Bolthole Index

Griggs County, North Dakota

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Griggs County, North Dakota

58Index Score / 100
#6 of 53 in North Dakota

Griggs County, North Dakota records indicate that the county eliminated its general building-permit applications, but we could not confirm whether the county later elected to enforce the state building code12. County zoning is limited to an animal-feeding-operation ordinance, while onsite septic work requires a permit from the local public health unit23. Start with the Griggs County courthouse and Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit before committing to a rural build45.

At a glance

Building permit
County records indicate no general application process; current code adoption needs confirmation12
County zoning
Limited to the county's animal-feeding-operation ordinance2
Septic permit
Required from the local public health unit before work begins3
Owner-builder exemption
We could not confirm a county exemption6
RV or tiny-home living
County rules for private-land occupancy were not confirmed2
Septic soil suitability
34.3% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field7
Property taxes
0.9% effective rate; $1,162 median annual bill89

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Griggs County Courthouse

General county contact for planning, zoning and questions about any current county permit process

701.797.3117

[email protected]

805 Odegard Ave SW, Cooperstown, ND 58425

Septic permits

Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit

Local public health contact for onsite wastewater permits; its site directs environmental-health inspection questions to Grand Forks Public Health

(701) 322-5624

116 Main Street, McVille, ND 58254

Floodplain permits

Griggs County Department of Emergency Services

County emergency-services contact to ask who administers floodplain development reviews

701.797.2413

[email protected]

805 Odegard Ave SW, Cooperstown, ND 58425

Roads & driveways

Griggs County Highway Department

Maintains county highways and bridges; contact the department to ask about access from a county road

701.797.3420

[email protected]

805 Odegard Ave SW, Cooperstown, ND 58425

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Griggs County records indicate no general county residential building-permit process: the county commission eliminated existing building-permit applications along with the former zoning regulations and zoning administration structure2. Residential building permits appear not to be required in rural Griggs County, but we could not confirm whether the county later elected to administer the North Dakota State Building Code1. North Dakota leaves code enforcement to cities, townships and counties that elect to adopt and enforce the state code10. Before starting a house, ask the Griggs County courthouse whether any newer resolution applies to the parcel and whether a city or township has jurisdiction410.

Who handles building and permit questions in Griggs County?

Griggs County does not identify a dedicated building or code-enforcement department, so the practical first contact is the Griggs County courthouse in Cooperstown14. The county's official site identifies planning and zoning among county services, and the courthouse can direct a buyer to the responsible local authority for a particular parcel4. North Dakota Community Services maintains the state building-code framework but does not enforce it; enforcement belongs to local jurisdictions that choose to administer the code1110. Permit and plan-review charges, where a permit is required, are set by the governing authority rather than by one statewide fee schedule12.

Does Griggs County have zoning?

Griggs County has a county zoning ordinance, but the official commission record describes the animal-feeding-operation model ordinance as the county's sole zoning ordinance2. That same action eliminated the earlier county zoning regulations, building and underground-building permit applications, conditional-use petitions, variance petitions, zoning administrator position and planning commission2. Do not read that narrow county framework as a verified answer on RV living, tiny homes, minimum dwelling size, lot size, setbacks or building height; we could not confirm county rules for those subjects. Ask the courthouse to identify any city, township or newer county rule that applies to the exact parcel before designing a structure413.

How do septic permits work in Griggs County?

A septic permit is required before work begins on an onsite wastewater system in Griggs County, and the permit comes from the local public health unit3. Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit is the district serving the county, while the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality licenses onsite wastewater installers1415. The installer must hold the state license, obtain the local permit and follow local codes3. Only 34.3% of county soils lack severe USDA-rated limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility part of the purchase contingency and ask the district what site evaluation it requires75. Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit says it uses Grand Forks Public Health for onsite-sewer and other environmental-health inspections, so ask the district which inspections apply before installation5.

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

We could not confirm a Griggs County rule that allows or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, private-land camping or tiny-home occupancy. The county's sole documented zoning ordinance concerns animal feeding operations, which does not answer residential occupancy questions2. North Dakota's state-park camping limit applies to state-park campsites and cabins, not private land, so it should not be used as the answer for a rural parcel16. A new manufactured home used as a residence must be installed by a state-licensed installer and inspected by a state-licensed inspector17. Ask the courthouse about parcel-specific land-use rules and Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit about an approved wastewater system before planning to occupy any small or mobile dwelling45.

What are the steps to build a home in Griggs County?

  1. Ask the Griggs County courthouse which jurisdiction controls the parcel and whether any current building, zoning, floodplain or access approval applies4.
  2. Confirm that the proposed use is not affected by the county's animal-feeding-operation zoning ordinance and ask about any city or township rules213.
  3. Have Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit explain the septic application and obtain the local permit before onsite wastewater work begins35.
  4. Use a state-licensed onsite wastewater installer, as North Dakota requires15.
  5. Contact the Highway Department if access will come from a county road, and ask who must approve the approach18.
  6. If the site may be flood-prone, ask County Emergency Services who handles the applicable floodplain review before finalizing the house location19.

