Bolthole Index

Wells County, North Dakota

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

52Index Score / 100
#19 of 53 in North Dakota

Unincorporated Wells County, North Dakota requires a building permit before constructing, reconstructing, relocating or altering a building or structure in the county zoning jurisdiction1. County zoning applies except where a township has its own lawful regulations2. Central Valley Health District permits new and repaired onsite sewage systems34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction, reconstruction, relocation or alteration in the county zoning jurisdiction1
Zoning
County zoning applies in county-regulated unincorporated areas; lawful township rules may apply instead5
Septic permit
Required from the local public health unit before onsite wastewater work begins4
RV living
Not confirmed for private land; ask Planning and Zoning before occupancy6
Tiny home
Allowed as a residence where classified as a dwelling and the use and building meet district rules7
Farm use
County zoning may not prohibit farming or the normal incidents of farming8
Agricultural-zone lots
Non-farm homes and nonresidential uses need at least five acres and 250 feet of lot width9
Conventional septic soils
About 64.5% of county soils lack severe drain-field limitations10

Who to call

Building permits

Wells County Planning and Zoning / Tax Director

Building-permit applications, plans, zoning review and the Rural Living Agreement

701-547-3220

PO Box 361, Fessenden ND 58438

Online permits →

Septic permits

Central Valley Health District Environmental Health

Installer licensing and permits for new and repaired onsite sewage treatment systems serving Wells County

701-252-1325

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 Wells 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 Wells County, North Dakota?

Wells County requires a permit before constructing, reconstructing, relocating or altering a building or structure in the unincorporated county zoning jurisdiction1. The ordinance incorporates the edition of the Uniform Building Code adopted by the County Commission, together with later amendments11. The Tax Director handles permits for permitted uses, while other requests go to the Zoning Commission, and a permit cannot issue for work that violates the ordinance12. Every mobile or manufactured home also needs a Tax Director permit for placement or relocation13. Wells County has not published a routine construction-inspection schedule or a confirmed certificate-of-occupancy process, so ask Planning and Zoning what reviews apply to the exact project14. No county permit exemption for owner-builders was confirmed; the state owner-builder provision concerns a discretionary property-tax exemption, not relief from county permits15.

Who handles Wells County building and zoning permits?

Wells County Planning and Zoning, administered through the Tax Director, receives applications at PO Box 361, Fessenden ND 58438; call 701-547-322014. The county requests a completed application and a scaled sketch showing the proposed structure, lot size, access locations, section and township14. The county asks applicants to allow three days for permit processing14. Published building-permit fees apply to added taxable square footage: $20 for valuation from $5,001 through $20,000, then $25 plus $1 for each additional $1,000 above $20,00016. The ordinance lists $50 each for a conditional use, zoning amendment or variance, but a separate special- or conditional-use form uses a different project-cost formula16. Ask the Tax Director which current fee applies before submitting.

Does Wells County have zoning?

Wells County zoning applies to unincorporated territory under county jurisdiction, but a township's lawfully enacted regulations apply instead unless that township relinquishes its zoning power to the county2. The County Tax Director maintains the official zoning map, so identify both the controlling jurisdiction and district before planning a use17. Agricultural-zone lots for non-farm homes or nonresidential uses require at least five acres and 250 feet of width, although county zoning may not prohibit farming or the normal incidents of farming98. Rural Residential lots require 20,000 square feet with public water or sewer and one acre without; buildings may cover no more than 30% of the lot1819. Residential Community lots require 5,000 square feet with public water or sewer and 20,000 square feet without; coverage is capped at 40%1819. In either district, a structure over 35 feet generally needs a conditional-use permit20.

How do septic permits work in Wells County?

