Bolthole Index

Billings County, North Dakota

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

44Index Score / 100
#44 of 53 in North Dakota

Billings County, North Dakota requires a building permit and Building & Zoning Certificate for new construction and move-in structures1. County zoning governs unincorporated land except where a city exercises extraterritorial zoning2. An approved septic permit and road approach permit must accompany the building application when applicable1.

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

Yes.

Yes. Billings County requires a building permit for new construction and move-in structures, including modular homes1. A Building & Zoning Certificate is also required before new construction, moving a structure, changing exterior dimensions or use, or subdividing land1. Permitted construction receives field inspections, including a final inspection before the certificate-of-occupancy process3. The completed building may not be occupied until the certificate of occupancy is issued7.

Billings County applies the state building code during plan review7. Agricultural land and buildings have a limited zoning exemption, but county road setbacks and floodplain rules still apply2. A home does not fall within North Dakota's separate agricultural building-code exemption merely because it is on agricultural land8.

Who is the Billings County building department, and how do you reach it?

Start with Billings County Planning & Zoning at the contact above.

Start with Billings County Planning & Zoning at the contact above. The county application goes to the zoning office with the checklist and deposit; after a completeness check, zoning approval comes before Building Department plan review7. For technical building questions and inspections, the county directs applicants to Building Department and Inspections at 701-260-53731.

Plan review is generally about two weeks but is not guaranteed7. Published deposits are $200 for a single-family residence or modular or manufactured home; commercial deposits rise with project size, and the balance is set after review7. A reinspection fee applies when work is not ready7. Ask Planning & Zoning for the current total fee and meeting schedule before committing to a start date1.

Does Billings County have zoning?

Yes.

Yes. Billings County zoning regulates unincorporated territory, while the City of Medora has a one-mile extraterritorial zoning area where municipal rules may apply9. The county ordinance establishes Agricultural, Residential, Recreation, Commercial, Industrial, and Hillside and Ridgeline Overlay districts2. Confirm the parcel's jurisdiction and district before designing the project.

Agricultural and Residential districts generally require five-acre lots, although certain older residential lots and major subdivisions have different standards5. Buildings must generally stand at least 103 feet from a section-line or county-road centerline and 250 feet from a state-highway centerline; district yard rules also apply2. Accessory buildings must be at least 10 feet from lot lines and may be no taller than 15 feet2. Short-term rentals require conditional-use approval from both the Zoning Board and County Commission before nightly, weekly or other short-term rental begins10.

How do septic permits work in Billings County?

Submit the sewage and water facilities application to Southwestern District Health Unit.

Submit the sewage and water facilities application to Southwestern District Health Unit1. An approved septic permit must accompany the Billings County building permit application3. The installed system must be inspected before it is covered and again onsite for final approval11. State rules also require the permitting authority to inspect an onsite wastewater installation within one business day after an inspection request12.

Only about 13.8% of mapped Billings County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so arrange a site evaluation before fixing the house location13. Household wastewater must receive septic-tank or higher treatment before soil discharge; if underground dispersal is infeasible, the permitting authority may review an alternative, but approval is not automatic12. Ask Environmental Health to approve the proposed system before relying on an off-grid design14.

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

Billings County allows an RV as a temporary residence only under stated conditions: in a licensed RV park, through conditional use in a Residential District, or under the ordinance's temporary-camping provisions.

Billings County allows an RV as a temporary residence only under stated conditions: in a licensed RV park, through conditional use in a Residential District, or under the ordinance's temporary-camping provisions4. A qualifying property with an occupied permanent dwelling may host up to two RVs, with approved septic, potable water, utility service, separation and setback requirements; stays totaling less than 30 days in a 12-month period are exempt from those provisions4. During construction in a Residential District, an RV or mobile home may be conditionally approved as a temporary residence for no longer than one year from building-permit issuance2.

We could not confirm a separate tiny-home occupancy rule. A tiny home built or moved onto land should not be assumed exempt from county building and zoning approval1. Mobile homes on platted Residential District lots require a permanent foundation or properly anchored concrete basement, with wheels and hitches removed2.

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

Ask Billings County Planning & Zoning to confirm whether county zoning or Medora's extraterritorial zoning controls the parcel, then identify the zoning district.

