Bolthole Index

Pierce County, North Dakota

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

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

Unincorporated Pierce County, North Dakota has zoning and issues project-specific building permits, although the county has no building inspector or building official123. Start with the Pierce County Planning and Zoning Board before construction, and contact Lake Region District Health Unit for a septic permit before onsite-system work begins456.

At a glance

Building permit
County permits are issued for projects, but no separate countywide building-code permit was confirmed12
Building inspections
No county building inspector or official; state electrical and plumbing inspection is available3
Zoning
Yes in county jurisdiction; Rugby also has zoning, while Balta and Wolford do not7
Septic permit
Required from the local public health unit before work begins6
RV living
Not confirmed for private land; ask county Planning and Zoning before relying on it4
Tiny home
No county occupancy rule or minimum dwelling size was confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning4
Private well
A state water permit applies above the annual withdrawal threshold8

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Pierce County Planning and Zoning Board

County zoning questions, zoning applications and the county building-permit process

(701)776-5868

[email protected]

240 2nd St SE, Suite 9, Rugby, North Dakota 58368

Septic permits

Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health

Licenses and permits new onsite sewage treatment systems and repairs in Pierce County

(701) 662-7040

[email protected]

524 4th Ave NE #9, Devils Lake, ND 58301

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Pierce County issues building permits, and each permit's cost depends on the project2. Pierce County zoning regulations establish development-permit processes, but we could not confirm a separate countywide building-code permit1. Pierce County also has no building inspector or building official; electrical and plumbing inspection is available through the state, but that fact alone does not establish a general county inspection requirement3. The practical first stop for construction in unincorporated Pierce County is therefore the Planning and Zoning Board at (701)776-5868, which publishes the county zoning application and meets monthly4. Agricultural buildings used for qualifying agricultural purposes are exempt from the state Building Code chapter unless they are used as a home or by the public, but that state exemption does not erase county zoning or other applicable requirements9.

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

The Pierce County Planning and Zoning Board is the contact for county zoning questions, zoning applications and the county building-permit process4. Its office is at 240 2nd St SE, Suite 9, Rugby, North Dakota 58368; call (701)776-5868 or email [email protected]4. The board meets on the third Thursday of each month, which matters if a project needs board action rather than routine administrative review4. Pierce County does not maintain a building inspector or building official, so do not expect this office to provide the same inspection program found in a city building department3. North Dakota Community Services maintains the state building-code framework but does not enforce it; enforcement belongs to jurisdictions that elect to administer a code10. Ask Planning and Zoning which county approval applies to the parcel and project, then ask which state electrical or plumbing inspection contacts are needed34.

Does Pierce County have zoning?

Yes. Pierce County has a zoning ordinance for land under county jurisdiction outside incorporated municipal jurisdictions11. Local coverage is not identical everywhere: Pierce County and Rugby have zoning ordinances, Balta and Wolford do not, and all county townships have relinquished zoning and ordinances to the county7. The county publishes Planning and Zoning Regulations, updated zoning regulations, and a zoning application in its document library12. Confirm the exact district before choosing a house location or use because no countywide minimum lot size, dwelling size, setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit was confirmed. The same caution applies to an accessory dwelling, a tiny home, or long-term RV occupancy: ask the Planning and Zoning Board how the current ordinance treats the specific parcel and proposed use4. Pierce County itself has no subdivision ordinance, while Rugby has subdivision ordinances, so city and county processes should not be treated as interchangeable13.

How do septic permits work in Pierce County?

Lake Region District Health Unit licenses and permits new onsite sewage treatment systems and repairs in Pierce County, including septic tanks, drain fields, cesspools and holding tanks14. North Dakota also requires the installer to hold a state license and secure the local public-health permit before beginning work156. Contact Environmental Health at (701) 662-7040 or [email protected]; its main office is at 524 4th Ave NE #9, Devils Lake, ND 5830114. Site conditions deserve attention before purchase: about 45.1% of Pierce County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, meaning the majority are rated severely limited under that soil measure16. A permit is confirmed, but a mandatory county inspection schedule was not; ask Environmental Health what soil evaluation, design documents and inspections it will require for the proposed site14.

