Bolthole Index

Eddy County, North Dakota

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

50Index Score / 100
#26 of 53 in North Dakota

Unincorporated Eddy County, North Dakota requires a permit before construction or excavation for a new rural residential structure1. The county also administers zoning, while a local public health permit is required before onsite wastewater work begins23. Agricultural buildings have a limited permit exemption, but RV living and tiny-home occupancy remain questions for county officials45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction or excavation for a new rural residential structure in unincorporated Eddy County1
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated territory, subject to separate municipal or township authority2
Septic permit
Required from the local public health unit before work begins3
RV living
No private-land occupancy rule confirmed; ask the Zoning Commission before relying on an RV as housing65
Tiny homes
No specific occupancy rule confirmed; the residential permit and zoning process still applies15
Agricultural buildings
Agland buildings are exempt from the county building permit4
Owner-builder
No exemption from permit requirements was confirmed7
Private well
A state water-appropriation permit applies above 12.5 acre-feet per year; qualifying lower-use wells must still be reported8

Who to call

Building permits

Eddy County Zoning Commission

Zoning questions and coordination with the County Tax Director on residential structure permits

701-947-2434

524 Central Avenue, New Rockford, North Dakota 58356

Septic permits

Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health Division

Onsite sewage treatment system applications, site review, design approval and permit records for Eddy County

701.662.7039

[email protected]

524 4th Ave. NE Unit 9, Devils Lake, ND 58301-2490

Floodplain permits

Eddy County Flood Plain Management

Floodplain questions and development guidance for special flood hazard areas

(701)-302-8279

524 Central Ave, New Rockford, ND 58356

Roads & driveways

Eddy County Road Department

County-road questions and coordination for county-road access permits

(701) 947-5518

104 2nd Ave SE, New Rockford, ND 58356

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 Eddy County, North Dakota?

Yes. A person planning a new residential structure in unincorporated Eddy County must obtain a permit from the County Tax Director before construction or excavation begins1. The requirement covers new rural residential buildings or structures added to taxable property and the placement or relocation of mobile and manufactured homes1. Replacing roofs, siding, windows or decks does not require this county building permit, and agland buildings are exempt14. The residential application shows a $10 fee but also points to the county's resolution of fees and schedules, so confirm the current amount for the particular project9. North Dakota has a state building-code framework, but state Community Services does not enforce it; enforcement belongs to jurisdictions that elect to administer a code1011.

Who handles Eddy County building permits, and how do you reach them?

The Eddy County Tax Director administers the zoning code and assists the Zoning Commission and County Commission on zoning and development matters2. The county's Zoning Commission contact is 701-947-2434 at 524 Central Avenue, New Rockford, North Dakota 583565. Start there to confirm the parcel's zoning district, get the residential structure application and learn whether the project needs additional review125. A complete application includes the legal description, a lot map, structure type and materials, occupied lot area, probable construction cost, and any additional plans or specifications requested by the Tax Director13. The permit can be issued only when the proposal conforms to the applicable zoning and building provisions1. We could not confirm a published inspection schedule or certificate-of-occupancy requirement; ask the Zoning Commission what inspections and closeout documents apply before work starts5.

Does Eddy County have zoning?

Yes. Eddy County administers zoning in unincorporated territory through the County Tax Director and Zoning Commission, while municipal and township jurisdictions may have separate authority2. The county maintains a zoning map and records for Residential, Agricultural, Recreational, Commercial, Industrial and Vacant categories12. Buildings and structures near county and township rights-of-way must be set back at least 100 feet, including from county-road rights-of-way14. Do not treat that road setback as the only siting rule: we could not confirm current numeric limits for minimum lot size, lot coverage or building height, so have the Zoning Commission check the district and parcel before designing the site5. County-road access also requires a County Commission permit, although farm driveways and field access points are exempt from that access provision15. The Road Department's New Rockford shop is at 104 2nd Ave SE and can be reached at (701) 947-551816.

How do septic permits work in Eddy County?

