Bolthole Index

Pembina County, North Dakota

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

57Index Score / 100
#9 of 53 in North Dakota

Unincorporated Pembina County, North Dakota lists farm dwellings, single-family non-farm dwellings, mobile homes and accessory buildings as permitted uses requiring no county zoning permit1. The county administers zoning, while Pembina County Public Health administers onsite sewer permitting2,3. Confirm building-code enforcement for the parcel before construction because a separate residential building-permit requirement could not be confirmed.

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

Pembina County's zoning regulations list farm dwellings, single-family non-farm dwellings, mobile homes, accessory buildings and agricultural buildings as permitted uses requiring no zoning permit.

Pembina County's zoning regulations list farm dwellings, single-family non-farm dwellings, mobile homes, accessory buildings and agricultural buildings as permitted uses requiring no zoning permit1. That answer concerns the county zoning permit; we could not confirm a separate residential construction permit or inspection requirement for unincorporated Pembina County. North Dakota's updated State Building Code took effect January 1, 2026, but Community Services does not enforce it; enforcement belongs to jurisdictions that elect to administer building codes7. Ask the Planning and Zoning Board which building-code jurisdiction, if any, applies to the parcel before ordering plans or starting work2. Agricultural buildings used for agricultural purposes are exempt from the state building-code chapter unless used for human habitation or by the public8. A residence on a farm does not fit that state exemption because it is a place of human habitation8.

Who handles Pembina County building and zoning questions?

The Planning and Zoning Board of Pembina County is the starting point for county zoning questions, and the county regulations assign administration and enforcement to the Planning and Zoning Commission and zoning administrator.

The Planning and Zoning Board of Pembina County is the starting point for county zoning questions, and the county regulations assign administration and enforcement to the Planning and Zoning Commission and zoning administrator1,2. Call the county at 701-265-4231 or visit 301 Dakota Street W. #1, Cavalier, ND 58220, and ask to be connected with the zoning administrator2. Before relying on the no-zoning-permit list, describe the proposed use and ask whether the parcel falls under county, municipal or township zoning jurisdiction1. Conditional uses follow a different path, and development within a floodway or floodplain requires a conditional permit1. We could not confirm a published residential inspection schedule, certificate-of-occupancy rule or owner-builder exemption; ask the zoning administrator which approvals and closeout documents apply to the specific project2,9.

Does Pembina County have zoning?

Yes.

Yes. Pembina County has county zoning administration, and its regulations apply outside zoning jurisdiction accepted by municipalities and townships1,2. The county regulations allow listed uses without a zoning permit, including farm dwellings, agricultural buildings, single-family non-farm dwellings, mobile homes and accessory buildings1. We could not confirm a current countywide minimum home size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit or general building-height limit. Ask the Planning and Zoning Board for the rules governing the exact parcel, particularly where a municipality or township may have its own jurisdiction2. Do not describe land as unrestricted merely because a listed residential use needs no county zoning permit; septic, floodplain, road-access and any applicable building-code requirements remain separate questions1,5,10.

How do septic permits work in Pembina County?

Pembina County Public Health administers onsite sewer permitting, and a permit is required before construction or alteration begins.

Pembina County Public Health administers onsite sewer permitting, and a permit is required before construction or alteration begins3,5. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality separately licenses installers11. The county application lists a $200 onsite sewer permit fee and a $20 tank permit fee, payable with the application; the permit lasts 12 months from issuance5,12. Mail the form and payment to Pembina County Public Health at 301 Dakota Street West #2, Cavalier, North Dakota 582205,13. The application asks for the property, buildings, wells, water features, driveways, utilities and floodplain information, so settle the house and system layout before filing5. Septic feasibility deserves early attention because only about 2.9% of Pembina County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field14. We could not confirm recurring inspections or approved off-grid sanitation alternatives; ask the regional environmental inspector before selecting a system13.

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

We could not confirm a Pembina County rule that allows or prohibits living in an RV on private land, either temporarily during construction or as a long-term residence.

We could not confirm a Pembina County rule that allows or prohibits living in an RV on private land, either temporarily during construction or as a long-term residence. North Dakota's limit for camping in state-park facilities does not answer the private-land question15. Ask the Planning and Zoning Board for a parcel-specific answer before moving an RV onto the land or installing utilities2. We also could not confirm a county tiny-home occupancy rule or minimum dwelling size. A tiny home should not be assumed exempt from septic, floodplain or jurisdiction-specific building requirements merely because a single-family dwelling is a permitted county zoning use1,11. A new manufactured home follows a separate state installation process requiring a licensed installer and licensed inspector16. The county regulations list a mobile home as a permitted use, but that zoning treatment does not erase the state installation rules for manufactured housing1,16.

