Bolthole Index

Bowman County, North Dakota

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

42Index Score / 100
#48 of 53 in North Dakota

Unincorporated Bowman County, North Dakota requires a county zoning permit from the Zoning Administrator before covered construction, but we could not confirm a separate general building permit or county inspection program1. The City of Bowman runs its own zoning code, and some townships and city extraterritorial areas fall outside county zoning2. Septic permits come from the local public health unit, the Southwestern District Health Unit, not the county zoning office3.

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

For covered work in unincorporated Bowman County, obtain a zoning permit before a structure is located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered.

For covered work in unincorporated Bowman County, obtain a zoning permit before a structure is located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered1. We could not confirm a separate general building permit, inspection program or certificate of occupancy, so ask Bowman County Planning & Zoning what applies7. North Dakota's state building code is enforced only by jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce it8. The zoning permit expires one year after it is issued1. Buildings directly used in agricultural operations and constructed by farmers, as the ordinance defines them, are exempt from the zoning permit, but road setbacks and floodplain rules remain; inside incorporated cities, the city's ordinances decide whether a permit is needed1.

Who issues zoning permits and building permits in Bowman County?

Bowman County Planning & Zoning administers county zoning and subdivision regulations and is the first stop for a zoning permit.

Bowman County Planning & Zoning administers county zoning and subdivision regulations and is the first stop for a zoning permit7. Ask the office to identify the governing jurisdiction, district, setbacks and floodplain review before starting site work1. The County Commission sets zoning permit fees, and applicants also pay county processing costs such as publication, attorney, mileage and copying expenses before issuance unless the Zoning Administrator allows otherwise for good cause1. Request the current fee schedule from the Zoning Administrator1. A conditional-use request carries a $150 advance hearing-notice fee payable to the Bowman County Treasurer with the application9. Inside the City of Bowman, the city's own zoning code applies instead of the county's2. Septic permits are handled separately by the Southwestern District Health Unit3.

Does Bowman County have zoning?

Bowman County zoning applies in unincorporated areas except townships retaining zoning power and areas governed through a city's extraterritorial authority.

Bowman County zoning applies in unincorporated areas except townships retaining zoning power and areas governed through a city's extraterritorial authority1. Residential District lots have a minimum size of 7,000 square feet1. Outside city limits, structures generally must sit at least 150 feet from section lines and county-road centerlines1. Residential accessory buildings must be smaller than the principal building, no taller than 35 feet and at least 25 feet from lot lines1. County subdivision rules use a three-step process outside municipalities and their extraterritorial jurisdictions1.

How do septic permits work in Bowman County?

Before onsite-wastewater work begins, the installer must hold a no-cost state license from North Dakota DEQ and obtain a permit from the local public-health unit.

Before onsite-wastewater work begins, the installer must hold a no-cost state license from North Dakota DEQ and obtain a permit from the local public-health unit4,10. Southwestern District Health Unit lists sewer-system inspections and a sewage-and-water application3. For subdivision land, a private septic system may be approved by the county sanitarian or Health District only on a lot of at least 1 acre1. New subdivision development must use approved onsite sewage; privies, outhouses and cesspools are prohibited there1. Only about 22.6% of county soils avoid severe conventional-drain-field limitations11.

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

The Agricultural District permits parking fewer than 3 RVs or campers, but parking does not establish a right to permanent residential occupancy.

The Agricultural District permits parking fewer than 3 RVs or campers, but parking does not establish a right to permanent residential occupancy1. We could not confirm a general full-time RV rule or a specific tiny-home occupancy rule, so ask Planning & Zoning for a written parcel-specific answer7. New manufactured homes installed for residential use in North Dakota must use a state-licensed installer and receive inspection by a state-licensed inspector12. Wastewater work still requires the local public-health permit4. County rules for mobile-home parks require at least 5 acres and no more than 5 units per gross acre, and temporary mobile homes for qualifying employees must sit near an occupied farmstead and share its sewer and water1.

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

Ask Planning & Zoning which government and district cover the parcel.

