Bolthole Index

Walsh County, North Dakota

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

55Index Score / 100
#13 of 53 in North Dakota

Walsh County, North Dakota requires a building permit for every house, including a farm residence; other farm-exempt buildings do not need one1. County zoning applies outside municipalities and townships that have accepted zoning authority2. The Walsh County Health District must approve construction or alteration of an onsite sewer system3.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for every house, including a farm residence; other farm-exempt buildings are exempt1
Zoning
Yes, except where a municipality or township has accepted zoning authority2
Septic permit
Walsh County Health District approval is required before construction or alteration3
Agricultural lot
A non-farm single-family dwelling needs at least 2 acres and conditional-use approval4
Residential lot
Single-family: 10,000 square feet and 75 feet wide; multifamily: 10,500 square feet per unit and 100 feet wide5
RV or tiny home
Private-land occupancy rules could not be confirmed; ask Planning & Zoning6
Occupancy
A Certificate of Compliance is required before a regulated structure is occupied7
Off-grid sanitation
Privies and cesspools need Planning & Zoning Commission approval8

Who to call

Building permits

Walsh County Auditor/Treasurer (Planning & Zoning)

County building-permit and Planning & Zoning documents

(701) 352-2851

cpotts@nd.gov

600 Cooper Ave, Grafton, ND 58237

Online permits →

Septic permits

Walsh County Health District & WIC

Local public-health contact for onsite sewer permits

701-352-5139

638 Cooper Ave. Suite 3

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 Walsh 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 Walsh County, North Dakota?

Walsh County requires a building permit for every house, including a farm residence, and for other structures except lawn sheds1. Other farm-exempt buildings do not need a building permit, but that exception is not a general owner-builder exemption1. Starting construction without the required building permit triggers a penalty equal to twice the permit cost1. Before a regulated building or structure may be occupied, the Code Administrator must issue a Certificate of Compliance confirming conformity with the development-permit specifications7. North Dakota's current State Building Code applies when a city, county or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, but the available material does not establish that Walsh County has made that election9.

Who handles Walsh County building permits and zoning?

The Walsh County Auditor/Treasurer is the starting point for county building permits and Planning & Zoning documents10. The office is at 600 Cooper Ave, Grafton, ND 58237; call (701) 352-2851 or email cpotts@nd.gov10. Walsh County publishes a variance application, zoning manual, building-permit form and building-permit fee schedule11. The published fees are $50 for construction valued through $25,000, $100 for $25,001 through $150,000, and $200 above that amount12. The complete filing, review and inspection sequence could not be confirmed, so ask the office to identify the parcel's zoning authority and district and explain the current process112.

Does Walsh County, North Dakota have zoning?

Walsh County has Agricultural, Residential, Restricted Development, Industrial, Mobile Home Residential and Commercial zoning districts13. County zoning applies only outside areas where municipalities or townships have accepted zoning authority2. In the Agricultural District, a non-farm single-family dwelling is a conditional use on at least 2 acres and requires a public hearing4. In the Residential District, a single-family unit needs at least 10,000 square feet and 75 feet of width; a multifamily unit needs at least 10,500 square feet per unit and 100 feet of width5. Residential District setbacks are 100 feet from the center of a county or township road, 20 feet at the rear and 8 feet on each side, with a different front-yard rule for existing developed areas14. We could not confirm a minimum dwelling floor area; ask Planning & Zoning about a proposed small home10.

How do septic permits work in Walsh County?

The Walsh County Health District issues the local onsite-sewer permit, while North Dakota licenses installers15. Construction or alteration requires Health District approval; the application lists a $250 non-refundable onsite sewer permit fee and a $20 tank permit fee, and the permit remains valid for one year3. Contact the Walsh County Health District & WIC at 638 Cooper Ave. Suite 3 or 701-352-513916. The applicant must give the department 48 hours' notice before construction, and the completed system must be inspected before its final soil cover is placed317. Only about 25.5% of Walsh County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency18. Privies and cesspools need Planning & Zoning Commission approval8.

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

Walsh County's private-land rules for living in an RV or occupying a tiny home could not be confirmed, so first identify whether county, municipal or township zoning controls the parcel2. The North Dakota state-park camping limit applies only to state-park facilities and does not answer private-land RV occupancy in Walsh County19. A tiny home used as a dwelling must fit its controlling district and lot rules; a single-family unit in the county Residential District needs at least 10,000 square feet of lot area and 75 feet of width5. Any structure regulated by the county zoning rules also needs a Certificate of Compliance before occupancy7. Privies and cesspools require Planning & Zoning Commission approval, while an onsite sewer system requires Health District approval83.

