Bolthole Index

Kidder County, North Dakota

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

40Index Score / 100
#53 of 53 in North Dakota

Kidder County, North Dakota has county zoning on file, so a land-use approval may apply, but we could not confirm that the county elected to administer and enforce the North Dakota State Building Code that took effect in 20261,2. Start with the Kidder County Auditor to identify the approval for your parcel, then obtain a separate septic permit through Western Plains Public Health before work begins on an onsite system3,4,5.

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

Kidder County has zoning regulations on file, so a zoning or land-use approval may be part of a rural project.

Kidder County has zoning regulations on file, so a zoning or land-use approval may be part of a rural project1. North Dakota's current State Building Code took effect in 2026, but Community Services does not enforce it; a city, county or township must elect to adopt and enforce the code locally2. We could not confirm that unincorporated Kidder County has made that election or requires a residential construction-code permit, general building inspections or certificates of occupancy. Call the Kidder County Auditor at (701) 475-2632 before ordering plans or starting site work, and ask which office reviews the parcel and whether the project needs zoning approval, code review or inspections3.

Who handles building and zoning questions in Kidder County?

No dedicated Kidder County building department or published local permit process could be confirmed.

No dedicated Kidder County building department or published local permit process could be confirmed. The practical starting point is the Kidder County Auditor at (701) 475-2632, 120 E Broadway in Steele3. Give the office the parcel's legal description and ask who administers the county zoning regulations, which district covers the land, and what application is required before construction. Also ask for the current fee schedule: where a permit is required, the governing authority sets the permit and plan-review fees, and plan review is charged separately from the permit fee8. If the parcel lies inside an incorporated city, ask that city about its own requirements rather than assuming the unincorporated-county answer applies. County setbacks, minimum lots, zoning districts and subdivision procedures could not be confirmed from operative local text, so get the parcel-specific answer in writing before closing or designing the site.

Does Kidder County have zoning?

Kidder County zoning regulations are on file with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, indicating county zoning, but the operative ordinance text and exact geographic coverage could not be confirmed.

Kidder County zoning regulations are on file with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, indicating county zoning, but the operative ordinance text and exact geographic coverage could not be confirmed1. North Dakota law allows a board of county commissioners to regulate the location and use of buildings and the use or occupancy of land, and county zoning must follow a comprehensive plan9. That authority alone does not answer a parcel's district, setbacks, minimum lot size, building height, RV use or tiny-home rules. Ask the Kidder County Auditor to identify the current zoning administrator and provide the map and ordinance section governing the parcel3. A building used for agricultural purposes is exempt from the state building-code chapter unless it is a place of human habitation or is used by the public; confirm any separate zoning approval with the county3,6.

How do septic permits work in Kidder County?

Kidder County contracts environmental-health services to Western Plains Public Health, which states that every new or updated septic system must be permitted and inspected.

Kidder County contracts environmental-health services to Western Plains Public Health, which states that every new or updated septic system must be permitted and inspected4. The responsibilities are split: the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality licenses installers, while the local public health unit issues the permit before work begins and installers must follow local codes5. Western Plains Public Health can be reached at 701.667.3370 or eh@westernplainsph.org, and its office is at 403 Burlington St SE in Mandan4. Put wastewater feasibility near the front of due diligence: about 30.5% of Kidder County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so much of the county may require closer site evaluation or a different design10. We could not confirm a separate county rule for off-grid sanitation, so discuss any nonstandard system directly with Environmental Health rather than assuming it avoids permitting.

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

We could not confirm a Kidder County rule that generally allows or prohibits living in an RV on private land, temporary private-land camping, tiny-home occupancy, accessory dwellings or a minimum dwelling size.

We could not confirm a Kidder County rule that generally allows or prohibits living in an RV on private land, temporary private-land camping, tiny-home occupancy, accessory dwellings or a minimum dwelling size. Ask the county zoning contact about the proposed duration of occupancy, zoning district, utilities and sewage arrangement before placing an RV or tiny home1,3. A new manufactured home used as a residence has a clearer statewide process: installation must be performed by a state-licensed installer and inspected by a state-licensed inspector11. Any new or updated onsite septic system still requires Western Plains Public Health permitting and inspection4.