  1. Ask Planning & Zoning which government and district cover the parcel1,7.
  2. Confirm lot size, setbacks, access and flood status1.
  3. Submit the zoning permit before covered work1.
  4. Request the fee schedule; a conditional-use request costs $1501,9.
  5. Ask what code and inspections apply because separate county building permits remain unconfirmed8.
  6. Use a licensed septic installer and obtain the local permit4.

What should you check before buying land in Bowman County?

Confirm jurisdiction first because county zoning does not govern every township or city extraterritorial area.

Confirm jurisdiction first because county zoning does not govern every township or city extraterritorial area1. Check access and the building envelope: access points are limited to 4 per mile on each side of a highway or county road, and the outside-city setback is generally 150 feet1. Development in a special flood-hazard area requires a Zoning Administrator permit1. Budget for septic investigation because only about 22.6% of soils avoid severe conventional-drain-field limitations11. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.8%, though parcel bills vary11.

Watch-outs

  • A zoning permit is confirmed, but a separate general building permit, inspection program and certificate of occupancy were not; ask Planning & Zoning1,7.
  • County zoning excludes some townships and may yield to city extraterritorial zoning1.
  • The agricultural exemption preserves road-setback and floodplain requirements1.
  • The $150 amount is specifically a conditional-use fee; request other fee amounts from the Zoning Administrator1,9.

Sources

12 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

  1. Bowman County North Dakota Planning and Zoning Ordinance
  2. Planning & Zoning - Bowman North Dakota
  3. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
  4. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
  5. Property Tax Exemption for Builders of Certain New Single Family Residential Properties (North Dakota statewide rule)
  6. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule)
  7. Bowman County Planning & Zoning (bowmannd.com)
  8. Building Codes (North Dakota statewide rule)
  9. Bowman County Application for Conditional Use Permit
  10. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
  11. 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
  12. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule)

Written October 9, 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, Bowman County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleBowman CountySlope CountyBillings CountyAdams CountyHettinger CountyGolden Valley CountyStark County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsSouthwestern District Health UnitND Dept. of Env. QualitySouthwestern District Health UnitSouthwestern District Health UnitSWDHUSouthwestern District Health UnitSouthwestern District Health Unit

County locator

Bowman County in North Dakota

42
County map
Bowman County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Bowman County scores

42 / 100 · #48 of 53 in North Dakota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion88100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1492% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost7996% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$191kTypical home
0.8%Property tax
$1,283Land / acre
16"Annual rain
17.7% of yrsSevere drought
9.1 / yr (+7.9)Mid-century 100°F days
21 daysMid-century dry spell
1.2" (+6.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.31×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,405Home insurance / yr
3.2% / yrInsurance growth
2.06%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
5,865People within 2 hr
2,633Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.5People / sq mi
5.4%Federal land
90.3%Land at 15% slope or less
22.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
166,019 acWorkable land screen
0.2%Wooded land
43.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Bowman 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.

Not yet covered: Adelaide Township · Amor Township · Bowman Township · Boyesen Township · Buena Vista Township · Fischbein Township · Gascoyne · Gascoyne Township · Gem Township · Goldfield Township · Grainbelt Township · Grand River Township · Haley Township · Ladd Township · Langberg Township · Marion Township · Minnehaha Township · Nebo Township · Rhame · Rhame Township · Scranton · Scranton Township · Star Township · Stillwater Township · Sunny Slope Township · Talbot Township · Whiting Township

Answers from the rulebook for Bowman County

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

Bowman County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, or conversion of buildings or structures in the portions of unincorporated Bowman County governed by the county zoning ordinance.

    • The ordinance applies only to unincorporated areas of Bowman County.
    • The ordinance excludes townships that have not relinquished zoning authority to the county by resolution.
    • The ordinance excludes areas where incorporated cities have not elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning under N.D.C.C. Section 40-47-01.1.
    • The permit requirement does not apply to buildings or structures directly used in connection with agricultural operations and constructed by farmers as defined in the ordinance.
    • The ordinance separately states that its regulations do not apply to agricultural land and buildings except for road setbacks and floodplain regulations.
    • A zoning permit expires one year from its date of issuance.
    • Fees are established by the County Commission; permit applicants must pay county processing costs, and no permit is issued until costs are paid unless the Zoning Administrator provides otherwise for good cause shown.
    • The ordinance states it becomes effective thirty days following adoption by the Bowman County Commission, but the source does not state the adoption date.

    permit expiration: 1 year from issuance · permit fee: According to County Commission fee schedules (Processing costs must be paid before issuance unless the Zoning Administrator provides otherwise for good cause shown.)

