Bolthole Index

Burke County, North Dakota

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

49Index Score / 100
#29 of 53 in North Dakota

In Burke County, North Dakota, most construction and structural alterations within the county zoning jurisdiction require a building permit from the Planning and Zoning Commission; ordinary maintenance that does not structurally alter a building does not.1 County zoning does not cover organized cities or their extraterritorial areas, and Dimond, Clayton and Forthun townships have their own zoning authority.2

At a glance

Building permit
Required for most construction or structural alteration in the county zoning jurisdiction1
Zoning
County zoning applies outside organized-city jurisdictions and three self-zoning townships23
Septic
First District Health Unit permit required before installation or repair4
RV living
Private-land occupancy rule not confirmed; RV parks and campgrounds are district-specific conditional uses5
Tiny home
No express countywide occupancy rule confirmed; zoning and permit review still apply16
Minimum lot size
Varies by district, sewer service and proposed use7
Private well
State appropriation permit above the annual withdrawal threshold; smaller qualifying uses must be reported8

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Burke County Planning and Zoning

Burke County zoning permits, zoning requests, subdivisions and approach-permit applications

(701) 377-6242

[email protected]

PO Box 310 Bowbells, ND 58721

Septic permits

First District Health Unit Environmental Health Division

Onsite sewage system permits, design approval and inspections for Burke County

701-837-5121

801 11th Ave SW, Minot ND 58701

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

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

Yes, in the Burke County zoning jurisdiction, a building permit is required before a building or structure is erected, moved, added to or structurally altered, except for structures associated with the normal incidents of agriculture.1 Maintenance that does not structurally alter a building does not require that permit.1

The permit is a county zoning permit: plans must meet the applicable district rules and other ordinances, or the proposal must go through the appropriate amendment, variance, conditional-use or appeal process.9 The permit expires if construction does not begin within one year after issuance.1 After permit-required work is complete, the Planning and Zoning Commission performs an onsite compliance inspection, and a certificate of compliance is required before the structure, building or land is occupied.1011

Who issues building permits in Burke County, and how do you reach them?

Burke County Planning and Zoning handles county zoning permits and publishes the zoning-request, subdivision, road-and-bridge and approach-permit applications.12 Call (701) 377-6242 or write to PO Box 310, Bowbells, ND 58721.12

The published county fee is $50 for residential construction and for an agricultural dwelling or agricultural building with living quarters.13 An agricultural building without dwelling or living quarters has no fee, while commercial work is $350 and a conditional-use permit, variance or zoning amendment is $250.13 Ask Planning and Zoning to identify the parcel's governing jurisdiction and zoning district before relying on those county forms or fees, because organized cities and certain townships administer their own territory.3 Burke County's adoption and enforcement of the North Dakota State Building Code could not be confirmed; ask the office whether a separate code review or trade inspection applies to the project.

Does Burke County, North Dakota have zoning?

Yes. Burke County zoning establishes Agricultural, Rural Residential, Commercial, Industrial and Recreational districts.6 The county ordinance applies outside the civil and extraterritorial zoning boundaries of organized cities, while Dimond, Clayton and Forthun townships have their own zoning authority.2

Lot rules depend on the district and wastewater arrangement.7 Agricultural non-farm residential development generally needs at least three acres and is limited to one non-farm dwelling per 40 acres; Rural Residential, Commercial and Recreational lots need at least 5,000 square feet with common sewer or three acres with an onsite user-owned drainage field.7 The ordinance did not establish a general minimum dwelling floor area, so ask the governing zoning office about a proposed small home, setbacks and any parcel-specific conditions. Agriculture and normal incidents of agriculture receive an exemption, but commercial businesses serving farmers or ranchers do not receive that exemption.14

How do septic permits work in Burke County?

First District Health Unit requires a septic permit before installation or repair of any part of an onsite sewage system in Burke County.15 A permit is also required when a new building will produce sewage or wastewater and no community septic system is available.4 Submit the application before work begins, with utilities flagged and the proposed building corners, sewer stub-out, well sites and property boundaries marked.4

First District Health Unit evaluates the site, samples soil and determines or approves the system location and design.16 Installation must be performed by a state-licensed septic contractor or a certified property owner.15 A final inspection must occur before the new system is backfilled or covered; without approval, the system is considered unapproved and illegal.17 Only 23.5% of county soils rate as free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency.18

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on land in Burke County?

