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 before building, structurally altering or moving a structure within the county ordinance's jurisdiction1. County zoning excludes incorporated cities, city extraterritorial areas and townships retaining zoning power1. Septic installation requires a separate Upper Missouri District Health Unit permit before work begins, and North Dakota DEQ licenses installers2,3.

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

In unincorporated McKenzie County within the county ordinance's jurisdiction, a building permit is required before building, structurally altering or moving a structure; nonstructural maintenance is exempt.

In unincorporated McKenzie County within the county ordinance's jurisdiction, a building permit is required before building, structurally altering or moving a structure; nonstructural maintenance is exempt1. County jurisdiction excludes incorporated cities, city extraterritorial areas, townships retaining zoning power, tribal land and federal land1. A permit expires if construction does not begin within one year after issuance1. The written waiver for certain on-site oil and gas processing or storage structures excludes structures designed for regular occupancy and preserves required fire and safety inspections1.

Watford City and Alexander issue their own building permits; septic installation permits remain with the Upper Missouri District Health Unit, and North Dakota DEQ licenses installers2,3,6,7.

McKenzie County construction must meet the North Dakota State Building Code provisions named in the county ordinance1. Agricultural buildings are exempt from the state building-code chapter only when not used for human habitation or by the public; that exemption does not itself waive county zoning or building permits8.

Who issues building permits in McKenzie County, North Dakota, 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 building@co.mckenzie.nd.us.

Start with the McKenzie County Building Department at 1300 12th St. SE, Ste. 214, Watford City, ND 58854; call (701) 444-2420 or email building@co.mckenzie.nd.us9. 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 pandz@co.mckenzie.nd.us10.

McKenzie County building-permit applications go to the Planning Department under the ordinance; the Building Department is the contact for building permits and inspections1,9. Ask which application, plans, inspections and fees apply to the exact project. Building, planning and zoning permit fees follow a schedule that the Board of County Commissioners approves and amends from time to time, and application fees are non-refundable1. The fee amounts and online process could not be confirmed, so ask the Building Department.

Does McKenzie County have zoning?

McKenzie County's Land Development Ordinance includes zoning districts, a zoning map, subdivision regulations and district-specific dimensional standards.

McKenzie County's Land Development Ordinance includes zoning districts, a zoning map, subdivision regulations and district-specific dimensional standards1. County zoning excludes incorporated cities, city extraterritorial areas and townships that retain zoning power1. Watford City sets zoning within the city and its extraterritorial area, while Alexander sets zoning inside its city limits; septic installation permits remain with the Upper Missouri District Health Unit3,11,12.

For workforce-housing developments, McKenzie County requires at least 15 feet between units, plot plans, applicable wastewater and other environmental permits, and a reclamation bond; housing types cannot be mixed within a facility13. That spacing rule applies to workforce housing, so ask Planning and Zoning for the setbacks governing a proposed private home10,13. Tiny-home occupancy, accessory dwellings and minimum dwelling floor area could not be confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning about the parcel's district and proposed structure10.

How do septic permits work in McKenzie County?

Before septic installation begins in McKenzie County, obtain the local public-health-unit permit; Upper Missouri District Health Unit is the county's local authority.

Before septic installation begins in McKenzie County, obtain the local public-health-unit permit; Upper Missouri District Health Unit is the county's local authority2,3. Its McKenzie County office is at the McKenzie County Courthouse, 201 5th St NW Suite 1100, Watford City, ND 58854; call 701-444-344914.

North Dakota DEQ licenses onsite-wastewater installers, while the local health unit issues installation permits and installers must follow local codes2. DEQ also holds statewide rulemaking authority15. A required septic inspection may be in person or virtual, and the public health unit must conduct it within one business day after receiving the request16. McKenzie County's ordinance requires subdivision development to use an approved onsite sewage system and prohibits privies, outhouses and cesspools in those developments1. Only about 9.5% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for conventional drain fields, so make site evaluation an early purchase contingency17.

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 present.

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 present1. Occupancy is limited to 60 days per calendar year and no more than 30 consecutive days, and the RV must meet property setbacks1. An RV on agricultural land used exclusively to house farm or ranch workers is excluded from that ordinance section1. The existing-dwelling condition prevents treating this temporary-RV provision as permission to live on a vacant parcel while building1.

Tiny-home occupancy and minimum-dwelling-size rules could not be confirmed, so take the proposed dimensions, foundation and wheel status to Planning and Zoning10. A new residential manufactured home must be installed and inspected by state-licensed professionals before occupancy18. The county does not classify manufactured or mobile homes as permanent dwellings, so confirm parcel eligibility before ordering one1.

What are the steps to build a home in McKenzie County, North Dakota?

Confirm that the parcel is within McKenzie County's zoning jurisdiction and ask Planning and Zoning for its district, allowed dwelling type and setbacks.

