Building permits, zoning and land rules in Sheridan County, North Dakota
51Index Score / 100 #23 of 53 in North Dakota
Sheridan County, North Dakota requires a building permit and administers county zoning, but we could not confirm whether the county enforces the North Dakota State Building Code or which inspections apply12. Start with the Sheridan County Auditor for county applications, and get a separate septic permit from First District Health Unit before onsite wastewater work begins34.
At a glance
Building permit
Required; confirm the form and project-specific requirements with the County Auditor13
Zoning
Yes; the county publishes a zoning plan, maps and resolutions2
Septic permit
Required from First District Health Unit before work begins45
RV living
Not confirmed; ask the County Auditor before relying on an RV as a dwelling23
Tiny home
Not confirmed; county zoning and permitting still need review for the parcel and design21
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Do you need a building permit in Sheridan County, North Dakota?
Yes. Sheridan County requires a building permit, based on the county's published building-permit application and related building and zoning materials1. The county also administers zoning, so a permit answer is only one part of the review2. North Dakota's updated State Building Code took effect in 2026, but Community Services does not enforce the code9. A county that elects to administer a building code must adopt and enforce the state code, with local amendments allowed1011. We could not confirm whether Sheridan County has made that election, which construction triggers inspections, or whether a certificate of occupancy is required. Ask the Sheridan County Auditor to match the current application, code requirements and inspection path to your parcel and project3.
Who handles Sheridan County building permits, and how do you reach them?
The Sheridan County Auditor is the practical county contact for building and zoning applications at 215 E 2nd St, McClusky, ND 58463, phone (701)363-22053. Sheridan County publishes building-permit and zoning materials, but we could not confirm a separately named building department or building inspector1. For a conditional use, zoning change or variance, the reviewed county application requires a map, a boundary-line survey, a preliminary structure-location map, a construction schedule, written highway-authority approval for a new access road, and an application fee, with checks made payable to the Sheridan County Treasurer1213. The form does not state the amount of that fee, and North Dakota's statewide code publication says permit and plan-review charges are set by the applicable governing authority rather than by one statewide schedule14. Ask the Auditor for the current fee and whether your proposal uses that zoning application or another county form3.
Does Sheridan County, North Dakota have zoning?
Yes. Sheridan County publishes a zoning plan, zoning maps and zoning resolutions, and the county holds Planning and Zoning Commission meetings2. That means a rural parcel should not be treated as unrestricted simply because it lies outside a city. North Dakota law allows county commissioners to regulate the location and use of buildings and structures and the occupancy and use of land, subject to the state building-code chapter15. We could not confirm Sheridan County's current district boundaries, minimum lot sizes, setbacks, lot-coverage limits, building-height limits or minimum dwelling size. Ask the Sheridan County Auditor for the map and standards tied to the parcel before placing a house, tiny home, accessory dwelling or other structure3. For a new access road associated with a county zoning application, Sheridan County requires written approval from the highway authority, although the reviewed application does not identify which road authority controls a particular approach16.
How do septic permits work in Sheridan County?
First District Health Unit requires a septic permit before installation or repair work on an onsite sewage treatment system in Sheridan County45. North Dakota also requires the installer to hold a state license, while the local public-health unit issues the system permit17. First District Health Unit accepts applications at 801 11th Ave SW, Minot ND 58701, and its payment phone is 701-837-51215. First District Health Unit requires a final inspection before the new system is backfilled or covered, and a system without final inspection and approval is considered unapproved and illegal185. The district's resolution covers Sheridan County, but a city that has passed an equivalent or more restrictive onsite-sewage ordinance of its own regulates septic systems inside its limits instead17. About 58.2% of Sheridan County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so parcel-level soil review still matters even where the countywide figure looks favorable19. We could not confirm a separate county rule for off-grid sanitation, so take any alternative design to First District Health Unit before purchase or construction5.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Sheridan County?
We could not confirm a Sheridan County rule that allows or prohibits living in an RV on private land, nor a county standard specifically governing tiny-home occupancy. Sheridan County does have zoning and requires building permits, so neither use should be assumed legal without parcel-specific confirmation from the County Auditor213. The North Dakota state-park camping limit concerns state-park campsites and cabins, not private land, so it does not answer the RV question here20. A new manufactured home follows a clearer statewide path: residential installation must be performed by a state-licensed installer and inspected by a state-licensed inspector21. A tiny home is not automatically the same legal category as a manufactured home. Any occupied structure producing sewage without community sewer service will also need the local septic process addressed before wastewater work begins4.
Building a home in Sheridan County: the steps, in order
Ask the Sheridan County Auditor for the zoning map, the correct building or zoning application, the current fee, and the requirements for your parcel at 215 E 2nd St, McClusky, ND 58463, phone (701)363-220532.
