Bolthole Index

Ramsey County, North Dakota

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

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

Ramsey County, North Dakota does not administer a countywide building-permit program, but county zoning and development permits can apply in townships without their own zoning or those that transferred authority to the county1,2. Cities, such as Devils Lake for building permits, and other townships administer their own zoning and building rules1,3. Septic permits for any address in the county, city or not, come from Lake Region District Health Unit4.

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

Ramsey County does not administer one countywide building-permit program, so first identify whether the parcel is governed by a city, township or the county.

Ramsey County does not administer one countywide building-permit program, so first identify whether the parcel is governed by a city, township or the county1. We could not confirm whether Ramsey County currently adopts and enforces the state building code in county-governed areas; North Dakota requires a city, township or county that elects to enforce building codes to use the State Building Code6. Devils Lake administers building permits and inspections inside the city3. County zoning approvals are separate from a general building permit: a listed conditional use requires an owner-signed application, site plan, hearing and county review where the county ordinance applies2. Certified modular buildings also require local installation approval, inspection and a certificate of occupancy where a local enforcement agency has jurisdiction7. North Dakota lets an owner do plumbing work on the home the owner occupies if it meets state plumbing standards, but this is plumbing-specific and a local ordinance may forbid it8.

Who handles zoning and permits in Ramsey County, and how do you reach them?

Ramsey County Planning & Zoning is the county contact where the county zoning ordinance applies.

Ramsey County Planning & Zoning is the county contact where the county zoning ordinance applies1. In other areas, contact the city or township governing the parcel because local administration varies across Ramsey County1. Devils Lake administers building permits and inspections inside the city3. For septic work, contact Lake Region District Health Unit Environmental Health at 524 4th Ave NE #9, Devils Lake, ND 58301, (701) 662-70404. The district permits new onsite systems and repairs, and it offers inspection of existing permitted systems upon request4. Water wells drawing above the state threshold need a North Dakota Department of Water Resources permit5.

Does Ramsey County have zoning?

The county's own Planning & Zoning page says planning and zoning regulations are implemented by individual cities and townships, so contact local officials for a parcel.

The county's own Planning & Zoning page says planning and zoning regulations are implemented by individual cities and townships, so contact local officials for a parcel1. Ramsey County zoning applies in townships without their own zoning and in townships that transferred authority to the county; cities and other townships administer their own rules1,2. In county-zoned AG-P land, a non-farm home generally needs 40 acres unless it is on an existing farmstead or recorded lot2. R-R lots require 2.5 acres with septic or 1 acre with public sewer; maximum primary-building coverage is 10% with septic or 25% with sewer2. RS-R lots require 1 acre with septic or 21,780 square feet with sewer; maximum primary-building coverage is 25% with septic or 30% with sewer2. In both districts, primary buildings may be up to 35 feet high and accessory buildings up to 20 feet high2. In R-R, the front setback is 100 feet from the road centerline or 50 feet from the right-of-way or recorded property line, whichever is greater2.

How do septic permits work in Ramsey County?

Lake Region District Health Unit, not the city or township, requires a permit for every new onsite sewage treatment system and every repair in Ramsey County.

Lake Region District Health Unit, not the city or township, requires a permit for every new onsite sewage treatment system and every repair in Ramsey County4. Before work begins, the installer must hold the no-cost state license, obtain the local permit and follow local codes9. If public sewer is available within 200 feet of the property line, the district must refuse an individual-system permit unless the municipality denies hookup in writing10. Cesspools may not be installed or used; an active or abandoned cesspool must be pumped and removed or filled10. Existing permitted systems can be inspected on request4. Only about 9% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility an early purchase contingency11.

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

We could not confirm one countywide rule for living in an RV or tiny home on private land; ask the city, township or Ramsey County Planning & Zoning office governing the parcel.

We could not confirm one countywide rule for living in an RV or tiny home on private land; ask the city, township or Ramsey County Planning & Zoning office governing the parcel1. Do not use North Dakota's state-park camping limit as a private-land rule because it applies only to state-park campsites and cabins12. A new manufactured home installed for residential use must be placed by a state-licensed installer and inspected by a state-licensed inspector13. A certified modular building needs a local installation permit, site-work inspection and certificate of occupancy where a local enforcement agency has jurisdiction7. Where the county zoning ordinance applies, a recreational vehicle may be parked on a residential street but may not be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping2. In the county Floodplain Overlay District, even a temporary camper trailer requires Floodplain Administrator approval2.

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

Identify whether the city, township or Ramsey County governs zoning for the parcel.

  1. Identify whether the city, township or Ramsey County governs zoning for the parcel1.
  2. If county zoning applies, identify the district and confirm lot size, coverage, height and setbacks before designing the site2.
  3. Check the flood map early; development or dwelling placement in the county Floodplain Overlay District requires a Floodplain Administrator permit before work begins2.
  4. Ask Lake Region District Health Unit whether public sewer availability prevents an onsite-system permit, then obtain the septic permit before installation or repair4,10.
  5. Apply for a state water permit if the well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet a year5.
  6. Confirm building-code enforcement and any construction permit with the governing jurisdiction; countywide adoption remains unconfirmed6.
  7. If the use is conditional, file the county application and site plan in time for the required hearing and review2.