  1. Confirm that the parcel is within McKenzie County's zoning jurisdiction and ask Planning and Zoning for its district, allowed dwelling type and setbacks1,10.
  1. Verify legal access and ask whether county, township or state approach approval is needed; the county driveway rule could not be confirmed, so start with Planning and Zoning10.
  1. Have the Upper Missouri District Health Unit evaluate the site and issue the required septic permit before installation; use an installer licensed by North Dakota DEQ2.
  1. Submit county building-permit materials; building, structural alteration or moving a structure cannot begin before permit issuance1.
  1. Confirm fees and inspections with the Building Department; the Board of County Commissioners approves the fee schedule1,9.
  1. Build to the code provisions enforced by McKenzie County and begin before the permit expires1.
  1. For a manufactured home, use a state-licensed installer and obtain the required inspection before occupancy18.

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 field.

Make septic feasibility a contract contingency because only about 9.5% of McKenzie County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field17. The county averages 15.9 inches of precipitation annually and experiences severe drought in 16.7% of years, so verify a dependable water source17. A North Dakota Department of Water Resources permit is required when a private well will draw more than 12.5 acre-feet, or 4,073,000 gallons, per year; we could not confirm a separate county well permit5.

Confirm boundaries and access because about 33.5% of McKenzie County is federal land17. About 60.9% of county land has a slope of 15% or less17. McKenzie County has about 5.2 people per square mile and 14,252 residents, so price contractors, utilities and emergency access before closing17. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, with a median annual bill of $1,473, but obtain a parcel-specific estimate17.

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 dwelling1.
  • North Dakota's owner-builder exemption is a discretionary property-tax benefit; no McKenzie County owner-builder building-permit exemption could be confirmed, so ask the Building Department before starting work1,4,9.
  • Building-permit fee amounts, driveway approval and floodplain procedures could not be confirmed; ask the Building Department about fees and Planning and Zoning about access and overlays1,9,10.

Sources

18 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 11, 2026

  1. McKenzie County Land Development Ordinance, Section 5-18
  2. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
  3. North Dakota Local Public Health Units/Tribal Health
  4. Property Tax Exemption for Builders of Certain New Single Family Residential Properties (North Dakota statewide rule)
  5. Private Well Owner’s Guide: Well Installation
  6. Watford City: Section 3-2. A-1, Agricultural District (McKenzie County)
  7. Alexander: Chapter Six, Article 24, Section 6.2402 — Permits Required (McKenzie County)
  8. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule)
  9. McKenzie County Building Department (mckenziecountynd.gov)
  10. McKenzie County Planning and Zoning Department (mckenziecountynd.gov)
  11. Watford City: Section 1-7. Establishment of Districts (McKenzie County)
  12. Alexander: Chapter Six, Article 4, Section 6.0402 — Definitions (McKenzie County)
  13. McKenzie County November 10, 2025 Agenda Packet
  14. Upper Missouri District Health Unit — McKenzie County Office (umdhu.org)
  15. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
  16. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-35
  17. 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
  18. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule)

Written October 11, 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

Like all 6 of its neighbors, McKenzie County has countywide zoning.

RuleMcKenzie CountyDunn CountyWilliams CountyMountrail CountyGolden Valley CountyBillings CountyStark County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsLocal public health unitND DEQUpper Missouri District Health UnitUpper Missouri District Health UnitSouthwestern District Health UnitSouthwestern District Health UnitSouthwestern District Health Unit

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

45 / 100 · #40 of 53 in North Dakota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

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%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
157,292 acWorkable land screen
9.2%Wooded land
18.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
42.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in McKenzie 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: Alex Township · Antelope Creek Township · Arnegard Township · Blue Butte Township · Charbon Township · Elm Tree Township · Grail Township · Hawkeye Township · Keene Township · Randolph Township · Riverview Township · Sioux Township · Tri Township · Twin Valley Township · Yellowstone Township

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

  • Building permitRequired

    Building, structural alteration, or movement of structures within the jurisdiction of the McKenzie County Land Development Ordinance.

    • A permit is not required for maintenance that does not structurally alter the building.
    • If no construction takes place within one year of issuance, the permit expires.
    • Applicants must apply to the Planning Department.
    • Permits and/or inspections may be waived in writing for certain on-site gas and oil processing or storage structures only when the stated conditions are met; the waiver does not apply to structures designed for regular occupancy.
    • Waivers do not exempt the structure from required fire and safety inspections.
    “No land within the jurisdiction of this Ordinance shall be built upon and no structure shall be structurally altered or moved until a building permit has been obtained from the Planning Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building, structural alteration, or movement of structures within McKenzie County's zoning jurisdiction.
      “No land within the jurisdiction of this Ordinance shall be built upon and no structure shall be structurally altered or moved until a building permit has been obtained from the Planning Department. (A) Any building permit issued must be in accordance with this Ordinance. (B) No permit is required for maintenance of any Structure which does not structurally alter the building. (C) If no construction takes place within a year of the issuance of a building permit, the permit shall expire.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County zoning, zoning-map, subdivision, and land-development regulation within the McKenzie County ordinance jurisdiction.