    “These regulations shall apply to all unincorporated areas of Bowman County, except those townships which have not by resolution relinquished the power to enact zoning regulations to the county, and those areas where the incorporated cities have not elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning as authorized by N.D.C.C. Section 40-47-01.1. [...] It shall be unlawful for any person to commence construction, alteration, or conversion of any building or structure without first obtaining a zoning permit from the Zoning Administrator.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, alteration, or conversion of buildings or structures in unincorporated Bowman County under the county zoning ordinance.
      “It shall be unlawful for any person to commence construction, alteration, or conversion of any building or structure without first obtaining a zoning permit from the Zoning Administrator.”
    • Required — Construction, alteration, or conversion of buildings or structures in the unincorporated areas of Bowman County subject to the county ordinance; the ordinance calls this approval a zoning permit.
      “These regulations shall apply to all unincorporated areas of Bowman County, except those townships which have not by resolution relinquished the power to enact zoning regulations to the county, and those areas where the incorporated cities have not elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning as authorized by N.D.C.C. Section 40-47-01.1. [...] It shall be unlawful for any person to commence construction, alteration, or conversion of any building or structure without first obtaining a zoning permit from the Zoning Administrator.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Buildings or structures directly used in connection with agricultural operations and constructed by farmers in the portions of unincorporated Bowman County governed by the county zoning ordinance.

    • The exemption applies only to buildings or structures directly used in connection with agricultural operations.
    • The structure must be constructed by a farmer as defined in the ordinance.
    • The county zoning ordinance's jurisdiction excludes townships that have not relinquished zoning authority to the county by resolution.
    • The county zoning ordinance's jurisdiction excludes areas where incorporated cities have not elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning under N.D.C.C. Section 40-47-01.1.
    • Agricultural land and buildings remain subject to road setback and floodplain regulations.
    • The ordinance directs readers to city ordinances to determine whether a permit is required in incorporated areas.
    • The ordinance states it becomes effective thirty days following adoption by the Bowman County Commission, but the source does not state the adoption date.
    “This section does not apply to those buildings or structures directly used in connection with agricultural operations and constructed by farmers as defined herein. See City Ordinances to determine if a permit is required.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Unincorporated Bowman County zoning and land-use regulation.

    • The ordinance applies countywide except where incorporated municipal or extraterritorial rules apply.
    • The ordinance is effective thirty days following adoption by the Bowman County Commission.
    “No structure, land and building shall hereafter be used and no structure or part thereof shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a zoning permit, and the same shall follow this code.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning regulations in unincorporated Bowman County.
      “These regulations shall apply to all unincorporated areas of Bowman County, except those townships which have not by resolution relinquished the power to enact zoning regulations to the county, and those areas where the incorporated cities have not elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning as authorized by N.D.C.C. Section 40-47-01.1.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of county zoning and incorporated municipal zoning within Bowman County.

    • Bowman County administers county zoning and subdivision regulations.
    • The City of Bowman separately administers its own zoning code and ordinances.
    • City, town, or other municipal rules may differ from county rules.
    “City of Bowman’s zoning code and ordinances.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Bowman County, including county-administered unincorporated areas, townships retaining zoning power, and incorporated cities with possible extraterritorial zoning.
      “These regulations shall apply to all unincorporated areas of Bowman County, except those townships which have not by resolution relinquished the power to enact zoning regulations to the county, and those areas where the incorporated cities have not elected to exercise extraterritorial zoning as authorized by N.D.C.C. Section 40-47-01.1.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Bowman County zoning districts and their mapped boundaries.

    • The ordinance contains Agriculture, Residential, Mobile Home, Recreation, Commercial, Industrial, and Floodplain districts or overlays.
    • District-specific uses, lot sizes, setbacks, and conditions apply.
    • Municipal zoning and city ordinances may apply within municipalities or their applicable jurisdiction.
    “The purpose of this district is to encourage preservation and protection of agricultural lands and to discourage uses incompatible with agricultural operations or detrimental to agricultural lands.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Zoning districts established by Bowman County for applicable unincorporated areas.
      “The following zoning districts are hereby established to carry out the purposes of this code and found in the following sections.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Minimum lot sizes in Bowman County zoning districts.