What should you check before buying land in Griggs County?

Start with septic feasibility: only 34.3% of Griggs County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and onsite wastewater work needs a local public-health permit73. Confirm legal road access with the Highway Department when the parcel fronts a county road18. A domestic water appropriation permit is generally triggered only when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet, although lower-volume domestic and livestock works must still be reported to the Department of Water Resources20. Griggs County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, and the median annual property-tax bill is $1,16289. The county averages 3.2 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 78 miles from the county center, so verify contractor availability and utility arrangements early2122.

Watch-outs

  • Residential building permits appear not to be required in rural Griggs County, but we could not confirm a current county election to enforce the state building code; ask the courthouse before starting work14.
  • Griggs County's documented county zoning is the animal-feeding-operation ordinance, not a complete answer about RVs, tiny homes, setbacks or minimum dwelling size2.
  • A septic installer needs both a North Dakota license and a permit from the local public health unit before beginning work3.

Sources

  1. North Dakota Commerce — Building Codes (2026 county census)
  2. Griggs County Commissioners Proceedings — Zoning Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  4. Griggs County Courthouse (griggscountynd.gov)
  5. Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit (nelsongriggshealth.com)
  6. (2026 county census)
  7. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  8. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  9. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  10. Building Codes (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Codes | Commerce | North Dakota (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. 2026 North Dakota State Building Code Book (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 11-33, County Zoning (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. North Dakota DEQ Septic Systems Program (2026 county census)
  15. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Parks and Recreation FAQ (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Griggs County Highway Department (griggscountynd.gov)
  19. Griggs County Department of Emergency Services (griggscountynd.gov)
  20. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 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

Griggs County in North Dakota

58
County map
Griggs County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Griggs County scores

Seclusion83100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency24100% ev.
Admin Boringness7168% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8296% ev.

Evidence strength: 94%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$133kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$2,118Land / acre
21"Annual rain
10.8% of yrsSevere drought
3.1 / yr (+2.8)Mid-century 100°F days
19.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.43" (+9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.68×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,650Home insurance / yr
2.3% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
86,871People within 2 hr
2,479Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.2People / sq mi
25.1%Federal land
96.3%Land at 15% slope or less
34.3%Septic soil without severe limits
154,365 acWorkable land screen
2.4%Wooded land
44.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
39.8°FAvg temp

Scout Griggs 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.

View your full hunt →
ZillowLand & lotsRealtor.comLand listingsLandSearchRural & vacant land

Each button opens a current land search for Griggs 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 Griggs County

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

Griggs County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in Griggs County, including the county's animal-feeding-operation zoning ordinance.

    • The official county minutes state that the animal-feeding-operation model ordinance was adopted as the sole county zoning ordinance.
    • The same motion eliminated existing county zoning regulations, building permit applications, underground building permit applications, conditional-use permit petitions, and zoning-variance petitions.
    • The motion also eliminated the zoning administrator position and county planning commission effective immediately.
    “Motion by Ron Dahl that the model Zoning Ordinance for Animal Feeding Operations dated March 2000 from the ND Department of Health be adopted”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems in Griggs County.

    • The installer must obtain a North Dakota DEQ license.
    • A permit from the local public health unit must be secured 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”
  • Building permitNot required

    North Dakota's building code is adopted and enforced only by jurisdictions that elect to; rural areas without local enforcement are not required to follow it and no Griggs County building/code-enforcement department was found.

    North Dakota Commerce — Building Codes ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

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

    On-site wastewater treatment systems statewide in North Dakota.

    • The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality licenses onsite wastewater treatment system installers.
    • A local public health unit issues the system permit before work begins.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers”
  • 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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Buildings used for agricultural purposes under North Dakota's State Building Code.

    • The statute defines agricultural purposes to include agriculture, farming, ranching, dairying, pasturage, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry.
    • The exemption does not apply when the building is a place of human habitation or is for use by the public.
    • The exemption is from Chapter 54-21.3, the State Building Code chapter; other applicable laws or local authorities may still apply.
    “Any building used for agricultural purposes, unless a place of human habitation or for use by the public, is exempt from this chapter.”
  • 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.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Administration and enforcement of the North Dakota State Building Code by eligible city, township, and county jurisdictions.

    • A city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the state building code.
    • Local jurisdictions may amend the state building code to conform to local needs.
    • A city or township may enforce only within its jurisdictional area; a county may enforce in areas where the state building code is not administered by a city or township.
    “Community Services is not involved in the enforcement of the State Building Code. This is the responsibility of jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.”
  • 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 exemptions for construction in Griggs County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Griggs County.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Griggs County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Griggs County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Griggs County.
12 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • 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
  • Driveway access

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 Griggs County, North Dakota

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

Griggs County scores 58/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,479 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (21″/yr rainfall).

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

Griggs County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit. 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 Griggs County, North Dakota?

Land in Griggs County runs about $2,118 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Griggs County?

Griggs County gets about 21" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.8% of years.

How remote is Griggs County?

A typical private-land location has about 2,479 people within 15 miles and 586,971 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Griggs 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 Griggs compares in North Dakota

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