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

Ask the Planning and Zoning Board whether the parcel is under county, municipal or township zoning jurisdiction.

  1. Ask the Planning and Zoning Board whether the parcel is under county, municipal or township zoning jurisdiction1,2.
  1. Describe the residence and confirm that it fits a permitted use requiring no county zoning permit, or obtain conditional-use instructions1.
  1. Ask which building-code authority, inspections and occupancy documents apply because county residential enforcement could not be confirmed2,7.
  1. Fix the proposed house, well, driveway, utilities and onsite sewer layout, then submit the septic application and payment to Pembina County Public Health before work begins5.
  1. Contact Emergency Management if the site may be in a floodway or floodplain; construction there requires a conditional permit1. A documented Pembina County floodplain approval required as-built elevation certifications, so ask whether the project will need them17.
  1. Confirm who controls the adjoining road and discuss the approach and culvert with the Highway Department when it is a county road10.

What should you check before buying land in Pembina County?

Start by identifying the zoning jurisdiction because Pembina County's regulations yield to accepted municipal or township zoning authority in those areas.

Start by identifying the zoning jurisdiction because Pembina County's regulations yield to accepted municipal or township zoning authority in those areas1. Check the flood map and contact Emergency Management before planning construction in a floodway or floodplain, where a conditional permit is required1. Evaluate soils and wastewater options early because about 2.9% of county soils avoid severe conventional-drain-field limitations14. Confirm legal access and the road authority; the Highway Department maintains county roads, bridges and culverts, while some rural roads are under other authorities10. For a private well, a state water-appropriation permit is required above 12.5 acre-feet per year, while qualifying domestic and livestock uses below that threshold must still be reported6. For budgeting context, farmland averages about $3,915 per acre, the effective property-tax rate is about 1%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,16514. The county has about 6 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 134 miles from the county center14.

Watch-outs

  • Pembina County has zoning even though several common rural residential uses are listed as needing no zoning permit1.
  • A no-zoning-permit use is not a waiver of septic, floodplain, manufactured-home or any applicable building-code requirements1,7,11,16.
  • Only about 2.9% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so investigate wastewater feasibility before fixing a house site14.
  • RV occupancy, tiny-home standards and a separate residential building-permit requirement remain unconfirmed; ask the Planning and Zoning Board before relying on any exemption2.
  • Floodway or floodplain construction requires a conditional permit and coordination with Pembina County Emergency Management1.

Sources

17 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 5, 2026

  1. Pembina County Planning and Zoning (pembinacountynd.gov)
  2. Pembina County, ND - Boards
  3. Pembina County Application Permit for Construction/Alteration of an On-Site Sewer System
  4. Pembina County - Departments (2026 county census)
  5. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
  6. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule)
  7. Building Codes | Commerce | North Dakota (North Dakota statewide rule)
  8. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule)
  9. Property Tax Exemption for Builders of Certain New Single Family Residential Properties (2026 county census)
  10. Pembina County Highway Department (pembinacountynd.gov)
  11. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (North Dakota statewide rule)
  12. Pembina County Application Permit for Construction/Alteration of an On-Site Sewer System
  13. Pembina County Public Health (pembinacountynd.gov)
  14. 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
  15. North Dakota Administrative Code, Chapter 58-02-08, State Park Rules (North Dakota statewide rule)
  16. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule)
  17. Pembina County Floodplain Development Permit Application

Written October 5, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Pembina County requires no county building permit for a home.

RulePembina CountyWalsh CountyCavalier CountyGrand Forks CountyNelson CountyRamsey CountyTowner County
Building permitNot requiredRequiredLimitedRequiredLimitedNot requiredLimited
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesNoYes
Septic permitsND Dept. of Env. QualityCounty Health DistrictLRDHUGrand Forks Public HealthNelson/Griggs District Health UnitLRDHULake Region District Health Unit

County locator

Pembina County in North Dakota

57
County map
Pembina County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Pembina County scores

57 / 100 · #9 of 53 in North Dakota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion85100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency22100% ev.
Admin Boringness6668% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% ev.