Confirm whether Sheridan County enforces the North Dakota State Building Code and which inspections or occupancy approval apply; those county details remain unconfirmed10.
Prepare the map, boundary survey, structure-location map and schedule required for a county conditional-use, zoning-change or variance application when that process applies12.
Obtain written approval from the correct highway authority before adding a new access road connected to that zoning application16.
Apply to First District Health Unit before septic work begins45.
Address water supply: qualifying lower-volume private-well uses do not need a state appropriation permit but still must be reported7.
Do not cover the septic system until First District Health Unit completes the required final inspection5.
What should you check before buying land in Sheridan County?
Zoning comes first: obtain Sheridan County's zoning map and ask the County Auditor for the parcel's district, allowed uses, setbacks and permit path23. Access matters too, because a county zoning application for a new access road requires written approval from the highway authority16. For septic, have First District Health Unit evaluate the site; about 58.2% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, but that countywide figure cannot approve an individual lot195. Sheridan County is very sparsely settled at about 1.3 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 171 miles from the county center, so contractor travel and material logistics deserve early pricing2223. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, with a median annual bill around $7532425. For a private well, discuss expected use with the Department of Water Resources because the appropriation-permit threshold is 12.5 acre-feet per year7.
Watch-outs
Sheridan County's application leaves the permit-fee amount blank, so get the current charge from the County Auditor before budgeting123.
A North Dakota agricultural building is exempt from the state building-code chapter unless it is used for human habitation or by the public, but that does not erase applicable Sheridan County zoning review82.
Sheridan County requires written highway-authority approval for a new access road tied to a county zoning application, but the reviewed form does not identify the authority for each road16.
Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.
Sheridan County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Sheridan County scores
Seclusion87100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency23100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability42100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8194% ev.
Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →
$116kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$1,746Land / acre
18.6"Annual rain
9.7% of yrsSevere drought
5.1 / yr (+4.4)Mid-century 100°F days
20.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.29" (+4.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.59×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
272People within 30 min
263,289People within 2 hr
1,031Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.3People / sq mi
40.3%Federal land
91.6%Land at 15% slope or less
58.2%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Sheridan 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.
Sheridan County rules
Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)
Onsite sewage treatment systems in Sheridan County within the First District Health Unit jurisdiction.
The First District Health Unit is the adopting authority described on the official FDHU page.
A municipality may regulate and enforce onsite sewage treatment systems through an equivalent or more restrictive ordinance, in which case the district resolution does not apply there.
“This Resolution shall apply in Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan, and Ward counties. This Resolution provides the minimum standards and regulations applicable to onsite sewage treatment systems. Where a municipality has passed an ordinance to regulate and enforce in an equivalent or more restrictive manner, such requirements established hereunder shall not apply.”
Septic permitRequired
Onsite wastewater systems in Sheridan County.
A local public-health-unit permit is required before beginning work on a system.
The requirement is paired with state licensing of onsite-wastewater installers.
“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
New onsite sewage treatment systems in Sheridan County.
A final inspection must be scheduled before backfilling or covering the new system.
The owner or contractor must contact First District Health Unit to schedule the inspection.
Without final inspection and approval, the system is considered unapproved and illegal.
Under the district regulation, the soil treatment area may not be covered until inspection unless prior approval has been granted.
“A final inspection must be scheduled prior to backfilling or covering the new system. Either the property owner or contractor must contact First District to schedule the inspection. Without final inspection and approval, the septic system will be considered unapproved and illegal.”
Driveway accessLimited
New access roads associated with a county zoning application.
Written approval of the highway authority is required for new access roads.
The application does not identify the responsible highway authority or specify dimensional standards.
“Written approval of highway authority for new access roads.”
Permit processPartial
County zoning-permit application process in Sheridan County.
The application requires a map of the area.
The application requires a boundary-line survey.
The application requires a preliminary map showing the location of structures.
The application requires a timing schedule indicating starting and completion dates.
The application requires written approval of the highway authority for new access roads.
The application requires a permit application fee, but the amount is blank in the opened form.
The form directs applicants to make checks payable to the Sheridan County Treasurer.
“Additional items required to be attached:
Map of area
Boundary line survey of site
Preliminary map showing location of structures.
Timing schedule indicting the starting and completion dates.
Written approval of highway authority for new access roads.
Permit application fee in the amount of $____________
(MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO SHERIDAN COUNTY TREASURER)”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Partial — County zoning applications for conditional use, zoning change, or variance.
“Additional items required to be attached:
Map of area
Boundary line survey of site
Preliminary map showing location of structures.
Timing schedule indicting the starting and completion dates.
Written approval of highway authority for new access roads.