  1. Ask Billings County Planning & Zoning to confirm whether county zoning or Medora's extraterritorial zoning controls the parcel, then identify the zoning district9.
  1. Check lot size, road and highway setbacks, floodplain status, and the proposed building location2,5,6.
  1. Obtain Southwestern District Health Unit approval for the septic system and plan for inspection before covering it3,11.
  1. Secure the required road approach permit; a state-highway driveway requires NDDOT approval, while the county building application requires its road approach permit3,15.
  1. Submit the complete building and zoning application, checklist and deposit, then allow time for zoning approval and plan review7.
  1. Schedule field inspections and do not occupy the completed building until the certificate of occupancy is issued3,7.

What should you check before buying land in Billings County?

Confirm zoning jurisdiction, district, buildable area and legal access before closing.

Confirm zoning jurisdiction, district, buildable area and legal access before closing. Medora's extraterritorial area can change the zoning authority, and county road and state-highway approaches have separate approval paths3,9,15. Check setbacks early because county-road and state-highway centerline distances can materially shrink a homesite2.

Map floodplain exposure as well as soils. A county floodplain development permit is required before construction or manufactured-home placement in county floodplain jurisdiction outside Medora and its extraterritorial area6. Conventional septic suitability is severely limited across most mapped soils13. For a private well, North Dakota requires a water-appropriation permit above 12.5 acre-feet per year and reporting for qualifying lower-volume uses16. Billings County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, and its median annual property-tax bill is about $1,18913.

Watch-outs

  • Do not occupy a permitted building before Billings County issues its certificate of occupancy7.
  • A county floodplain development permit is required before construction or manufactured-home placement in county floodplain jurisdiction6.
  • RV residence is conditional or temporary, and construction-site occupancy is limited to one year from building-permit issuance2,4.
  • Short-term rental use needs Zoning Board and County Commission approval before renting begins10.

Sources

16 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 7, 2026

  1. Zoning & Building Applications
  2. Billings County Zoning Ordinance
  3. Building Permit Application
  4. Billings County Zoning Ordinance, amended June 3, 2025
  5. Billings County Zoning Ordinance
  6. Floodplain Management Ordinance
  7. Billings County Building Department Permit Process
  8. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule)
  9. Billings County Zoning Ordinance
  10. Zoning & Building Applications
  11. Application for Sewage & Water Facilities
  12. North Dakota Administrative Code, Chapter 33.1-21-01: Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Installers Licensing Systems (North Dakota statewide rule)
  13. 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
  14. Southwestern District Health Unit Environmental Health (swdhu.net)
  15. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 24-01, State Highway System (North Dakota statewide rule)
  16. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule)

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

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Billings County has countywide zoning.

RuleBillings CountyGolden Valley CountySlope CountyStark CountyBowman CountyHettinger CountyDunn County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimited
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsSouthwestern District Health UnitSouthwestern District Health UnitND Dept. of Env. QualitySouthwestern District Health UnitSouthwestern District Health UnitSWDHUND DEQ

County locator

Billings County in North Dakota

44
County map
Billings County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Billings County scores

44 / 100 · #44 of 53 in North Dakota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1796% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability38100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost7596% ev.

Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$323kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$1,167Land / acre
15.8"Annual rain
14.4% of yrsSevere drought
8.5 / yr (+7.1)Mid-century 100°F days
21.4 daysMid-century dry spell
1.19" (+6.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.33×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,114Home insurance / yr
0.7% / yrInsurance growth
2.1%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
802Radius comparison (15 mi)
0.9People / sq mi
45.9%Federal land
63.7%Land at 15% slope or less
13.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
89,252 acWorkable land screen
9.5%Wooded land
8.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
42.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Billings 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Billings County

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

Billings County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New construction and move-in structures, including modular homes, in Billings County.

    • A Building & Zoning Certificate is also required before new construction, moving a structure, altering exterior dimensions, changing use, or subdividing.
    • An approved septic permit and road approach permit are required components where applicable.
    “Billings County requires the application for any new construction or move-in structures such as modular homes.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Buildings or structures directly used in connection with farming operations and constructed by a qualifying farmer in unincorporated Billings County, except an area where an incorporated city has elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning.

