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 issues project-specific building permits and has county zoning; we could not confirm which construction types require a county building permit1,2. Pierce County has adopted state building codes but has no building inspector or official1. Inside Rugby, the city issues building permits3. Septic permits throughout Pierce County come from Lake Region District Health Unit4.

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

Unincorporated Pierce County issues building permits with project-specific fees.

Unincorporated Pierce County issues building permits with project-specific fees1. Inside Rugby, a city building permit is required to erect, move, add to or structurally alter a building or other structure3. Septic permits remain with Lake Region District Health Unit inside and outside city limits4. The county and its incorporated jurisdictions have adopted the state building codes, which cover new and future development1. We could not confirm which construction types need a building permit2. State Community Services does not enforce the State Building Code; enforcement belongs to the jurisdictions that adopt it7. Pierce County has no building inspector or building official, and we could not confirm a general county building-inspection requirement; state electrical and plumbing inspection is available1. Call the Planning and Zoning Board at (701)776-5868 before construction to identify the county approval and application required for the parcel2. Qualifying agricultural buildings are exempt from the state Building Code chapter unless used as a home or by the public, but county zoning and other applicable requirements can still apply8.

Who issues building permits and zoning approval in Pierce County, 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 process.

The Pierce County Planning and Zoning Board is the contact for county zoning questions, zoning applications and the county building-permit process2. Its office is at 240 2nd St SE, Suite 9, Rugby, North Dakota 58368; call (701)776-5868 or email kharmel@nd.gov2. The board meets on the third Thursday of each month, which matters if a project needs board action2. Pierce County does not maintain a building inspector or building official, so do not expect the board to provide the inspection program found in a city building department1. Ask Planning and Zoning which project permit or zoning approval applies and which state electrical or plumbing inspections are needed1,2. Inside Rugby, the city building official issues building permits3. Septic permits stay with Lake Region District Health Unit everywhere in Pierce County4.

Does Pierce County have zoning?

Unincorporated Pierce County has county-level zoning, a zoning administrator and a Planning and Zoning Board.

Unincorporated Pierce County has county-level zoning, a zoning administrator and a Planning and Zoning Board1. All townships in Pierce County have relinquished zoning and ordinances to the county; Balta and Wolford have no zoning ordinances1. The county publishes Planning and Zoning Regulations, updated zoning regulations and a zoning application9. Confirm the parcel's district before choosing a house location or use because we could not confirm countywide minimum lot size, dwelling size, setback, lot-coverage or building-height figures2. Ask the Planning and Zoning Board how the current ordinance treats an accessory dwelling, tiny home or long-term RV occupancy on the specific parcel2. Pierce County has no county subdivision ordinance, though the city of Rugby does, so a split inside Rugby follows city rules1.

How do septic permits work in Pierce County?

Septic oversight is split: North Dakota licenses onsite-system installers, while Lake Region District Health Unit issues the local permit for Pierce County.

Septic oversight is split: North Dakota licenses onsite-system installers, while Lake Region District Health Unit issues the local permit for Pierce County4,5. The local public-health permit is required before work begins on a new system or repair4,5. Contact Environmental Health at (701) 662-7040 or crberg@nd.gov; its main office is at 524 4th Ave NE #9, Devils Lake, ND 583014. About 45.1% of Pierce County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain site-specific requirements before assuming a standard system will work10. Lake Region District Health Unit provides inspection of existing permitted systems upon request; ask what site evaluation, design documents and inspections the proposed work will require4.

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.

We could not confirm a Pierce County rule that allows long-term RV living or temporary camping on private land2. Ask the Pierce County Planning and Zoning Board how the parcel's district treats RV occupancy before buying land or arranging utilities2. 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 approval or building permits2. 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 inspector11. 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 Zoning2.

How do you build a home in Pierce County, step by step?

Call Pierce County Planning and Zoning at (701)776-5868 to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, allowed residential use and required application.

