Building permits, zoning and land rules in Slope County, North Dakota
42Index Score / 100 #49 of 53 in North Dakota
Slope County, North Dakota directs applicants to obtain building permits from the county Zoning Office, but its published instructions do not say which projects require one1. Slope County has county zoning, though the available rules do not establish what applies inside incorporated municipalities2. Septic work requires a local public health permit, while North Dakota licenses installers34.
At a glance
Building permit
Obtained from the Zoning Office; confirm whether your project requires one1
Zoning
County regulations are in use; confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and district2
Septic permit
Required through the Southwestern District Health Unit before work begins54
RV or tiny-home living
Not confirmed; ask the Zoning Office before placing or occupying one67
Owner-builder exemption
Not confirmed; ask the Zoning Office before hiring or starting work87
Agricultural buildings
State-code exemption if not used as a home or by the public; confirm the county permit97
Private wells
No state permit below 12.5 acre-feet per year; required above that level10
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Do you need a building permit in Slope County, North Dakota?
Slope County tells applicants to obtain building permits from the Zoning Office, but the published page does not say which projects require a permit1. Call before ordering plans or beginning site work because the county page also omits the application checklist, fees, review timeline and applicability exceptions1. North Dakota's current state-code framework took effect in 2026, but the state Community Services agency does not enforce that code; enforcement belongs to jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce it1112. Slope County has not identified which building-code provisions, plan review or inspections apply, so ask the Zoning Office about your project7. A building used for agricultural purposes is exempt from the state building-code chapter only when it is neither a home nor used by the public; that does not establish an exemption from the county permit process9.
Who issues Slope County building permits, and how do you reach them?
The Slope County Zoning Office is the county's building-permit contact, and the county directs callers to 701-879-62711. The office contact is at the Slope County Courthouse, 206 Main St, Amidon, ND 586207. The published process omits the application forms, required documents, review steps, inspections and fees, so call for the current application, drawing requirements and payment instructions1. North Dakota does not impose one uniform local building-permit fee schedule; permit and plan-review charges are established by the governing authority that administers the permit13. Slope County also has not confirmed an owner-builder exemption, so an owner who plans to perform the work should ask the Zoning Office what contractor credentials or owner affidavits are required before applying87.
Does Slope County have zoning?
Yes. Slope County uses county zoning regulations and county-administered approvals2. The available county material does not establish what applies inside incorporated municipalities, so first confirm which jurisdiction controls the parcel2. North Dakota law allows county commissioners to regulate building locations and uses, land occupancy and residential or recreational land uses, with different rules in different districts14. The county's zoning page sends zoning questions to the Slope County Sheriff's Office at the same 701-879-6271 number the Zoning Office uses, and county commissioners have treated setbacks in the county's Zoning Regulations as binding on a conditional-use permit1516. We could not confirm Slope County's parcel-specific setbacks, minimum lot size, building height, minimum dwelling size, accessory-home, RV or tiny-home standards. Give the Zoning Office the parcel description and proposed use before buying or designing7. The state agricultural-building exemption applies only to the state building-code chapter and excludes buildings used as homes or by the public9.
How do septic permits work in Slope County?
The Southwestern District Health Unit administers onsite wastewater permitting for Slope County, while the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality licenses installers53. A local public health permit must be secured before septic work begins, and the installer must also hold the state license173. The combined Bowman/Slope public health office is at 104 1st St. NW #6 in Bowman, with phone (701)523-3144; call before finalizing the homesite to ask for the application and local construction requirements18. Site feasibility deserves early attention because only about 20.3% of Slope County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field19. That countywide soil statistic does not decide an individual parcel, but it makes a site evaluation and system design important before fixing the house location or purchase budget19.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Slope County?