    • The exemption is from the ordinance section requiring a building application before construction, alteration, or conversion.
    • It applies only to buildings or structures directly used in connection with farming operations and constructed by farmers as defined in the ordinance.
    • A farmer is an owner or tenant of the farm who earns 51 percent or more of annual income from farm operation.
    • The ordinance applies only to unincorporated areas, except areas where incorporated cities have elected extraterritorial zoning.

    farmer annual income from farm operation: >= 51 percent (The owner or tenant must meet this definition for purposes of the code.)

    “constructed by farmers as defined herein.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Billings County building permit plan review.

    • The county permit-process document states that the North Dakota State Building Code adopts the 2012 International Building Code by reference.

    adopted model code: 2012 International Building Code

    “Billing County has adopted the North Dakota State Building Code, which by reference adopts the 2012 International Building Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction subject to a Billings County building permit.

    • Construction is subject to field inspection by certified individuals.
    • A final inspection is required before the certificate-of-occupancy process.
    “All work associated with this permit is subject to field inspection by certified individuals during the course of construction.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Permitted buildings after completion of required inspections.

    • The Building Official reviews the records before preparing the certificate.
    • The building may not be occupied before the certificate is issued.
    “The building is not to be occupied prior to the Certificate of Occupancy being issued.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Billings County zoning regulation within the county's unincorporated territorial jurisdiction.

    • The ordinance regulates land use and land division within the county and unincorporated territorial jurisdiction.
    • The ordinance is subject to amendments, including amendments listed by the county as adopted March 30, 2026.
    “to regulate the use and division of land within the county and unincorporated territorial jurisdiction;”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Billings County, including county zoning in unincorporated territory and the City of Medora's extraterritorial zoning area.

    • The county ordinance applies to unincorporated territorial jurisdiction.
    • The county planning page identifies a one-mile extraterritorial zoning district of the City of Medora, so municipal zoning authority may also apply in that area.
    “within the 1-mile extraterritorial zoning district (ETZ) of the City of Medora”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning in unincorporated Billings County.
      “These regulations shall apply to all unincorporated areas of Billings County except those areas where the incorporated cities have elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning as authorized by Section 40-48-18, NDCC.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Billings County zoning districts and zoning district map.

    • The ordinance establishes Agricultural, Residential, Recreation, Commercial, Industrial, and Hillside and Ridgeline Overlay Districts.
    • The zoning district map is maintained in the County Auditor's office and updated for amendments.
    “The following zoning districts are hereby established to carry out the purposes of this ordinance: 5.1 Agricultural District 5.2 Residential District 5.3 Recreation District 5.4 Commercial District 5.5 Industrial District 5.6 Hillside and Ridgeline Overlay District.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwellings and recreational dwellings/cabins in unincorporated Billings County, except an area where an incorporated city has elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning.

    • The definition of dwelling specifies single-family units of no less than 900 square feet.
    • A recreational dwelling/cabin is limited to temporary human living quarters, one dwelling unit, and 400 to 900 square feet; hotels, motels, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles are excluded.
    • The ordinance applies only to unincorporated areas, except areas where incorporated cities have elected extraterritorial zoning.

    single-family dwelling area: >= 900 square feet · recreational dwelling/cabin area: 400-900 square feet (Temporary human living quarters; excludes hotels, motels, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles.)

    “single family units of no less than 900 square feet”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    County zoning districts and major subdivisions in unincorporated Billings County.

    • Agriculture and residential districts generally require five acres.
    • Pre-November 5, 2013 residential lots may qualify at 40,000 square feet if they meet onsite sewage standards.
    • Major subdivisions have different standards depending on availability of public water and sewer.

    Agriculture District minimum lot area: >= 5 acres · Residential District minimum lot area: >= 5 acres (pre-November 5, 2013 lots may qualify at 40,000 square feet if onsite sewage standards are met) · major subdivision without public water and sewer: >= 65000 square feet (onsite sewage standards required) · major subdivision with public water and/or sewer: >= 12750 square feet (minimum lot width 85 feet)

    “The minimum lot area for the Agriculture District shall be five (5) acres”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings, accessory buildings, roads, and district-specific development in unincorporated Billings County.

