Bolthole Index

McLean County, North Dakota

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

46Index Score / 100
#36 of 53 in North Dakota

McLean County, North Dakota requires a building permit when a structure is moved onto, built on or altered on property within the county zoning jurisdiction.1 The county also has zoning, while listed cities and the Fort Berthold Reservation have their own zoning ordinances.2 First District Health Unit handles onsite wastewater permits.3

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered structures in the county zoning jurisdiction1
Zoning
Yes; parcel rules depend on the county district or separate local jurisdiction42
Permit fee
Based on construction cost, with published residential and commercial limits5
Septic
First District Health Unit permit required before onsite-system work67
RV living
Private-land occupancy rule not confirmed; ask the Land Use Administrator4
Tiny home
No distinct county rule confirmed; zoning and permit review still apply18
Private well
State appropriation permit depends on annual withdrawal9

Who to call

Planning & zoning

McLean County Planning and Zoning

County zoning administration and building-permit questions

(701) 462-8806

712 5th Avenue, Washburn North Dakota 58577

Septic permits

First District Health Unit Environmental Health Division

Onsite sewage treatment permits, site evaluation, design approval and final inspection in McLean County

701-837-5121

801 11th Ave SW, Minot ND 58701

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

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

Yes. McLean County requires a building permit whenever a structure is moved onto, constructed on or altered on property within the county zoning jurisdiction.1 Ordinary maintenance or repair does not require a permit unless the work changes structural strength, the plan or mechanical installations.1 Approval must come before movement or construction begins, and the permit remains posted during construction until the structure is complete or ready for use.1

The residential fee is one-tenth of one percent of construction cost, with a $90 minimum and $500 maximum; the commercial maximum is $1,000.5 The county's reviewed materials establish a zoning permit process but do not confirm which building code, if any, McLean County itself enforces. North Dakota maintains a state building-code framework, but enforcement belongs to jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce it.10 Ask McLean County Planning and Zoning which construction standards and inspections apply to the specific parcel.11

Who issues building permits in McLean County?

McLean County Planning and Zoning administers the county zoning ordinance and is the practical first call for a rural building project.11 The office is at 712 5th Avenue in Washburn and can be reached at (701) 462-8806.11

The application package requires a completed building-permit application, site plan, floor plans, any applicable First District Health Unit septic permit and the calculated fee.12 If the project needs a variance, obtain variance approval before submitting the building-permit application.12 The application materials direct completed filings and payment to the Land Use Administrator at McLean County, PO Box 1108, Washburn, ND 58577-1108.12

The county permit applies within McLean County's jurisdiction; separately zoned cities and the Fort Berthold Reservation administer their own ordinances.2 Confirm the governing jurisdiction before relying on the county form.2

Does McLean County have zoning?

McLean County has county zoning and divides land into Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Recreational, Conservation and Municipal Airport Zone districts.8 Actual district boundaries come from the county zoning map, so a mailing address or rural appearance does not establish the parcel's district.8

Benedict, Butte, Coleharbor, Garrison, Max, Mercer, Riverdale, Ruso, Turtle Lake, Underwood, Washburn and Wilton are listed as having their own zoning ordinances, as is the Fort Berthold Reservation.2 The ordinance says no organized township in McLean County has adopted a zoning ordinance.2 That jurisdiction split matters: a city parcel should be checked with the city rather than treated as county-administered land.2

The reviewed county materials do not confirm a general minimum dwelling size, a distinct tiny-home category or a general driveway permit rule. Before buying, ask McLean County Planning and Zoning to identify the district, allowed residential use, setbacks and any variance needed for the parcel.11

How do septic permits work in McLean County?

First District Health Unit requires a permit before installation or repair of any part of an onsite sewage treatment system in McLean County.13 Apply when a proposed building will produce sewage or wastewater and no community septic system is available.13 First District then evaluates the site, samples the soil, and determines the system location and design; every design must be completed or approved by the health unit.13

Installation may be performed by a North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality-licensed septic contractor or by a certified property owner.13 A homeowner installing or repairing a personal system still needs the permit and must complete the required owner certification before doing the work.13 Schedule the final inspection before the system is backfilled or covered.13

About 66.1% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, but that countywide share cannot replace parcel soil testing.14 Contact First District Environmental Health at 701-837-5121 before finalizing the house location or septic layout.13

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

McLean County's reviewed materials do not confirm a general rule allowing full-time RV occupancy on private land or define tiny homes as a separate use. The county does regulate land through mapped zoning districts, and structures moved onto or constructed on land in its jurisdiction require a building permit.81