Slope County has zoning, but we could not confirm a county rule for occupying an RV or tiny home on private land6. Ask the Zoning Office whether the parcel's district allows the use, whether a principal home must be built first, and what septic, setback or time-limit conditions apply7. North Dakota's limit of 14 nights in any 30-day period applies to state-park campsites and cabins, not to private land in Slope County20. A new manufactured home is a different category: North Dakota requires residential manufactured homes to be installed by a state-licensed installer and inspected by a state-licensed inspector21. The state requires at least two installation inspections for a double-wide and one for a single-wide, but those installation rules do not establish that a particular Slope County parcel allows the home216.
Building a home in Slope County: what are the steps?
Call the Slope County Zoning Office at 701-879-6271 with the parcel description and proposed home type; confirm the controlling jurisdiction, zoning district, whether a permit is required, and the applicable setbacks, fees, code and inspections21.
Contact the Bowman/Slope public health office at (701)523-3144 for the septic application; the local permit is required before work begins, and the installer must hold a state license1843.
Size the water plan. A private well drawing less than 12.5 acre-feet per year does not need a state permit, while a well drawing more than that amount does10.
Confirm driveway access with the Slope County Road Department when the parcel fronts a county road22.
If any part of the parcel is in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area and the county participates in the flood program, get a development permit from the local Floodplain Administrator before any work; we could not confirm who holds that role in Slope County, so ask the Zoning Office237.
Obtain the building-permit materials from the Zoning Office and complete the reviews and inspections that office identifies for the project1.
What should you check before buying land in Slope County?
Check flood status too: North Dakota requires a floodplain development permit from the local Floodplain Administrator before any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area23. Check water and septic feasibility before treating a parcel as buildable. Slope County averages about 15.6 inches of precipitation annually, and severe drought occurs in about 15.5% of years2425. Only about 20.3% of county soils avoid a severe conventional-drain-field limitation, so obtain a parcel-level septic evaluation rather than relying on a county average19. About 82.3% of the county has slopes of 15% or less, but parcel access and the actual homesite still need field review26. Slope County is exceptionally sparse, with about 674 residents and 0.6 people per square mile; the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 246 miles from the county center272829. About 18.2% of county land is federally owned, so verify boundaries and legal access rather than assuming adjoining open ground is part of the parcel30. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, with a median annual bill near $460, but obtain the specific parcel's tax record before closing3132.
Watch-outs
Slope County publishes where to obtain a building permit but not which projects require one, the application materials, fees, review steps or inspection sequence; ask the Zoning Office before work begins17.
Slope County septic work requires a local public health permit before construction begins, while North Dakota licenses installers; contact the Bowman/Slope public health office before choosing a system or homesite17318.
No Slope County rule for private-land RV occupancy, tiny homes, setbacks or minimum dwelling size was confirmed; ask the Zoning Office about the parcel and proposed use67.
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.
Slope County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score
How Slope County scores
Seclusion90100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency15100% 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 →
$121kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$1,492Land / acre
15.6"Annual rain
15.5% of yrsSevere drought
7.9 / yr (+6.9)Mid-century 100°F days
21.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.11" (+6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.32×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
12,836People within 2 hr
486Radius comparison (15 mi)
0.6People / sq mi
18.2%Federal land
82.3%Land at 15% slope or less
20.3%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
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Cities and towns in Slope 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.
Amidon · Bucklin Township · Carroll Township · Cash Township · Cedar Creek Township · Connor Township · Crawford Township · Harper Township · Hughes Township · Hume Township · Marmarth · Mineral Springs Township · Moord Township · Mound Township · Peaceful Valley Township · Rainy Butte Township · Richland Center Township · Sand Creek Township · Sheets Township · White Lake Township · Woodberry Township
Answers from the rulebook for Slope County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Slope County rules
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
County zoning in Slope County.
The county page directs zoning inquiries to the Slope County Sheriff's Office and links to zoning ordinances.
“Please call the Slope County Sheriff's Office for more information regarding Slope County Zoning: 701-879-6271”
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
County zoning regulations and county-administered zoning approvals in Slope County; this claim does not establish zoning administered by incorporated municipalities or other subordinate jurisdictions.