Central Valley Health District provides environmental-health services in Wells County, while the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees installer licensing statewide321. A local public-health-unit permit is required before installing a new onsite sewage system or repairing an existing one, including work on septic tanks, drain fields, seepage pits, cesspools or holding tanks4. Call Central Valley Health District at 701-252-1325 before site work begins22. The district provides inspections of existing permitted systems upon request; the available rule does not establish routine inspection of every existing system23. About 64.5% of Wells County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, but that countywide figure does not replace parcel evaluation or the required permit104. Approval of alternative off-grid sanitation could not be confirmed, so discuss the proposed system with Central Valley Health District before buying equipment22.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Wells County?

Wells County has not published a direct rule for long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land, so give Planning and Zoning the parcel number, expected duration and sanitation plan before moving onsite2414. A township may have its own lawful zoning instead of the county ordinance, making the parcel's jurisdiction essential to the answer2. A tiny home classified as a building or dwelling may be occupied as a residence where the use and structure meet the applicable county district rules7. The ordinance does not define “tiny home,” so ask the Tax Director how a proposed unit will be classified714. Mobile homes are conditional uses in the Agricultural Zone, mobile-home courts are conditional uses in the Rural Residential Zone, and every mobile or manufactured home needs a Tax Director permit for placement or relocation13.

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

  1. Give Planning and Zoning the parcel number and establish whether county or township zoning controls the land2.
  2. Ask the Tax Director for the district, permitted use, minimum lot size, setbacks, lot-coverage limit and any conditional-use review17182526.
  3. Confirm road access before laying out the site; Rural Residential access is limited to one point per quarter mile, with a frontage road required where necessary27.
  4. Contact Central Valley Health District about the required onsite sewage permit before installation224.
  5. Submit the building-permit application and scaled sketch to the Tax Director before construction, reconstruction, relocation or alteration begins114.
  6. Confirm the current fee and required inspections because the published special-use fee sources differ and no routine inspection schedule was confirmed1614.

What should you check before buying land in Wells County?

Start by confirming whether county or township zoning controls the parcel, then obtain the district designation from the map kept by the County Tax Director2817. Compare the survey and house site against district-specific lot size and setbacks before closing; a non-farm home in the Agricultural Zone needs at least five acres and 250 feet of lot width18259. Rural Residential parcels are limited to one public-road access point per quarter mile and may need a frontage road, so verify that the planned driveway fits the ordinance29. If the site is in a Special Flood Hazard Area in a participating community, obtain a permit from the local Floodplain Administrator before work; regulatory-floodway development also needs state review before that permit issues30. Reserve space for wastewater treatment because a local permit is required for a new system or repair4.

Watch-outs

  • A township with lawful zoning may control the parcel instead of Wells County, so establish jurisdiction before relying on county district rules28.
  • Wells County requires a building permit before covered construction begins, while the published building-permit fee schedule addresses added taxable square footage116.
  • Published special- and conditional-use fee schedules conflict, so confirm the amount with the Tax Director before submitting an application16.
  • North Dakota's owner-builder provision is a property-tax exemption, not a permit exemption; no Wells County owner-builder permit exemption was confirmed15.

Sources

  1. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  2. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Health and Safety, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Health and Safety, quoted and re-checked
  5. Wells County 2008 Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  6. Wells County 2008 Zoning Ordinance (2026 county census)
  7. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  8. Wells County 2008 Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  10. 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
  11. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  12. Wells County 2008 Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  13. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  14. Wells County Planning and Zoning / Tax Director (wellscountynd.com)
  15. Property Tax Exemption for Builders of Certain New Single Family Residential Properties (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Wells County 2008 Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  17. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  18. Wells County 2008 Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  19. Wells County 2008 Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  20. Wells County 2008 Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  21. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  22. Central Valley Health District Environmental Health (wellscountydistricthealth.org)
  23. Environmental Health and Safety, quoted and re-checked
  24. Wells County 2008 Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  25. Wells County 2008 Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  26. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  27. wellscountynd.com, quoted and re-checked
  28. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  29. wellscountynd.com, quoted and re-checked
  30. Floodplain Management, 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, Wells County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleWells CountySheridan CountyFoster CountyEddy CountyKidder CountyBenson CountyBurleigh County
Building permitLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Public Health DistrictFirst District Health UnitCentral Valley Health DistrictND Dept. of Env. QualityCounty District Health UnitLake Region District Health UnitCounty Building/Planning/Zoning Dept.

