Ward County’s Building Permits page says permits for townships and cities that have relinquished permitting authority to the county are issued through the Tax Equalization Office, and names the County Building Inspector as the contact; both are in the Ward County Courthouse, 225 SE Third St., Second Floor, Minot. Some townships and cities keep their own permit or zoning rules, and the City of Minot permits its own work.
This guide covers the County building inspector, County Planning & Zoning and the City of Minot. Minot’s permit guide was marked Coming Soon and no Minot building fee schedule was found on its website, so ask the city about fees.
What requires a building permit in Ward County?
Under the County application, a permit is needed for buildings over 120 sq.ft., building foundations, load bearing walls, decks larger than 120 sq.ft. and more than 7 inches above grade, and fences more than 8 feet 5 inches tall. In Minot, new homes, additions, remodeling, duplexes and accessory buildings over 120 sq. ft. need a permit.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →North Dakota has one State Building Code, but enforcing it is a local choice: where no city, township or county enforces it, there is no building code permit for private work, though a zoning permit may still apply. North Dakota rules
Who handles permitting in Ward County?
| Area | Office | Contact and hours |
|---|---|---|
| Townships and cities that relinquished authority | County Building Inspector / Tax Equalization Office, Ward County Courthouse, 225 SE Third St., Second Floor, Minot | 701-857-6429, fax 701-857-6424; Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
| County zoning | Ward County Planning & Zoning, Administration Building, 225 3rd Street SE, Minot | 701-857-6405 |
| City of Minot | Inspection Division (Building Safety), 1025 31st St SE | 701-857-4102 |
Ward County and Minot rules
Before a County certificate of occupancy
Ward County Engineering must approve any required Floodplain Permit and Approach Permit, and a floodplain permit needs a surveyor-stamped Certificate of Elevation. Homes not connecting to municipal sewer and water need First District Health Unit approval.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →County design values
The County checklist lists a 48-inch frost depth and a 115 mph ultimate wind speed, and asks for a geotechnical report where bearing values above 1500 psf are used.
County Planning & Zoning
Applications are due by the 15th of the month for the next month’s agenda.
Minot
Apply in the city’s online permitting portal, which accepts credit card, debit card or e-check; residential plans are examined before a permit is issued. Minot’s residential guidance covers building in the city and its 2-mile jurisdiction, and Ward County appoints non-city residents of that two-mile area to the Minot City Planning Commission.
Ward County permit costs and fees
The County building permit fee is $4.50 per $1000 of estimated construction cost, based on current ICC Building Valuations. Do not send payment until the County has approved the application. Permits are valid for 180 days from issue and may be renewed.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →How to get a building permit in Ward County
The County only where the township or city has relinquished authority; Minot for its own work.
Floodplain and approach permits from County Engineering; First District Health Unit for private sewer and water.
County: the Ward County Building Permit Application. Minot: the online portal.
The County asks you not to send payment until it approves the application.
Review can take up to two weeks.
Inspections in Ward County
County building inspections are by appointment: call 701-857-6429. Plumbing and electrical work is inspected by the State of North Dakota Plumbing and Electrical Boards.
Rather not deal with the Ward County building department?
Get a free quote →Official Ward County permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- Ward County Building Permits
- Ward County Building Permit Application
- Ward County inspection requirements
- Ward County Planning & Zoning
- City of Minot Building Safety
- Minot permit portal
Frequently asked questions
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Does Ward County issue building permits everywhere outside Minot?
No. Only for townships and cities that have relinquished permitting authority to the County; some keep their own permit or zoning rules.
What does a Ward County building permit cost?
$4.50 per $1000 of estimated construction cost, based on current ICC Building Valuations.
Does a deck need a permit in Ward County?
Yes if it is larger than 120 sq.ft. and more than 7 inches above grade.
Simplify Ward County permitting with Alliance Permitting
- Confirm whether the parcel is under the county, a city or a city’s extraterritorial area
- Prepare the building application, site plan and any septic, floodplain or road approach permit
- Schedule the required inspections and close out the permit
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in North Dakota. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.
Ready to break ground in Ward County sooner?
Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Ward County permits while your crew stays on the job.
More North Dakota permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Ward County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.