An onsite wastewater installer in Eddy County needs a North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality license and a permit from the local public health unit before beginning work173. Lake Region District Health Unit's published procedure expressly covers Eddy County and directs applicants to complete the onsite sewage treatment system application with a legal description, contact information, a site drawing and payment18. After the application and payment arrive, the health unit grants only a preliminary permit; its process calls for site review and installer design approval before installation proceeds18. Contact Environmental Health at 701.662.7039 or [email protected], 524 4th Ave. NE Unit 9, Devils Lake, ND 58301-249018. Site evaluation matters because about 31.4% of Eddy County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field19. We could not confirm whether every installation receives an inspection or which off-grid sanitation alternatives are allowed; ask Environmental Health before choosing a system18.

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

We could not confirm an Eddy County rule allowing or prohibiting full-time RV occupancy on private land, and North Dakota's state-park camping limit does not answer the private-land question20. Ask the Eddy County Zoning Commission whether an RV may be occupied on the parcel, including during construction, before arranging utilities or moving onto the land5. We also could not confirm a tiny-home occupancy rule or a countywide minimum dwelling size65. A tiny home that functions as a new residence should not be assumed exempt: Eddy County's permit requirement covers new rural residential structures, and permits are issued only when the proposal conforms to zoning and building provisions1. A new manufactured home has an additional state installation path requiring a licensed installer and licensed inspector21. No owner-builder exemption from the county permit requirement was confirmed, so self-performing the work should not be treated as an exemption7.

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

  1. Confirm that the parcel is under Eddy County zoning rather than a municipality or township with separate authority2.
  1. Call the Zoning Commission at 701-947-2434 to confirm the district, allowed residential use and required application512.
  1. Start the Lake Region District Health Unit septic application and site review before construction; the local permit is required before onsite wastewater work begins318.
  1. Prepare the legal description, lot map, structure details, occupied lot area, probable building cost, and any additional plans requested by the Tax Director13.
  1. If access connects to a county road, obtain the County Commission access permit and coordinate with the Road Department1516.
  1. Submit the residential permit, confirm the applicable fee and wait for approval before construction or excavation19.
  1. Ask which inspections and final occupancy documents apply because no published county schedule was confirmed5.

What should you check before buying land in Eddy County?

Start with jurisdiction and the zoning map because municipal or township authority may replace the county process on some parcels2. Confirm legal access and whether an existing approach has the required County Commission approval; farm driveways and field access points have a specific exemption, but a residential entrance should not be assumed exempt15. Screen the parcel for flood risk with Eddy County Flood Plain Management at 524 Central Ave, New Rockford, phone (701)-302-8279; the office says work in a special flood hazard area is subject to flood-damage and safety requirements22. Evaluate septic feasibility early because only about 31.4% of county soils avoid severe conventional-drain-field limitations19. For a private well, state water-appropriation permitting begins above 12.5 acre-feet per year, while qualifying lower-use wells must still be reported8. Budget for average annual precipitation of about 19.3 inches and carrying costs near a 0.9% effective property-tax rate with a median annual bill of about $1,027232425.

Watch-outs

  • A residential permit is required before construction or excavation begins, not after site work is underway1.
  • The 100-foot rule is measured from county and township rights-of-way, so verify the right-of-way rather than measuring from the traveled road edge14.
  • A preliminary septic permit is not approval to install; Lake Region District Health Unit requires further site and design steps first18.
  • RV living, tiny-home occupancy and a minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed; ask the Zoning Commission for a parcel-specific answer5.
  • County zoning does not settle rules in every municipality or township, which may exercise separate authority2.

