Bolthole Index

Towner County, North Dakota

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Towner County, North Dakota

45Index Score / 100
#38 of 53 in North Dakota

Towner County, North Dakota requires a zoning permit before a structure is built, moved, or structurally changed in county-governed territory, but a separate residential building-permit requirement depends on the city or township.12 Local jurisdictions choose whether to adopt and enforce the state building code, while Lake Region District Health Unit permits new and repaired onsite sewage systems countywide.345

At a glance

Building permit
A county zoning permit is required in county-governed territory; a separate building permit depends on jurisdiction12
Zoning
The county zones its jurisdiction; cities and lawfully regulating townships may control their own areas67
Septic
Lake Region District Health Unit permits new systems and repairs; existing permitted systems can be inspected on request458
RV living
Long-term private-land occupancy is unconfirmed; ask the city or township7
Tiny homes
Occupancy and dimensional rules are unconfirmed; ask the city or township7
Farm buildings
Farming and normal incidents of farming are exempt from county zoning restrictions, but other rules may apply9
Private wells
State appropriation permits depend on use, irrigated acreage and annual withdrawal10

Who to call

Zoning

Towner County Auditor/Treasurer Office

Planning and zoning questions and links to county zoning, conditional-use, variance, temporary-housing, road-access and zoning-permit forms

1 (701) 968-4340

lmasterson@nd.gov

315 2nd Street, Cando, North Dakota 58324

Septic permits

Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health

Permits new onsite sewage treatment systems and repairs, including septic tanks, drain fields, cesspools and holding tanks

(701) 662-7040

524 4th Ave NE #9, Devils Lake, ND 58301

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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

Towner County requires a zoning permit before anyone erects, constructs, structurally changes, or moves a structure in unincorporated territory governed by the county.1 A separate residential building-permit or building-inspection requirement depends on the city or township, and the county ordinance does not control areas where a city or lawfully regulating township retains authority.211

North Dakota jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes must use the state code, but local enforcement applies only where the city, county, or township has elected to enforce it.3 For a permitted use under county zoning, submit the application to the County Code Administrator; other zoning requests go to the Zoning Commission.1 Before drawing plans, give the Auditor/Treasurer Office the parcel's legal description and confirm the jurisdiction, zoning district, building-code enforcement, inspections, and required approvals.12

Who handles Towner County building and zoning permits?

The Towner County Auditor/Treasurer Office is the practical starting point for zoning questions, and the county page links zoning, conditional-use, variance, temporary-housing, road-access, and zoning-permit forms.12 The county's published process sends permitted-use zoning applications to the County Code Administrator and other zoning requests to the Zoning Commission.1

Give the office the parcel number and legal description so it can identify whether county, city, or township rules govern. Towner County's ordinance applies in county-controlled unincorporated territory, but not where a city or lawfully regulating township retains zoning or subdivision authority.11 Building-code enforcement is also jurisdiction-specific because a local government must elect to adopt and enforce the state code.3 Lake Region District Health Unit, rather than the city or township building office, handles septic permits throughout Towner County.4

Does Towner County have zoning?

Towner County publishes A, RR, RC, C, I, and R/O zoning districts, but cities and townships implement local zoning, so the parcel's jurisdiction and district control the answer.1314

Minimum lot size varies by district and utility service: an A-1 non-farm homesite needs 5 acres, while an RR lot needs 20,000 square feet with public water or sewer and 1 acre without.15 RR buildings may cover no more than 30% of the lot, while the RC limit is 40%.16 County and state highway rights-of-way and county road rights-of-way generally carry 200-foot setbacks, with other setbacks varying by district.17 Structures over 35 feet generally need conditional-use approval in RR, RC, and C districts, subject to stated exceptions.18 Farming and normal incidents of farming are exempt from county zoning restrictions, but health, environmental, road, state, and other applicable local requirements may still apply.9

How do septic permits work in Towner County?