  1. Call Pierce County Planning and Zoning at (701)776-5868 to confirm the parcel's jurisdiction, zoning district, allowed residential use and required application2.
  2. Ask for the project-specific building-permit fee and whether the proposal needs administrative approval, a variance or conditional-use action1,2.
  3. If the site is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, obtain a floodplain development permit from the local Floodplain Administrator before work begins12.
  4. Contact Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health at (701) 662-7040 for the onsite sewage permit before septic work begins4,5.
  5. Arrange applicable state electrical and plumbing inspections because Pierce County has no building inspector or building official1.
  6. If the driveway enters a North Dakota state highway right-of-way, obtain NDDOT approval and follow the state driveway permit13.
  7. For a private well, contact the Department of Water Resources if planned annual use crosses the state permitting threshold6.
  8. Before occupancy, ask Planning and Zoning whether any final county sign-off or certificate is required because we could not confirm a certificate-of-occupancy rule2.

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

Unincorporated Pierce County has county-level zoning, and all townships have relinquished zoning authority to the county.

Unincorporated Pierce County has county-level zoning, and all townships have relinquished zoning authority to the county1. Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a local floodplain development permit before work begins12. 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 work4,10. 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 review10. Pierce County has no county subdivision ordinance, so a split outside Rugby is not covered by one, though the zoning ordinance may still apply, so ask Planning and Zoning1,2. A driveway onto a state highway needs the state access process13. 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 acre10.

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 apply1,2.
  • Lake Region District Health Unit requires a permit before new septic work or repairs, while North Dakota licenses installers5.
  • Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a permit from the local Floodplain Administrator before work begins12.
  • 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 Zoning2.

Sources

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

  1. 2024 Pierce County, North Dakota Multi-Jurisdictional Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
  2. Pierce County Planning and Zoning Board (piercecountynd.gov)
  3. Rugby: Building permits required (Pierce County)
  4. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
  5. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
  6. Private Well Owner’s Guide: Well Installation
  7. Building Codes (North Dakota statewide rule)
  8. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule)
  9. piercecountynd.gov
  10. 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
  11. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule)
  12. Floodplain Management
  13. SFN 5918 Driveway Application & Permit

Written October 11, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

RulePierce CountyBenson CountyMcHenry CountyRolette CountyTowner CountySheridan CountyWells County
Building permitLimitedLimitedLimitedNot requiredLimitedRequiredLimited
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsLake Region District Health UnitLake Region District Health UnitFDHUCounty Public Health DistrictLake Region District Health UnitFirst District Health UnitCounty Public Health District

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

45 / 100 · #39 of 53 in North Dakota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

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%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
281,530 acWorkable land screen
0.9%Wooded land
39.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Pierce 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: Alexanter Township · Antelope Lake Township · Balta Township · Elling Township · Elverum Township · Hagel Township · Jefferson Township · Meyer Township · Ness Township · Reno Valley Township · Rush Lake Township · Torgerson Township · Truman Township · Tuscarora Township · White Township · Wolford

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

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code adoption covering new and future development in Pierce County.

    • The county mitigation plan states that Pierce County and incorporated jurisdictions adopted the state building codes.
    • The same plan states that no incorporated jurisdictions in Pierce County have building-code enforcement.
    • The plan separately states that Pierce County does not have a building inspector or official and that electrical and plumbing inspection is available through the state.
    • North Dakota law requires a city, county, or township that elects to adopt and enforce building codes to adopt and enforce the State Building Code, subject to local amendments.
    “Pierce County and incorporated jurisdictions have adopted the state building codes, which cover new and future development in the county.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Pierce County zoning jurisdiction.

    • The county mitigation plan identifies Pierce County zoning, a county zoning administrator, and a county planning and zoning board.
    “Pierce County has a zoning administrator. [...] Pierce County has a planning and zoning board.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present — County-level zoning in Pierce County, including administration by the county Planning and Zoning Board.
      “Planning & Zoning board meets the third (3rd) Thursday of every month.”
  • 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 sewage treatment systems in Pierce County served by Lake Region District Health Unit.

