The Williams County Building Division, part of Development Services, does plan review, building permits and building and fire inspections for property outside city limits. If the building is within a city’s limits, contact that city; in Williston that is City of Williston Building Safety.
This guide covers the County Building, Planning and Zoning and Highway offices and the City of Williston.
What requires a building permit in Williams County?
In the County’s jurisdiction a permit is also required before any grading or drainage work. Exempt work includes one-story detached tool and storage sheds and playhouses up to 120 square feet, agricultural buildings not used for any personal use, and fences under 8.5 feet. In Williston, re-roofing, siding, sheet rock, window replacement and decks all need a permit.
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
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Get a free quote →Who handles permitting in Williams County?
| Area | Office | Contact and hours |
|---|---|---|
| Outside city limits | Williams County Building Division, Administration Building, 2nd Floor, 206 East Broadway, Williston | (701) 577-4567; Monday - Friday: 8 am - 5 pm |
| Unincorporated land use and subdivisions | Williams County Planning and Zoning Division, same address | (701) 577-4565 |
| County roads | Williams County Highway, 5246 141st Ave NW, Williston | (701) 577-4521 |
| City of Williston | Building Safety, Center for Development, 2nd Floor, 113 4th Street East | 701.577.8115; M-F 8am-5pm; buildingapps@ci.williston.nd.us |
Williams County and Williston rules
Williams County
Since January 1, 2026 the County follows the 2026 North Dakota State Building Code (2024 IBC, IRC, IMC and IFGC), and it has also adopted the 2024 International Fire Code. The Highway department issues approach permits and county road crossing permits, and overweight permits through LoadPass.
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Building permit applications can be emailed to buildingapps@ci.williston.nd.us. Plumbers, fuel/gas installers, mechanical contractors and sign hangers must hold a City of Williston license before working within city limits.
Williams County permit costs and fees
County: the minimum building permit fee is $75, plus $4.00 per $1,000 in value up to $5,000,000 and $1.00 per $1,000 above that. Commercial projects over $99,999 that need plan review pay an additional 25% of the permit fee, capped at $5,000.
Williston: $15.00 for $1.00 - $500.00 of valuation; from $100,001.00 - $500,000.00, $639.50 for the first $100,000.00 plus $3.50 for each additional $1,000.00. A plan review fee of up to half the permit fee is due at submittal. Plumbing permits are $25.00 (plus $10.00 per inspection) and sign, moving and demolition permits $30.00.
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Call 1-855-478-4290 →How to get a building permit in Williams County
Outside: the County Building Division. Inside: the city, such as Williston Building Safety.
Small sheds, agricultural buildings not for personal use and fences under 8.5 feet are exempt in the County.
New approaches and road crossings go to County Highway.
Williston collects up to half the permit fee as plan review at submittal.
A County permit expires if no inspection is requested for 6 months.
Inspections in Williams County
County: request inspections online or through the Inspection Line at (701) 577-4576; they are generally done between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Williston: inspections need 24 hours’ notice, are scheduled on an AM/PM basis and cost nothing extra. Allow at least 3 weeks for review of new homes and garages.
Rather not deal with the Williams County building department?
Get a free quote →Official Williams County permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- Williams County Building Division
- Williams County building permits
- Williams County Planning and Zoning
- Williams County Highway
- City of Williston Building Safety
- Williston permit fees
Frequently asked questions
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Get a free quote →Who issues building permits in rural Williams County?
The Williams County Building Division, for property outside city limits.
When does a Williams County permit expire?
When no inspection has been requested for 6 months.
Do I need a permit to re-roof in Williston?
Yes. Williston requires a permit for re-roofing, siding, sheet rock, window replacement and decks.
Simplify Williams 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.
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More North Dakota permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Williams County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.