Sources

  1. Eddy County Planning and Zoning Residential Structure Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  2. Eddy County Planning and Zoning Residential Structure Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  3. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  4. Eddy County Planning and Zoning Residential Structure Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  5. Eddy County Zoning Commission (eddycountynd.org)
  6. Eddy County Planning and Zoning Residential Structure Permit Application (2026 county census)
  7. (2026 county census)
  8. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Eddy County Planning and Zoning Residential Structure Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  10. Building Codes | Commerce | North Dakota (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Codes (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. Eddy County Planning and Zoning Residential Structure Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  13. Eddy County Planning and Zoning Residential Structure Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  14. Eddy County Planning and Zoning Residential Structure Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  15. Eddy County Planning and Zoning Residential Structure Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  16. Eddy County Road Department (eddycountynd.org)
  17. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  18. Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health Division (0bf4856a-7a65-4813-b674-23a67f3de7ab.filesusr.com)
  19. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  20. Parks and Recreation FAQ (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Eddy County Flood Plain Management (eddycountynd.org)
  23. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  25. 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.

Found land here? Start a Property Hunt →

County locator

Eddy County in North Dakota

50
County map
Eddy County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Eddy County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency21100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability46100% 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 →

$122kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$2,088Land / acre
19.3"Annual rain
9.1% of yrsSevere drought
2.8 / yr (+2.4)Mid-century 100°F days
19.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.27" (+9.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.63×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
101,858People within 2 hr
2,694Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.6People / sq mi
29.6%Federal land
96.2%Land at 15% slope or less
31.4%Septic soil without severe limits
124,668 acWorkable land screen
2.9%Wooded land
29.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
40°FAvg temp

Scout Eddy County

Camp here before you commitBook a few nights nearby on Hipcamp →Already own land here?Earn money hosting campers — get $100 when you become a Hipcamp host →

Some links are affiliate or referral links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.

Property hunt

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Search live inventory elsewhere, then cost and vet each candidate here. No copied listings, account, or paid data feed.

Each button opens a current land search for Eddy County. Listing sites control their own results and filters.

Analyze a property
Add setup-cost allowances

Use rough quotes or placeholders. Blank fields count as $0.

Working estimate

—land + entered setup costs
Asking $ / acre
—
Setup allowance
—
All-in $ / acre
—

A planning estimate, not a valuation or contractor quote. The USDA benchmark includes farm land and buildings; it is context, not a parcel comp.

Before an offer

Parcel due diligence

0/8 checked

Saved properties and checklist progress stay on this device. Bolthole Index does not receive them.

Answers from the rulebook for Eddy County

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

Eddy County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New rural residential buildings or structures added to taxable property and new residential structures in unincorporated Eddy County.

    • A permit is required before construction or excavation.
    • The permit applies to mobile homes and manufactured homes for placement and relocation.
    • Replacement of roofs, siding, windows, and decks does not require a building permit.
    • Agland buildings do not require a building permit.
    • The application must include a legal description, lot map, structure information, probable building cost, and any additional plans or specifications required by the Tax Director.
    • Permits are issued only when the proposal conforms to zoning and building provisions.
    “Any person or persons intending to construct a “new” residential structure shall obtain a permit from the Tax Director before proceeding with the work or commencing any excavation in connection with it.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Eddy County zoning regulation in unincorporated territory administered through the county Tax Director and Zoning Commission.

    • The cited county permit document applies to new rural residential buildings and structures subject to the Eddy County Zoning Ordinance.
    • Municipal and township jurisdictions may have separate authority.
    “To administer this code, Eddy County is hereby invested in two offices, that being the County Tax Director and the Zoning Commission.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning districts and zoning-district map administration in unincorporated Eddy County.

    • The permit form identifies current zoning categories including Residential, Agricultural, Recreational, Commercial, Industrial, and Vacant.
    • The Tax Director maintains zoning district records and the zoning district map.
    “CURRENT ZONING: Residential Agricultural Recreational Commercial Industrial Vacant [...] Maintain zoning related records and zoning district map including records of all amendments, conditional uses and variances.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings and structures near county and township rights-of-way in unincorporated Eddy County.