The official county meeting record describes a conditional use permit subject to the County’s Zoning Regulations.
The conditional use permit is issued for 1 year and renewed annually.
Renewal is subject to the setbacks in the County’s Zoning Regulations in effect as of January 8, 2025.
The cited county sources do not establish that county zoning applies inside incorporated municipalities.
conditional use permit term: 1 year (renewed annually subject to the setbacks set forth in the County’s Zoning Regulations in effect as of January 8, 2025)
“Conditional Use Permit will be issued for 1 year and will be renewed annually subject to the setbacks set forth in the County’s Zoning Regulations in effect as of January 8, 2025.”
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
Present (with conditions) — County zoning in Slope County, including the county zoning ordinances linked by the county.
“Please call the Slope County Sheriff's Office for more information regarding Slope County Zoning: 701-879-6271”
Present (with conditions) — County-administered zoning in Slope County; this is not an aggregate of separate municipal or township ordinances.
“Please call the Slope County Sheriff's Office for more information regarding Slope County Zoning”
Present (with conditions) — County-administered zoning regulations and conditional-use permitting in Slope County.
“Representative of the North Plains Connector met with the commissioners for further discuss on the conditional use permit that they have applied for to construct a proposed powerline. Commissioner Teske presented a motion to approve the permit with the addition of three conditions: 1.) The Conditional Use Permit will be issued for 1 year and will be renewed annually subject to the setbacks set forth in the County’s Zoning Regulations in effect as of January 8, 2025.”
Present (with conditions) — County-administered local zoning in Slope County.
“Please call the Slope County Sheriff's Office for more information regarding Slope County Zoning: 701-879-6271”
SetbacksSpecified
At least the proposed North Plains Connector powerline conditional-use permit in Slope County.
The conditional-use permit was issued for one year and renewed annually subject to the setbacks in the County’s Zoning Regulations in effect as of January 8, 2025.
The cited source does not state the numeric setback measurements.
“The Conditional Use Permit will be issued for 1 year and will be renewed annually subject to the setbacks set forth in the County’s Zoning Regulations in effect as of January 8, 2025.”
Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater permitting and inspection administration for Slope County through the Southwestern District Health Unit.
The Southwestern District Health Unit serves Slope County.
The district's documented rule states that post-2010 systems require a permitted construction plan before construction.
The state separately licenses installers.
“The Southwestern District Health Unit is made up of eight different counties; [...] Slope.”
Septic permitRequired
Onsite wastewater systems in Slope County served by the Southwestern District Health Unit.
A permitted construction plan is required for all septic systems after 2010 before construction.
Installers must also obtain a state license at no cost from NDDEQ.
The state DEQ page says installers must secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work.
“secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Onsite wastewater treatment system installation in Slope County
“All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
Permit processPartial
Building-permit obtainment through the Slope County Zoning Office.
The county page directs applicants to obtain building permits from the Zoning Office.
The page provides a telephone contact but does not publish a complete application checklist, fees, review timeline, or all applicability exceptions.
The cited process is county-level and does not establish permitting procedures for incorporated municipalities.
contact phone: 701-879-6271
“Building permits are obtained from the Zoning Office; call 701-879-6271.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Partial — Obtaining building permits in Slope County.
“Building permits are obtained from the Zoning Office; call 701-879-6271.”
Partial — Building-permit process in Slope County.
“Building permits are obtained from the Zoning Office; call 701-879-6271.”
Building permitRequired
The county's official 'Apply For/Obtain' page states building permits are obtained from the Slope County Zoning Office.
An individual who builds that individual’s own single-family residence and seeks the North Dakota builder property-tax exemption.
The exemption is discretionary and requires the governing city or county to pass a resolution allowing it.
For property within a city, the city governing body has jurisdiction; for property outside an incorporated city, the county has jurisdiction.
The property must remain owned by the builder and unoccupied.
The exemption applies for the taxable year in which construction began and the next two taxable years.