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

Call the Kidder County Auditor at (701) 475-2632 with the legal description and ask for the current zoning map, zoning administrator and applicable application.

  1. Call the Kidder County Auditor at (701) 475-2632 with the legal description and ask for the current zoning map, zoning administrator and applicable application1,3.
  2. Confirm the parcel's allowed use, setbacks, minimum lot size, access requirements and whether a construction-code permit or inspections apply; those local details could not be confirmed.
  3. Have Western Plains Public Health evaluate the septic proposal and obtain its permit before work begins4,12.
  4. Use an installer licensed by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality for the onsite wastewater system and follow the local public health unit's code12.
  5. For a private well, determine projected annual withdrawal: a state water-appropriation permit is required above 12.5 acre-feet per year, while specified lower-volume uses must be reported7.
  6. Check whether the site is in a Special Flood Hazard Area. In an NFIP-participating community, development there requires a permit from the local Floodplain Administrator before work begins, and regulatory-floodway development also requires state review13. Kidder County's participation status and local administrator could not be confirmed. Also confirm legal road access with the county because a county driveway-approach rule could not be confirmed.

What should you check before buying land in Kidder County?

Make the purchase contingent on written answers about zoning, legal access, flood risk, buildability, water and wastewater.

Make the purchase contingent on written answers about zoning, legal access, flood risk, buildability, water and wastewater. Start with the Auditor because the zoning district, minimum lot, setbacks, subdivision rules, driveway approval and local floodplain administrator could not be confirmed1,3. If the parcel is in a Special Flood Hazard Area within an NFIP-participating community, secure local floodplain approval before development; regulatory-floodway work also needs review by the North Dakota Department of Water Resources13. Septic suitability is a major parcel-level question: only about 30.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field10. Kidder County averages about 19.2 inches of precipitation annually, and private-water plans must account for the state's appropriation threshold above 12.5 acre-feet per year7,10. For early budgeting, the county's effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, with a median annual property-tax bill of $91010. Verify the actual assessment and taxes for the specific parcel before relying on countywide figures.

Watch-outs

  • Kidder County zoning is documented, but a residential construction-code permit, general inspection program and certificate of occupancy could not be confirmed; ask the County Auditor before work begins1,3.
  • Only about 30.5% of Kidder County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make wastewater approval a purchase contingency10.
  • RV living, temporary private-land camping, tiny-home occupancy, minimum dwelling size and dimensional zoning standards remain unconfirmed; obtain the current ordinance and a parcel-specific answer from the county1,3.

Sources

13 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 7, 2026

  1. ND DEQ - Kidder County Zoning Regulations (county filing) (2026 county census)
  2. Building Codes
  3. Kidder County Auditor (ndcarechoice.hhs.nd.gov)
  4. Western Plains Public Health - Onsite Septic System Program (2026 county census)
  5. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
  6. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code
  7. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule)
  8. 2026 North Dakota State Building Code Book
  9. North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 11-33, County Zoning (North Dakota statewide rule)
  10. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  11. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule)
  12. Septic Systems
  13. Floodplain Management

Written October 7, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Kidder County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleKidder CountyLogan CountyBurleigh CountyStutsman CountyEmmons CountyWells CountyMcIntosh County
Building permitLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty District Health UnitND Dept. of Env. QualityCounty Building/Planning/Zoning Dept.Central Valley Health DistrictND DEQCounty Public Health DistrictMcIntosh District Health Unit

County locator

Kidder County in North Dakota

40
County map
Kidder County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Kidder County scores

40 / 100 · #53 of 53 in North Dakota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1292% ev.
Admin Boringness5690% ev.
Durability42100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8096% ev.