    • Buildings must be at least 103 feet from section-line and county-road centerlines and 250 feet from state-highway centerlines.
    • Residential District yards are 75 feet front, 10 feet side, and 25 feet rear.
    • Industrial District setbacks include 250 feet from section-line and front public road/access centerlines, 150-foot front yard, 100-foot side yard, and 100-foot rear yard.
    • Accessory buildings must be at least 10 feet from lot lines.

    section-line/county-road building setback: >= 103 feet from centerline · state-highway building setback: >= 250 feet from centerline · accessory-building setback: >= 10 feet from lot lines

    “The minimum set back for buildings from the centerline of all section lines and the center line of county roads shall be one hundred three (103) feet. The minimum setback for buildings from the centerline of all state highways shall be two hundred fifty (250) feet.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Accessory buildings and other district-specific structures in unincorporated Billings County.

    • Accessory buildings are limited to 15 feet in height; the reviewed ordinance also contains district-specific development controls.

    accessory-building maximum height: <= 15 feet

    “Accessory buildings shall be smaller than the principal building and shall be limited to fifteen (15) feet in height and be located at least ten (10) feet from all lot lines.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Recreational vehicles or mobile homes temporarily used as a residence during construction of a residence in the Residential District.

    • The use is conditionally permitted.
    • The recreational vehicle or mobile home may not be used as a temporary residence for longer than one year from the date of issuance of the building permit.

    maximum temporary residence period: 1 year from building permit issuance

    “Recreational vehicles or mobile homes to be temporarily used as a residence during the construction of a residence upon a site, provided no recreational vehicle or mobile home is used as a temporary residence for longer than one year from the date of the issuance of the building permit.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Use of recreational vehicles as temporary residences in unincorporated Billings County.

    • An RV may be used as a temporary residence if located in a licensed RV park, as a conditional use in a Residential District, or if the conditions in § 6.14 are met.
    • Up to two RVs may be located on a property with a permanent occupied dwelling, and the owner must occupy the main dwelling.
    • The RVs must connect to a utility pole and septic system with approval from the Southwest District Health Unit, and water must come from a potable source.
    • The RVs must be at least 20 feet from other structures and meet required district setbacks from property lines, section lines, roads, and highways.
    • The RVs may not be used as rental property; an occupancy list must be maintained and provided to the county 911 emergency coordinator.
    • A permit may be granted in a Residential District or Agricultural District only if the property has at least five acres.
    • The requirements do not apply if the RV is occupied for less than 30 total days in a 12-month period.
    • The conditional-use permit expires one year from issuance, subject to the ordinance's renewal and revocation provisions.

    maximum RVs on property with permanent occupied dwelling: <= 2 RV · minimum separation from other structures: >= 20 feet · minimum agricultural property area: >= 5 acres · short-occupancy exception: < 30 days per 12 months (Section 6.14 does not apply)

    “The requirements of this Section 6.14 do not apply if the RV is occupied for less than thirty (30) total days in a 12-month period.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    A proposed tiny-home-style structure used as a dwelling or recreational cabin in unincorporated Billings County, except an area where an incorporated city has elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning.

    • A dwelling includes single-family units of no less than 900 square feet; vehicles designed for camping are excluded from the definition.
    • A recreational dwelling/cabin may be used only for temporary human living quarters, must be 400 to 900 square feet, excludes hotels, motels, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles, and contains one dwelling unit.
    • Single-family dwelling units are a permitted use in the Residential District.
    • Single-family dwelling units, cabins, and seasonal residences are conditional uses in the Recreational District on a minimum of 5 acres of land.
    • Construction, alteration, or conversion requires a building application unless the farming-operation/farmer exception applies.
    • The county ordinance applies only to unincorporated areas, except areas where incorporated cities have elected extraterritorial zoning.

    minimum single-family dwelling area: >= 900 square feet · recreational dwelling/cabin area: 400-900 square feet (Temporary human living quarters; excludes hotels, motels, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles.) · Recreational District land area for single-family dwelling, cabin, or seasonal residence: >= 5 acres

    “Dwelling – Any building or portion thereof, used exclusively for human and other temporary occupancy habitation including single family units of no less than 900 square feet and multiple family units but not including hotels or motels, or vehicles designed for camping, such as vacation vehicles.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile or manufactured homes in the county Residential District.