    • The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality licenses installers.
    • The local public health unit issues the onsite-system permit.
    • Lake Region District Health Unit serves Pierce County and other counties.
    “Environmental Health is responsible for health and safety education to enforce state public health laws, LRDHU regulations, and local ordinances in Benson, Cavalier, Eddy, Pierce, Ramsey, Rolette, and Towner counties. [...] LRDHU licenses and permits all new onsite sewage treatment systems (OSTS) and/or repairs to existing OSTS”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New onsite sewage treatment systems and repairs to existing systems in Pierce County served by Lake Region District Health Unit.

    • A permit from the local public health unit is required before beginning system work.
    • The requirement applies to septic tanks, drain fields, cesspools, and holding tanks.
    “LRDHU licenses and permits all new onsite sewage treatment systems (OSTS) and/or repairs to existing OSTS which include: septic tanks, drain fields, cesspools, and/or holding tanks.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Existing permitted onsite sewage treatment systems in Pierce County.

    • Inspection of existing permitted systems is provided upon request.
    • The source does not state that every existing system receives a mandatory routine inspection.
    “Additionally, provides inspection of existing permitted systems upon request.”
  • 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.”

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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private water wells serving property in Pierce County.
      “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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Driveways connecting to North Dakota state highway rights-of-way, including applicable locations in Pierce County.
      “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

    Development within a Special Flood Hazard Area in an NFIP-participating North Dakota community, including Pierce County if the project is within such an area.

    • A floodplain development permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before work begins in the SFHA.
    • The permit should be the last permit issued for the project.
    • The North Dakota Department of Water Resources must review development within the regulatory floodway before a permit is issued.
    • Structures substantially damaged or improved by more than 50 percent must fully comply with applicable floodplain regulations.

    substantial improvement or damage threshold: > 50 percent (Structures substantially damaged or improved by more than 50 percent must fully comply)

    “Each NFIP participating community is responsible for managing floodplain development in compliance with state and federal laws. NFIP communities appoint a Floodplain Administrator to fulfill this function. The Floodplain Administrator is the local resource for any floodplain management questions. A floodplain development permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before beginning any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or modification of North Dakota water-control structures regulated by the Department of Water Resources.
      “A construction permit is required from the DWR if a water control structure is constructed or modified”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Transient lodging rentals held out to the public for a charge in North Dakota.

    • A lodging license applies to buildings or structures held out to the public where sleeping accommodations are furnished to transient guests for a charge.
    • The lodging license does not apply to a single structure with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
    • The lodging license also does not apply to a series or group of buildings or structures containing five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.
    • License applications must be submitted at least 30 days before beginning construction or acquiring new ownership; new construction, renovation, or remodeling also requires the Section 3 Plan Review Checklist; after payment, review may take up to 30 calendar days.

    guest-room exemption threshold: <= 5 guest rooms or fewer (Only when total occupants are ten or fewer.) · occupant exemption threshold: <= 10 occupants or fewer (Only when the structure has five or fewer guest rooms.)

    “The lodging license does not apply to: Single structures with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer total occupants.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Administration and enforcement of the North Dakota State Building Code by eligible city, township, and county jurisdictions.

    • A city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the state building code.
    • Local jurisdictions may amend the state building code to conform to local needs.
    • A city or township may enforce only within its jurisdictional area; a county may enforce in areas where the state building code is not administered by a city or township.
    “Community Services is not involved in the enforcement of the State Building Code. This is the responsibility of jurisdictions that elect to adopt and enforce building codes.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Establishment, operation, modification, or enlargement of recreational vehicle parks and campgrounds in North Dakota.

