Bolthole Index

Dickey County, North Dakota

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

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

Dickey County, North Dakota requires a building permit to construct or move a structure on land under county jurisdiction, and the county has adopted the state building code12. County zoning covers unorganized townships and organized townships without their own zoning, while cities and independently zoned townships may apply different rules3. Central Valley Health District handles permits for onsite septic systems45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required to construct or move a structure where Dickey County has jurisdiction1
Zoning
County zoning applies in unorganized townships and organized townships without their own ordinance3
Septic permit
Required through Central Valley Health District before installation, alteration, repair or extension46
Owner-builder exemption
No county exemption was confirmed; ask the Land Use Administrator7
RV or tiny-home living
No specific county occupancy rule was confirmed; parcel zoning and sanitation still apply36
Home lot with septic
Minimum 43,560 square feet under the county ordinance, plus district-specific rules8
Agricultural buildings
Exempt from the state building code if they meet the ordinance definition, but other county rules still apply9
Private well
State appropriation permit above 12.5 acre-feet per year; smaller qualifying uses must be reported10

Who to call

Building permits

Dickey County Planning and Zoning Department

Building-permit applications, zoning applications, conditional uses, variances and ordinance amendments

701-349-8408

[email protected]

Dickey County Courthouse, 309 2nd St N, Ellendale, ND 58436

Septic permits

Central Valley Health District Environmental Health Department

Onsite septic-system permits and environmental-health services for Dickey County

701-252-8130, ext. 9

122 2nd St NW, Jamestown, ND 58401

Roads & driveways

Dickey County Highway Superintendent

County-road access questions, road approach permits and utility permits

701-349-3326

[email protected]

213 15th Street North, Ellendale, ND 58436

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 Dickey County, North Dakota?

Yes. Dickey County requires a building permit to construct or move a structure on property where the county administers its Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations1. The county has adopted the North Dakota State Building Code as its standard, and the statewide code framework took effect in 2026211. Agricultural buildings that meet the county ordinance definition are exempt from the state building code when they are not used for human habitation or public use, but those buildings must still comply with the ordinance's other restrictions and requirements9. If a project involves a variance, conditional use, zoning change or ordinance amendment, the permit process may include additional procedures and a public hearing12.

Who issues building and zoning permits in Dickey County?

The Dickey County Planning and Zoning Department handles building and zoning applications through the county Land Use Administrator at the Dickey County Courthouse, 309 2nd St N, Ellendale, ND 58436; call 701-349-8408 or email [email protected]13. The county's Zoning Board page publishes the building-permit, conditional-use and variance applications13. Application forms and the ordinance are also available through the Planning and Zoning Department and County Auditor, and permits must remain posted at the building site until construction, required inspections and approvals are complete12. North Dakota leaves code enforcement to jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce the state code, so the state Community Services office is not the local permit counter14. Permit and plan-review fees are set by the governing authority rather than by one statewide schedule; ask the Land Use Administrator for the current county fee before filing15.

Does Dickey County have zoning?

Dickey County has zoning, but the correct authority depends on the parcel. The county ordinance applies to unorganized townships and to organized townships that have not adopted their own zoning ordinances; cities and independently zoned organized townships may administer their own rules3. Under county jurisdiction, homes with septic systems need at least 43,560 square feet of lot area, at least 100 feet of width and at least 200 feet of depth, with additional district-specific standards8. Setbacks also depend on the road and site: structures must sit 250 feet from a primary state or federal highway centerline, 200 feet from a county, rural or township road centerline, and 100 feet from a surface-water high-water mark16. Most nonagricultural, nonindustrial and noninstitutional buildings are limited to 40 feet in height unless a variance applies17. Confirm the parcel's governing jurisdiction and zoning district before designing the site plan3.

How do septic permits work in Dickey County?

Central Valley Health District's Environmental Health Department serves Dickey County and handles onsite septic systems; call 701-252-8130, ext. 9, for an appointment185. A permit is required before anyone installs, alters, repairs or extends an individual onsite sewage treatment system, and the property owner must sign the application6. The construction permit remains valid for 12 months; if work has not begun, the applicant must submit a current application and information again6. A private water and sewer system also needs inspection and certification before final approval and hookup19. If public sewer is available within 200 feet of the property line, the onsite permit must be refused unless the municipality denies hookup in writing20. About 53.8% of Dickey County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a parcel-specific evaluation still matters21.