Lake Region District Health Unit issues permits for new onsite sewage systems and repairs throughout Towner County, while North Dakota DEQ licenses onsite-wastewater installers.419 Covered work includes septic tanks, drain fields, cesspools, and holding tanks, and the local permit must be secured before work begins.5

A holding tank requires a contract with a licensed septic pumper.20 Lake Region District Health Unit inspects existing permitted systems upon request; the reviewed local rule does not describe routine inspections of every existing system.8 Lots without public water or sewer are recognized, but sewage lagoons and wastewater-treatment facilities require written state-agency compliance before conditional-use approval, and local septic permitting still applies.21 Only about 4% of mapped county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic suitability an early purchase contingency.22

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

Towner County's rules for long-term RV occupancy on private land and tiny-home occupancy could not be confirmed. The county page links a temporary-housing permit packet, but that link alone does not establish what occupancy is allowed.12 Because county, city, and township authority varies by location, ask the governing jurisdiction before buying or placing an RV, tiny home, or temporary dwelling.14

Mobile homes are conditional uses in the A-1 Agricultural district, and other district-specific standards may apply.23 A new manufactured home installed for residential use must be installed by a state-licensed installer and inspected by a state-licensed inspector.24 For any small dwelling, confirm the allowed use, lot size, setbacks, height, sanitation, foundation, access, and occupancy requirements with the governing zoning authority and Lake Region District Health Unit.1517185

Building a home in Towner County: what are the steps?

  1. Give the Towner County Auditor/Treasurer Office the parcel's legal description and confirm whether county, city, or township zoning governs.1214
  1. Confirm the zoning district, allowed use, lot size, setbacks, height, temporary housing, and driveway rules.13151725
  1. If county zoning applies, submit a zoning-permit application before constructing, moving, or structurally changing a building.1
  1. Ask the governing jurisdiction whether it enforces the state building code and requires a separate building permit or inspections.32
  1. Apply to Lake Region District Health Unit before onsite wastewater work begins.5
  1. Check whether the planned well exceeds the state water-appropriation threshold.10
  1. Obtain driveway approval where required before opening access to a county or state road.2526

What should you check before buying land in Towner County?

Start with jurisdiction and district: obtain the legal description and confirm who governs the parcel before relying on county standards.14 In the Rural Residential district, public-road access is limited to one ingress or egress point per quarter mile, with a frontage road required when necessary; county-road access permits may also carry conditions, although farm driveways and field access points are exempt.2725 A driveway on state highway right-of-way needs NDDOT approval before work proceeds.26

Treat septic suitability as a major purchase contingency because only about 4% of mapped soils avoid severe conventional-drain-field limitations.22 A private well drawing more than 12.5 acre-feet, or 4,073,000 gallons, per year requires a state water permit; a well below that threshold does not.10 The county averages about 2 people per square mile, and the nearest city of at least 100,000 people is about 165 miles from the county center, so call contractors and suppliers early.2829

Watch-outs

  • Do not confuse the unconfirmed separate building-permit requirement with the county zoning permit, which is required before covered structural work in county-governed territory.21
  • Onsite sanitation is not permit-free off grid: new systems and repairs require Lake Region District Health Unit approval, and alternative wastewater facilities face added review.521
  • Private-land RV living, tiny-home occupancy, and minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed, so ask the parcel's governing county, city, or township authority before committing to a use.14

Sources

  1. Towner County Zoning Plan, Revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  2. Towner County Courthouse Planning, Zoning + Permits (2026 county census)
  3. North Dakota Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Health | Lake Region District, quoted and re-checked
  5. Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  6. Towner County Courthouse | Planning, Zoning + Permits, quoted and re-checked
  7. Towner County Courthouse | Planning, Zoning + Permits, quoted and re-checked
  8. Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  9. Towner County Zoning revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  10. Private Well Owner’s Guide: Well Installation, quoted and re-checked
  11. Towner County Zoning revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  12. Towner County Auditor/Treasurer Office (tccounty.com)
  13. Towner County Zoning Plan, Revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  14. Towner County Planning, Zoning + Permits, quoted and re-checked
  15. Towner County Zoning Plan, Revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  16. Towner County Zoning Plan, Revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  17. Towner County Zoning Plan, Revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  18. Towner County Zoning Plan, Revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  19. Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  20. Environmental Health | Lake Region District Health Unit, quoted and re-checked
  21. Towner County Zoning Plan, Revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Towner County Zoning Plan, Revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  24. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Towner County Zoning Plan, Revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  26. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 24-01, State Highway System (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  27. Towner County Zoning revised 2018, quoted and re-checked
  28. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, Towner County has countywide zoning.