County locator

Wells County in North Dakota

52
County map
Wells County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Wells County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency20100% ev.
Admin Boringness5590% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8096% 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 →

$133kTypical home
1%Property tax
$2,385Land / acre
18.5"Annual rain
9% of yrsSevere drought
4 / yr (+3.4)Mid-century 100°F days
20.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.38" (+7.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.62×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,974Home insurance / yr
0.3% / yrInsurance growth
2.13%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
2,351People within 30 min
245,690People within 2 hr
2,878Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.1People / sq mi
13.9%Federal land
98.4%Land at 15% slope or less
64.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
515,258 acWorkable land screen
1.1%Wooded land
16.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
40°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Wells 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.

Berlin Township · Bilodeau Township · Bowdon · Bremen Township · Bull Moose Township · Cathay · Cathay Township · Chaseley Township · Crystal Lake Township · Delger Township · Fairville Township · Fessenden · Forward Township · Fram Township · Germantown Township · Haaland Township · Hamberg · Hamburg Township · Harvey · Hawksnest Township · Heimdal Township · Hillsdale Township · Hurdsfield · Johnson Township · Lynn Township · Manfred Township · Norway Lake Township · Oshkosh Township · Pony Gulch Township · Progress Township · Rusland Township · Silver Lake Township · South Cottonwood Township · Speedwell Township · St. Anna Township · Sykeston · Sykeston Township · Valhalla Township · Wells Township · West Norway Township · West Ontario Township · Western Township · Woodward Township

Answers from the rulebook for Wells County

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

Wells County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction, structural changes, movement, and additional taxable square footage in county-regulated unincorporated areas.

    • A permit is required if needed under the ordinance; additional square footage added to taxable property is subject to the Permit Fee Schedule.
    • Permitted-use permits are handled by the County Tax Director; other permits are brought to the Zoning Commission.
    • No permit may issue if the proposal violates the ordinance.
    “Building permits shall be deemed necessary for additional square footage added to taxable property only as listed in the Permit Fee Schedule.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, reconstruction, relocation, or alteration of buildings or structures in the County zoning jurisdiction.
      “Any person or persons intending to construct or reconstruct or relocate a building or structure or make alteration shall, before proceeding with the work, obtain a permit from the Tax Director.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings regulated under the Wells County zoning ordinance.

    • The ordinance incorporates the edition of the Uniform Building Code adopted by the County Commission, with later amendments.
    • North Dakota states that a jurisdiction electing to adopt and enforce building codes must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.
    “The edition of the Uniform Building code as published by the International Conference of Building Officials and adopted by the County Commission, together with any amendments made hereafter are incorporated and made a part of this ordinance.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Wells County zoning in unincorporated territory under county jurisdiction.

    • The ordinance does not affect property within a township that has lawfully enacted its own regulations, unless the township relinquishes zoning powers to the County.
    “This ordinance shall affect all unincorporated territory over which the Board of County Commissioners have jurisdiction in Wells County, ND.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — County zoning in unincorporated Wells County territory under county jurisdiction.
      “This ordinance shall affect all unincorporated territory over which the Board of County Commissioners have jurisdiction in Wells County, ND. This ordinance shall not affect any property, real or personal, which is located within the authority of any township having lawfully enacted regulations”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across county-regulated unincorporated areas and townships or municipalities with their own lawful regulations.