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

Dickey County's reviewed ordinance does not provide a specific answer for living in an RV or occupying a tiny home, so ask the Land Use Administrator how the parcel's zoning district, dwelling definition and sanitation requirements apply before buying or moving a unit onsite313. A mobile or manufactured home used as a permanent farm, non-farm or seasonal residence must be mounted on a permanent foundation, have its wheels and hitch removed, and be permanently connected to water and sewer facilities22. New manufactured homes installed for residential use in North Dakota must also be installed and inspected by professionals licensed by the Division of Community Services23. Dickey County's ordinance permits accessory dwellings in the Agricultural District without permit requirements, while an additional dwelling in the Recreational District may require conditional-use approval24. No county minimum dwelling floor area was confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning rather than assuming a small house qualifies13.

Building a home in Dickey County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm whether Dickey County, a city or an organized township controls zoning for the parcel3.
  2. Ask the county Land Use Administrator to confirm the zoning district, setbacks and whether the proposal needs a variance or conditional-use review1316.
  3. Submit the county building-permit application and resolve any additional zoning procedure before construction112.
  4. Contact Central Valley Health District and obtain the onsite septic permit before septic work begins186.
  5. For access to a county road, contact the Highway Superintendent at 701-349-3326; township-road access goes through the Township Board, while state-highway access needs state approval2526.
  6. Keep the building permit posted onsite through construction and complete the required approvals and private-system inspection before final hookup1219.

What should you check before buying land in Dickey County?

Start with jurisdiction: a city or organized township may apply different zoning from Dickey County, so identify the governing authority before relying on county dimensional standards3. Check legal access as well; county or township road approaches require the appropriate road authority's permit, and the county Highway Superintendent publishes a road approach permit2625. For a tract split, subdivisions creating lots under 15 acres are regulated, and an approved final plat is required before county building permits issue for structures in the subdivision27. Evaluate septic soils and public-sewer proximity before choosing the house site2021. Private wells drawing more than 12.5 acre-feet annually need a state water-appropriation permit, while qualifying lower-volume domestic or livestock uses must be reported to the Department of Water Resources10. Dickey County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, with a median annual bill near $1,5382829.

Watch-outs

  • The county ordinance does not administer every city or independently zoned organized township, so verify the parcel's actual zoning authority before relying on county standards3.
  • A home using septic needs at least 43,560 square feet under the county ordinance, and public sewer availability within 200 feet can prevent approval of a private system unless the municipality denies hookup in writing820.
  • No county owner-builder exemption, RV-occupancy rule or tiny-home occupancy rule was confirmed; ask the Land Use Administrator before treating any of those as allowed713.

Sources

  1. Dickey County - Building and Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  4. Central Valley Health District - Environmental Health / Onsite Septic Systems (2026 county census)
  5. On-Site Sewage Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  6. Rule 2 On-site Sewage Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  7. (2026 county census)
  8. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  9. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  10. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Codes | Commerce | North Dakota (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Zoning Board, quoted and re-checked
  13. Dickey County Planning and Zoning Department (dickeynd.com)
  14. Building Codes (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. 2026 North Dakota State Building Code Book (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  17. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  18. Central Valley Health District Environmental Health Department (centralvalleyhealth.org)
  19. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  20. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  21. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  22. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  23. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  25. Dickey County Highway Superintendent (dickeynd.com)
  26. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  27. Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  28. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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

Dickey County in North Dakota

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

How Dickey County scores

Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1594% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability48100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost78100% 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 →

$182kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$3,238Land / acre
22.6"Annual rain
7.7% of yrsSevere drought
4.9 / yr (+4.2)Mid-century 100°F days
21.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.51" (+7.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.59×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,726Home insurance / yr
5% / yrInsurance growth
2.38%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
122,676People within 2 hr
3,179Radius comparison (15 mi)
4.3People / sq mi
30.7%Federal land
95.6%Land at 15% slope or less
53.8%Septic soil without severe limits
384,690 acWorkable land screen
1.1%Wooded land
42.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Dickey County

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

Dickey County rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings and structures within county building-code jurisdiction.

    • Agricultural buildings and structures as defined by the ordinance are exempt from the state building code but must comply with other ordinance restrictions and requirements.
    • The County may incorporate additional local requirements.
    “The Board of County Commissioners has adopted the State Building Code as the standard for the County.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County zoning regulation under the Dickey County Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.

    • Effective April 21, 2026.
    • The ordinance applies only to property over which the Board of County Commissioners is empowered by law to regulate; cities and organized townships may retain or exercise zoning authority under the ordinance's jurisdiction provisions.
    “The restrictions and regulations found within this Ordinance shall govern all property, whether real or personal, over which the Board of County Commissioners is empowered by law to regulate.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of county, city, organized-township, and unorganized-township zoning authority within Dickey County.