Treat an RV or tiny-home plan as a parcel-specific zoning question rather than assuming rural land is unrestricted. Ask McLean County Planning and Zoning whether the proposed occupancy is an allowed use in the mapped district, whether a conditional use or variance is necessary, and which setbacks apply.11 If the unit produces sewage and no community system is available, First District Health Unit requires an onsite wastewater permit.13

A new manufactured home used as a residence must be installed by a state-licensed installer and inspected by a state-licensed inspector.15 That manufactured-home rule does not itself decide whether a tiny home or RV is allowed on a particular McLean County parcel.8

Building a home in McLean County: steps in order

  1. Identify whether the parcel is under McLean County zoning or a separately zoned city or reservation jurisdiction.2
  2. Ask McLean County Planning and Zoning to confirm the mapped district, allowed use, setbacks and whether a variance is needed.11
  3. If no community sewer is available, apply to First District Health Unit early enough for site evaluation, soil sampling and system design.13
  4. Prepare the county package: completed application, site plan, floor plans, applicable septic permit and calculated fee.12
  5. Obtain any required variance approval before filing the building-permit application.12
  6. Wait for approval before moving a structure onto the property or beginning construction, then post the permit through completion or readiness for use.1
  7. Arrange the septic final inspection before backfilling or covering the system.13

For a private well, annual withdrawals over 12.5 acre-feet require a state water-appropriation permit; lower domestic and livestock uses must still be reported after construction.9

What should you check before buying land in McLean County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning: confirm who regulates the parcel and obtain the mapped county district before assuming a house, RV or accessory dwelling will be allowed.28 Check septic feasibility before choosing a building pad because First District Health Unit evaluates soils and controls system location and design.13

For water planning, a North Dakota appropriation permit is required when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet, while qualifying lower-volume domestic and livestock wells do not need that permit but must be reported after construction.9 About 91.2% of McLean County land has a slope of 15% or less, but parcel contours still govern grading, drainage and access.16

The countywide effective property-tax rate is about 0.7%, and the median annual property-tax bill is $1,748; use the parcel record rather than those benchmarks for a purchase budget.1718 The reviewed materials do not confirm a general county driveway permit or a local floodplain-development contact, so ask Planning and Zoning about both before closing.11

Watch-outs

  • A county building permit is not proof that every applicable construction-code or inspection question has been resolved; ask Planning and Zoning what standards apply to the parcel.11
  • Do not cover a new septic system before First District Health Unit's final inspection.13
  • A city address may fall under a separate local zoning ordinance rather than county administration.2

Sources

  1. Revised McLean County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  2. Revised McLean County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  3. First District Health Unit - Septic (Onsite Wastewater) Systems (2026 county census)
  4. Revised McLean County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  5. McLean County Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  6. Revised McLean County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  7. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Revised McLean County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Building Codes (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. McLean County Planning and Zoning (mcleancountynd.gov)
  12. McLean County Building Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  13. First District Health Unit Environmental Health Division (fdhu.org)
  14. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  15. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  17. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  18. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

McLean County in North Dakota

46
County map
McLean County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How McLean County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1799% ev.
Admin Boringness4590% ev.
Durability43100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% 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 →

$224kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$2,556Land / acre
17.7"Annual rain
10.1% of yrsSevere drought
5.1 / yr (+4.5)Mid-century 100°F days
21.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.15" (+4.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.51×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$2,043Home insurance / yr
1.8% / yrInsurance growth
1.09%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,642People within 30 min
237,300People within 2 hr
3,454Radius comparison (15 mi)
4.7People / sq mi
28.3%Federal land
91.2%Land at 15% slope or less
66.1%Septic soil without severe limits
804,311 acWorkable land screen
1.8%Wooded land
9.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
41.4°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for McLean County

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

McLean County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Structures moved onto, constructed, or altered on property within the McLean County zoning jurisdiction.

    • No permit is required for maintenance or repair of existing structures in conformity with the ordinance unless the work alters structural strength, plan, or mechanical installations.
    • Applications must be approved before movement or construction begins.
    • The permit must be posted during construction until completion or readiness for use.
    • Failure to obtain a required permit is an infraction.
    • The county application requires a completed application, site plan, floor plans, applicable septic permit, and fee.

    residential permit fee: 1/10th of 1% of construction cost, minimum $90 and maximum $500 USD · commercial permit fee: 1/10th of 1% of construction cost, maximum $1,000 USD

    “Building permits are specifically required by this Ordinance whenever any structure is moved onto, constructed, or altered on any property within the jurisdiction of McLean County.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Structures and uses within McLean County, subject to stated exceptions and incorporated-city zoning ordinances.