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

$205kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$1,884Land / acre
19.2"Annual rain
7.7% of yrsSevere drought
5.8 / yr (+4.9)Mid-century 100°F days
20.6 daysMid-century dry spell
1.33" (+4.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.57×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,683Home insurance / yr
3.8% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
153,871People within 2 hr
1,189Radius comparison (15 mi)
1.7People / sq mi
51.4%Federal land
83.9%Land at 15% slope or less
30.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
244,027 acWorkable land screen
1.2%Wooded land
40.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Kidder County

Inside a city, town or township here, that government usually sets zoning and may issue its own building permits; the county’s rules above cover land outside them.

Not yet covered: Allen Township · Atwood Township · Baker Township · Buckeye Township · Bunker Township · Chestina Township · Clear Lake Township · Crown Hill Township · Crystal Springs Township · Excelsior Township · Frettim Township · Graf Township · Haynes Township · Lake Williams Township · Manning Township · Merkel Township · Northwest Township · Peace Township · Petersville Township · Pettibone · Pettibone Township · Pleasant Hill Township · Quinby Township · Rexine Township · Robinson · Robinson Township · Sibley Township · Steele · Stewart Township · Tanner Township · Tappen · Tappen Township · Tuttle · Tuttle Township · Valley Township · Vernon Township · Wallace Township · Weiser Township · Westford Township · Williams Township · Woodlawn Township

Answers from the rulebook for Kidder County

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

Kidder County rules

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Statewide statutory framework for construction, erection, reconstruction, alteration, repair, or enlargement of a building or structure subject to county zoning.

    • A county board may choose to authorize permits; the statute does not itself impose a universal statewide county building-permit requirement.
    • If a county provides for permits, the applicant must state whether the structure is reasonably anticipated to significantly affect the transportation system. A significant impact means average daily use over one year of at least 25 motor vehicles with gross weight over 60,000 pounds [27215.54 kilograms].
    • For a significant transportation impact, the county must notify the Department of Transportation director and allow comment, but the director's approval is not required.
    • A county may establish and collect reasonable permit fees.
    • North Dakota Commerce states that enforcement of the State Building Code is the responsibility of jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes; a city, county, or township that elects to do so must adopt and enforce the State Building Code, subject to local amendments.

    significant transportation impact threshold: >= 25 motor vehicles per average day over one year (Vehicles must have gross weight exceeding 60,000 pounds [27215.54 kilograms].)

    “The board of county commissioners may authorize and provide for the issuance of permits as a prerequisite to construction”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    An individual who builds that individual’s own single-family residence and seeks the North Dakota builder property-tax exemption.

    • The exemption is discretionary and requires the governing city or county to pass a resolution allowing it.
    • For property within a city, the city governing body has jurisdiction; for property outside an incorporated city, the county has jurisdiction.
    • The property must remain owned by the builder and unoccupied.
    • The exemption applies for the taxable year in which construction began and the next two taxable years.
    • The governing body may impose conditions, including limits on the exemption period and dollar value.
    • A builder may receive the exemption for no more than ten properties in a taxable year within each jurisdiction that approved the exemption.
    • General taxes and installments of special assessments may not be delinquent.
    • This is a property-tax exemption, not a building-permit or building-inspection exemption.

    exemption period: taxable year in which construction began and next two taxable years · maximum properties per builder per jurisdiction per taxable year: 10 properties

    “Whether or not to offer the exemption is at the discretion of the governing body. [...] “Builder” includes an individual who builds that individual’s own residence.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

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

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

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

    “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — North Dakota State Building Code, including the IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, and IEBC as described by the state agency.
      “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code. However, a jurisdiction is permitted to further amend the State Building Code to conform to local needs. Fully chartered home rule cities may adopt something other than the State Building Code, but at the present time, all that enforce a building code have elected to adopt the same individual codes that make up the State Building Code.”
    • Adopted — The North Dakota State Building Code adopted by the Department of Commerce for statewide use by jurisdictions that elect to administer and enforce it.
      “The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.
      “adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
    • Adopted — The North Dakota State Building Code, including residential construction covered by the state residential code.
      “The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota or intended for placement in North Dakota, where the manufacturer produces two or more modular residential or commercial structures per year.