The governing body may impose conditions, including limits on the exemption period and dollar value.
A builder may receive the exemption for no more than ten properties in a taxable year within each jurisdiction that approved the exemption.
General taxes and installments of special assessments may not be delinquent.
This is a property-tax exemption, not a building-permit or building-inspection exemption.
exemption period: taxable year in which construction began and next two taxable years · maximum properties per builder per jurisdiction per taxable year: 10 properties
“Whether or not to offer the exemption is at the discretion of the governing body. [...] “Builder” includes an individual who builds that individual’s own residence.”
Building code adoptedPartial
North Dakota's state building code and its adoption and enforcement by cities, townships, and counties statewide; state and local government buildings and schools are also addressed by the administrative code.
The state building code is administered and updated by North Dakota Commerce, but enforcement is the responsibility of jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.
A city, county, or township that elects to adopt and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.
Cities, townships, and counties may amend the State Building Code to conform to local needs.
Fully chartered home rule cities may adopt something other than the State Building Code; the official Commerce page states that, at present, all jurisdictions enforcing a building code have adopted the same individual codes comprising the State Building Code.
The State Building Code consists of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Fuel Gas Code; Commerce also states that the 2024 updates and proposed amendments were adopted on September 11, 2025 and that the new State Building Code went into effect January 1, 2026.
The state statute separately exempts buildings that are neither heated nor cooled, certain low-energy-use buildings, qualifying restored or reconstructed historic buildings, and agricultural buildings unless used for human habitation or by the public.
The administrative code states that its chapter applies to cities, townships, and counties that elect to adopt and enforce building codes within their jurisdictional boundaries, and to all state and local government buildings and public and private schools.
new state building code effective date: 2026-01-01 · state code components: IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC
“If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Adopted (with conditions) — The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.
“adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
Adopted — The North Dakota State Building Code, including residential construction covered by the state residential code.
“The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
InspectionsRequired
Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota or intended for placement in North Dakota, where the manufacturer produces two or more modular residential or commercial structures per year.
The manufacturer must contract with a third party for inspection during the manufacturing process in the factory.
The third-party inspector must be approved as a certified third-party inspector by the Division of Community Services.
The inspection covers applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards.
When a certified third-party inspector monitors compliance during factory manufacturing, no further inspection by state or local building, electrical, fire, or plumbing inspectors may be required for that structure during the manufacturing process in the factory.
The statutory provision does not apply to a factory manufacturing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year; the Commerce program page states that manufacturers producing less than two modular structures per year are exempt but must submit a yearly certification of exemption.
annual modular structures produced: >= 2 structures/year (Factories producing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year are exempt from the statutory provision; the Commerce program page requires a yearly certification of exemption.)
“shall contract with a third party for the inspection of the structure for compliance with all applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota.
“The manufacturer of a modular residential or commercial structure that is built in a factory shall contract with a third party for the inspection [...]”
Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)
City zoning regulations governing the size of residential buildings in North Dakota; the actual minimum, if any, is established by the applicable local zoning ordinance.
The authority is permissive and applies to governing bodies of cities that adopt zoning regulations.
The regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
A local board of adjustment may determine and vary application of the regulations under the local regulations.
“For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
Local city zoning regulations governing the percentage of a lot that may be occupied.
The actual lot-coverage percentage is established by the applicable local zoning regulation.
The authority is permissive and applies to city zoning regulations.
The regulation is subject to chapter 54-21.3.
“the percentage of lot that may be occupied”
Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)
Local city zoning regulations governing building height and number of stories.
The actual height or story limit is established by the applicable local zoning regulation.
The authority is permissive and applies to city zoning regulations.
A local board of adjustment may vary application of the regulations under the local regulations.
“For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
Manufactured homesLimited
New manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes.
Installation must be performed by an installer licensed by the Division of Community Services.
The home must be inspected by an inspector licensed by the Division of Community Services.
