulations, he shall make a report and recommendation for action to the Board of Supervisors.”
Required — Completed buildings and placement of mobile or manufactured homes in Dwight Township.
“The Code Administrator shall issue a certificate of occupancy upon inspection of the completed building, including placement of mobile homes and manufactured homes and assurance that all provisions and conditions set forth by the authority of these regulations are met.”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
All land within Dwight Township, Richland County, North Dakota, subject to the stated extraterritorial and agricultural exceptions.
The regulations apply to the use and enjoyment of all lands within Dwight Township.
They do not apply to areas within an incorporated municipality's declared extraterritorial jurisdiction under North Dakota Century Code chapter 40-47.
They are effective upon adoption by the Township Board of Supervisors.
They do not apply to agricultural uses of land and buildings as defined in the regulations.
Where requirements conflict with other lawfully adopted rules, regulations, ordinances, deed restrictions, or covenants, the most restrictive requirement governs unless otherwise stated.
“These regulations shall apply to the use and enjoyment of all lands within the Dwight Township, Richland County, North Dakota.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
A-1 Agricultural District lots in Dwight Township.
For non-farm residential uses and non-residential uses in the A-1 district, the lot area must meet the stated minimum.
This is not a countywide requirement.
minimum lot area: >= 3 acres · minimum lot width: >= 250 feet
“5.1.4.1 For non-farm residential uses the lot area shall not be less than 3 (three) acres. 5.1.4.2 For non residential uses the lot area shall not be less than 3 (three ) acres.”
SetbacksSpecified
Non-agricultural buildings and structures, and applicable uses, in Dwight Township zoning districts.
The ordinance-wide agricultural exception states that the regulations do not apply to the use of land and buildings for agriculture.
Road and highway setback: buildings and structures must be at least 100 feet from township, county, and state highway rights-of-way.
In the A-1 Agricultural District, the minimum front yard is 75 feet from township roads and 100 feet from other rights-of-way; minimum rear yard is 50 feet; minimum side yard is 50 feet.
For R-1 residential uses, the minimum front yard is 75 feet on township roads and 100 feet for other highway rights-of-way; minimum rear yard is 50 feet; minimum side yard is 10 feet on each side.
The ordinance states that a variance shall not be granted for any yard or setback less than the yard or setback required by the regulations.
road and highway right-of-way setback: >= 100 feet (township, county, and state highway rights-of-way) · A-1 front yard adjoining township road: >= 75 feet · A-1 front yard adjoining other rights-of-way: >= 100 feet · A-1 rear yard: >= 50 feet · A-1 side yard: >= 50 feet · R-1 front yard adjoining township road: >= 75 feet · R-1 front yard adjoining other highway rights-of-way: >= 100 feet · R-1 rear yard: >= 50 feet · R-1 side yard: >= 10 feet (on each side of a lot)
“All buildings and structures shall be placed at least 100 (one hundred) feet from township, county and state highway rights-of-way for the purpose of preventing hazardous accumulations of snow and to allow for future widening of public right-of-ways. Tree plantings and shelterbelts shall be planted 150' from center of road.”
Lot coverageSpecified
Principal and accessory uses, excluding parking, in the I-1 Rural Industrial District.
The limitation is district-specific and excludes parking.
maximum lot coverage: <= 50 percent (parking excluded)
“The principal and accessory uses excluding parking shall not cover more than 50% (fifty percent) of the lot.”
Building heightSpecified
Buildings in Dwight Township's A-1 Agricultural District.
Residential buildings may not exceed two and one-half stories or 35 feet.
Farm buildings and structures are excepted from that residential limit.
Other uses generally may not exceed 35 feet, with radio/TV towers and church steeples excepted.
Heights for manufacturing of agricultural products are determined by the Township Board of Supervisors.
residential building height: <= 35 feet (farm buildings and structures) · residential building stories: <= 2.5 stories (farm buildings and structures) · other-use building height: <= 35 feet (radio and TV towers and church steeples)
“The building height for residential buildings shall not exceed two and one half stories or 35 (thirty five) feet except for farm buildings and structures.”
Living in an RVLimited
Use of recreational vehicles, travel trailers, and other trailers for temporary occupancy within Mooreton Township, Richland County.
Temporary occupancy is limited to 240 days per year within Mooreton Township.
Storage of residents' recreational vehicles is unlimited.
The regulations apply to lands within Mooreton Township, but do not apply within an incorporated municipality's declared extraterritorial area.
Agricultural-use exceptions and the stated retired-active-farmer exception in Sections 1.4.1 and 1.8 also apply.
temporary occupancy limit: 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 township. Storage of residents' recreational vehicles is unlimited.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Use of recreational vehicles, travel trailers, and other trailers for temporary occupancy within Mooreton Township, Richland County, North Dakota.
“temporary occupancy shall be limited to two hundred forty (240) days per year”
Manufactured homesAllowed
Mobile or manufactured homes in Dwight Township's A-1 Agricultural District.