    • The county ordinance applies to unincorporated territory under County jurisdiction but excludes townships with their own lawful zoning unless powers are relinquished to the County.
    “This ordinance shall not affect any property, real or personal, which is located within the authority of any township having lawfully enacted regulations as provided in NDCC '58-03-11 through '58-03-15, except where such township supervisors relinquish to the County their powers or any portion thereof, to enact zoning regulations.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — Wells County zoning regulation in unincorporated territory under the jurisdiction of the Board of County Commissioners.
      “This ordinance shall affect all unincorporated territory over which the Board of County Commissioners have jurisdiction in Wells County, ND. This ordinance shall not affect any property, real or personal, which is located within the authority of any township having lawfully enacted regulations as provided in NDCC '58-03-11 through '58-03-15, except where such township supervisors relinquish to the County their powers or any portion thereof, to enact zoning regulations.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts established by the Wells County Zoning Ordinance for applicable unincorporated territory.

    • The ordinance states that district locations and boundaries are established by the Zoning District Map on file in the Office of the County Tax Director.
    • The ordinance excludes territory within townships having lawfully enacted regulations under NDCC 58-03-11 through 58-03-15 unless those township supervisors relinquish zoning powers to the County.
    “In order to carry out the purposes and provisions of these regulations, the following zoning districts are hereby established. A - Agricultural Zone RR - Rural Residential Zone RC - Residential Community Zone C - Commercial Zone I - Industrial Zone R/O - Recreation/Open Space Zone”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in the Wells County Agricultural Zone.

    • For non-farm residential uses, lot area must be at least five acres.
    • For non-residential uses, lot area must be at least five acres.
    • Lot width for any use in an agricultural district must be at least 250 feet.

    minimum lot area for non-farm residential use: >= 5 acres · minimum lot area for non-residential use: >= 5 acres · minimum lot width: >= 250 feet

    “For non-farm residential uses the lot area shall not be less than five acres. For non-residential uses the lot area shall not be less than five acres. The lot width for any use in an agricultural district shall not be less than 250 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — County zoning districts including Agricultural, Rural Residential, Residential Community, Commercial, and Industrial districts.
      “Minimum lot size shall be 20,000 square feet for lots served by public water or sewer and one acre for lots not served by public water or sewer.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    County zoning districts.

    • Agricultural non-farm structures: 200 feet from public road right-of-way and 50 feet from lot lines.
    • RR structures: 100 feet from right-of-way and 50 feet from lot lines.
    • RC structures: 25 feet from right-of-way and 10 feet from lot lines.
    • C structures: 100 feet from public road right-of-way and 10 feet from lot lines.
    • I structures: 100 feet from public road right-of-way and 50 feet from lot lines.
    “Minimum setback of any structure shall be 100 feet from any right-of-way & 50 feet from any lot line.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Maximum building or structure intensity in Wells County zoning districts.

    • RR maximum intensity is 30% of lot area.
    • RC maximum intensity is 40% of lot area.

    RR maximum lot intensity: <= 30 percent of lot area · RC maximum lot intensity: <= 40 percent of lot area

    “The maximum intensity of buildings or other structures on any lot shall be 30% of the lot area.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Rural Residential and Residential Community zoning districts.
      “The maximum intensity of buildings or other structures on any lot shall be 30% of the lot area.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Rural Residential, Residential Community, and Commercial zoning districts.

    • Structures exceeding 35 feet require a conditional use permit.
    • Metal towers such as windmills and antennas are excepted.

    conditional-use threshold: > 35 feet (metal towers such as windmills and antennas)

    “Any structure exceeding 35 feet in height shall require a conditional use permit, with the exception of metal towers such as windmills and antennas.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Occupancy of a tiny home that is a building or dwelling under the Wells County Zoning Ordinance, in unincorporated territory subject to County zoning.