    • Residential districts: 7,000 square feet.
    • Mobile Home Districts: 6,000 square feet per lot.
    • Commercial Districts: 20,000 square feet.
    • Industrial Districts: 5 acres.
    • The cited section notes that updated setbacks may be specified by appropriate Residential District city ordinances.

    Residential District minimum lot size: >= 7000 square feet · Mobile Home District minimum lot size: >= 6000 square feet · Commercial District minimum lot size: >= 20000 square feet · Industrial District minimum lot size: >= 5 acres

    “Residential Districts shall have a minimum lot size of seven thousand (7000) square feet”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Road, property-line, and district setbacks in Bowman County.

    • Agricultural uses remain subject to setbacks from roads and floodplain regulations.
    • Within platted Rhame and Gascoyne, the ordinance provides a seven-foot road-facing property-line setback unless specified by the city.
    • State-highway setbacks are governed by Department of Transportation specifications.

    section-line and county-road centerline setback: >= 150 feet (outside city limits) · state-highway centerline setback: >= 250 feet (per Department of Transportation specifications) · accessory-building lot-line setback: >= 25 feet (residential development)

    “The minimum setback for structures from all section lines and the center line of county roads shall be one hundred fifty (150) feet, outside of city limits.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Building and lot setbacks in Bowman County zoning districts and county-road areas.
      “The minimum setback for structures from all section lines and the center line of county roads shall be one hundred fifty (150) feet, outside of city limits.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Accessory buildings in residential development under the Bowman County zoning ordinance.

    • The cited limit applies to accessory buildings, not necessarily every principal building.

    accessory-building maximum height: <= 35 feet

    “Accessory buildings shall be smaller than the principal building and shall be limited to thirty-five (35) feet in height and be located at least twenty-five (25) feet from all lot lines.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Accessory-building height in residential development in unincorporated Bowman County.
      “Accessory buildings shall be smaller than the principal building and shall be limited to thirty-five (35) feet in height and be located at least twenty-five (25) feet from all lot lines.”
  • Living in an RVAllowed

    Parking fewer than three RVs or campers in the Bowman County Agricultural District.

    • The use is listed as a permitted use in the Agricultural District.
    • This claim does not establish permission for permanent residential occupancy.

    number of RVs or campers: < 3 vehicles

    “5.1.1 Permitted Uses [...] 10- Parking of RV’s and campers (less than three).”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home occupancy and parks in Bowman County Mobile Home Districts.

    • Mobile-home parks require a site plan, at least five acres, no more than five units per gross acre, county-road access approval, lots at least 50 feet wide and 6,000 square feet, and at least 10 percent open space and recreational facilities.
    • Temporary mobile homes for qualifying less-than-full-time or non-farm employees must be near an occupied farmstead and attached to the farmstead's existing sewer and water system.

    mobile home park minimum area: >= 5 acres · maximum mobile homes per gross acre: <= 5 units/acre · minimum mobile-home lot width: >= 50 feet · minimum mobile-home lot area: >= 6000 square feet · minimum park open space and recreational facilities: >= 10 percent

    “The applicant shall meet the following requirements for obtaining a permit for construction and operation of a mobile home park;”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater systems serving Bowman County, including subdivision lots and systems requiring local public-health approval.

    • North Dakota DEQ licenses onsite wastewater installers, while the local public health unit issues the permit before work begins.
    • For Bowman County subdivisions, an onsite sewage system may be allowed only on individual case review; private septic systems may be approved by the county sanitarian or Health District; and all sanitary systems require review and approval by the county sanitarian or Health District.
    • The county ordinance generally requires sanitary sewers to each subdivision lot, except where an onsite system is allowed.

    minimum lot size for private septic approval: >= 1 acre · installer license fee: 0 USD (North Dakota DEQ license)

    “All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Local (with conditions) — The local public-health-unit permit component for onsite wastewater treatment systems in Bowman County, served through the Southwestern District Health Unit's Bowman/Slope office.
      “Services provided are: [...] Sewer System Inspections Application for Sewage & Water Facilities Sewer System Standards”
  • Septic permitLimited

    Private septic systems in subdivisions in Bowman County.