Burke County's reviewed rules do not confirm a general countywide right to occupy an RV on private land or a specific tiny-home occupancy rule. Before buying, ask the zoning authority for the parcel whether the proposed unit is a dwelling, recreational vehicle, manufactured home or another use, and whether temporary occupancy during construction is allowed.

The rules that are confirmed are narrower: residential RV parks in the Commercial district and commercial campgrounds in the Recreational district are conditional uses, and the Recreational district is intended for short-term or seasonal RV parking.5 Manufactured-home parks are conditional uses in Rural Residential, and manufactured homes are conditional uses in the Recreational district.19 New manufactured homes used as residences in North Dakota must be installed and inspected by state-licensed professionals.20 A tiny home that involves new construction or structural alteration also remains subject to the county permit rule where county zoning applies.1

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is governed by Burke County, an organized city or the zoning authority in Dimond, Clayton or Forthun township.3
  2. Ask Burke County Planning and Zoning to confirm the zoning district, allowed residential use, lot size and any conditional-use or variance process.67
  3. Confirm legal access: an Agricultural-district non-farm dwelling lot must abut an improved road or provide proof of an agreement with the entity responsible for an unmaintained roadway, and the county publishes an approach-permit application.21
  4. Apply for the zoning building permit before construction and confirm whether separate code or trade permits apply.1
  5. Apply to First District Health Unit before septic work, then complete its site evaluation and approved design process.416
  6. Arrange the septic inspection before covering the system and notify Planning and Zoning when construction is complete so it can inspect for permit compliance and issue the certificate of compliance.1711

What should you check before buying land in Burke County?

Start with jurisdiction, district and legal access rather than the listing description, because county zoning excludes organized-city territory and three townships exercise their own authority.3 For a non-farm dwelling in the Agricultural district, verify both the three-acre minimum and the road-access condition before closing.721

Treat wastewater feasibility as a deal point because only 23.5% of soils rate without severe conventional drain-field limits.18 For a private well, North Dakota requires a water-appropriation permit above 12.5 acre-feet per year, while qualifying domestic and similar uses below that threshold must be reported to the Department of Water Resources.8 Local floodplain-development requirements could not be confirmed, so ask Planning and Zoning whether the parcel lies in a regulated floodplain and which administrator reviews development. Finally, Burke County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, with a median annual bill of $968; verify the actual parcel assessment with the county.2223

Watch-outs

  • Do not assume the county ordinance controls every Burke County address: organized cities and the self-zoning townships of Dimond, Clayton and Forthun use other zoning authorities.3
  • A county zoning permit does not by itself confirm that Burke County enforces the North Dakota State Building Code; ask Planning and Zoning which structural and trade reviews apply.124
  • Do not cover a new septic system before First District Health Unit's final inspection.17
  • Private-land RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy and local floodplain-development requirements remain unconfirmed; get written answers from the governing zoning office before purchase.56

Sources

  1. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  2. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Septic (Onsite Wastewater) Systems — First District Health Unit, quoted and re-checked
  5. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  6. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  7. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  8. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  10. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  11. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  12. Burke County Planning and Zoning (burkecountynd.com)
  13. Planning and Zoning — Burke County, ND, quoted and re-checked
  14. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  15. Septic (Onsite Wastewater) Systems — First District Health Unit, quoted and re-checked
  16. First District Health Unit Environmental Health Division (fdhu.org)
  17. Septic (Onsite Wastewater) Systems — First District Health Unit, quoted and re-checked
  18. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  19. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Burke County Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  22. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Building Codes (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written September 27, 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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County locator

Burke County in North Dakota

49
County map
Burke County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Burke County scores

Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1999% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability48100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8194% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$141kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$1,445Land / acre
17.7"Annual rain
14.7% of yrsSevere drought
3.1 / yr (+2.8)Mid-century 100°F days
20.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.17" (+3.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.46×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
15,724People within 2 hr
1,193Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.9People / sq mi
31.9%Federal land
92.2%Land at 15% slope or less
23.5%Septic soil without severe limits
163,304 acWorkable land screen
0.8%Wooded land
17.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
39°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Burke County

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

Burke County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction or structural alteration of a structure subject to Burke County zoning regulations.