    • The ordinance does not define “tiny home”; this finding applies only where the unit is a building or dwelling subject to the ordinance.
    • The use and building must conform to the ordinance; a building permit is required if needed, and permits are deemed necessary only for additional square footage added to taxable property as listed in the Permit Fee Schedule.
    • A permitted-use permit is issued by the County Tax Director; a permit other than for a permitted use is brought to the Zoning Commission for action. A permit may not be issued if the proposed action violates the ordinance.
    • County zoning does not apply within the authority of a township that has lawfully enacted regulations unless township supervisors relinquish their zoning powers or a portion of them to the County.
    • In the RR Zone, one- and two-family residences are permitted; minimum lot size is 20,000 square feet with public water or sewer and one acre without, minimum structure setbacks are 100 feet from a right-of-way and 50 feet from a lot line, structures over 35 feet require a conditional-use permit except metal towers such as windmills and antennas, and maximum building intensity is 30% of lot area.
    • In the RC Zone, single-family residences are permitted; minimum lot size is 5,000 square feet with public water or sewer and 20,000 square feet without, minimum structure setbacks are 25 feet from a public right-of-way and 10 feet from a lot line, structures over 35 feet require a conditional-use permit except metal towers such as windmills and antennas, and maximum building intensity is 40% of lot area.

    building-permit fee for additional taxable square footage valued from $5,001 through $20,000: 20 USD (Applies to additional square footage added to taxable property only.) · building-permit fee for additional taxable square footage valued over $20,000: $25 + $1 for each additional $1,000 in valuation (Applies to additional square footage added to taxable property only.)

    “This ordinance shall affect all unincorporated territory over which the Board of County Commissioners have jurisdiction in Wells County, ND. [...] No building or land shall hereafter be used or occupied and no building shall be erected, moved, or altered unless in conformity with these regulations. [...] 5.2.1.2 One and two family residences. [...] 5.3.1.2 Single-family residences.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home and mobile-home residential occupancy/use in unincorporated areas governed by the Wells County Zoning Ordinance.

    • The ordinance defines a mobile home as a manufactured trailer intended for family residential occupancy.
    • Mobile homes are listed as conditional uses in the Agricultural Zone.
    • Mobile home courts are listed as conditional uses in the Rural Residential Zone.
    • All mobile homes and manufactured homes must comply with the manufactured housing and building code and obtain a Tax Director permit for placement and relocation.
    “All mobile homes and manufactured homes are required to comply with the manufactured housing and building code and are required to obtain a permit from the Tax Director for placement and relocation thereof.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site sewage treatment systems serving Wells County.

    • Central Valley Health District provides environmental-health services in Wells County.
    • North Dakota DEQ oversees installer licensing and requires a local public-health-unit permit before system work begins.
    “Central Valley Health District (CVHD) provides environmental health services and education in southeast central North Dakota for the counties of Barnes, Dickey, Foster, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Stutsman, and Wells.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New on-site sewage treatment systems and repairs to existing systems serving Wells County.

    • The local public-health-unit permit is required before beginning work.
    • The County health page includes septic tanks, drain fields, seepage pits, cesspools, and holding tanks.
    “The Environmental Health Department licenses installers and permits all new on-site sewage treatment systems and/or repairs to existing on-site sewage treatment systems which includes: septic tanks, drain fields, seepage pits, cesspools or holding tanks.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Existing permitted on-site sewage treatment systems in Wells County.

    • Inspection is provided upon request, not stated as a universal routine inspection requirement.
    “Additionally, the Department provides inspection of existing permitted systems upon request.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Farming and normal incidents of farming under the Wells County Zoning Ordinance.

    • This is a zoning non-restriction; other state, federal, health, environmental, or building requirements 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.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Ingress and egress from public roads for properties in the RR zone.

    • A frontage road must be constructed as necessary to allow access to public roads through the permitted access points.

    Public-road access points: <= 1 per quarter mile (RR-zone properties)

    “Points of ingress and egress from any public road shall be limited to one per ¼ 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Ingress and egress from public roads for properties in the Rural Residential zone.
      “Points of ingress and egress from any public road shall be limited to one per ¼ mile in or from any RR Zone properties.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Wells County zoning and building-permit applications administered under the County Zoning Ordinance and County Tax Director forms.