    • A Department of Health and Human Services license is required before a person establishes, maintains, changes use, mixes use, or enlarges a recreational vehicle park or campground.
    • The written license application must be on department forms, be accompanied by the required fee, identify the physical address and type of proposed facility, include local-official approval of compliance with applicable local zoning laws, ordinances, or regulations, and state the proposed water supply, sewerage method, and garbage-disposal method.
    • For new construction or alteration or enlargement, a complete scaled plan and specifications must be submitted to the department for approval.
    • A tent, recreational vehicle, or attachment must be at least ten feet from another tent, recreational vehicle, or part thereof; its location may not create a hazard or restrict emergency services.
    • State- or political-subdivision-owned parks and campgrounds receive a waiver of the department license and inspection requirement under N.D.C.C. 23-10-03(4).
    • Counties may separately regulate the use, condition of use, or occupancy of land under N.D.C.C. ch. 11-33; local zoning compliance is an express component of the state license application.

    minimum separation between tents, recreational vehicles, or attachments: >= 10 feet (Must not create a hazard or restrict emergency vehicles and personnel from performing necessary services.) · annual license fee for 3-10 lots: 110 USD · annual license fee for 11-25 lots: 160 USD · annual license fee for 26-50 lots: 210 USD · annual license fee for 51-100 lots: 265 USD · annual license fee for 101-150 lots: 325 USD · annual license fee for 151-200 lots: 385 USD · annual license fee for 201-250 lots: 445 USD · annual license fee for more than 250 lots: 505 USD · initial-license administration fee: 100 USD (In addition to the annual license fee and, if a plan review application is required, 50 percent of the annual license fee.) · reinspection fee: per 100 USD (For each reinspection required due to failure to correct repeat violations and each subsequent reinspection due to a notice of violation.)

    “A person may not establish [...] a recreational vehicle park, or campground in this state without first obtaining a license from the department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    North Dakota counties adopting zoning regulations for land and buildings within the county, including unincorporated areas.

    • The authority is exercised by the board of county commissioners.
    • Regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
    • The authority covers the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.
    • County zoning regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    • A county may divide all or any parts of the county into districts, and regulations must be uniform within each district but may differ between districts.
    • County zoning regulations must account for the statutory limitations governing farming, ranching, and animal feeding operations in section 11-33-02.1.
    • The board must state the grounds for approving or disapproving zoning amendments or variances, and written findings must be included in the records.
    • The board must establish zoning requirements for solid waste disposal and incineration facilities before July 1, 1994.
    • The board may impose tipping or other fees on solid waste management and incineration facilities, but may not impose a fee under this section on an energy conversion facility or coal mining operation that disposes of its waste onsite.
    • The board may establish institutional controls addressing environmental concerns with the department of environmental quality under section 23.1-10-16.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county, subject to chapter 54-21.3, the location and the use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — North Dakota county boards of commissioners adopting zoning regulations, including regulation of unincorporated county land.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    County authority to administer and enforce the state building code, including the residential code, and to provide for building permits for buildings or structures subject to county zoning in unincorporated areas of North Dakota.

    • A county that elects to administer and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the state building code; it may amend that code to conform to local needs.
    • A county may administer and enforce the state building code only in areas where a city or township does not administer it. A city or township may relinquish that authority to its county under N.D.C.C. § 54-40.5-03; local governments may also agree to joint administration and enforcement or contract for private enforcement.
    • County permit authority under N.D.C.C. § 11-33-18 applies to a building or structure otherwise subject to the County Zoning chapter.
    • If the county provides for permits, it must require the applicant to state whether the structure is reasonably anticipated to have a significant transportation-system impact. A structure has such impact if it will average at least twenty-five motor vehicles per day during one year with gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].
    • For a structure with significant transportation-system impact, the county must notify the director of the department of transportation and allow an opportunity to comment; director approval is not required.
    • The county may establish and collect reasonable permit fees, which must be credited to the county general fund.
    • A county-adopted building code may not require fire sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or a residential building containing no more than two dwelling units.

    significant transportation-system impact threshold: >= 25 motor vehicles per day (Over a period of one year; vehicles must have gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].) · fire-sprinkler requirement: false (A county building code may not require sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or residential building with no more than two dwelling units.)

    “The governing body of a city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code shall adopt and enforce the state building code. However, the state building code may be amended by cities, townships, and counties to conform to local needs.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificates of occupancy in Pierce County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size under Pierce County zoning.
  • Living in an RV — RV occupancy on private land in Pierce County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Pierce County.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Pierce County, including unincorporated areas.
1 more unanswered
  • 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 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).

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.

How Pierce compares in North Dakota

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