    • The manufacturer must contract with a third party for inspection during the manufacturing process in the factory.
    • The third-party inspector must be approved as a certified third-party inspector by the Division of Community Services.
    • The inspection covers applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards.
    • When a certified third-party inspector monitors compliance during factory manufacturing, no further inspection by state or local building, electrical, fire, or plumbing inspectors may be required for that structure during the manufacturing process in the factory.
    • The statutory provision does not apply to a factory manufacturing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year; the Commerce program page states that manufacturers producing less than two modular structures per year are exempt but must submit a yearly certification of exemption.

    annual modular structures produced: >= 2 structures/year (Factories producing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year are exempt from the statutory provision; the Commerce program page requires a yearly certification of exemption.)

    “shall contract with a third party for the inspection of the structure for compliance with all applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota.
      “The manufacturer of a modular residential or commercial structure that is built in a factory shall contract with a third party for the inspection [...]”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    City zoning regulations governing the size of residential buildings in North Dakota; the actual minimum, if any, is established by the applicable local zoning ordinance.

    • The authority is permissive and applies to governing bodies of cities that adopt zoning regulations.
    • The regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
    • A local board of adjustment may determine and vary application of the regulations under the local regulations.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Local city zoning regulations governing yards, courts, and other open spaces in North Dakota.

    • The actual setback distances are established by the applicable local zoning regulation.
    • The authority is permissive and applies to city zoning regulations.
    • A local board of adjustment may vary application of the regulations under the local regulations.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Local city zoning regulations governing the percentage of a lot that may be occupied.

    • The actual lot-coverage percentage is established by the applicable local zoning regulation.
    • The authority is permissive and applies to city zoning regulations.
    • The regulation is subject to chapter 54-21.3.
    “the percentage of lot that may be occupied”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Local city zoning regulations governing building height and number of stories.

    • The actual height or story limit is established by the applicable local zoning regulation.
    • The authority is permissive and applies to city zoning regulations.
    • A local board of adjustment may vary application of the regulations under the local regulations.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
  • 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)

    On-site wastewater treatment systems serving property in Kidder County.

    • North Dakota DEQ licenses installers.
    • A local public health unit issues the permit before work begins.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “All installers must obtain a license from the department [...] and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater systems in North Dakota, including Kidder County
      “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. Installers are required to follow local codes, and licenses may be revoked for cause under NDCC 23.1-07.1-03 (Licensing).”
    • 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

    On-site wastewater treatment system installation in Kidder County.

    • The installer must obtain a state license.
    • A permit from the local public health unit is required before beginning work.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Onsite wastewater systems in Kidder County under North Dakota requirements
      “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.”
    • 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.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system anywhere in North Dakota

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

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

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

    Off-grid or alternative domestic sewage collection, treatment, and disposal systems in North Dakota

    • Domestic wastewater from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry fixtures, and other household plumbing must pass through a septic tank or higher level of treatment before discharge into soil.
    • If underground dispersal is not feasible, the permitting authority may review alternative collection and disposal methods; approval is not automatic.
    • Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a system requires a permit before work begins, subject to the regular-maintenance exception.
    • Wastewater may not be disposed of in a manner that creates a nuisance or causes a system to malfunction or fail.
    • The applicable permitting authority is a local public health unit, other political subdivision, or designee.

    minimum lot size for a new system: >= 1 acre (A variance may be available under Section 33.1-21-01-15)

    “Water carried from bathrooms, kitchens, laundry fixtures, and other household plumbing must pass through a septic tank or higher level of treatment prior to its discharge into the soil. If underground dispersal for treatment is not feasible, the permitting authority may review alternative methods of collection and disposal.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Private water-supply wells statewide in North Dakota.