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

  1. Ask the Walsh County Auditor/Treasurer whether county, municipal or township zoning controls the parcel, then confirm the district and application process10211.
  2. Verify the lot, use and setback rules; an Agricultural District non-farm home needs at least 2 acres and conditional-use approval, while a Residential District single-family home needs at least 10,000 square feet and 75 feet of width45.
  3. Obtain the building permit before starting any house, including a farm residence1.
  4. Apply to the Walsh County Health District before constructing or altering the onsite sewer system, then arrange the required inspection before covering it317.
  5. For a subdivided lot, confirm public-street access; the county governing body must accept the access street before a building permit may issue20.
  6. Obtain an NDDOT driveway permit for an approach in state-highway right of way21.
  7. Obtain the Certificate of Compliance before occupying a structure regulated by county zoning7.

What should you check before buying land in Walsh County?

Confirm the controlling zoning authority, district and buildable dimensions first because county zoning does not apply where a municipality or township has accepted zoning authority2. For a new subdivision, each lot must receive sanitary potable water and adequate sewage facilities approved by Planning & Zoning22. Test septic feasibility early because only about 25.5% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field18. The rule for ordinary home construction in a flood hazard area could not be confirmed, so ask Planning & Zoning about the parcel10. Confirm legal road access and obtain an NDDOT permit when an approach enters a state-highway right of way21. Roads and approaches built after July 1, 1973 that intersect county or township roads generally need a graded inslope of at least 3:1, subject to statutory exceptions23.

Watch-outs

  • Walsh County zoning does not control areas where municipalities or townships have accepted zoning authority; identify the correct authority before relying on county district rules2.
  • A non-farm home in the Agricultural District is a conditional use, not an automatic right, even when the tract meets the 2-acre minimum4.
  • Do not cover a completed onsite sewage system until the required final inspection is arranged17.

Sources

  1. Resolution to Amend Building Permit Fees, quoted and re-checked
  2. Walsh County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Walsh County Application for Permit - Septic, quoted and re-checked
  4. Walsh County Zoning Manual, quoted and re-checked
  5. Walsh County Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  6. Walsh County Zoning Manual (2026 county census)
  7. Walsh County Zoning Manual, quoted and re-checked
  8. Walsh County Land Development Code—Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Codes, quoted and re-checked
  10. Walsh County Auditor/Treasurer (Planning & Zoning) (walshcountynd.com)
  11. Planning & Zoning Documents, quoted and re-checked
  12. Planning & Zoning Documents, quoted and re-checked
  13. Walsh County Zoning Manual, quoted and re-checked
  14. Walsh County Land Development Code-Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  15. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  16. Walsh County Health District & WIC (walshcountynd.com)
  17. Walsh County Application for Permit - Septic, quoted and re-checked
  18. 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
  19. Parks and Recreation FAQ (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Walsh County Land Development Code—Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  21. SFN 5918 Driveway Application & Permit, quoted and re-checked
  22. Walsh County Land Development Code—Zoning and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  23. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 24-05, County Roads, quoted and re-checked

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

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Walsh County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleWalsh CountyPembina CountyGrand Forks CountyNelson CountyRamsey CountyCavalier CountySteele County
Building permitRequiredNot requiredRequiredLimitedNot requiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesNoYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Health DistrictND Dept. of Env. QualityGrand Forks Public HealthNelson/Griggs District Health UnitLRDHULRDHUCounty Public Health

County locator

Walsh County in North Dakota

55
County map
Walsh County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Walsh County scores

Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency26100% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% 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 →

$171kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$3,221Land / acre
21.3"Annual rain
8.4% of yrsSevere drought
2.9 / yr (+2.6)Mid-century 100°F days
19.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.42" (+9.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.7×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,676Home insurance / yr
1.6% / yrInsurance growth
1.62%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
654People within 30 min
183,442People within 2 hr
5,783Radius comparison (15 mi)
8People / sq mi
8.8%Federal land
98.7%Land at 15% slope or less
25.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
207,436 acWorkable land screen
3.5%Wooded land
50 tonsBiomass / forest ac
39.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Walsh 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.