    • Private septic systems may be approved by the county sanitarian or Health District only on subdivision lots with a minimum area of one acre.
    • All sanitary systems must be reviewed and approved by the county sanitarian or Health District.
    • The ordinance does not establish the permitting rule for land outside subdivisions.

    minimum subdivision lot area: >= 1 acre

    “Private septic systems may be approved by the county sanitarian or Health District on lots of a minimum of one (1) acre.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Sanitation for new subdivision development in Bowman County.

    • The rule applies to new subdivision development.
    • An approved on-site sewage system is required.
    • Privies, outhouses, and cesspools are prohibited in subdivision developments.
    “To protect the public health, to control water pollution, and to reduce nuisance and odor, all new subdivision development within the county shall be connected to an approved on-site sewage system. The construction and use of privies, out houses, and cesspools in subdivision developments in the county is prohibited.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — On-site sewage systems and private septic systems in subdivisions governed by Bowman County zoning and subdivision regulations outside municipalities and their extraterritorial jurisdictions.
      “All subdivisions made within the county and not located in any municipality, or its extra-territorial jurisdiction shall be subject to and shall conform to the three-step requirements of this chapter. [...] Private septic systems may be approved by the county sanitarian or Health District on lots of a minimum of one (1) acre.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    County zoning-permit exemption for agricultural buildings in unincorporated Bowman County.

    • The exemption applies only to buildings or structures directly used in connection with agricultural operations.
    • The construction must be by farmers as defined in the ordinance.
    • City Ordinances determine whether a permit is required in cities.
    “This section does not apply to those buildings or structures directly used in connection with agricultural operations and constructed by farmers as defined herein. See City Ordinances to determine if a permit is required.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Land and buildings of agricultural uses as defined in the Bowman County zoning ordinance.
      “These regulations shall not apply to the land and buildings of agricultural uses, as herein defined, except for setbacks from roads and floodplain regulations.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions made within Bowman County and outside municipalities and their extraterritorial jurisdictions.

    • All subdivisions in the stated area must conform to the ordinance’s three-step requirements.
    • Minor subdivisions may use the ordinance’s minor-subdivision guidelines when they do not require specified street, utility, grading, or re-contouring work.
    • Preliminary-plat approval is effective for two years for preparation of the final plat.

    preliminary-plat approval period: 2 years (unless the developer provides a detailed timetable and the County Commission permits otherwise)

    “All subdivisions made within the county and not located in any municipality, or its extra-territorial jurisdiction shall be subject to and shall conform to the three-step requirements of this chapter.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivisions within Bowman County that are outside municipalities and their extraterritorial jurisdictions.
      “All subdivisions made within the county and not located in any municipality, or its extra-territorial jurisdiction shall be subject to and shall conform to the three-step requirements of this chapter.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Access points to highways and county roads in unincorporated Bowman County.

    • Access points are limited to four per mile per side of a highway or county road.
    • Additional access points may be provided via frontage roads if the landowner dedicates suitable right-of-way by deed or easement.

    maximum access points: <= 4 per mile per side (additional access may be provided via frontage roads with suitable right-of-way dedication)

    “The points of access shall be limited to four (4) per mile per side of any highway or county road. Additional access points may be provided via frontage roads where the land owner shall dedicate a suitable right-of-way by deed or easement.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in Bowman County floodplain overlay areas.

    • The floodplain district consists of areas delineated by FEMA maps or other maps and information provided by North Dakota.
    • The floodplain district is an overlay for all zoning districts.
    • The Floodplain Administrator must review development permit applications and determine whether required federal, state, or local approvals have been obtained.
    “Before construction or development begins within any area of special flood hazard, a permit shall be obtained from the Zoning Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Bowman County conditional-use permit applications.

    • The $150 fee is paid in advance with the application.
    • The fee covers advertising expenses for hearing notices.
    • Payment is made to the Bowman County Treasurer.
    • A county zoning permit may also be required.
    • The application states that the permit fee is $150 and that a violation may result in a penalty of ten times the original permit fee.

    conditional-use request fee: 150 USD (Paid in advance with the application.) · unauthorized-work penalty: 10 times original permit fee (Applies when covered building or structure work begins without the proper permit.)