The installer must first apply for and receive authorization to install the home from a licensed inspector.
A minimum of two inspections are required on a double-wide home and one inspection on a single-wide home.
After installation meets the installation requirements, an insignia is attached to show the home passes inspections.
minimum inspections for double-wide manufactured home: >= 2 inspections · minimum inspections for single-wide manufactured home: 1 inspection
“All new manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes must be installed by an installer licensed by the Division of Community Services and inspected by an inspector licensed by the Division of Community Services.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system anywhere in North Dakota
The inspection is conducted by the permitting authority or its authorized representative.
The inspection must occur within one business day after the request for inspection.
Construction, alteration, repair, or extension requires a permit before work begins; regular system maintenance does not require a permit.
The permitting authority is a local public health unit, other political subdivision, or designee.
inspection deadline: 1 business day (After receiving the request for inspection) · permit validity: <= 12 months (From date of issuance)
“Inspection of the installation of a system must be conducted by the permitting authority or an authorized representative of the permitting authority in accordance with paragraph 3 of subdivision c of subsection 2 of North Dakota Century Code section 23-35-02, which requires the inspection to be conducted within one business day of receiving the request for inspection.”
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid or alternative domestic sewage collection, treatment, and disposal systems in North Dakota
Domestic wastewater from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry fixtures, and other household plumbing must pass through a septic tank or higher level of treatment before discharge into soil.
If underground dispersal is not feasible, the permitting authority may review alternative collection and disposal methods; approval is not automatic.
Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a system requires a permit before work begins, subject to the regular-maintenance exception.
Wastewater may not be disposed of in a manner that creates a nuisance or causes a system to malfunction or fail.
The applicable permitting authority is a local public health unit, other political subdivision, or designee.
minimum lot size for a new system: >= 1 acre (A variance may be available under Section 33.1-21-01-15)
“Water carried from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry fixtures, and other household plumbing must pass through a septic tank or higher level of treatment prior to its discharge into the soil. If underground dispersal for treatment is not feasible, the permitting authority may review alternative methods of collection and disposal.”
Well permitLimited
Private water-supply wells statewide in North Dakota.
A water appropriation permit from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources is required when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet.
A permit is not needed for wells drawing less than 12.5 acre-feet per year, according to the official private-well guide.
For domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses below 12.5 acre-feet per year, the location and capacity of constructed works must be reported to the Department of Water Resources.
Anyone hired to construct, install, or repair a well, pump, or pitless unit must be licensed; individuals may install or repair wells on their own property without a license.
annual water withdrawal threshold: > 12.5 acre-feet per year (Domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses below this threshold do not require a water appropriation permit but must be reported.) · annual water withdrawal threshold: > 4073137 gallons per year (Equivalent threshold stated by the Department of Water Resources.)
“Domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational water use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,137 gallons or 96,979 barrels) per year.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Private water wells serving property in Slope County.
“If your well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,000 gallons) of water per year, it needs to be permitted by the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (dwr.nd.gov | 701-328-2750). A permit is not needed for wells that draw less than 12.5 acre-feet per year.”
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
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”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Required — Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area within a participating North Dakota community, including potentially Slope County locations.
“Each NFIP participating community is responsible for managing floodplain development in compliance with state and federal laws. NFIP communities appoint a Floodplain Administrator to fulfill this function. The Floodplain Administrator is the local resource for any floodplain management questions. A floodplain development permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before beginning any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.”
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 Slope 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 Slope County
Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer connection requirements in Slope 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 Slope County, North Dakota
Is Slope County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Slope County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 486 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (15.6″/yr rainfall).
Do you need a building permit in Slope County, North Dakota?
Slope County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (with local public health unit permit). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.
How much does land cost in Slope County, North Dakota?
Land in Slope County runs about $1,492 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Slope County?
Slope County gets about 15.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 15.5% of years.
How remote is Slope County?
A typical private-land location has about 486 people within 15 miles and 85,399 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