Acton Township · Adams · Adams Township · Ardoch · Ardoch Township · Cleveland Township · Conway · Dewey Township · Dundee Township · Eden Township · Edinburg · Fairdale · Farmington Township · Fertile Township · Fordville · Forest River · Forest River Township · Glenwood Township · Golden Township · Grafton · Grafton Township · Harriston Township · Hoople · Kensington Township · Kinloss Township · Lampton Township · Lankin · Latona Township · Martin Township · Medford Township · Minto · Norton Township · Oakwood Township · Ops Township · Park River · Perth Township · Pisek · Prairie Centre Township · Pulaski Township · Rushford Township · Sauter Township · Shepherd Township · Silvesta Township · St. Andrews Township · Tiber Township · Vernon Township · Vesta Township · Walsh Centre Township · Walshville Township

Answers from the rulebook for Walsh County

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

Walsh County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Houses and other structures in political subdivisions under the planning and zoning assigned to Walsh County.

    • All houses require a permit, including farm-exempt houses.
    • Farm-exempt buildings other than the residence being built do not need a permit.
    • All other structures require a permit except lawn sheds.
    • Failure to obtain a building permit before beginning construction results in a penalty twice the cost of the permit.
    “All houses will require a permit whether farm exempt or not. Any buildings other than the residence being build that will be farm exempt will not need a permit. All other structures, excluding lawn sheds will need a permit.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings or structures regulated by the Walsh County zoning regulations.

    • The manual calls the document a Certificate of Compliance and requires it before occupancy.
    • The certificate determines conformity with the specifications for which the development permit was reviewed.
    “No building or structure shall be occupied until a Certificate of Compliance shall have been issued by the Code Administrator for determining the conformity with the specification for which the development permit has been reviewed.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Buildings and structures subject to the Walsh County development-permit process.
      “No building or structure shall be occupied until a Certificate of Compliance shall have been issued by the Code Administrator for determining the conformity with the specification for which the development permit has been reviewed. [...] Upon completion of construction, the administrator issues an occupancy permit signifying construction conformance with the regulations and the authorization to occupy or use the facility.”
    • Required — Buildings or structures subject to Walsh County development-permit review.
      “No building or structure shall be occupied until a Certificate of Compliance shall have been issued by the Code Administrator for determining the conformity with the specification for which the development permit has been reviewed.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Walsh County zoning regulation and zoning districts.

    • The manual identifies county zoning districts and assigns administration and enforcement to the Walsh County Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Administrator.
    “For the purpose of this zoning regulation, Walsh County is divided into the following zoning districts:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Walsh County zoning regulation in areas outside municipalities' and townships' accepted zoning jurisdiction.
      “The jurisdiction of this regulation shall apply to all areas of Walsh County outside the zoning jurisdiction authority accepted by the municipalities and townships. Solid waste regulation is county-wide.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    County aggregate of zoning administered by Walsh County, municipalities, and townships.

    • County zoning applies outside the zoning jurisdiction accepted by municipalities and townships.
    • The county aggregate therefore varies by local jurisdiction and parcel.
    “The jurisdiction of this regulation shall apply to all areas of Walsh County outside the zoning jurisdiction authority accepted by the municipalities and townships.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Walsh County zoning districts and zoning map administration.

    • The zoning district maps accompany the regulation and are filed with the governing bodies of the townships and municipalities concerned.
    • The Planning & Zoning Commission regularly updates the zoning district map for boundary changes.
    • The Commission determines disputed district boundaries.
    “A - Agricultural District B - Residential District RD - Restricted Development I - Industrial RMH - Mobile Home Residential C - Commercial”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Single-family non-farm dwellings in Walsh County's A - Agricultural District, outside zoning jurisdiction accepted by municipalities and townships.

    • The use is conditionally permitted.
    • A conditional-use application must be submitted to the Walsh County Planning & Zoning Commission.
    • The Commission must hold a public hearing before acting on the application.
    • Hearing notice must be published in the official county newspaper of general circulation at least one week before the hearing.
    • The conditional use must not endanger public health, safety, morals, or general welfare.
    • Adjacent permitted uses must not be substantially impaired or diminished.
    • The use must not impede orderly development of surrounding property.
    • Adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, and other necessary site improvements must be provided and responsible parties identified.
    • Ingress and egress must minimize traffic congestion.
    • Building or construction within a floodway or floodplain requires a conditional-use permit.
    • The use must conform to applicable regulations of the district.

    minimum lot area: >= 2 acres (single-family non-farm dwellings)