    • The ordinance states that structures and uses within McLean County must comply unless otherwise excepted.
    • Cities within McLean County listed as having adopted their own zoning ordinances are Benedict, Butte, Coleharbor, Garrison, Max, Mercer, Riverdale, Ruso, Turtle Lake, Underwood, Washburn, Wilton and the Fort Berthold Reservation.
    • No organized townships within McLean County have adopted a zoning ordinance according to the ordinance.
    “It is intended that the restrictions and regulations found within the McLean County Ordinance shall govern all land and other property located within McLean County over which the McLean County Board of Commissioners is empowered by law to regulate.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across McLean County municipalities and unincorporated areas.

    • The county ordinance states that the listed cities adopted their own zoning ordinances.
    • No organized townships within McLean County have adopted a zoning ordinance according to the ordinance.
    • This is an aggregate conclusion and does not mean McLean County administers each municipal ordinance.
    “Cities within McLean County having adopted their own zoning ordinances are: Benedict, Butte, Coleharbor, Garrison, Max, Mercer, Riverdale, Ruso, Turtle Lake, Underwood, Washburn, Wilton and the Fort Berthold Reservation. No organized townships within McLean County have adopted a zoning ordinance.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    County zoning districts established by the McLean County Zoning Ordinance.

    • The ordinance states that actual district boundaries are established by the district zoning map.
    • The listed districts are Agricultural, Residential, Commercial, Industrial, Recreational, Conservation, and Municipal Airport Zone.
    “McLean County is hereby divided into the following districts: 1. Agricultural 2. Residential 3. Commercial 4. Industrial 5. Recreational 6. Conservation 7. Municipal Airport Zone”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite soil-absorption disposal systems in McLean County.

    • Prior approval from First District Health Unit in Minot is required.
    • Severe-limitation soils may be used only if the system is designed to negate the limitations.
    • The applicant must consult the McLean County Land Use Administrator regarding soil limitations.
    “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.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    McLean County building permit fees.

    • Residential fees have a $90 minimum and $500 maximum.
    • Commercial fees have a $1,000 maximum.
    • Fees are calculated from construction cost.

    fee rate: 1/10th of 1% of construction cost USD (residential minimum $90; residential maximum $500; commercial maximum $1,000)

    “The permit fee is 1/10th of 1% of the cost of construction, with a minimum fee of $90.00 and a maximum fee of $500.00 for residential property and $1,000.00 for commercial property.”
  • Permit processPublished

    McLean County building permit application process.

    • Submit the completed application, site plan, floor plans, applicable septic permit, and calculated fee.
    • Variance approval must be obtained before submitting the building permit application.
    • Applications and payment are returned to the Land Use Administrator, McLean County, PO Box 1108, Washburn, ND 58577-1108.
    “When submitting your building permit application, please note the following is required for submission: ➢ completed Building Permit Application; ➢ site plan; ➢ floor plans; ➢ if applicable, copy of sewage/ septic permit issued by First District Health Unit; and ➢ Building Permit Fee as calculated below:”

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.

    • Community Services updates and amends the state code but does not enforce it.
    • The 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, plus the 2024 IECC and IEBC versions and proposed amendments, were adopted on September 11, 2025.
    • The new North Dakota State Building Code went into effect January 1, 2026.
    • Appendix chapters are not part of the state building code unless specifically adopted.

    code versions adopted: 2024 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, and IEBC with proposed amendments · effective date: 2026-01-01

    “adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
  • InspectionsRequired

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

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

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

    “shall contract with a third party for the inspection of the structure for compliance with all applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    New manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes.

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

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

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

    Onsite wastewater installer licensing and local public-health permitting applicable in McLean County.

    • North Dakota DEQ oversees installer licensing.
    • A local public health unit issues the system permit before work begins.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers under the authority of NDCC 23.1-07.1. All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Mixed — On-site wastewater treatment systems statewide in North Dakota.
      “The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers”
  • 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.”
  • 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 McLean County building permit requirements.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in McLean County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in McLean County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in McLean County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in McLean County.
3 more unanswered
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • 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 McLean County, North Dakota

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

McLean County scores 46/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,642 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (17.7″/yr rainfall).

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

McLean County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by First District Health Unit (local public health district), under 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 McLean County, North Dakota?

Land in McLean County runs about $2,556 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in McLean County?

McLean County gets about 17.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.1% of years.

How remote is McLean County?

A representative private-land location has about 1,642 people within a 30-minute drive and 237,300 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 McLean County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How McLean compares in North Dakota

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