    “The conditional Use Request Fee shall be paid in advance in the amount of $150.00 to cover advertising expense for the hearing notices. Payment is to be made to the Bowman County Treasurer and must be submitted with the application for the Conditional Use.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Bowman County zoning permits and other permits administered under the county zoning ordinance.
      “The Zoning Administrator shall charge and collect a fee according to the fees and schedules established by the County Commission. The applicant for all permits shall be liable for and pay to the Zoning Administrator sufficient sums of money to pay for and cover costs incurred by the county for processing of such application”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County zoning, conditional-use, variance, subdivision, and related planning applications.

    • Agenda items must be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Office by Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. during the week of the Thursday meeting.
    • The County Commission and Zoning Administrator administer and enforce the code.
    • Conditional-use, variance, subdivision, and amendment procedures require the approvals, hearings, or submissions stated in the ordinance.
    • Permit applicants must pay county processing costs before permit issuance unless the Zoning Administrator provides otherwise for good cause.
    “All Agenda items must be submitted to the Bowman County Planning & Zoning Office for regularly scheduled meetings. All items are due the week of the meeting by Tuesday at 4:30pm for the Thursday meeting at 6:00pm.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County zoning and subdivision permit and review processes in unincorporated Bowman County.
      “No structure, land and building shall hereafter be used and no structure or part thereof shall hereafter be located, erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, converted or structurally altered without a zoning permit, and the same shall follow this code.”

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedPartial

    North Dakota's state building code and its adoption and enforcement by cities, townships, and counties statewide; state and local government buildings and schools are also addressed by the administrative code.

    • The state building code is administered and updated by North Dakota Commerce, but enforcement is the responsibility of jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.
    • A city, county, or township that elects to adopt and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.
    • Cities, townships, and counties may amend the State Building Code to conform to local needs.
    • Fully chartered home rule cities may adopt something other than the State Building Code; the official Commerce page states that, at present, all jurisdictions enforcing a building code have adopted the same individual codes comprising the State Building Code.
    • The State Building Code consists of the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Fuel Gas Code; Commerce also states that the 2024 updates and proposed amendments were adopted on September 11, 2025 and that the new State Building Code went into effect January 1, 2026.
    • The state statute separately exempts buildings that are neither heated nor cooled, certain low-energy-use buildings, qualifying restored or reconstructed historic buildings, and agricultural buildings unless used for human habitation or by the public.
    • The administrative code states that its chapter applies to cities, townships, and counties that elect to adopt and enforce building codes within their jurisdictional boundaries, and to all state and local government buildings and public and private schools.

    new state building code effective date: 2026-01-01 · state code components: IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC

    “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.
      “adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
    • Adopted — The North Dakota State Building Code, including residential construction covered by the state residential code.
      “The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
  • 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.”
  • 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”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system anywhere in North Dakota

    • The inspection is conducted by the permitting authority or its authorized representative.
    • The inspection must occur within one business day after the request for inspection.
    • Construction, alteration, repair, or extension requires a permit before work begins; regular system maintenance does not require a permit.
    • The permitting authority is a local public health unit, other political subdivision, or designee.

    inspection deadline: 1 business day (After receiving the request for inspection) · permit validity: <= 12 months (From date of issuance)

    “Inspection of the installation of a system must be conducted by the permitting authority or an authorized representative of the permitting authority in accordance with paragraph 3 of subdivision c of subsection 2 of North Dakota Century Code section 23-35-02, which requires the inspection to be conducted within one business day of receiving the request for inspection.”
  • 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
  • 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.”
  • 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.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Bowman County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping in unincorporated Bowman County.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of a tiny home in unincorporated Bowman County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwellings in unincorporated Bowman County.

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 Bowman County, North Dakota

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

Bowman County scores 42/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,633 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (16″/yr rainfall).

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

Land in Bowman County runs about $1,283 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Bowman County?

Bowman County gets about 16" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 17.7% of years.

How remote is Bowman County?

A typical private-land location has about 2,633 people within 15 miles and 73,154 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Bowman compares in North Dakota

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