    “a. Single;.family non-farm dwellings on a tract of land two acres or larger.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family units in Walsh County's R - Residential District, within the county zoning jurisdiction outside zoning authority accepted by municipalities and townships.
      “a. The minimum lot area for single-family units shall be 10,000 square feet, and with a minimum lot width of 7 5 feet.”
    • Specified — Two-or-more-family units in Walsh County's R - Residential District, within the county zoning jurisdiction outside zoning authority accepted by municipalities and townships.
      “b. The minimum lot area for 2 or more family units shall be 10,500 square feet per unit, and with a minimum lot width of 1 00 feet.”
    • Specified — Lots in the B Residential District.
      “The minimum lot area for single-family units shall be 10,000 square feet, and with a minimum lot width of 7 5 feet. [...] The minimum lot area for 2 or more family units shall be 10,500 square feet per unit, and with a minimum lot width of 1 00 feet.”
    • Specified — R - Residential District within the Walsh County zoning regulations, covering residential development within townships and recognized unincorporated villages.
      “C. R - RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT 1. Purpose - The purpose and intent of the R - Residential District is to regulate residential development within the township and the recognized unincorporated village(s). [...] 4. Area Requirements a. The minimum lot area for single-family units shall be 10,000 square feet, and with a minimum lot width of 7 5 feet. b. The minimum lot area for 2 or more family units shall be 10,500 square feet per unit, and with a minimum lot width of 1 00 feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential District development in county-regulated areas of Walsh County

    • The county regulation applies outside zoning jurisdiction accepted by municipalities and townships.
    • The cited dimensional standards are in the R - Residential District section.
    • For existing developed areas, the new development must conform to the existing situation, but the front yard may not be less than 20 feet measured from the center line of the dedicated street.
    • The front-yard rule is measured from the center of the county or township road; rear yards are measured from the rear property line; side yards are measured from the side property lines.

    front setback from county or township road center: 100 feet (In existing developed areas, front yard not less than 20 feet measured from the center line of the dedicated street) · rear yard: >= 20 feet · side yard on each side: >= 8 feet

    “Minimum Front Yard a. No building shall be allowed one hundred ( 100) feet from the center of the county or township road. b. In existing developed areas, the new development shall conform to the existing situation; however, the front yard shall not be less than twenty (20) feet measured from the center line of the dedicated street. 9. Minimum Rear Yard - Measured from the rear property line, there shall be a rear yard of not less than twenty (20) feet. I 0. Minimum Side Yard - Measured from the side property lines, there shall be side yards of not less than eight ( 8) feet on each side of a lot.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater treatment systems in Walsh County.

    • North Dakota DEQ licenses installers.
    • A local public health unit issues the permit before work begins.
    • Walsh County Health District publishes the local application and septic code materials.
    “secure a permit from their local public health unit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — On-site wastewater systems in Walsh County, administered through the local public health unit with state installer licensing.
      “All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction or alteration of an on-site sewer system in Walsh County.

    • Application must be returned to Walsh County Health District.
    • Permit is issued only upon WCHD approval.
    • Onsite sewer permit fee is $250 and tank permit fee is $20, payable at application; the permit fee is non-refundable.
    • Permit is valid for one year from issuance.
    • Construction requires 48-hour advance notification.

    onsite sewer permit fee: 250 USD (non-refundable; payable at application) · tank permit fee: 20 USD (payable at application) · permit validity: 1 year (from date issued) · construction notice: >= 48 hours (before construction)

    “APPLICATION FOR PERMIT Onsite Sewer Permit Fee: $250 for the construction/alteration Tank Permit Fee: $20 of an on-site sewer system. (Payable at the time of application) (PERMIT FEE IS NON-REFUNDABLE)”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    On-site sewage treatment systems installed, altered, extended, or repaired under the Walsh County Septic Code.

    • The application includes final inspection requirements.
    • An as-built must be provided by the contractor.
    • The installer certifies installation against the approved permit and Walsh County Septic Code.
    “Final inspection requirements for On-site Sewage Treatment Systems”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Site and soil evaluation and construction oversight for permitted on-site sewer systems in Walsh County.
      “Final inspection requirements for On-site Sewage Treatment Systems [...] The applicant or contractor shall call when all components of the septic system are installed and complete except for the final cover of soil over the system.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Privies and cesspools in Walsh County.

    • Privies and cesspools require approval by the Walsh County Planning & Zoning Commission.
    • The zoning manual also contains subdivision sewage-facility requirements and separate health-district septic permitting requirements.
    “To protect the surface and subsurface water supply from pollution, and to protect the public health and abate nuisance and odor construction, privies and cesspools shall be approved or denied by the Walsh County Planning & Zoning Commission.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Subdivision lots regulated by Walsh County subdivision regulations.