    • Building-permit application fees apply only to additional square footage added to taxable property.
    • For additional square footage valued at $5,001-$20,000, the fee is $20.
    • For additional square footage over $20,000, the fee is $25 plus $1 for each additional $1,000 in valuation.
    • The zoning ordinance separately lists a $50 conditional-use permit fee, $50 zoning-amendment fee, and $50 variance fee.
    • A special or conditional-use permit checklist states a fee of .0125% of total project cost, with a $500 minimum and $2,000 maximum per application; the relationship between this checklist fee and the 2008 ordinance schedule is not resolved.

    building permit fee for additional square footage valued $5,001-$20,000: 20 USD (taxable property only) · building permit fee for additional square footage valued over $20,000: 25 + $1 for each additional $1,000 in valuation USD (taxable property only) · conditional use permit fee: 50 USD · zoning amendment fee: 50 USD · variance fee: 50 USD · special or conditional use permit checklist fee: .0125% of total project cost; minimum $500; maximum $2000 USD (per application)

    “Application for building permit for additional square footage added to taxable property only: Value of additional square footage: Fee $5,001 - $20,000 $20 over $20,000 $25 + $1 for each additional $1,000 in valuation Application for conditional use permit $50 Application for zoning amendment $50 Application for variance $50”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Wells County zoning and building-related permits under the 2008 ordinance.
      “Application for conditional use permit $50”

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.”
  • 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.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid or alternative domestic sewage collection, treatment, and disposal systems in North Dakota

    • Domestic wastewater from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry fixtures, and other household plumbing must pass through a septic tank or higher level of treatment before discharge into soil.
    • If underground dispersal is not feasible, the permitting authority may review alternative collection and disposal methods; approval is not automatic.
    • Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a system requires a permit before work begins, subject to the regular-maintenance exception.
    • Wastewater may not be disposed of in a manner that creates a nuisance or causes a system to malfunction or fail.
    • The applicable permitting authority is a local public health unit, other political subdivision, or designee.

    minimum lot size for a new system: >= 1 acre (A variance may be available under Section 33.1-21-01-15)

    “Water carried from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry fixtures, and other household plumbing must pass through a septic tank or higher level of treatment prior to its discharge into the soil. If underground dispersal for treatment is not feasible, the permitting authority may review alternative methods of collection and disposal.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Private water-supply wells statewide in North Dakota.

    • A water appropriation permit from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources is required when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet.
    • A permit is not needed for wells drawing less than 12.5 acre-feet per year, according to the official private-well guide.
    • For domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses below 12.5 acre-feet per year, the location and capacity of constructed works must be reported to the Department of Water Resources.
    • Anyone hired to construct, install, or repair a well, pump, or pitless unit must be licensed; individuals may install or repair wells on their own property without a license.

    annual water withdrawal threshold: > 12.5 acre-feet per year (Domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses below this threshold do not require a water appropriation permit but must be reported.) · annual water withdrawal threshold: > 4073137 gallons per year (Equivalent threshold stated by the Department of Water Resources.)

    “Domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational water use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,137 gallons or 96,979 barrels) per year.”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area in Wells County where the applicable community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.
      “A floodplain development permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before beginning any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Transient lodging rentals held out to the public for a charge in North Dakota.

    • A lodging license applies to buildings or structures held out to the public where sleeping accommodations are furnished to transient guests for a charge.
    • The lodging license does not apply to a single structure with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
    • The lodging license also does not apply to a series or group of buildings or structures containing five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
    • License applications must be submitted at least 30 days before beginning construction or acquiring new ownership; new construction, renovation, or remodeling also requires the Section 3 Plan Review Checklist; after payment, review may take up to 30 calendar days.

    guest-room exemption threshold: <= 5 guest rooms or fewer (Only when total occupants are ten or fewer.) · occupant exemption threshold: <= 10 occupants or fewer (Only when the structure has five or fewer guest rooms.)