Evidence strength: 95%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$150kTypical home
1%Property tax
$3,915Land / acre
21.4"Annual rain
9.5% of yrsSevere drought
2.4 / yr (+2.2)Mid-century 100°F days
17.5 daysMid-century dry spell
1.38" (+8.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.69×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,741Home insurance / yr
2.9% / yrInsurance growth
0.75%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,512People within 30 min
178,497People within 2 hr
5,198Radius comparison (15 mi)
6People / sq mi
4%Federal land
99.2%Land at 15% slope or less
2.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
20,922 acWorkable land screen
5.8%Wooded land
29.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
39.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Pembina 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: Advance Township · Akra Township · Bathgate Township · Beaulieu Township · Canton City (Hensel) · Carlisle Township · Cavalier Township · Crystal · Crystal Township · Drayton Township · Elora Township · Felson Township · Gardar Township · Hamilton · Hamilton Township · Joliette Township · La Moure Township · Lincoln Township · Lodema Township · Midland Township · Mountain · Neche · Neche Township · Park Township · Pembina · Pembina Township · St. Joseph Township · St. Thomas · St. Thomas Township · Thingvalla Township · Walhalla Township

Answers from the rulebook for Pembina County

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

Pembina County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Pembina County zoning administration and zoning regulations, including unincorporated county areas to the extent covered by the county regulations.

    • The official county page identifies a Planning and Zoning Board and links to Pembina County Zoning Regulations; specific district controls were not extracted because the linked regulation PDF could not be opened within the research limit.
    “Planning and Zoning Board of Pembina County [...] Pembina County Zoning Regulations”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    On-site sewer permitting administered through Pembina County Public Health.

    • The application directs payment and mailing to Pembina County Public Health.
    “Department Public Health Page Title Environmental Health Septic Permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction or alteration of an onsite sewer system in Pembina County.

    • The state DEQ page states that a permit from the local public health unit must be secured before work begins.
    • The county application states the permit expires twelve months after issuance.
    • The county application lists a $200 onsite sewer permit fee and a $20 tank permit fee.
    • The application covers new installation and alteration of a tank or drain field.

    onsite sewer permit fee: 200 USD · tank permit fee: 20 USD · permit validity: 12 months from date of issue

    “PEMBINA COUNTY APPLICATION PERMIT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION/ALTERATION OF AN ON-SITE SEWER SYSTEM Payable at the time of application. Permit expires twelve (12) months after date of issue  On-Site Sewer Permit Fee: $200  Tank Permit Fee: $20”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    The documented Pembina County floodplain-development permit process for the project recorded in the cited county/NDDOT permit application.

    • Approval is conditioned on receiving as-built elevation certifications.
    • If the development is not in conformance with applicable floodplain standards, the permit is denied.
    “The proposed development is in conformance with applicable floodplain standards. Permit is approved conditioned on receiving as-built elevation certifications.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Pembina County onsite sewer permits.

    • The application states the permit expires 12 months after issuance.
    • The listed fees are for onsite sewer and tank permits and do not establish fees for building, zoning, or other permits.

    on-site sewer permit fee: 200 USD · tank permit fee: 20 USD

    “On-Site Sewer Permit Fee: $200 Tank Permit Fee: $20”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Application process for construction or alteration of an onsite sewer system.

    • Submit the application and payment to Pembina County Public Health.
    • Provide property, legal-description, well, building, wastewater, and plot-plan information.
    • The plot plan must identify property boundaries, wells, streams or lakes within 100 feet, buildings, driveways and buried utilities, and floodplain area.
    • The form is an application and permit issuance follows approval.

    stream/lake plotting distance: 100 feet · permit expiration: 12 months (after date of issue)

    “Fill out completely and return to PCPH. *THIS IS NOT A PERMIT.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — North Dakota State Building Code; for county enforcement, including in Pembina County, only if the county elects to administer and enforce a building code.
      “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.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

    New manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes.

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

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

    “All new manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes must be installed by an installer licensed by the Division of Community Services and inspected by an inspector licensed by the Division of Community Services.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system anywhere in North Dakota

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Private water-supply wells statewide in North Dakota.

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

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

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

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

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

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

    • Agricultural purposes include agriculture, farming, ranching, dairying, pasturage, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry.
    • The exemption does not apply when the building is a place of human habitation or is for use by the public.
    • The exemption is from Chapter 54-21.3; other applicable state, local, zoning, floodplain, septic, or land-use requirements may still apply.
    • Buildings subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act must conform to the 2010 ADA standards notwithstanding the chapter exemption.
    “Any building used for agricultural purposes, unless a place of human habitation or for use by the public, is exempt from this chapter.”
    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.”
  • 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

    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 for residential buildings in unincorporated Pembina County.
  • Local zoning — Aggregate zoning across Pembina County municipalities and other local jurisdictions.
  • Zoning districts — Zoning districts in Pembina County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Pembina County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land.
3 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • 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 Pembina County, North Dakota

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

Pembina County scores 57/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,512 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (21.4″/yr rainfall).

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

Land in Pembina County runs about $3,915 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Pembina County?

Pembina County gets about 21.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.5% of years.

How remote is Pembina County?

A representative private-land location has about 1,512 people within a 30-minute drive and 178,497 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 Pembina compares in North Dakota

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