    • The conclusion aggregates local zoning jurisdictions; the county ordinance does not administer every incorporated-city or independently zoned organized-township area.
    • The county ordinance applies to unorganized townships and organized townships that have not adopted their own zoning ordinances.
    • Cities may have sole or joint zoning and subdivision jurisdiction near corporate limits.
    “This Ordinance shall apply to all unorganized townships and any organized townships in the County that have not adopted their own zoning ordinances pursuant to the authority granted to them under NDCC Chapter 58-03.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential, recreational, commercial, and industrial lots under the county ordinance.

    • Homes with septic systems require 43,560 square feet, at least 100 feet width, and at least 200 feet depth.
    • Rural residential lots with municipal sewage may be as small as 6,000 square feet, with additional setbacks and width requirements.
    • Recreational, commercial, industrial, and multifamily districts have additional district-specific standards.

    septic-home minimum lot area: 43560 square feet (district-specific rules also apply)

    “Homes with septic systems require a minimum lot size of 43,560 square feet and must be at least 100 feet wide and a minimum of 200 feet deep.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures in county zoning districts.

    • Primary state or federal highways: 250 feet from road centerline.
    • County, rural, or township roads: 200 feet from road centerline.
    • Surface water: 100 feet from high-water mark.
    • Side lot line: 20 feet; rear lot line: 30 feet.
    • Rural residential front setback: 35 feet.
    • Industrial structures: 100 feet from residential property lines and 50 feet from other property lines.
    • No dwelling within 500 feet of specified oil or gas equipment.

    state/federal highway setback: 250 feet from road centerline · county/rural/township road setback: 200 feet from road centerline · surface-water setback: 100 feet from high-water mark

    “Adjacent to primary (state or federal) highways – 250 feet from the center of the road to any structure.”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Buildings in rural residential, recreational, and multifamily zoning districts.

    • Rural residential single-family dwellings and accessory buildings may not cover more than 40 percent of buildable area.
    • Churches and schools may cover up to 70 percent of the buildable lot.
    • Recreational single-family dwellings with private water and septic may not exceed 50 percent of buildable area.
    • Multifamily buildings have 40 percent interior-lot and 45 percent corner-lot limits.

    rural residential maximum coverage: <= 40 percent of buildable area · recreational private-water/septic maximum coverage: <= 50 percent of buildable area

    “Single-family dwellings and accessory buildings may not cover more than forty (40) percent of the buildable area.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings and structures except specified agricultural, industrial, and institutional structures.

    • Buildings and structures other than agricultural, industrial, or institutional uses may not exceed 40 feet except by variance.
    • The restriction excludes church spires, chimneys, flagpoles, television aerials, and satellite dishes.
    • Free-standing structures exceeding 40 feet require a conditional-use permit.

    maximum height: <= 40 feet (variance or conditional-use approval as applicable)

    “All buildings and structures, excluding those used for agricultural, industrial, or institutional (i.e., Hospital, public education, or government) purposes, shall not be greater than forty (40) feet in height except by variance and shall not affect solar access for neighboring structures.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Permanent farm, non-farm, or seasonal occupancy of mobile/manufactured homes, and mobile-home parks.

    • A mobile home used as a permanent farm, non-farm, or seasonal home must be mounted on a permanent foundation.
    • Wheels and hitch must be removed.
    • The home must be permanently attached to water and sewer facilities.
    • Mobile-home parks have additional area, density, setback, anchoring, access, and utility requirements.
    “Mobile homes are permitted as permanent farm, non-farm, or seasonal homes only if they are mounted on a permanent foundation, the wheels and hitch are removed, and they are permanently attached to water and sewer facilities.”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwellings in county zoning districts.

    • Accessory dwellings are listed as permitted in the Agricultural District without permit requirements.
    • In the Recreational District, an accessory dwelling requires a conditional-use approval where the lot would otherwise contain more than one principal dwelling unit.
    • Other district-specific rules and dimensional standards apply.
    “No lot shall contain more than one principal single-family dwelling unit without a conditional use permit authorizing a multi-family dwelling or an accessory dwelling.”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    On-site sewage treatment systems served by Central Valley Health District, including Dickey County.

    • The health district's program operates through its Environmental Health Department.
    • State Health Department standards and applicable state rules also apply.
    “Central Valley Health District (CVHD) provides environmental health programs, services, and education throughout southeast central North Dakota, serving Barnes, Dickey, Foster, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Stutsman, and Wells counties.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, alteration, repair, or extension of an individual on-site sewage treatment system in the health district jurisdiction.

    • The permit is issued by the adopting authority within the jurisdiction where work occurs.
    • The fee is set by the adopting authority.
    • The application/permit must be signed by the property owner.
    • A construction permit is valid for 12 months from issuance; if construction does not start within 12 months, a current application and information must be resubmitted.
    • A permit must be refused where public sewer is available within 200 feet of the property line unless the municipality denies hookup in writing.

    permit validity: 12 months from issuance (resubmission is required if construction has not started)

    “No person, firm, or corporation shall install, alter, repair, or extend any individual OSTS without first obtaining a permit from the adopting authority.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private water and sewer systems serving buildings in Dickey County before final approval and hookup.