The claim is limited to Dwight Township and its A-1 district.
Other township or municipal rules may differ.
“5.1.2 Permitted Uses [...] 5.1.2.9 Mobile Homes.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Placement and occupancy of manufactured homes in Dwight Township.
“The Code Administrator shall issue a certificate of occupancy upon inspection of the completed building, including placement of mobile homes and manufactured homes and assurance that all provisions and conditions set forth by the authority of these regulations are met.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Individual water-supply and sewage-disposal systems in Dwight Township.
Individual systems must conform to the North Dakota Plumbing Code and Sanitary Code.
Septic permitting and inspection requirements administered by Fargo Cass Public Health also apply in Richland County.
“All individual water supply and sewage disposal systems shall conform to the requirements set forth in the North Dakota Plumbing Code and Sanitary Code.”
Agricultural exemptionAvailable
Agricultural land and buildings within Dwight Township zoning jurisdiction.
Agriculture is defined in the ordinance to include farming, livestock, poultry, dairying, horticulture, pasturing, tree farming, and related land-based food and fiber facilities.
The exemption is limited to the Dwight Township zoning ordinance and does not establish a countywide exemption from other state or local rules.
“These regulations shall not apply to the use of land and buildings for agriculture as defined herein.”
Driveway accessRequired
Access to township roads in Dwight Township.
A permit is required from the Board of Supervisors for access to township roads.
The Board may impose conditions concerning access points, width, construction, and other features.
Farm driveways and field access points are exempt.
“A permit for access to the township roads is required by the Board of Supervisors. In granting the access permit to the township roads, the Board of Supervisors may adopt rules and regulations as to the number of access points per mile, the width, construction and other features of the access to the adjoining properties. The Board of Supervisors may place conditions when granting a road access permit. Farm driveways and field access points are exempt from these provisions.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Access to township roads in Dwight Township.
“A permit for access to the township roads is required by the Board of Supervisors. In granting the access permit to the township roads, the Board of Supervisors may adopt rules and regulations as to the number of access points per mile, the width, construction and other features of the access to the adjoining properties. The Board of Supervisors may place conditions when granting a road access permit. Farm driveways and field access points are exempt from these provisions.”
Building in a floodplainLimited
Development within the F-1 Flood Plain District Overlay in Dwight Township.
The F-1 district overlays all zoning districts in delineated floodplain areas.
Human-habitation buildings and structures must be floodproofed above the 500-year floodplain.
Temporary buildings and structures not related to flood control or farming are conditional uses.
Farm buildings and structures and communication relay towers are excepted from the stated 40-foot height limit.
minimum floodproofing elevation for human habitation: above the 500-year floodplain · maximum building height: <= 40 feet (farm buildings and structures and communication relay towers)
“The delineated areas as flood plain shall be an overlay for all zoning districts. [...] General Building uses including general farming, pasture, grazing and related uses provided that the buildings and structures for human habitation are flood proofed above the 500 Year Flood Plain as established by (FEMA).”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Dwight Township zoning, building, conditional-use, and variance applications.
Building permit fees are based on valuation.
Additional processing costs may include publication costs, attorney fees, mileage, and copying expenses.
No permit is issued until required costs are paid unless the Township Zoning Board provides otherwise by resolution.
building permit fee under $500 valuation: no fee USD · building permit fee $501-$20,000 valuation: 50 USD · building permit fee over $20,000 valuation: 40 + 2 for each additional $1,000 in valuation USD · conditional use permit: 100 USD · zoning amendment: 100 USD · variance: 100 USD
“Application for building permit: Value of work to be done Fee under $500 no fee $501 - $20,000 $50 over $20,000 $40 + $2 for each additional $1000 in valuation”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Building permits, conditional-use permits, zoning amendments, variances, and related applications in Dwight Township.
Building-permit applications must be filed before work or excavation.
Conditional-use and site-approval permits require Zoning Commission approval.
Zoning amendments and variances require public hearings with at least 15 days' notice under the cited provisions.
Fees and processing costs must be paid before permit issuance, subject to the stated resolution exception.
“The Code Administrator shall issue a conditional use or site approval permit upon approval of the application by the Zoning Commission stipulating all conditions set forth.”
Set by your township or city, not the county
In North Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Richland County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Mandatory utility hookup — Required connection to public water or sewer utilities for residential development in Richland 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 Richland County, North Dakota
Is Richland County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Richland County scores 59/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 1,634 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (24.2″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Richland County, North Dakota?
Building-permit rules for unincorporated Richland County are not published on an official source, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Richland County Health Department / Fargo Cass Public Health (Environmental Health). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
How much does land cost in Richland County, North Dakota?
Land in Richland County runs about $4,419 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Richland County?
Richland County gets about 24.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 3.8% of years.
How remote is Richland County?
A representative private-land location has about 1,634 people within a 30-minute drive and 530,811 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.