RuleTowner CountyRolette CountyRamsey CountyBenson CountyCavalier CountyPierce CountyEddy County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredNot requiredLimitedLimitedLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesNoYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsLake Region District Health UnitCounty Public Health DistrictLRDHULake Region District Health UnitLRDHULake Region District Health UnitND Dept. of Env. Quality

County locator

Towner County in North Dakota

45
County map
Towner County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Towner County scores

Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1592% ev.
Admin Boringness5590% ev.
Durability46100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8194% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$132kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$1,929Land / acre
19.1"Annual rain
9.8% of yrsSevere drought
2 / yr (+1.9)Mid-century 100°F days
18.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.35" (+4.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.62×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
70,583People within 2 hr
2,097Radius comparison (15 mi)
2People / sq mi
28.3%Federal land
99.9%Land at 15% slope or less
4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
25,863 acWorkable land screen
0.3%Wooded land
38°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Towner 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.

Armourdale Township · Atkins Township · Bethel Township · Bisbee · Cando · Cando Township · Coolin Township · Crocus Township · Dash Township · Egeland · Gerrard Township · Grainfield Township · Hansboro · Howell Township · Lansing Township · Maza Township · Monroe Township · Mount View Township · New City Township · Olson Township · Paulson Township · Perth · Picton Township · Rock Lake Township · Rocklake · Sidney Township · Smith Township · Sorenson Township · Springfield Township · Teddy Township · Twin Hill Township · Victor Township · Virginia Township · Zion Township

Answers from the rulebook for Towner County

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

Towner County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Towner County planning and zoning regulations.

    • The county states that its planning and zoning regulations are implemented by individual cities and townships.
    “The Towner County Planning and Zoning regulations”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation in unincorporated territory under the jurisdiction of the Towner County Board of County Commissioners.
      “This ordinance shall affect all unincorporated territory over which the Board of County Commissioners have jurisdiction in Towner County, North Dakota except as indicated below.”
    • Present — County zoning in unincorporated territory under the jurisdiction of the Towner County Board of County Commissioners.
      “This ordinance shall affect all unincorporated territory over which the Board of County Commissioners have jurisdiction in Towner County, North Dakota except as indicated below.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Towner County municipalities and townships.

    • The county states that its planning and zoning regulations are implemented by individual cities and townships; this claim does not attribute each local ordinance to the county.
    “The Towner County Planning and Zoning regulations are implemented by the individual cities and townships.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Local implementation of Towner County planning and zoning regulations aggregated across cities and townships in the county.
      “are implemented by the individual cities and townships.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Towner County zoning materials.

    • The county publishes a Towner County Zoning Plan identified as revised in 2018.
    • The county states implementation is by individual cities and townships.
    • The linked plan is a DOC file whose district text was unavailable as readable official web material.
    “The Towner County Planning and Zoning regulations are implemented by the individual cities and townships. For more information, please contact County Auditor/Treasurer - Mindy Reimer at the Towner County Courthouse.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — The zoning districts established by the Towner County Zoning Plan.
      “4.1.1 A - Agricultural Zone 4.1.2 RR - Rural Residential Zone 4.1.3 RC - Residential Community Zone 4.1.4 C - Commercial Zone 4.1.5 I - Industrial Zone 4.1.6 R/O - Recreation/Open Space Zone”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in Towner County zoning districts.