What to check before you buy land in Ramsey County

Confirm the governing jurisdiction and zoning district before judging buildable area, permitted use or access.

Confirm the governing jurisdiction and zoning district before judging buildable area, permitted use or access2. Check flood status because construction, development or dwelling placement in the county Floodplain Overlay District needs a permit, supporting elevation information and agency review2. Only about 9% of Ramsey County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, and public sewer availability within 200 feet can block an onsite-system permit unless hookup is denied in writing10,11. Verify the well's expected annual withdrawal because a state permit is required above 12.5 acre-feet5. About 34% of Ramsey County is federal land, so verify boundaries and legal access11. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, and the median annual bill is about $1,84711.

Watch-outs

  • Ramsey County's countywide building-code adoption, inspection and certificate-of-occupancy requirements could not be confirmed; ask the governing city, township or county office, and do not assume Devils Lake's rules apply outside the city3,6.
  • RV, tiny-home and accessory-dwelling occupancy rules were not confirmed countywide; ask whichever government zones the parcel before placing one1.
  • A county-zoned floodplain parcel needs Floodplain Administrator approval before new construction, fill, excavation, fencing or even placement of certain temporary structures2.

Sources

13 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

  1. Ramsey County, ND — Planning & Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. Ramsey County Zoning Ordinance
  3. Building Codes
  4. Environmental Health | Lake Region District
  5. Private Well Owner’s Guide: Well Installation
  6. Building Codes | Commerce | North Dakota (North Dakota statewide rule)
  7. commerce.nd.gov
  8. ndplumbingboard.gov
  9. Septic Systems | North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality
  10. On-site Sewage Treatment System Regulations
  11. 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
  12. North Dakota Administrative Code, Chapter 58-02-08, State Park Rules (North Dakota statewide rule)
  13. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule)

Written October 9, 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 all 6 of its neighbors, Ramsey County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleRamsey CountyTowner CountyNelson CountyBenson CountyEddy CountyCavalier CountyWalsh County
Building permitNot requiredLimitedLimitedLimitedRequiredLimitedRequired
County zoningNoYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsLRDHULake Region District Health UnitNelson/Griggs District Health UnitLake Region District Health UnitND Dept. of Env. QualityLRDHUCounty Health District

County locator

Ramsey County in North Dakota

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

How Ramsey County scores

57 / 100 · #7 of 53 in North Dakota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion87100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency2299% ev.
Admin Boringness6590% ev.
Durability56100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost7996% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$232kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$1,885Land / acre
20.1"Annual rain
7.9% of yrsSevere drought
2.1 / yr (+1.9)Mid-century 100°F days
18.4 daysMid-century dry spell
1.13" (+7.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.62×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,830Home insurance / yr
1.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.85%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
189People within 30 min
168,046People within 2 hr
2,068Radius comparison (15 mi)
9.7People / sq mi
33.9%Federal land
99.9%Land at 15% slope or less
9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
63,083 acWorkable land screen
1.2%Wooded land
32.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
38.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Ramsey 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: Bartlett Township · Brocket · Cato Township · Chain Lakes Township · Coulee Township · Creel Township · De Groat Township · Dry Lake Township · Edmore · Fancher Township · Freshwater Township · Grand Harbor Township · Hammer Township · Harding Township · Highland Center Township · Hope Township · Klingstrup Township · Lawton · Lawton Township · Lillehoff Township · Minnewaukan Township · Morris Township · Newbre Township · Newland Township · Noonan Township · North Creel Township · Northfield Township · Odessa Township · Ontario Township · Overland Township · Pelican Township · Poplar Grove Township · Prospect Township · Royal Township · South Minnewaukan Township · Starkweather · Stevens Township · Sullivan Township · Triumph Township · Webster Township

Answers from the rulebook for Ramsey County

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

Ramsey County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent (with conditions)

    A single countywide zoning regime covering all Ramsey County territory.

    • Ramsey County's official Planning & Zoning page states that planning and zoning regulations are implemented by individual cities and townships.
    • Local zoning may apply through municipalities or townships, and Ramsey County has a separate zoning ordinance document whose detailed applicability should be confirmed directly with the county.
    “Currently though, Planning and Zoning regulations are implemented by the individual cities and townships. Please contact your local officials for information.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — County zoning regulations in Ramsey County townships that have not adopted their own zoning regulations or that have formally relinquished zoning authority to Ramsey County.
      “The zoning regulations apply to all townships within Ramsey County that have not adopted zoning regulations pursuant to their authority under NDCC Section 58-03-11, and to all townships who formally relinquished their zoning authority to the County as allowed by NDCC Section 11-33-20. The zoning regulations do not apply within the corporate limits of any city, including their exercised legal extraterritorial areas, unless the city formally relinquished its zoning authority to the County as allowed by NDCC Section 11-33-20, or the city formally transfers its zoning authority to the County as allowed by NDCC Chapter 54-40.5. Any city or township who has previously relinquished or transferred its zoning authority to the County may reacquire that authority as allowed by NDCC Chapter 54-40.5.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Ramsey County, including county zoning in qualifying unincorporated township areas and zoning administered by individual cities and townships elsewhere.