    • For subdivisions, the subdivider must provide sanitary potable water to each lot and adequate sanitary sewage facilities serving each lot.
    • The sewage system must meet Walsh County Planning & Zoning Commission approval.
    “The subdivider shall proved sanitary potable water to each lot within the subdivision. [...] The subdivider shall install adequate sanitary sewage facilities so as to provide service to each lot within the subdivision.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Subdivision development under the Walsh County subdivision regulations.
      “The subdivider shall proved sanitary potable water to each lot within the subdivision. [...] The subdivider shall install adequate sanitary sewage facilities so as to provide service to each lot within the subdivision. The sewage system must meet the approval of the Walsh County Planning & Zoning Commission.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Buildings and activities directly used in connection with farming operations.

    • The farming-operations exception is stated in the building/development permit provision; other zoning, health, environmental, or state requirements may still apply.
    “It shall be unlawful for any person to begin any development or building without obtaining a building permit, except for buildings and activities directly used in · connection with farming operations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision review under the Walsh County zoning and development regulations.

    • The official planning page identifies a county zoning manual and building permit process.
    • Specific subdivision procedures and all parcel-level exceptions should be confirmed against the current operative subdivision regulation.

    preliminary plat review fee: 100 USD · final plat review fee: 100 USD

    “pre-application procedure for subdivisions”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access for subdivided lots under Walsh County subdivision regulations.

    • Each lot must have access to a public street.
    • A street giving access to a subdivided lot must first be accepted by the county governing body before a building permit may issue or a building may be erected.
    “No building permit shall be issued and no building shall be erected on any subdivided lot or tract of land without the street giving access thereto having first been accepted by the County's governing body. [...] The subdividing of land shall provide each lot with access to a public street.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    At least some non-building development in Walsh County floodplains, including county bridge and roadway projects.

    • The reviewed official example is a non-building floodplain permit for a specific 2023 bridge project.
    • Approval was conditioned on the described project and required as-built information or certification to be available at the Walsh County Highway Department.
    • The application identified a 100-year floodplain, Zone A, FIRM date 11/02/2012, and panel 38099C0325D.

    FIRM date: 11/02/2012 · FIRM zone: Zone A

    “Floodplain Development Permits – Non-Building Situation 2023-0013 & 2023-014 for work in the floodplain have been obtained from Walsh County for Sites 1 and 2 and are hereby incorporated into the plans.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Building permits in political subdivisions under the planning and zoning assigned to Walsh County.

    • The schedule is identified on the official county page as updated 5/2020.
    • Failure to obtain a building permit before beginning construction results in a penalty twice the cost of the permit.

    construction value: $1.00 to $25,000 USD · permit fee: 50 USD (construction value $1.00 to $25,000) · construction value: $25,001 to $150,000 USD · permit fee: 100 USD (construction value $25,001 to $150,000) · construction value: $150,001 and up USD · permit fee: 200 USD (construction value $150,001 and up)

    “The permit fees will be: $1.00 to $25,000 in value = $50.00 $25,001 to $150,000 in value = $100.00 $150,001 and up in value = $200.00”
  • Permit processPartial

    County planning, zoning, variance, building-permit, and fee-document process materials.

    • The official page provides links to a variance application, zoning manual, building permit, and building-permit fee schedule.
    • The linked building-permit PDF was not accessible during this research, so detailed procedural requirements remain unresolved.
    “The first step in the procedure requires the applicant to file an application. The application should require sufficient information for review of the regulations by the zoning administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Walsh County planning, zoning, building-permit, and variance application materials.
      “Walsh County Variance Application Zoning Manual Walsh County Building Permit Building Permit Fees – updated 5/2020”

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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — The North Dakota State Building Code framework applicable to jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.
      “On Sept. 11, 2025 eligible cities and counties, along with eligible members of the Building Code Advisory Committee, adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments. The 2024 versions of the International Energy Conservation Code and the International Existing Building Code and proposed amendments to these codes were also adopted. The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
    • Adopted — North Dakota State Building Code, including the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, and IEBC.
      “On Sept. 11, 2025 eligible cities and counties, along with eligible members of the Building Code Advisory Committee, adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments. The 2024 versions of the International Energy Conservation Code and the International Existing Building Code and proposed amendments to these codes were also adopted. The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
    • 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.”
  • 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 Walsh County properties.
      “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.”
  • 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 Walsh 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

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 Walsh County, North Dakota

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

Walsh County scores 55/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 654 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (21.3″/yr rainfall).

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

Walsh County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Walsh County Health District. 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 Walsh County, North Dakota?

Land in Walsh County runs about $3,221 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Walsh County?

Walsh County gets about 21.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.4% of years.

How remote is Walsh County?

A representative private-land location has about 654 people within a 30-minute drive and 183,442 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Walsh compares in North Dakota

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