    • A water appropriation permit from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources is required when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet.
    • A permit is not needed for wells drawing less than 12.5 acre-feet per year, according to the official private-well guide.
    • For domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses below 12.5 acre-feet per year, the location and capacity of constructed works must be reported to the Department of Water Resources.
    • Anyone hired to construct, install, or repair a well, pump, or pitless unit must be licensed; individuals may install or repair wells on their own property without a license.

    annual water withdrawal threshold: > 12.5 acre-feet per year (Domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses below this threshold do not require a water appropriation permit but must be reported.) · annual water withdrawal threshold: > 4073137 gallons per year (Equivalent threshold stated by the Department of Water Resources.)

    “Domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational water use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,137 gallons or 96,979 barrels) per year.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Owners of property abutting streets, avenues or alleys in North Dakota municipalities that adopt a connection resolution; applies to sewer, water main and other service connections

    • Applies only when the municipal governing body deems it necessary and adopts a resolution
    • Connection costs are a charge against the fronting property
    • The city auditor publishes notice once each week for two successive weeks stating the work and the time to complete it
    • If the owner does not connect within the time specified, the governing body shall order the work done by a contractor at the expense of the adjoining lot or parcel
    • The work is administered and observed under the supervision of the municipality's engineer
    • The engineer, not the governing body, assesses the expense of the connection against the lot or parcel
    • The assessments are certified by the city auditor to the county treasurer for collection like special assessments
    • Subject to the municipal ordinance governing the laying and construction of such connections
    “the governing body of a municipality, when it shall deem it necessary, by resolution, may require the owners of all property abutting on any street, avenue, or alley to construct or cause to be constructed”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Buildings used for agricultural purposes under North Dakota's state building code chapter.

    • Agricultural purposes 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; other applicable state, local, zoning, floodplain, septic, or land-use requirements may still apply.
    • Buildings subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act must conform to the 2010 ADA standards notwithstanding the chapter exemption.
    “Any building used for agricultural purposes, unless a place of human habitation or for use by the public, is exempt from this chapter.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Buildings used for agricultural purposes in Kidder County under the North Dakota State Building Code.
      “Any building used for agricultural purposes, unless a place of human habitation or for use by the public, is exempt from this chapter.”
    • Available — Land and buildings used for farming, and the normal incidents of farming, when regulated under a county subdivision resolution adopted under N.D.C.C. chapter 11-33.2.
      “Additionally, no resolution, regulation, or restriction adopted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall prohibit or prevent the use of land or buildings for farming or any of the normal incidents of farming.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in North Dakota counties that adopt and enforce subdivision regulations under N.D.C.C. chapter 11-33.2; the statute does not apply to subdivisions within city corporate limits or areas of extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.

    • A county board of commissioners is empowered, but not required, to regulate subdivision.
    • A county subdivision resolution may provide for plat submission and preliminary and final approval.
    • A county may require public improvements and surety or other security as a condition of final plat approval.
    • A county may approve plats as a prerequisite to subdivision and may establish and collect reasonable fees credited to the county general fund.
    • If plat approval is required, final approval or disapproval requires recommendations from both the county planning commission and the township supervisors, although those recommendations are not binding; if township supervisors do not respond within sixty days after notification, the county may take final action.
    • Subdivision rules may not prohibit or prevent farming or the normal incidents of farming.
    • The statute separately requires floodplain and water-feature information on plats where applicable.

    township recommendation response period: 60 days (If the county does not receive the township supervisors' recommendation by certified mail within sixty days after notification, it may take final action.) · plat approval fee: reasonable fees text (The statute authorizes fees but does not set a statewide amount.)

    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in North Dakota, subject to county adoption and administration of subdivision regulations; the statute excludes subdivisions within city corporate limits and areas subject to a city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
      “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — North Dakota's statewide statutory framework authorizing county regulation of land subdivision; actual regulation depends on county action and does not apply within city corporate limits or applicable extraterritorial zoning areas.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — County subdivision regulation authority throughout North Dakota, subject to exclusions for city corporate limits and applicable city extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway and other access connections involving the North Dakota State Highway System, including controlled-access facilities and driveways within state highway right-of-way.