    • All applicants wishing to build or alter a structure as defined in the zoning regulations must apply to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
    • A permit is not required for maintenance that does not structurally alter a building.
    • Plans must meet district regulations and other applicable ordinances, or the applicant must use amendment, variance, conditional-use, or appeal procedures.
    • A building permit expires if no construction takes place within one year of issuance.
    “No building or structure, other than those associated with the normal incidents of agriculture, shall be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered without a building permit.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Inspection for compliance with Burke County zoning permits.

    • The Planning and Zoning Commission inspects for permit compliance under the zoning regulations.
    • The certificate-of-compliance process includes an onsite inspection after completion of work requiring a building permit.
    “Duties of the Planning and Zoning Commission shall include: 1. Issuance of all permits. 2. Inspection for permit compliance in accordance with these zoning regulations.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupation of a structure, building, or land in the county zoning jurisdiction when the construction or structural alteration required a building permit.

    • The county ordinance calls the document a certificate of compliance.
    • The Planning and Zoning Commission conducts an onsite inspection after notification of completion.
    • If compliant, the Commission issues the certificate.
    • Reasons for refusal must be stated in writing within 15 days after the applicant's request, and notice of refusal must be sent within one week after refusal.
    “A certificate of compliance is required before any structure, building or land can be occupied which has been built or structurally altered such that it requires a building permit.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning regulations in Burke County outside organized cities' civil and extraterritorial zoning boundaries and outside the three townships identified as having their own zoning authority.

    • The ordinance applies to all areas within Burke County except organized cities' civil and extraterritorial zoning boundaries.
    • As of July 1, 2023, Dimond, Clayton, and Forthun townships have their own zoning authority.
    • Agricultural uses and normal incidents of agriculture are exempted, except commercial businesses providing goods or services to farmers or ranchers.
    “These zoning regulations shall apply to all areas within the civil boundaries of Burke County North Dakota; with the exception of those areas within the civil boundaries and extraterritorial zoning boundaries of organized cities in Burke County.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate zoning status across Burke County, including county zoning, organized-city zoning authority, and township zoning authority.

    • The county ordinance expressly excludes organized cities' civil and extraterritorial zoning boundaries.
    • Dimond, Clayton, and Forthun townships are identified as having their own zoning authority as of July 1, 2023.
    • This aggregate claim does not attribute municipal or township ordinances to Burke County.
    “As of July 1, 2023 the townships within Burke County with their own zoning authority are as follows: Dimond, Clayton, and Forthun.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Burke County zoning districts and district-specific land-use regulations.

    • The ordinance establishes Agricultural (AG), Rural Residential (RR), Commercial (CO), Industrial (IN), and Recreational (RE) districts.
    • District applicability is subject to the ordinance's exclusions for organized cities and townships with their own zoning authority.
    • The official zoning map is used to interpret district boundaries.
    “the land covered by the jurisdiction of these regulations shall be divided into the following zoning districts: “AG”- Agricultural District “RR”- Rural Residential District “CO”- Commercial District “IN”- Industrial District “RE”- Recreational District”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Agricultural, Rural Residential, Commercial, and Recreational zoning districts under the Burke County ordinance.

    • Agricultural non-farm residential development requires at least three acres and no more than one non-farm dwelling per 40 acres.
    • Rural Residential, Commercial, and Recreational districts require at least 5,000 square feet with common sewer or at least three acres with an onsite user-owned drainage field.
    • Industrial district has no minimum lot-size standard.

    AG non-farm residential minimum lot size: >= 3 acres (Immediate family of the surface owner is excluded from the lot-size terms.) · AG non-farm dwelling density: <= 1 dwelling per 40 acres · RR/CO/RE minimum lot size with common sewer: >= 5000 square feet · RR/CO/RE minimum lot size with onsite user-owned drainage field: >= 3 acres

    “Lot Size – Not less than 5,000 square feet if served by a sewer collection system common to other adjoining users, not less than three (3) acres if the sewer is drained into an onsite user owned drainage field.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lot coverage by buildings in the Rural Residential and Recreational zoning districts.

    • Rural Residential and Recreational districts limit principal and accessory building coverage to 50 percent of the lot.
    • Commercial and Industrial districts have no lot-coverage requirement other than possible fire-protection requirements.