    • Requirements vary by district and by whether public water or sewer serves the lot.
    • A-1 non-farm residential lots must be at least five acres.
    • RR lots must be 20,000 square feet with public water or sewer and one acre without.
    • R/C lots must be 5,000 square feet with public water or sewer and 20,000 square feet without.
    • C lots must be 20,000 square feet with public water and sewer and one acre without.
    • I lots must be 25,000 square feet.
    • Variances may reduce lot-area and lot-width requirements by no more than 20 percent.

    A-1 non-farm residential minimum lot area: >= 5 acres · RR minimum lot area with public water or sewer: >= 20000 square feet · RR minimum lot area without public water or sewer: >= 1 acre · R/C minimum lot area with public water or sewer: >= 5000 square feet · R/C minimum lot area without public water or sewer: >= 20000 square feet · C minimum lot area with public water and sewer: >= 20000 square feet · C minimum lot area without public water and sewer: >= 1 acre · I minimum lot area: >= 25000 square feet

    “Minimum lot size shall be 5,000 square feet for lots served by public water or sewer and 20,000 square feet for lots not served by public water or sewer;”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Rural Residential (RR) Zone.
      “The minimum size of a RR District shall be 10 acres; Minimum lot size shall be 20,000 square feet for lots served by public water or sewer and 1 acre for lots not served by public water or sewer;”
    • Specified — Residential Community (R-C) Zone.
      “Minimum lot size shall be 5,000 square feet for lots served by public water or sewer and 20,000 square feet for lots not served by public water or sewer;”
    • Specified — Commercial (C) Zone.
      “Minimum lot size shall be 20,000 square feet for lots served by public water and sewer and 1 acre for lots not served by public water and sewer;”
    • Specified — Industrial (I) Zone.
      “Minimum lot size in I Zone shall be 25,000 square feet;”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Building and structure setbacks in Towner County zoning districts and along county and state highways.

    • County and state highway rights-of-way and county road rights-of-way generally require 200-foot setbacks.
    • RR, R/C, C, and I district setbacks vary by district.
    • Farm driveways and field access points are exempt from the county-road access permit provisions, but the cited setback provision itself does not state that exemption.

    county and state highway right-of-way setback: >= 200 feet · county road right-of-way setback: >= 200 feet

    “All buildings and structures shall be placed at least 200 (two hundred) feet from county and state highway rights-of-way and at least 200 (two hundred) feet from the county road rights-of-way for the purpose of preventing hazardous accumulations of snow and to allow for future widening of public right-of-ways.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Maximum building or structure intensity in Towner County residential zoning districts.

    • R/C district maximum intensity is 40 percent of lot area.
    • RR district maximum intensity is 30 percent of lot area.

    R/C maximum lot coverage or intensity: <= 40 percent of lot area · RR maximum lot coverage or intensity: <= 30 percent of lot area

    “The maximum intensity of buildings or other structures on any lot shall be 30% of the lot area;”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Buildings and structures in the Rural Residential Zone.
      “The maximum intensity of buildings or other structures on any lot shall be 30% of the lot area;”
    • Specified — Buildings and structures in the Residential Community Zone.
      “The maximum intensity of buildings or other structures on any lot shall be 40% of the lot area;”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Building and structure intensity in the Residential Community zoning district.
      “The maximum intensity of buildings or other structures on any lot shall be 40% of the lot area;”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings and structures in Towner County zoning districts.

    • Structures exceeding 35 feet generally require a conditional-use permit in RR, R/C, and C districts, with exceptions for metal towers such as windmills and antennas.
    • R/O residential buildings may not exceed two and one-half stories or 35 feet, except farm buildings and structures.
    • R/O manufacturing and livestock/ag-waste-system heights are determined by the County Commission.

    conditional-use threshold: > 35 feet (Metal towers such as windmills and antennas.) · R/O residential maximum height: <= 35 feet (Farm buildings and structures.)

    “Any structure exceeding 35 feet in height shall require a Conditional Use Permit, with the exception of metal towers such as windmills and antennas;”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Structures in the Rural Residential Zone.
      “Any structure exceeding 35 feet in height shall require a Conditional Use Permit, with the exception of metal towers such as windmills and antennas;”
    • Specified — Structures in Residential Community and Commercial Zones.
      “Any structure exceeding 35 feet in height shall require a Conditional Use Permit with the exception of metal towers such as windmills and antennas;”
    • Specified — Residential and other non-exempt structures in the Recreation/Open Space Zone.
      “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.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile or manufactured-home occupancy in the county agricultural zoning district.