Permit application fee in the amount of $____________”
Building permitRequired
Sheridan County's official document library publishes a county Building Permit Application, Building Code and Zoning Maps, and a Zoning Permit Application, indicating the county administers building/zoning permits.
The county publishes an official Sheridan County Zoning Plan, Zoning Maps, and Zoning Resolutions, and holds County Planning & Zoning Commission meetings.
An individual who builds that individual’s own single-family residence and seeks the North Dakota builder property-tax exemption.
The exemption is discretionary and requires the governing city or county to pass a resolution allowing it.
For property within a city, the city governing body has jurisdiction; for property outside an incorporated city, the county has jurisdiction.
The property must remain owned by the builder and unoccupied.
The exemption applies for the taxable year in which construction began and the next two taxable years.
The governing body may impose conditions, including limits on the exemption period and dollar value.
A builder may receive the exemption for no more than ten properties in a taxable year within each jurisdiction that approved the exemption.
General taxes and installments of special assessments may not be delinquent.
This is a property-tax exemption, not a building-permit or building-inspection exemption.
exemption period: taxable year in which construction began and next two taxable years · maximum properties per builder per jurisdiction per taxable year: 10 properties
“Whether or not to offer the exemption is at the discretion of the governing body. [...] “Builder” includes an individual who builds that individual’s own residence.”
Building code adoptedPartial
North Dakota's state building code and its adoption and enforcement by cities, townships, and counties statewide; state and local government buildings and schools are also addressed by the administrative code.
The state building code is administered and updated by North Dakota Commerce, but enforcement is the responsibility of jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.
A city, county, or township that elects to adopt and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.
Cities, townships, and counties may amend the State Building Code to conform to local needs.
Fully chartered home rule cities may adopt something other than the State Building Code; the official Commerce page states that, at present, all jurisdictions enforcing a building code have adopted the same individual codes comprising the State Building Code.
The State Building Code consists of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Fuel Gas Code; Commerce also states that the 2024 updates and proposed amendments were adopted on September 11, 2025 and that the new State Building Code went into effect January 1, 2026.
The state statute separately exempts buildings that are neither heated nor cooled, certain low-energy-use buildings, qualifying restored or reconstructed historic buildings, and agricultural buildings unless used for human habitation or by the public.
The administrative code states that its chapter applies to cities, townships, and counties that elect to adopt and enforce building codes within their jurisdictional boundaries, and to all state and local government buildings and public and private schools.
new state building code effective date: 2026-01-01 · state code components: IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC
“If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — Cities, townships, and counties in North Dakota that elect to administer and enforce a building code.
“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.”
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.”
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.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Construction or modification of North Dakota water-control structures regulated by the Department of Water Resources.
A DWR construction permit is required when a water-control structure is capable of retaining, diverting, or obstructing more than 50 acre-feet for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams.
The threshold is more than 25 acre-feet for medium-hazard and high-hazard dams.
This claim does not establish the separate local floodplain-development-permit requirements administered by local floodplain administrators.
retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams: > 50 acre-feet · retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for medium- and high-hazard dams: > 25 acre-feet
“A construction permit is required from the DWR if a water control structure is constructed or modified”
Short-term rentalsLimited
Transient lodging rentals held out to the public for a charge in North Dakota.
A lodging license applies to buildings or structures held out to the public where sleeping accommodations are furnished to transient guests for a charge.
The lodging license does not apply to a single structure with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
The lodging license also does not apply to a series or group of buildings or structures containing five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
License applications must be submitted at least 30 days before beginning construction or acquiring new ownership; new construction, renovation, or remodeling also requires the Section 3 Plan Review Checklist; after payment, review may take up to 30 calendar days.
guest-room exemption threshold: <= 5 guest rooms or fewer (Only when total occupants are ten or fewer.) · occupant exemption threshold: <= 10 occupants or fewer (Only when the structure has five or fewer guest rooms.)
“The lodging license does not apply to: Single structures with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.”
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.”
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 Sheridan County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.
Zoning districts
Minimum lot size
Living in an RV
Camping on your land
Tiny homes
Accessory dwellings
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Sheridan County.
Local zoning — Aggregate zoning status of municipalities and townships within Sheridan County, including Goodrich, Martin, McClusky, and the county's townships.
Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility connection requirements in Sheridan 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 Sheridan County, North Dakota
Is Sheridan County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Sheridan County scores 51/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 272 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.6″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.
Do you need a building permit in Sheridan County, North Dakota?
Sheridan County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by First District Health Unit (Environmental Health Division). 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 Sheridan County, North Dakota?
Land in Sheridan County runs about $1,746 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Sheridan County?
Sheridan County gets about 18.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.7% of years.
How remote is Sheridan County?
A representative private-land location has about 272 people within a 30-minute drive and 263,289 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.