    • Mobile home parks are conditionally permitted and must satisfy site-plan, acreage, density, lot, setback, anchoring, utility, parking, emergency-access, and North Dakota Department of Health compliance requirements.
    • Mobile homes on platted lots require permanent foundations or properly anchored concrete basements, with wheels and hitches removed.

    mobile home park minimum area: >= 5 acres · mobile home park density: <= 5 units per gross acre · mobile home lot minimum area: >= 6000 square feet

    “Mobile homes on permanent type foundations on platted lots, provided they are placed on a permanent foundation or properly anchored basement made of concrete and wheels and hitches must be removed.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage and water facilities serving Billings County properties.

    • Applications are submitted to the Southwestern District Health Unit.
    • North Dakota Department of Health approval is required for systems serving 25 or more people daily, systems with more than 14 service connections, or RV parks with more than 12 hookups.

    ND Department of Health threshold: >= 25 people per day · service connections threshold: > 14 connections · RV park hookup threshold: > 12 hookups

    “Applications to be submitted to the Southwestern District Health Unit for approval.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Sewage facilities associated with county building permit applications.

    • Approved septic permits must accompany building permit applications.
    • The county's building permit application requires an approved Septic Permit.
    “Provide a copy of an approved Septic Permit.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Approved onsite sewer and water systems installed in Billings County.

    • Inspection is required before covering.
    • Onsite inspection is required for final approval.
    “This is only a plan approval; an onsite inspection is required for final approval.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Land and buildings used for agricultural uses as defined by the Billings County zoning ordinance.

    • Agricultural uses are exempt from the zoning regulations except for setbacks from roads and floodplain regulations.
    • The ordinance states that farming and normal incidents of farming are not prohibited or prevented.
    “These regulations shall not apply to the land and buildings for agricultural uses, as herein defined, except for setbacks from roads and flood plain regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in county-regulated unincorporated areas.

    • A subdivision application must be approved by the Zoning Board and Billings County Commission.
    • New subdivision development must connect to an approved onsite sewage system.
    “Has to be approved by the Zoning Board and the Billings County Commission.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    New construction requiring a county building permit.

    • A road approach permit must be submitted with the building permit application.
    “A road approach permit must be submitted.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction and development within Billings County floodplain jurisdiction, excluding City of Medora city limits and its one-mile extraterritorial zoning authority.

    • A development permit is required before construction or development, including manufactured-home placement.
    • The County Planning & Zoning Director administers the ordinance.
    • The ordinance applies to proposed construction or development within county jurisdiction, excluding City of Medora city limits and its one-mile ETZ.
    • No structure or land may be constructed, located, extended, converted, or altered without compliance.
    • Watercourse alteration requires notice and regulatory authorization as necessary.
    • Fill placement or removal within 200 feet of a body-of-water bank requires notice to the appropriate water resource district.
    • Floodplain violations may be punished by a fine not exceeding $500, imprisonment not exceeding 30 days, or both; each continuing day is a separate offense.
    • The ordinance was adopted March 30, 2026.

    watercourse fill-notice distance: <= 200 feet from body-of-water bank (notice required before removal or placement of fill during normal flow or stage) · violation fine: <= 500 USD (upon conviction) · violation imprisonment: <= 30 days (upon conviction) · variance lot-size example: <= 0.5 acre (generally may be issued for new construction or substantial improvements contiguous to and surrounded by below-base-flood-level structures)

    “A development permit shall be obtained before any construction or development begins within the community”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Short-term rentals in Billings County.

    • Short-term rentals are conditionally permitted.
    • They must be approved by the Zoning Board and Billings County Commission before renting on a nightly, weekly, or other short-term basis.
    • Applications are valid for one year and may be renewed.
    • Renewals may be approved administratively if no changes have been made, subject to confirmation by the zoning office.

    application validity: 1 year (Renewal may be approved administratively if no changes have been made.)

    “Short-term rentals are a Conditionally Permitted Use and must be approved by the Zoning Board and the Billings County Commission before renting a home on a nightly, weekly, or other short-term basis. Applications are valid for one year and may be renewed.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Billings County building permit deposits and residential permit deposits.