    “The lodging license does not apply to: Single structures with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Administration and enforcement of the North Dakota State Building Code by eligible city, township, and county jurisdictions.

    • A city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the state building code.
    • Local jurisdictions may amend the state building code to conform to local needs.
    • A city or township may enforce only within its jurisdictional area; a county may enforce in areas where the state building code is not administered by a city or township.
    “Community Services is not involved in the enforcement of the State Building Code. This is the responsibility of jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Campsite occupancy in North Dakota state parks.

    • The limit applies to campsite and cabin occupancy in state parks.
    • All vehicles entering a state park must have a valid daily or annual vehicle entrance permit, including overnight stays and day visits.
    • Campers must check in at 4:00 p.m. on the first reservation day and check out by 3:00 p.m. on the last day.

    maximum campsite or cabin occupancy: <= 14 nights in any 30-day period

    “Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to no more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    North Dakota counties adopting zoning regulations for land and buildings within the county, including unincorporated areas.

    • The authority is exercised by the board of county commissioners.
    • Regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
    • The authority covers the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.
    • County zoning regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    • A county may divide all or any parts of the county into districts, and regulations must be uniform within each district but may differ between districts.
    • County zoning regulations must account for the statutory limitations governing farming, ranching, and animal feeding operations in section 11-33-02.1.
    • The board must state the grounds for approving or disapproving zoning amendments or variances, and written findings must be included in the records.
    • The board must establish zoning requirements for solid waste disposal and incineration facilities before July 1, 1994.
    • The board may impose tipping or other fees on solid waste management and incineration facilities, but may not impose a fee under this section on an energy conversion facility or coal mining operation that disposes of its waste onsite.
    • The board may establish institutional controls addressing environmental concerns with the department of environmental quality under section 23.1-10-16.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county, subject to chapter 54-21.3, the location and the use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — North Dakota county boards of commissioners adopting zoning regulations, including regulation of unincorporated county land.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    County authority to administer and enforce the state building code, including the residential code, and to provide for building permits for buildings or structures subject to county zoning in unincorporated areas of North Dakota.

    • A county that elects to administer and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the state building code; it may amend that code to conform to local needs.
    • A county may administer and enforce the state building code only in areas where a city or township does not administer it. A city or township may relinquish that authority to its county under N.D.C.C. § 54-40.5-03; local governments may also agree to joint administration and enforcement or contract for private enforcement.
    • County permit authority under N.D.C.C. § 11-33-18 applies to a building or structure otherwise subject to the County Zoning chapter.
    • If the county provides for permits, it must require the applicant to state whether the structure is reasonably anticipated to have a significant transportation-system impact. A structure has such impact if it will average at least twenty-five motor vehicles per day during one year with gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].
    • For a structure with significant transportation-system impact, the county must notify the director of the department of transportation and allow an opportunity to comment; director approval is not required.
    • The county may establish and collect reasonable permit fees, which must be credited to the county general fund.
    • A county-adopted building code may not require fire sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or a residential building containing no more than two dwelling units.

    significant transportation-system impact threshold: >= 25 motor vehicles per day (Over a period of one year; vehicles must have gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].) · fire-sprinkler requirement: false (A county building code may not require sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or residential building with no more than two dwelling units.)

    “The governing body of a city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code shall adopt and enforce the state building code. However, the state building code may be amended by cities, townships, and counties to conform to local needs.”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In North Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Wells 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
  • 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 — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements for buildings in unincorporated Wells County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water or sewer connection requirements for Wells County property.

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 Wells County, North Dakota

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

Wells County scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,351 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.5″/yr rainfall).

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

Wells 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 Wells County Public Health District (Environmental Health). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Land in Wells County runs about $2,385 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Wells County?

Wells County gets about 18.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9% of years.

How remote is Wells County?

A representative private-land location has about 2,351 people within a 30-minute drive and 245,690 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 Wells compares in North Dakota

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