    • The North Dakota statute applies specifically to controlled-access facilities; access is available only at designated points and on terms and conditions specified from time to time.
    • NDDOT maintains access control on the State Highway System, and proposed changes to access require contact with the District Engineer for coordination.
    • For a driveway on state highway right-of-way, the NDDOT driveway permit must be granted before the permitted work proceeds; failure to construct the drive approach as permitted may result in cancellation and removal or correction at the landowner's expense.
    • A driveway is not complete until checked and approved by NDDOT; surfacing may be omitted on field entrances if specified in the application.
    • The driveway may be used only to provide entrance to and exit from the landowner's property.
    • A driveway or improvement on the highway right-of-way may not be altered or relocated without permission of the NDDOT District Engineer.
    • NDDOT supervises the location, construction, and maintenance of driveways and may direct future removal, relocation, or maintenance; NDDOT may diminish or expand use as required for highway-traffic safety.
    “No driveway, or improvement constructed on the highway right-of-way shall be altered or relocated without permission of the District Engineer of NDDOT.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area within an NFIP-participating community, potentially including portions of Kidder County

    • The permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before beginning work.
    • The rule applies to NFIP participating communities.
    • The Department of Water Resources must review development within the regulatory floodway before a floodplain permit is issued.
    • Structures substantially damaged or improved by more than 50 percent must fully comply with applicable floodplain regulations.

    substantial improvement or damage threshold: > 50 percent (Structures substantially damaged or improved by more than 50 percent must fully comply with applicable floodplain regulations)

    “Each NFIP participating community is responsible for managing floodplain development in compliance with state and federal laws. NFIP communities appoint a Floodplain Administrator to fulfill this function. The Floodplain Administrator is the local resource for any floodplain management questions. A floodplain development permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before beginning any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or modification of North Dakota water-control structures regulated by the Department of Water Resources.
      “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 fees in North Dakota jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce the State Building Code, including any applicable Kidder County jurisdiction if it has elected to enforce the code.

    • The applicable governing authority establishes the fee schedule.
    • Where a permit is required, a fee for each permit and plan review must be paid.
    • Plan-review fees are separate from and in addition to permit fees.
    • The official State Building Code provides only a sample fee schedule and does not establish a current Kidder County fee amount.

    fee schedule: established by the applicable governing authority

    “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. The plan review fees specified in this subsection are separate from, and in addition to, permit fees.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Variable (with conditions) — Building-permit and plan-review fees in jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce the North Dakota State Building Code, including any applicable Kidder County jurisdiction
      “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. The plan review fees specified in this subsection are separate from, and in addition to, permit fees.”
    • Variable (with conditions) — Building-permit fee schedules under the North Dakota State Building Code framework.
      “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

    Establishment, operation, modification, or enlargement of recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds in North Dakota.

    • A Department of Health and Human Services license is required before a person establishes, maintains, changes use, mixes use, or enlarges a recreational vehicle park or campground.
    • The written license application must be on department forms, be accompanied by the required fee, identify the physical address and type of proposed facility, include local-official approval of compliance with applicable local zoning laws, ordinances, or regulations, and state the proposed water supply, sewerage method, and garbage-disposal method.
    • For new construction or alteration or enlargement, a complete scaled plan and specifications must be submitted to the department for approval.
    • A tent, recreational vehicle, or attachment must be at least ten feet from another tent, recreational vehicle, or part thereof; its location may not create a hazard or restrict emergency services.
    • State- or political-subdivision-owned parks and campgrounds receive a waiver of the department license and inspection requirement under N.D.C.C. 23-10-03(4).
    • Counties may separately regulate the use, condition of use, or occupancy of land under N.D.C.C. ch. 11-33; local zoning compliance is an express component of the state license application.