    • Commercial projects require a deposit before plan review begins.
    • The permit-process document states that the remaining permit fee is indicated after plan review.
    • A re-inspection fee is charged if an inspection is not ready.

    residential single-family deposit: 200 USD · modular/manufactured deposit: 200 USD · commercial deposit for projects up to 4,999 square feet: 1000 USD · commercial deposit for 5,000 to 9,000 square feet: 2000 USD · commercial deposit for 10,000 square feet and larger: 3500 USD

    “A re-inspection fee will be charged if the inspection is not ready. No inspections can be scheduled for permits with outstanding re-inspection fees.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Billings County building permit applications and plan review.

    • Submit the completed application, checklist, and deposit to the county zoning office.
    • The application is checked for completeness and transmitted to the Building Department.
    • Zoning approval precedes plan review.
    • Plan review is generally approximately two weeks but is not guaranteed.
    • The permit is picked up after final fee payment; inspections are then scheduled.

    typical plan review: 2 weeks (not guaranteed) · earliest first inspection: >= 1 business day after request

    “Plan review begins after the zoning sign-off. The plan review checks permit documents for code compliance.”

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Owners of property abutting streets, avenues or alleys in North Dakota municipalities that adopt a connection resolution; applies to sewer, water main and other service connections

    • Applies only when the municipal governing body deems it necessary and adopts a resolution
    • Connection costs are a charge against the fronting property
    • The city auditor publishes notice once each week for two successive weeks stating the work and the time to complete it
    • If the owner does not connect within the time specified, the governing body shall order the work done by a contractor at the expense of the adjoining lot or parcel
    • The work is administered and observed under the supervision of the municipality's engineer
    • The engineer, not the governing body, assesses the expense of the connection against the lot or parcel
    • The assessments are certified by the city auditor to the county treasurer for collection like special assessments
    • Subject to the municipal ordinance governing the laying and construction of such connections
    “the governing body of a municipality, when it shall deem it necessary, by resolution, may require the owners of all property abutting on any street, avenue, or alley to construct or cause to be constructed”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Establishment, operation, modification, or enlargement of recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds in North Dakota.

    • A Department of Health and Human Services license is required before a person establishes, maintains, changes use, mixes use, or enlarges a recreational vehicle park or campground.
    • The written license application must be on department forms, be accompanied by the required fee, identify the physical address and type of proposed facility, include local-official approval of compliance with applicable local zoning laws, ordinances, or regulations, and state the proposed water supply, sewerage method, and garbage-disposal method.
    • For new construction or alteration or enlargement, a complete scaled plan and specifications must be submitted to the department for approval.
    • A tent, recreational vehicle, or attachment must be at least ten feet from another tent, recreational vehicle, or part thereof; its location may not create a hazard or restrict emergency services.
    • State- or political-subdivision-owned parks and campgrounds receive a waiver of the department license and inspection requirement under N.D.C.C. 23-10-03(4).
    • Counties may separately regulate the use, condition of use, or occupancy of land under N.D.C.C. ch. 11-33; local zoning compliance is an express component of the state license application.

    minimum separation between tents, recreational vehicles, or attachments: >= 10 feet (Must not create a hazard or restrict emergency vehicles and personnel from performing necessary services.) · annual license fee for 3-10 lots: 110 USD · annual license fee for 11-25 lots: 160 USD · annual license fee for 26-50 lots: 210 USD · annual license fee for 51-100 lots: 265 USD · annual license fee for 101-150 lots: 325 USD · annual license fee for 151-200 lots: 385 USD · annual license fee for 201-250 lots: 445 USD · annual license fee for more than 250 lots: 505 USD · initial-license administration fee: 100 USD (In addition to the annual license fee and, if a plan review application is required, 50 percent of the annual license fee.) · reinspection fee: per 100 USD (For each reinspection required due to failure to correct repeat violations and each subsequent reinspection due to a notice of violation.)

    “A person may not establish [...] a recreational vehicle park, or campground in this state without first obtaining a license from the department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory-dwelling occupancy in county-regulated unincorporated areas.

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 Billings County, North Dakota

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

Billings County scores 44/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 802 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (15.8″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

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

Land in Billings County runs about $1,167 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Billings County?

Billings County gets about 15.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 14.4% of years.

How remote is Billings County?

A typical private-land location has about 802 people within 15 miles and 135,837 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Billings compares in North Dakota

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