    • Mobile homes are listed as conditional uses in the Agricultural Zone.
    • Mobile home courts are listed as conditional uses in the Rural Residential Zone, subject to section 2.3.
    • Municipal and township zoning authority may control where the county ordinance does not apply.
    “5.1.3.14 Mobile Homes [...] (b) Mobile home courts, provided that the provisions of Section 2.3 are met;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Manufactured or mobile-home occupancy in Towner County zoning districts.
      “5.1.3 Conditionally Permitted Uses [...] 5.1.3.14 Mobile Homes”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage treatment systems in Towner County served by the Lake Region District Health Unit.

    • North Dakota DEQ licenses installers statewide.
    • The local public health unit issues the system permit.
    • LRDHU identifies Towner County OSTS regulations on its official environmental-health page.
    “All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — Onsite sewage treatment systems in Towner County and the other counties served by Lake Region District Health Unit.
      “for onsite sewage treatment systems in Ramsey, Benson, Eddy, Pierce, Rolette, Towner, and Cavalier Counties”
    • Local — Onsite sewage treatment systems in Towner County administered by Lake Region District Health Unit.
      “Environmental Health is responsible for health and safety education to enforce state public health laws, LRDHU regulations, and local ordinances in Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Pierce, Ramsey, Rolette, and Towner counties.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New onsite sewage treatment systems and repairs to existing systems in Towner County and the other LRDHU service counties.

    • Application must be complete, signed and dated by the owner or property representative, and include payment.
    • A preliminary permit does not authorize installation.
    • For systems requiring site inspection, a permit number is assigned and the actual permit is issued after inspection.
    • A holding tank requires a contract with a licensed septic pumper.
    • The installer must obtain design approval and contact LRDHU at least 48 business hours before and on the day of installation.
    “permit application shall be completed in full.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New onsite sewage treatment systems and repairs to existing systems in Towner County within the Lake Region District Health Unit service area.
      “LRDHU licenses and permits all new onsite sewage treatment systems (OSTS) and/or repairs to existing OSTS which include: septic tanks, drain fields, cesspools, and/or holding tanks.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Onsite sewage treatment systems in Towner County and other LRDHU service counties.

    • LRDHU provides inspections of existing permitted systems only upon request.
    • Site inspection is conducted for drainfield sites and as needed for holding-tank sites.
    • During construction, inspection may not always be possible because LRDHU covers seven counties.
    “provides inspection of existing permitted systems upon request.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Lots not served by public water or sewer and proposed sewage lagoons or wastewater treatment facilities.

    • The zoning plan recognizes lots not served by public water or sewer but separately requires written state-agency compliance for water-treatment facilities, sewage lagoons, and sediment ponds before conditional-use approval.
    • Septic permitting by the local public health unit still applies.
    “Water treatment facilities, sewage lagoons and sediment ponds provided that: written proof that all water treatment facilities, sewage lagoons and sediment ponds meet or exceed the approval criteria set forth by any and all North Dakota State agencies or officials shall be required prior to approval of a Conditional Use Permit for such use.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Farming and normal incidents of farming in areas governed by the Towner County zoning ordinance.

    • This is an exemption from county zoning restrictions for farming uses and normal incidents of farming.
    • Other laws or regulations may still apply.
    “No regulation or restriction contained in this ordinance shall be construed to prohibit or prevent the use of land or buildings for farming or any of the normal incidents of farming.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available — Farming and normal incidents of farming in territory governed by the Towner County zoning ordinance.
      “No regulation or restriction contained in this ordinance shall be construed to prohibit or prevent the use of land or buildings for farming or any of the normal incidents of farming.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access from adjoining properties to Towner County roads.