    RR and RE maximum building lot coverage: <= 50 percent

    “Lot coverage by buildings: Not more than fifty (50) percent of the lot shall be covered by the principal building and all accessory buildings.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Residential RV parks and recreational-vehicle use in the Commercial and Recreational zoning districts.

    • Residential RV parks in the Commercial district require a conditional use permit.
    • The application must address health-department approval when requested, refuse disposal, expected and maximum occupancy, building numbering, fire and emergency evacuation, and 14 feet of unobstructed space between residential RVs.
    • Commercial campgrounds, including recreational-vehicle campgrounds, are conditional uses in the Recreational district.
    • The Recreational district is intended for short-term or seasonal recreational-vehicle parking.

    minimum unobstructed spacing between residential RVs: >= 14 feet

    “Residential RV spaces must allow and maintain fourteen (14) feet of unobstructed space between each recreational vehicle.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes and manufactured-home parks in Burke County zoning districts.

    • Manufactured home parks are conditional uses in the Rural Residential district.
    • Manufactured homes are conditional uses in the Recreational district.
    • A conditional use permit is required before a conditional use may proceed.
    • The ordinance defines a manufactured home as a transportable structure generally at least eight body feet wide, 40 body feet long, or 320 square feet when erected, built on a permanent chassis and designed as a dwelling when connected to required utilities.
    “The following uses shall be considered conditional uses and shall be permitted only after a conditional use permit has been obtained in accordance with these zoning regulations. A. Manufactured home parks.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Onsite sewage treatment systems in Burke County administered by First District Health Unit.

    • FDHU administers the cited onsite-sewage permit and inspection process for Burke County and the other listed counties.
    • Work must be performed by an NDDEQ-licensed septic contractor or certified property owner.
    “First District Health Unit (FDHU) requires a permit for the installation and/or repair of any part of an onsite sewage treatment system in Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, McLean, Renville, Sheridan, or Ward Counties.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation or repair of any part of an onsite sewage treatment system in Burke County, and construction of a building producing sewage or wastewater where no community septic system is available.

    • A permit must be received before any work on the system.
    • A permit is required when constructing a building that will produce sewage or wastewater and no existing community septic system is available.
    • The site must be flagged for utilities and marked for proposed building corners, stub-out location, well sites, and property lines or corners before submitting the application.
    “A septic permit must be obtained from First District Health Unit when constructing a building that will produce sewage or wastewater, and no existing community septic system is available.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New onsite sewage systems in Burke County administered through FDHU.

    • A final inspection must be scheduled before backfilling or covering the system.
    • Without final inspection and approval, the system is considered unapproved and illegal.
    • The installer must submit an As-Built Form after installation.
    “A final inspection must be scheduled prior to backfilling or covering the new system. Either the property owner or contractor must contact First District to schedule the inspection. Without final inspection and approval, the septic system will be considered unapproved and illegal.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Residential, commercial, and industrial structures using wells, septic, or sanitary systems in Burke County.

    • All such structures must conform to North Dakota health regulations concerning wells, irrigation, septic, and sanitary systems.
    • Where no community septic system is available, FDHU requires a septic permit for a building producing sewage or wastewater.
    “A septic permit must be obtained from First District Health Unit when constructing a building that will produce sewage or wastewater, and no existing community septic system is available.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New utility installations governed by the Burke County zoning ordinance.

    • All new utilities are conditional uses.
    • Underground utilities must be at least three feet deep.
    • Above-ground utilities must not create undue hardship on normal farming operations.
    • Placement must conform with section lines and highway and railroad rights-of-way.
    • The activity must not cause undue damage or injury to roads, bridges, rights-of-way, or public or private property.
    • Excavation costs are borne by the contractor or utility owner.

    minimum underground utility depth: >= 3 feet

    “All new utilities shall be considered as a conditional use and, as such, shall conform to all new requirements put on them by the Planning and Zoning Commission and/or County Commission.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Agriculture and normal incidents of agriculture under the Burke County zoning ordinance.

    • The exemption does not apply to commercial businesses that provide goods or services to farmers or ranchers.
    “Nothing in this ordinance shall be applied for the purpose of preventing or restricting the use of land or buildings for agriculture or any of the normal incidents of agriculture. This provision does not apply to commercial businesses that provide goods and/or services to farmers or ranchers.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision activity in Burke County under the county subdivision ordinance and related zoning requirements.