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

We could not confirm a Pierce County rule that allows long-term RV living or temporary camping on private land. Ask the Pierce County Planning and Zoning Board how the parcel's district treats RV occupancy before buying land or arranging utilities4. The North Dakota rule limiting stays at state-park campsites does not answer whether someone may live in an RV on private property17. We also could not confirm a Pierce County tiny-home occupancy rule, minimum dwelling size or owner-builder exemption, so a small footprint should not be treated as an automatic exemption from zoning or permits. A new manufactured home follows a clearer statewide installation path: it must be installed by a state-licensed installer and inspected by a state-licensed inspector18. A tiny home built on site, a manufactured home and an RV are different categories; describe the exact unit, foundation, utility plan and intended occupancy when contacting Planning and Zoning4.

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

  1. Call Pierce County Planning and Zoning at (701)776-5868 to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, allowed residential use and required application4.
  2. Ask for the project-specific building-permit fee and whether the proposal needs administrative approval, a variance or conditional-use action21.
  3. Contact Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health at (701) 662-7040 for the onsite sewage permit before septic work begins146.
  4. Arrange the applicable state electrical and plumbing inspections because Pierce County has no building inspector or building official3.
  5. If the driveway enters a North Dakota state highway right-of-way, obtain NDDOT approval and follow the state driveway permit before treating the approach as complete19.
  6. For a private well, contact the Department of Water Resources if planned annual use crosses the state permitting threshold8.
  7. Before occupancy, ask Planning and Zoning whether any final county sign-off or certificate is required because a certificate-of-occupancy rule was not confirmed4.

What should you check before buying land in Pierce County, North Dakota?

Start with zoning and septic feasibility, not just acreage. Pierce County zoning applies in county jurisdiction, while local treatment differs in Rugby, Balta and Wolford7. Only about 45.1% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain Environmental Health's site-specific requirements before assuming a standard system will work1614. Most terrain is gentle, with about 98.6% of land at a slope of 15% or less, but that does not replace a soil or drainage review20. Federal land accounts for about 43.1% of Pierce County, so verify ownership, legal access and boundaries around any parcel near public land21. A driveway onto a state highway needs the state access process19. For budgeting context, the effective property-tax rate is about 1%, the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,477, and farmland has recently valued around $1,765 per acre222324.

Watch-outs

  • Pierce County issues project-specific building permits but has no building inspector or building official; ask Planning and Zoning which approval and state trade inspections apply234.
  • A septic permit must come from the local public health unit before work begins, while installer licensing is handled separately by North Dakota1514.
  • We could not confirm private-land RV occupancy, a tiny-home rule, numeric setbacks or a minimum dwelling size; take the exact parcel and proposal to Planning and Zoning4.

Sources

  1. Pierce County Planning & Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. 2024 Pierce County, North Dakota Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, quoted and re-checked
  3. 2024 Pierce County, North Dakota Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, quoted and re-checked
  4. Pierce County Planning and Zoning Board (piercecountynd.gov)
  5. Lake Region District Health Unit — Environmental Health (2026 county census)
  6. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  7. 2024 Pierce County, North Dakota Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, quoted and re-checked
  8. Private Well Owner's Guide: Well Installation, quoted and re-checked
  9. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Building Codes (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. 2024 Pierce County, North Dakota Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, quoted and re-checked
  12. Browse Downloads, quoted and re-checked
  13. 2024 Pierce County, North Dakota Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan, quoted and re-checked
  14. Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health (lrdhu.com)
  15. Septic Systems, quoted and re-checked
  16. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  17. Parks and Recreation FAQ (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. SFN 5918 Driveway Application & Permit, quoted and re-checked
  20. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Federal land share: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data

Written September 28, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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County locator

Pierce County in North Dakota

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

How Pierce County scores

Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1492% ev.
Admin Boringness5590% ev.
Durability50100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8196% ev.

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

$143kTypical home
1%Property tax
$1,765Land / acre
18.5"Annual rain
9.1% of yrsSevere drought
4.2 / yr (+3.6)Mid-century 100°F days
18.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.26" (+3.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.59×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,747Home insurance / yr
5.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.71%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
127,153People within 2 hr
3,514Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.8People / sq mi
43.1%Federal land
98.6%Land at 15% slope or less
45.1%Septic soil without severe limits
281,530 acWorkable land screen
0.9%Wooded land
39.1°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Pierce County

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

Pierce County rules

  • InspectionsLimited

    Building inspection services in Pierce County.

