Bolthole Index

McKenzie County, North Dakota

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

45Index Score / 100
#40 of 53 in North Dakota

Unincorporated McKenzie County, North Dakota requires a building permit for all new construction, with permits handled by the county Building and Planning departments12. The county also administers zoning and subdivision rules3. Before installing septic, obtain a permit from the local public health unit; the Upper Missouri District Health Unit serves McKenzie County45.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for all new construction1
Zoning
Yes — county zoning, mapping and subdivision rules apply3
Septic
Local public health permit required before work begins45
RV occupancy
Limited by district, existing-dwelling requirement and duration6
Tiny home
County occupancy and minimum-size rules unconfirmed; ask Planning and Zoning3
Owner-builder
No county permit exemption could be confirmed7
Private well
State appropriation permit applies above the withdrawal threshold8

Who to call

Building permits

McKenzie County Building Department

Building permits and inspections for McKenzie County

(701) 444-2420

[email protected]

1300 12th St. SE, Ste. 214, Watford City, ND 58854

Zoning

McKenzie County Planning and Zoning Department

Zoning administration and land-development questions

(701) 444-2420

[email protected]

McKenzie County Public Works Building, 1300 12th St SE Ste. 214, Watford City, ND 58854

Codes & inspections

McKenzie County Land Development Ordinance

County zoning, RV occupancy, building permits and sewage-disposal rules

Septic permits

Upper Missouri District Health Unit — McKenzie County Office

Septic-system permits and installer licensing in McKenzie County

701-444-3449

McKenzie County Courthouse, 201 5th St NW Suite 1100, Watford City, ND 58854

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 McKenzie County, North Dakota?

Yes. McKenzie County has required permits for all new construction since July 9, 20121. The county ordinance also says land within its jurisdiction cannot be built upon, and a structure cannot be structurally altered or moved, until the Planning Department issues a building permit6. A permit expires if construction does not begin within a year after issuance6.

McKenzie County construction must meet the North Dakota State Building Code provisions named in the county ordinance6. North Dakota's updated state code framework took effect January 1, 2026, and a jurisdiction that elects to enforce building codes must adopt and enforce the state code9. Agricultural buildings are exempt from the state building-code chapter only when they are not used for human habitation or by the public; that state exemption does not itself waive McKenzie County zoning or permit requirements10.

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

Start with the McKenzie County Building Department at 1300 12th St. SE, Ste. 214, Watford City, ND 58854; call (701) 444-2420 or email [email protected]2. The McKenzie County Planning and Zoning Department uses the same phone number and is at the McKenzie County Public Works Building, 1300 12th St SE Ste. 214, Watford City, ND 58854; zoning questions can go to [email protected]11.

The ordinance places building-permit issuance with the Planning Department, while the county presents a Building Department for permits and inspections62. Ask which application, plans, inspections and fees apply to the exact project. McKenzie County's current fee schedule and complete online process could not be confirmed; statewide guidance says the enforcing jurisdiction establishes permit and plan-review fees12.

Does McKenzie County have zoning?

Yes. McKenzie County administers a Land Development Ordinance containing zoning, a zoning map and subdivision regulations through its Planning and Zoning Department3. North Dakota authorizes county zoning for unincorporated territory, while incorporated municipalities retain jurisdiction within city limits13. Confirm whether a parcel is in unincorporated McKenzie County before relying on county rules.

Zoning affects the allowed use and placement of a home, RV or manufactured home. McKenzie County's ordinance treats manufactured and mobile homes as something other than a permanent dwelling6. County rules for tiny-home occupancy, accessory dwellings and minimum dwelling size could not be confirmed, so ask Planning and Zoning about the parcel's district and proposed structure. Also ask about any floodplain overlay, subdivision approval or access review; the statewide water-control permit rule does not establish separate county floodplain requirements14.

How do septic permits work in McKenzie County?

Obtain a septic permit from the local public health unit before installation begins4. The Upper Missouri District Health Unit permits septic systems and licenses installers in McKenzie, Divide, Mountrail and Williams counties5. Its McKenzie County office is at the McKenzie County Courthouse, 201 5th St NW Suite 1100, Watford City, ND 58854, and its phone number is 701-444-34495.

North Dakota DEQ licenses onsite-wastewater installers, while the local public health unit issues the installation permit and installers must follow local codes15. The county ordinance requires subdivision development to use an approved onsite sewage system and prohibits privies, outhouses and cesspools in those developments6. Only about 9.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make site evaluation an early purchase contingency16.

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

McKenzie County allows temporary occupancy of one RV only on property zoned REC, R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-5A when an existing dwelling is already present6. Occupancy is limited to 60 days per calendar year and no more than 30 consecutive days, and the RV must meet property setbacks6. An RV on agricultural land used exclusively to house farm or ranch workers is excluded from that ordinance section6. Those terms do not establish permission to live in an RV on a vacant rural parcel while building.

Tiny-home occupancy and minimum-dwelling-size rules could not be confirmed, so take the proposed dimensions, foundation and wheel status to Planning and Zoning. A new residential manufactured home must be installed and inspected by state-licensed professionals before occupancy17. The county does not classify manufactured or mobile homes as permanent dwellings, so confirm parcel eligibility before ordering one6.