    • The County Commission may impose rules on access-point number, width, construction, and other access features.
    • The County Commission may place conditions on the permit.
    • Farm driveways and field access points are exempt.
    “A permit for access to the county roads is required by the County Commission. [...] Farm driveways and field access points are exempt from these provisions.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Points of ingress and egress from public roads serving Rural Residential Zone properties.
      “Points of ingress and egress from any public road shall be limited to one per 1/4 mile in or from any RR Zone properties. A frontage road shall be constructed as necessary to allow access to public roads via the allowable points of ingress and egress;”
    • Limited — Ingress and egress from public roads for property in the Rural Residential zoning district.
      “Points of ingress and egress from any public road shall be limited to one per 1/4 mile in or from any RR Zone properties.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Towner County zoning and conditional-use permit fees listed in the zoning plan.

    • The fee schedule includes conditional-use permit fees for wildlife management and mitigation areas, temporary housing, geophysical exploration, and sand and gravel mining.
    • The plan states that a zoning-permit fee is listed in the document.

    conditional use permit for temporary housing: 1.5 USD per square foot · conditional use permit for geophysical exploration: 100 USD · drilling fee: 50 USD per hole (After the first 10 holes, $10 per hole.)

    “The fee for a Zoning Permit is listed within this document.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Towner County zoning-permit, conditional-use, variance, and amendment procedures.

    • Permitted-use zoning applications are made to the County Code Administrator.
    • Other permits are brought to the Zoning Commission.
    • A denied permitted-use application requires notice within seven days; appeals may proceed to the Zoning Commission or court as stated.
    • Conditional-use and variance proceedings require public hearings and specified notices.

    notice after initial denial: 7 days · minimum amendment-hearing publication notice: >= 1 week

    “Application for a zoning permit shall be made to the County Code Administrator, who may issue said “permitted use” permit. Permits other than “permitted use” shall be brought to the Zoning Commission for action.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County planning, zoning, and permit-process information for Towner County; implementation occurs through individual cities and townships.
      “The Towner County Planning and Zoning regulations are implemented by the individual cities and townships.”
  • Building permitLimited

    Building permits in Towner County are issued at the city/township level rather than by a county building department; no county-wide building code or building inspector was identified, so the requirement depends on location.

    Towner County Courthouse Planning, Zoning + Permits ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An individual who builds that individual’s own single-family residence and seeks the North Dakota builder property-tax exemption.

    • The exemption is discretionary and requires the governing city or county to pass a resolution allowing it.
    • For property within a city, the city governing body has jurisdiction; for property outside an incorporated city, the county has jurisdiction.
    • The property must remain owned by the builder and unoccupied.
    • The exemption applies for the taxable year in which construction began and the next two taxable years.
    • The governing body may impose conditions, including limits on the exemption period and dollar value.
    • A builder may receive the exemption for no more than ten properties in a taxable year within each jurisdiction that approved the exemption.
    • General taxes and installments of special assessments may not be delinquent.
    • This is a property-tax exemption, not a building-permit or building-inspection exemption.

    exemption period: taxable year in which construction began and next two taxable years · maximum properties per builder per jurisdiction per taxable year: 10 properties

    “Whether or not to offer the exemption is at the discretion of the governing body. [...] “Builder” includes an individual who builds that individual’s own residence.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    North Dakota's state building code and its adoption and enforcement by cities, townships, and counties statewide; state and local government buildings and schools are also addressed by the administrative code.

    • The state building code is administered and updated by North Dakota Commerce, but enforcement is the responsibility of jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.
    • A city, county, or township that elects to adopt and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.
    • Cities, townships, and counties may amend the State Building Code to conform to local needs.
    • Fully chartered home rule cities may adopt something other than the State Building Code; the official Commerce page states that, at present, all jurisdictions enforcing a building code have adopted the same individual codes comprising the State Building Code.
    • The State Building Code consists of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Fuel Gas Code; Commerce also states that the 2024 updates and proposed amendments were adopted on September 11, 2025 and that the new State Building Code went into effect January 1, 2026.
    • The state statute separately exempts buildings that are neither heated nor cooled, certain low-energy-use buildings, qualifying restored or reconstructed historic buildings, and agricultural buildings unless used for human habitation or by the public.
    • The administrative code states that its chapter applies to cities, townships, and counties that elect to adopt and enforce building codes within their jurisdictional boundaries, and to all state and local government buildings and public and private schools.