    • Buildings and structures must be at least 100 feet from County and township rights-of-way and at least 100 feet from County road rights-of-way.
    • Tree plantings and shelterbelts must follow USDA-NRCS North Dakota Field Office Technical Guide recommendations.

    setback from County and township rights-of-way: >= 100 feet · setback from County road rights-of-way: >= 100 feet

    “All buildings and structures shall be placed at least 100 feet from County and township right-of-ways and at least 100 feet from the County road right-of-ways for the purpose of preventing hazardous accumulations of snow and to allow for future widening of public right-of-ways.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Agland buildings in unincorporated Eddy County.

    • The exemption is limited to agland buildings.
    • Other zoning, floodplain, septic, access, and state requirements may still apply.
    “Agland buildings do not require a building permit.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access to County roads in unincorporated Eddy County.

    • A County Commission access permit is required for access to County roads.
    • The County Commission may regulate the number of access points per mile, width, construction, and other access features.
    • Farm driveways and field access points are exempt.
    “A permit for access to the County roads is required by the County Commission. [...] Farm driveways and field access points are exempt from these provisions.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Residential structure permit fees shown on the Eddy County application.

    • The form states that fees are also governed by the Eddy County resolution of fees and schedules.
    • The $10 amount is the fee printed on this application and may not represent every permit category.

    residential structure permit fee: 10 USD (The form also refers to the Eddy County resolution of fees and schedules.)

    “Fee: $_10.00_ paid on ____/____/____ - receipt number __________________”
  • Permit processPublished

    Residential building permit process administered by the Eddy County Tax Director.

    • Applications must include a legal description and lot map.
    • Applications must specify structure type, materials, occupied lot area, probable building cost, and additional plans or specifications if required.
    • If a permitted-use permit is denied, notice is due within seven days; the applicant may request a Zoning Commission hearing or reapply.
    • A Zoning Commission denial may be followed by reapplication or appeal to a court of law.
    “Each application for a building permit shall be accompanied by a legal description and a map showing the actual dimension of the lot to be built upon, the size and location.”

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.”
  • 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”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    New manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes.

    • Installation must be performed by an installer licensed by the Division of Community Services.
    • The home must be inspected by an inspector licensed by the Division of Community Services.
    • The installer must first apply for and receive authorization to install the home from a licensed inspector.
    • A minimum of two inspections are required on a double-wide home and one inspection on a single-wide home.
    • After installation meets the installation requirements, an insignia is attached to show the home passes inspections.

    minimum inspections for double-wide manufactured home: >= 2 inspections · minimum inspections for single-wide manufactured home: 1 inspection

    “All new manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes must be installed by an installer licensed by the Division of Community Services and inspected by an inspector licensed by the Division of Community Services.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater treatment system installer licensing and permitting affecting Eddy County.

    • NDDEQ licenses onsite wastewater treatment system installers.
    • A permit from the local public health unit is also required before work begins.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    • The source does not identify Eddy County’s specific local public health unit.
    “The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers under the authority of NDCC 23.1-07.1. 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
    • Mixed — On-site wastewater treatment systems statewide in North Dakota.
      “The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite wastewater systems installed in Eddy County.

    • The installer must obtain a no-cost NDDEQ license.
    • A permit from the local public health unit is required before beginning work.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “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
    • Required — Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system anywhere in North Dakota.
      “Installers must obtain both a state license and a local public health permit before beginning work.”
  • 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 Eddy County permitting or building requirements.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in unincorporated Eddy County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Eddy County municipalities, townships, and unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Eddy County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Eddy County.
10 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • Subdividing land

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 Eddy County, North Dakota

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

Eddy County scores 50/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,694 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (19.3″/yr rainfall).

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

Eddy County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (with local public health unit permit). 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 Eddy County, North Dakota?

Land in Eddy County runs about $2,088 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Eddy County?

Eddy County gets about 19.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.1% of years.

How remote is Eddy County?

A typical private-land location has about 2,694 people within 15 miles and 478,325 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

These are affiliate links — we may earn a commission, at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, Bolthole Index earns from qualifying purchases.

How Eddy compares in North Dakota

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