North Dakota (ND) Building Permit & Cost Directory
Explore municipal permit requirements, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) contractor wages, and real-time residential cost calculators across all 53 counties in North Dakota for 2026.
North Dakota Residential Building Code & Licensing Overview
Statewide compliance standards and contractor mandates
Residential home renovations in North Dakota are regulated under the state building code adapted from the International Residential Code (IRC). Permits are mandated for all structural repairs, complete roof replacements exceeding 100-200 square feet, HVAC compressor and furnace retrofits, and electrical service upgrades.
General contractors and trade specialists must carry valid state licenses and verified worker's compensation coverage.
Homeowners may pull permits on their primary dwelling, assuming full civil liability for code compliance and passing inspections.
Find Your County in ND
Type your county or city name below to instantly isolate local building departments and cost calculators.
All North Dakota Counties (53)
Click any county below to calculate local permit costs, view inspector notes, and check trade wages.
Adams County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Barnes County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Benson County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Billings County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Bottineau County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Bowman County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Burke County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Burleigh County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Cass County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Cavalier County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Dickey County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Divide County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Dunn County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Eddy County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Emmons County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Foster County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Golden Valley County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Grand Forks County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Grant County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Griggs County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Hettinger County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Kidder County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Lamoure County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Logan County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Mchenry County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Mcintosh County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Mckenzie County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Mclean County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Mercer County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Morton County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Mountrail County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Nelson County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Oliver County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Pembina County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Pierce County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Ramsey County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Ransom County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Renville County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Richland County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Rolette County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Sargent County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Sheridan County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Sioux County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Slope County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Stark County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Steele County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Stutsman County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Towner County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Traill County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Walsh County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Ward County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Wells County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Williams County
Est. Permit: $136 • BLS $29.09/hr
Frequently Asked Questions: North Dakota Building Permits
How much does a building permit typically cost in North Dakota?
Across North Dakota, the baseline residential permit filing fee averages $136.39. Total permit costs are calculated based on valuation formulas (typically $5 to $15 per $1,000 of project value) plus electrical, mechanical, and plan review inspection surcharges.
Do I need a building permit for roof replacement in North Dakota?
Yes. In virtually all North Dakota county jurisdictions, roof replacements involving more than 100 square feet (1 roofing square) or involving any structural decking, rafter, or truss repair require a formal building permit and at least one in-progress or final roof inspection.
What is the average trade wage for contractors in North Dakota?
According to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), the median hourly rate for licensed residential construction trades in North Dakota is approximately $29.09/hr, varying based on metropolitan vs rural location.