    new state building code effective date: 2026-01-01 · state code components: IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC

    “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — North Dakota jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes, including any applicable Towner County city, county, or township jurisdiction.
      “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.
      “adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
    • Adopted — The North Dakota State Building Code, including residential construction covered by the state residential code.
      “The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota or intended for placement in North Dakota, where the manufacturer produces two or more modular residential or commercial structures per year.

    • The manufacturer must contract with a third party for inspection during the manufacturing process in the factory.
    • The third-party inspector must be approved as a certified third-party inspector by the Division of Community Services.
    • The inspection covers applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards.
    • When a certified third-party inspector monitors compliance during factory manufacturing, no further inspection by state or local building, electrical, fire, or plumbing inspectors may be required for that structure during the manufacturing process in the factory.
    • The statutory provision does not apply to a factory manufacturing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year; the Commerce program page states that manufacturers producing less than two modular structures per year are exempt but must submit a yearly certification of exemption.

    annual modular structures produced: >= 2 structures/year (Factories producing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year are exempt from the statutory provision; the Commerce program page requires a yearly certification of exemption.)

    “shall contract with a third party for the inspection of the structure for compliance with all applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota.
      “The manufacturer of a modular residential or commercial structure that is built in a factory shall contract with a third party for the inspection [...]”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    City zoning regulations governing the size of residential buildings in North Dakota; the actual minimum, if any, is established by the applicable local zoning ordinance.

    • The authority is permissive and applies to governing bodies of cities that adopt zoning regulations.
    • The regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
    • A local board of adjustment may determine and vary application of the regulations under the local regulations.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water appropriation from groundwater, including wells, in Towner County and elsewhere in North Dakota.

    • A permit is required for industrial water use.
    • A permit is required for irrigation of 5 acres or more.
    • A permit is required for domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet per year.
    • The exemption applies only when both the amount withdrawn is less than 12.5 acre-feet and the contemplated use is domestic, livestock, fish, wildlife, or other recreational use.
    • For exempt uses, DWR must be notified of the location and acre-feet capacity of the constructed works.
    • The cited material addresses water appropriation permits; it does not establish a separate county well-construction permit requirement.

    annual water volume threshold: < 12.5 acre-feet (The qualifying use must also be domestic, livestock, fish, wildlife, or other recreational.) · annual water volume threshold: < 4073137 gallons (Equivalent threshold stated by DWR.) · irrigation acreage threshold: >= 5 acres (Irrigation of 5 acres or more requires a permit.)

    “A water appropriation permit is not required for, domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and other recreation uses if total annual use is less than 12.5 acre-feet”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Private water wells in Towner 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.”
    • Limited — Private water-supply wells statewide in North Dakota.
      “Domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational water use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,137 gallons or 96,979 barrels) per year.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

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

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

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

    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in North Dakota, subject to county adoption and administration of subdivision regulations; the statute excludes subdivisions within city corporate limits and areas subject to a city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
      “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — North Dakota's statewide statutory framework authorizing county regulation of land subdivision; actual regulation depends on county action and does not apply within city corporate limits or applicable extraterritorial zoning areas.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — County subdivision regulation authority throughout North Dakota, subject to exclusions for city corporate limits and applicable city extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
  • 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.”
  • 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 Towner County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • 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 — Residential certificates of occupancy in Towner County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer connection requirements in Towner 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 Towner County, North Dakota

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

Towner County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,097 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (19.1″/yr rainfall).

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

Towner County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Lake Region District Health Unit. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Land in Towner County runs about $1,929 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Towner County?

Towner County gets about 19.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.8% of years.

How remote is Towner County?

A typical private-land location has about 2,097 people within 15 miles and 358,456 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Towner compares in North Dakota

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