    • The ordinance includes zoning districts, a zoning map, subdivision regulations, dimensional standards, and building-permit provisions.
    “The McKenzie County Zoning Ordinance, Zoning Map, and Subdivision Regulations, shall collectively be known as the Land Development Ordinance and may be cited as the LDO or the Ordinance.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Countywide aggregate of local zoning controls; McKenzie County administers a county zoning ordinance with multiple zoning districts and district-specific dimensional standards, while any separate municipal or township rules must be checked for the particular parcel.

    • The county ordinance establishes the county zoning framework and district-specific rules.
    • This aggregate claim does not assert that the county administers every incorporated municipality or township ordinance.
    • Parcel-specific zoning district, municipal jurisdiction, overlays, and other applicable rules may change the result.
    “The Land Development Ordinance shall apply to all areas of McKenzie County, except: (A) Townships which have not by resolution relinquished the power to enact zoning regulations to the County. (B) Within an incorporated city boundary (C) A city’s exclusive Extraterritorial Jurisdiction as authorized by NDCC Section 40-47-01.1, if any. [...] Dimensional Standards Zoning Districts AG REC R-1 R-2 R-3 R-5A C-1 I-1 I-2”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Workforce Housing Developments regulated under McKenzie County Land Development Ordinance Section 4-6-2.

    • The applicant must submit plot plans showing housing units, structures, setbacks, utilities, drainage, ingress and egress, screens, buffers, landscaping, site amenities, and fencing.
    • Unit spacing must be at least 15 feet between units.
    • The conditional-use application must include applicable North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality and/or Upper Missouri District Health Unit permits, including water, refuse-disposal, and septic or sewer-discharge plans.
    • Workforce Housing Developments must post a reclamation bond under Section 2.13.
    • Parking requirements and standards follow Section 2.11.
    • There may be no mixed housing types in a Workforce Housing facility; approved units must be homogeneous, and additional standards may apply to the proposed housing type, including Recreational Vehicle Park provisions.

    minimum spacing between workforce-housing units: >= 15 feet

    “15. Applicant shall adhere to the requirements of the McKenzie County Land Development Ordinance Section 4-6-2 [...] F. Unit spacing shall be a minimum of fifteen (15’) feet between units.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater systems in McKenzie County: NDDEQ licenses installers, while the local public health unit issues the installation permit and local codes apply.

    • NDDEQ licensing and the local public-health-unit permit are separate requirements.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    • The source does not identify McKenzie County's specific local public health unit.
    “The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers under the authority of NDCC 23.1-07.1. All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — On-site wastewater systems in McKenzie County: North Dakota DEQ licenses installers, while the local public health unit issues the installation permit.
      “licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers”
    • Local (with conditions) — McKenzie County local public-health administration of onsite-wastewater permits and inspections through the McKenzie County unit of Upper Missouri District Health Unit.
      “UPPER MISSOURI DISTRICT HEALTH UNIT [...] Mckenzie County Ashley Saylor, RN asaylor@umdhu.org 444-3449 842-6985”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system in McKenzie County.

    • The permit must be secured from the local public health unit before work begins.
    • The installer must also obtain a no-cost NDDEQ license.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system. Installers are required to follow local codes, and licenses may be revoked for cause under NDCC 23.1-07.1-03 (Licensing).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of an on-site wastewater treatment system in McKenzie County.
      “secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Fees associated with McKenzie County building, fire, planning, and zoning permits.

    • The fee schedule is approved and amended from time to time by the Board of County Commissioners.
    • The ordinance states that application fees are non-refundable.
    • The ordinance does not state fee amounts in the cited provisions.
    “A schedule of fees shall be approved and amended from time to time by the Board of County Commissioners. [...] The fees are non-refundable.”

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings 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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Required onsite-wastewater-system inspections in McKenzie County under North Dakota public-health law.
      “A public health unit shall conduct a required in-person or virtual inspection of an onsite wastewater system within one business day of receiving the request for the 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 in McKenzie County.

    • A permit is required when the well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet, or 4,073,000 gallons, per year.
    • A permit is not needed for wells drawing less than 12.5 acre-feet per year.
    • The permit authority identified by the official guide is the North Dakota Department of Water Resources.
    • The source does not establish a separate county permit.

    annual withdrawal threshold: > 12.5 acre-feet per year (A permit is not needed below 12.5 acre-feet per year) · annual withdrawal threshold: > 4073000 gallons per year (A permit is not needed below 4,073,000 gallons per year)

    “If your well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,000 gallons) of water per year, it needs to be permitted by the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (dwr.nd.gov | 701-328-2750). A permit is not needed for wells that draw less than 12.5 acre-feet per year.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private water-supply wells statewide in North Dakota.
      “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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

    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 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.”

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 in McKenzie County.
  • Zoning districts — Current published zoning districts and zoning map for McKenzie County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated McKenzie County zoning districts
  • Living in an RV — Residential or long-term RV occupancy in McKenzie County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping in McKenzie County.
2 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings

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).

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.

How McKenzie compares in North Dakota

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