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

  1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated McKenzie County and ask Planning and Zoning for its district, allowed dwelling type and setbacks311.
  1. Verify legal access and ask whether county, township or state approach approval is needed; the county driveway rule could not be confirmed.
  1. Have the Upper Missouri District Health Unit evaluate the site and issue the required septic permit before installation45.
  1. Submit county building-permit materials; construction, structural alteration or moving a structure cannot begin before permit issuance6.
  1. Confirm fees and inspections with the Building Department because the enforcing jurisdiction sets permit and plan-review fees122.
  1. Build to the code provisions enforced by McKenzie County and begin before the permit expires6.
  1. For a manufactured home, use a state-licensed installer and obtain the required inspection before occupancy17.

What should you check before buying land in McKenzie County?

Make septic feasibility a contract contingency because only about 9.5% of McKenzie County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field16. The county averages 15.9 inches of precipitation annually and experiences severe drought in 16.7% of years, so verify a dependable water source1819. A state water-appropriation permit is required when private-well withdrawals exceed 12.5 acre-feet per year; certain uses below that threshold still must be reported8.

Confirm boundaries and access because about 33.5% of McKenzie County is federal land20. About 60.9% of county land has a slope of 15% or less21. McKenzie County has about 5.2 people per square mile and 14,252 residents, so price contractors, utilities and emergency access before closing2223. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, with a median annual bill of $1,473, but obtain a parcel-specific estimate2425.

Watch-outs

  • McKenzie County's RV rule does not create a general right to occupy an RV on vacant land while building; the listed districts require an existing dwelling6.
  • No owner-builder permit exemption could be confirmed, so ask the Building Department what permits and licensed trades the project requires72.
  • Permit fees, driveway approval and floodplain procedures remain parcel-specific questions for the county offices12211.

Sources

  1. McKenzie County Building Department (2026 county census)
  2. McKenzie County Building Department (mckenziecountynd.gov)
  3. McKenzie County Planning and Zoning (2026 county census)
  4. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  5. Upper Missouri District Health Unit — McKenzie County Office (umdhu.org)
  6. McKenzie County Land Development Ordinance (storage.googleapis.com)
  7. (2026 county census)
  8. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Building Codes | Commerce | North Dakota, quoted and re-checked
  10. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. McKenzie County Planning and Zoning Department (mckenziecountynd.gov)
  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. Construction Permits (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems, quoted and re-checked
  16. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  17. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  19. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  20. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Population density: Bolthole Index county data
  23. County population: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Median property tax bill: 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.

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County locator

McKenzie County in North Dakota

45
County map
McKenzie County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How McKenzie County scores

Seclusion86100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency17100% ev.
Admin Boringness4390% ev.
Durability42100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost7496% 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 →

$377kTypical home
0.4%Property tax
$1,352Land / acre
15.9"Annual rain
16.7% of yrsSevere drought
7.5 / yr (+5.7)Mid-century 100°F days
20.3 daysMid-century dry spell
1.19" (+6.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.36×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,025Home insurance / yr
-0.3% / yrInsurance growth
1%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
1,631People within 30 min
82,396People within 2 hr
2,364Radius comparison (15 mi)
5.2People / sq mi
33.5%Federal land
60.9%Land at 15% slope or less
9.5%Septic soil without severe limits
157,292 acWorkable land screen
9.2%Wooded land
18.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
42.2°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for McKenzie County

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

McKenzie County rules

  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater systems in McKenzie County: North Dakota DEQ licenses installers, while the local public health unit issues the installation permit.

    • Installers must follow local codes.
    • The source does not identify the specific McKenzie County public health unit by name.
    “licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of an on-site wastewater treatment system in McKenzie County.

    • A permit from the local public health unit is required before beginning work.
    • The installer must also obtain a North Dakota DEQ license at no cost.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
  • Building permitRequired

    The county Building Department states that since July 9, 2012, permits are required for all new construction projects.

    McKenzie County Building Department ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    The county administers a Land Development Ordinance encompassing a Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, and Subdivision Regulations through its Planning and Zoning Department.

    McKenzie County Planning and Zoning ↗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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — North Dakota State Building Code framework applicable when a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes.
      “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
  • 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.”
  • 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 from building permitting or code requirements in McKenzie County.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in McKenzie County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate of municipal, township, and county zoning rules within McKenzie County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in McKenzie County zoning districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in McKenzie County zoning districts.
10 more unanswered
  • 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 McKenzie County, North Dakota

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

McKenzie County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,631 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (15.9″/yr rainfall).

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

McKenzie County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Local public health unit (per ND DEQ). 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 McKenzie County, North Dakota?

Land in McKenzie County runs about $1,352 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in McKenzie County?

McKenzie County gets about 15.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.7% of years.

How remote is McKenzie County?

A representative private-land location has about 1,631 people within a 30-minute drive and 82,396 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Off-grid gear

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

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How McKenzie compares in North Dakota

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