    minimum separation between tents, recreational vehicles, or attachments: >= 10 feet (Must not create a hazard or restrict emergency vehicles and personnel from performing necessary services.) · annual license fee for 3-10 lots: 110 USD · annual license fee for 11-25 lots: 160 USD · annual license fee for 26-50 lots: 210 USD · annual license fee for 51-100 lots: 265 USD · annual license fee for 101-150 lots: 325 USD · annual license fee for 151-200 lots: 385 USD · annual license fee for 201-250 lots: 445 USD · annual license fee for more than 250 lots: 505 USD · initial-license administration fee: 100 USD (In addition to the annual license fee and, if a plan review application is required, 50 percent of the annual license fee.) · reinspection fee: per 100 USD (For each reinspection required due to failure to correct repeat violations and each subsequent reinspection due to a notice of violation.)

    “A person may not establish [...] a recreational vehicle park, or campground in this state without first obtaining a license from the department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    North Dakota counties adopting zoning regulations for land and buildings within the county, including unincorporated areas.

    • The authority is exercised by the board of county commissioners.
    • Regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
    • The authority covers the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.
    • County zoning regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    • A county may divide all or any parts of the county into districts, and regulations must be uniform within each district but may differ between districts.
    • County zoning regulations must account for the statutory limitations governing farming, ranching, and animal feeding operations in section 11-33-02.1.
    • The board must state the grounds for approving or disapproving zoning amendments or variances, and written findings must be included in the records.
    • The board must establish zoning requirements for solid waste disposal and incineration facilities before July 1, 1994.
    • The board may impose tipping or other fees on solid waste management and incineration facilities, but may not impose a fee under this section on an energy conversion facility or coal mining operation that disposes of its waste onsite.
    • The board may establish institutional controls addressing environmental concerns with the department of environmental quality under section 23.1-10-16.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county, subject to chapter 54-21.3, the location and the use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — North Dakota county boards of commissioners adopting zoning regulations, including regulation of unincorporated county land.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    County authority to administer and enforce the state building code, including the residential code, and to provide for building permits for buildings or structures subject to county zoning in unincorporated areas of North Dakota.

    • A county that elects to administer and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the state building code; it may amend that code to conform to local needs.
    • A county may administer and enforce the state building code only in areas where a city or township does not administer it. A city or township may relinquish that authority to its county under N.D.C.C. § 54-40.5-03; local governments may also agree to joint administration and enforcement or contract for private enforcement.
    • County permit authority under N.D.C.C. § 11-33-18 applies to a building or structure otherwise subject to the County Zoning chapter.
    • If the county provides for permits, it must require the applicant to state whether the structure is reasonably anticipated to have a significant transportation-system impact. A structure has such impact if it will average at least twenty-five motor vehicles per day during one year with gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].
    • For a structure with significant transportation-system impact, the county must notify the director of the department of transportation and allow an opportunity to comment; director approval is not required.
    • The county may establish and collect reasonable permit fees, which must be credited to the county general fund.
    • A county-adopted building code may not require fire sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or a residential building containing no more than two dwelling units.

    significant transportation-system impact threshold: >= 25 motor vehicles per day (Over a period of one year; vehicles must have gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].) · fire-sprinkler requirement: false (A county building code may not require sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or residential building with no more than two dwelling units.)

    “The governing body of a city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code shall adopt and enforce the state building code. However, the state building code may be amended by cities, townships, and counties to conform to local needs.”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In North Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Kidder County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Zoning districts
  • Minimum lot size
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy for buildings in unincorporated Kidder County.
  • Local zoning — Township and municipal zoning within Kidder 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 Kidder County, North Dakota

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

Kidder County scores 40/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,189 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (19.2″/yr rainfall) and elevated current hazard exposure.

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

Land in Kidder County runs about $1,884 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Kidder County?

Kidder County gets about 19.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.7% of years.

How remote is Kidder County?

A typical private-land location has about 1,189 people within 15 miles and 329,045 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Kidder compares in North Dakota

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