    • The system must be inspected by the Dickey County Health District.
    • Certification must confirm that the system as designed and positioned meets State Health Department standards.
    • Soil absorption systems must follow Dickey County Health District rules and State Health Department guidelines.
    “Any building or structure that is to utilize a private water and sewer system shall, prior to final approval and hookup, have said system inspected by the Dickey County Health District and shall receive certification that the system, as designed and positioned, meets State Health Department standards for such systems.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Buildings using private or public water and sewer systems.

    • Private water and sewer systems require health-district inspection and certification before final approval and hookup.
    • All soil absorption systems must follow Dickey County Health District rules and State Health Department guidelines.
    • Central Valley Rule 2 requires refusal of an individual sewage-treatment-system permit when public sewer is available within 200 feet unless the municipality denies hookup in writing.

    public sewer proximity: <= 200 feet from property line (permit may proceed if municipality denies hookup in a written document)

    “The adopting authority shall refuse to grant a permit for the construction of an individual sewage treatment system where a public sewer system is available within 200 feet of the property line, unless the municipality denies hookup in a written document.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Agricultural buildings and structures as defined in the county ordinance, when not used for human habitation or public use.

    • Agricultural buildings and structures are exempt from the State Building Code.
    • They must still adhere to all other restrictions and requirements of the Dickey County ordinance.
    • The exemption does not extend to agricultural buildings used as human habitation or for public use under the ordinance definition.
    “Agricultural buildings and structures, as defined in this Ordinance, are exempt from the state building code; however, such buildings and structures shall adhere to all other restrictions and requirements of this Ordinance.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivisions outside municipal or extraterritorial boundaries, including subdivisions resulting in lots under 15 acres.

    • Subdivisions resulting in lots less than 15 acres per lot are regulated by the subdivision regulations.
    • A final plat must be approved before county building permits issue for structures in the subdivision.
    • Plats must satisfy the ordinance and NDCC Chapters 11-33.2 and 40-50.1.
    • Required public improvements are at the subdivider's sole expense.

    regulated lot-size threshold: < 15 acres per lot

    “All Subdivisions of land resulting in lots less than fifteen (15) acres per lot shall be regulated by the procedures set forth in these Subdivision Regulations.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Access points serving lots and subdivisions in county and township road jurisdictions.

    • In the Agricultural District, proposed access points are reviewed by the Board of County Commissioners and require a permit from the County Road Department or Township Board for the road being accessed.
    • Subdivision plats must show access and obtain written approval for culvert size from the appropriate county, township, or state authority.
    • State-highway access requires written North Dakota Department of Transportation approval.
    “The Board of County Commissioners shall review all proposed points of access, and the applicant shall obtain a permit from the County Road Department or the Township Board for the road being accessed.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building permits, zoning permits, conditional-use permits, variances, and ordinance amendments.

    • Building-permit applications requiring variance, conditional-use, event permit, zoning change, or amendment must follow additional procedures and may require a public hearing.
    • Permits must be posted conspicuously at the building site until completion and required inspections and approvals are complete.
    • Applications must be corrected before consideration if deficient.
    “A copy of the Ordinance and all application forms are available in the offices of the Planning and Zoning Department and County Auditor. Links for forms are also available under the ”Zoning Board” section under the “Departments” section of the official Dickey County website located at www.dickeynd.com.”
  • Building permitRequired

    Dickey County is a zoned county with a Building and Zoning department that issues applications/permits; a building permit is required to construct or move a structure onto property under its Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Regulations.

    Dickey County - Building and Zoning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building-permit fee schedules under the North Dakota State Building Code framework.

    • The applicable enforcing jurisdiction determines how it administers and enforces the state building code.
    • The state publication provides only a sample jurisdiction fee schedule, not a single statewide fee schedule.
    • Permit and plan-review fees are established by the applicable governing authority; plan-review fees are separate from and in addition to permit fees.
    “Where a permit is required, a fee for each permit and plan review shall be paid as required, in accordance with the schedule as established by the applicable governing authority.”
  • 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 or inspection requirements.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area for dwellings in Dickey County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Dickey County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Dickey 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 Dickey County, North Dakota

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

Dickey County scores 44/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 3,179 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (22.6″/yr rainfall).

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

Dickey County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Central Valley Health District (Environmental Health). 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 Dickey County, North Dakota?

Land in Dickey County runs about $3,238 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Dickey County?

Dickey County gets about 22.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.7% of years.

How remote is Dickey County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,179 people within 15 miles and 341,469 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Dickey compares in North Dakota

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