    • The official county planning page publishes a Subdivision Application and Subdivision Ordinance.
    • Subdivision-related requirements may differ in organized cities and townships that exercise their own zoning authority.
    “Subdivision Application APPLY HERE [...] Subdivision Ordinance VIEW”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access for individual non-farm dwelling lots in the Agricultural zoning district and county road-approach permitting.

    • Non-farm dwelling lots must abut an existing improved road, or provide proof of an agreement with the entity responsible for repair and maintenance of a roadway that is not currently maintained.
    • The county planning page separately publishes an Approach Permit application.
    • An improved road is gravel or hard surfaced and regularly maintained in good driving condition.
    “The development and location of all lots related to non-farm dwellings shall abut an existing improved road, or, if such development is proposed to have access to a roadway that is not currently being maintained, proof of agreement with the entity responsible for the roadway’s repair and maintenance must be provided.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Burke County planning and zoning permit fees published on the county Planning and Zoning page.

    • Agricultural buildings without dwelling and living quarters have no fee.
    • Residential and agricultural dwelling/agricultural building with living quarters fees are $50.
    • Commercial fees are $350.
    • Industrial fees are 3% of every $1,000.
    • Zoning amendments, variances, and conditional-use permits are each $250.

    residential fee: 50 USD · agricultural building without dwelling/living quarters fee: 0 USD · commercial fee: 350 USD · industrial fee: 3 percent of every $1,000 · zoning amendment fee: 250 USD · variance fee: 250 USD · conditional-use permit fee: 250 USD

    “Planning & Zoning Fees Ag Building without dwelling and living quarters No Fee Commercial $350.00 Zoning Amendments $250.00 Ag Dwelling & Ag Building with living quarters $50.00 Industrial 3% of every $1,000.00 Variance $250.00 Residential $50.00 CUP $250.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Burke County planning and zoning permit applications.

    • Applications are submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission or designated Zoning Administrator.
    • Plans must conform to district regulations and other applicable ordinances.
    • Nonconforming proposals may require amendment, variance, conditional-use, or appeal procedures.
    • The county page provides subdivision, zoning-request, road-and-bridge, and approach-permit application links.
    “All applicants who wish to build or alter any structure as defined in these zoning regulations must apply to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a permit.”

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (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.

    • Community Services updates and amends the state code but does not enforce it.
    • The 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, plus the 2024 IECC and IEBC versions and proposed amendments, were adopted on September 11, 2025.
    • The new North Dakota State Building Code went into effect January 1, 2026.
    • Appendix chapters are not part of the state building code unless specifically adopted.

    code versions adopted: 2024 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, and IEBC with proposed amendments · effective date: 2026-01-01

    “adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
  • 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.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or modification of North Dakota water-control structures regulated by the Department of Water Resources.

    • A DWR construction permit is required when a water-control structure is capable of retaining, diverting, or obstructing more than 50 acre-feet for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams.
    • The threshold is more than 25 acre-feet for medium-hazard and high-hazard dams.
    • This claim does not establish the separate local floodplain-development-permit requirements administered by local floodplain administrators.

    retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams: > 50 acre-feet · retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for medium- and high-hazard dams: > 25 acre-feet

    “A construction permit is required from the DWR if a water control structure is constructed or modified”
  • 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

    Camping at North Dakota state-park campsites and cabins administered by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.

    • Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to no more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.
    • All vehicles entering a state park must have a valid daily or annual vehicle entrance permit, including overnight stays and day visits.
    • The cited rule concerns state-park facilities and does not determine camping on private land or land governed by local ordinances.

    maximum campsite or cabin occupancy: <= 14 nights in any 30-day period

    “Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to no more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.”
  • 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.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemption from county building-permit requirements.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Burke County zoning districts.
  • Building height — General building-height limits in Burke County zoning districts.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping outside specifically regulated commercial campgrounds in Burke County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Burke County.
1 more unanswered
  • Accessory dwellings

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 Burke County, North Dakota

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

Burke County scores 49/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,193 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (17.7″/yr rainfall).

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

Burke County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by First District Health Unit (Environmental Health Division). These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Land in Burke County runs about $1,445 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Burke County?

Burke County gets about 17.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 14.7% of years.

How remote is Burke County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,193 people within 15 miles and 208,387 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Burke County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Burke compares in North Dakota

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