    • Pierce County has no building inspector or official.
    • Electrical and plumbing inspection is available through the state.
    • The source does not establish a general county building inspection requirement.
    “Pierce County does not have a building inspector or official. Electrical and plumbing inspection is available through the state.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Pierce County zoning outside incorporated municipal jurisdictions.

    • The county plan states that Pierce County has a zoning ordinance.
    “Pierce County and the city of Rugby have zoning ordinances. The cities of Balta and Wolford do not have zoning ordinances.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of municipal and county zoning across Pierce County; this does not mean the county administers every municipal ordinance.

    • Pierce County and Rugby have zoning ordinances.
    • Balta and Wolford do not have zoning ordinances.
    • All townships in Pierce County have relinquished zoning and ordinances to the county.
    “Pierce County and the city of Rugby have zoning ordinances. The cities of Balta and Wolford do not have zoning ordinances. [...] All townships in Pierce County have relinquished zoning and ordinances to the county.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Publication of Pierce County planning and zoning regulation materials.

    • The county document library lists Planning & Zoning Regulations, Zoning Regulations 3/7/2023, and a Zoning Application.
    • The accessible page does not reproduce district boundaries or dimensional tables.
    “Planning & Zoning Regulations [...] Zoning Regulations 3/7/2023 [...] Planning and Zoning Regulations 3/7/2023 [...] Zoning Application”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems in Pierce County.

    • North Dakota DEQ licenses installers.
    • A local public health unit issues the 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.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New onsite wastewater treatment systems in Pierce County.

    • A permit from the local public health unit must be obtained before beginning work.
    • Installer licensing is separately administered by North Dakota DEQ.
    “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.”
  • Subdividing landNot regulated

    County subdivision ordinance coverage in Pierce County, distinct from municipal subdivision rules.

    • The official county plan states that Rugby has subdivision ordinances.
    • The statement does not address other state or municipal subdivision requirements.
    “Pierce County and the cities of Balta and Wolford do not have a subdivision ordinance. The city of Rugby has subdivision ordinances.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Pierce County building permits.

    • The fee is project-specific.
    “Pierce County and the city of Rugby issue building permits. The cost of each permit is project-specific.”
  • Building permitLimited

    Pierce County is a zoned county whose Title 18A development regulations establish permit processes (administrative/conditional use, etc.) for construction within zoning districts; no separate countywide building-code permit was confirmed.

    Pierce County Planning & Zoning ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

    New manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes.

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

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

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

    Private water-supply wells statewide in North Dakota.

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

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

    “Domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational water use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,137 gallons or 96,979 barrels) per year.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Water wells serving property in Pierce County where the well draws more than 12.5 acre-feet annually.
      “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.”
  • 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.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveways connecting to North Dakota state highway rights-of-way, including applicable locations in Pierce County.

    • NDDOT approval is required before a driveway is considered complete.
    • The landowner bears construction and maintenance costs, except the state maintains the roadway shoulder.
    • Wetland impacts require coordination with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and any required permit or mitigation.
    “DRIVEWAY APPLICATION & PERMIT [...] Driveway Information on State Highway Right of Way [...] The Landowner agrees to install the drive approach in accordance with this permit and attachments hereto and made a part hereof.”
  • 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

    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 county or state construction requirements.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements in Pierce County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Pierce County zoning districts.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size requirements in Pierce County zoning districts.
  • Setbacks — Setback requirements in Pierce County zoning districts.
9 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Septic inspection
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Mandatory utility hookup

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 Pierce County, North Dakota

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

Pierce County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 3,514 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.5″/yr rainfall).

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

Pierce County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Lake Region District Health Unit. 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 Pierce County, North Dakota?

Land in Pierce County runs about $1,765 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Pierce County?

Pierce County gets about 18.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.1% of years.

How remote is Pierce County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,514 people within 15 miles and 225,099 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Pierce compares in North Dakota

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