    • Ramsey County's planning page states that planning and zoning regulations are implemented by individual cities and townships.
    • Ramsey County's ordinance applies to townships without adopted zoning or that relinquished authority to the County.
    • City corporate limits and exercised extraterritorial areas are excluded unless zoning authority was relinquished or transferred to the County.
    • Specific municipal and township ordinances were not individually researched in this run.
    “Currently though, Planning and Zoning regulations are implemented by the individual cities and townships. Please contact your local officials for information.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Local zoning across Ramsey County's municipalities and 36 organized townships, aggregated at county level.
      “Currently though, Planning and Zoning regulations are implemented by the individual cities and townships. Please contact your local officials for information.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts published in the Ramsey County Zoning Ordinance for land within the county's zoning and subdivision jurisdiction; local municipal or township rules may also apply where the county planning page says those jurisdictions implement planning and zoning regulations.

    • The ordinance identifies AG-P Agricultural Preservation, R-R Rural Residential, RS-R Rural Suburban Residential, HWY-C Highway Commercial, RS-C Rural Service Commercial, I Industrial, RF Recreational Facilities, and FO Floodplain Overlay districts.
    • The FO district is an overlay applied to existing zoning districts and applies to lands within the county's zoning and subdivision jurisdiction shown on the official Zoning Map.
    • The official county planning page states that planning and zoning regulations are implemented by individual cities and townships; this claim reports the districts published in the county ordinance and does not establish municipal or township district boundaries.
    ““AG-P” Agricultural Preservation District”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    AG-P Agricultural Preservation District in county-jurisdiction areas, excluding cities and townships that retain their own zoning authority.

    • Maximum density is one dwelling unit per 40 acres unless otherwise stated.
    • For non-agricultural residential uses, the minimum lot size is 40 acres unless located on an existing farmstead or recorded lot on file with the Ramsey County Recorder.
    • A lot less than 40 acres may be created for each farm or ranch active in production agriculture and one additional lot may be conveyed to each child of the landowner for a detached single-family dwelling.
    • Agricultural uses, public service uses, and non-agricultural uses have different table requirements.

    minimum lot size for non-agricultural residential use: >= 40 acres (Existing farmstead or recorded lot on file with the Ramsey County Recorder) · minimum lot area for public service uses: 1 acre · density: one dwelling unit per 40 acres (Unless otherwise stated)

    “For non-ag residential uses the minimum lot size shall be 40 acres unless it is located on an existing farmstead or recorded lot”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — R-R Rural Residential District in county-jurisdiction areas.
      “Lot Area Minimum (ft²) 2.5 Acres 1 Acre --”
    • District specific (with conditions) — RS-R Rural Suburban Residential District in county-jurisdiction areas.
      “Lot Area Minimum (ft²) 1 Acre 21,780 ft² --”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R-R Rural Residential District in county-jurisdiction areas.

    • Front setback is 100 feet from roadway centerline or 50 feet from the established right-of-way or recorded property line, whichever is greater.
    • Primary-structure and accessory-building setbacks differ.

    front setback for primary structure: 100 feet from roadway centerline or 50 feet from established right-of-way or recorded property line, whichever is greater · rear setback for primary structure with septic or public sewer: 50 feet · side setback for primary structure with septic: 25 feet · side setback for primary structure with public sewer: 15 feet · rear and side setback for accessory buildings: 10 feet · front setback for accessory buildings: 75 feet

    “Rear Setback Minimum (ft) 50 50 10 Side Setback Minimum (ft) 25 15 10”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    R-R Rural Residential District in county-jurisdiction areas.

    • Coverage differs by primary structure service type; accessory-building coverage is not specified in the table.

    maximum lot coverage for primary structure with septic: 10 percent · maximum lot coverage for primary structure with public sewer: 25 percent

    “Maximum Lot Coverage 10 % 25% -- Maximum Bldg. Height (ft) 35 35 20”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — RS-R Rural Suburban Residential District in county-jurisdiction areas.
      “Maximum Lot Coverage 25% 30% -- Maximum Bldg. Height (ft) 35 35 20”
  • Building heightSpecified

    R-R Rural Residential District in county-jurisdiction areas.

    • The table separately lists primary structures and accessory buildings.

    maximum height for primary structure: 35 feet · maximum height for accessory building: 20 feet

    “Maximum Lot Coverage 10 % 25% -- Maximum Bldg. Height (ft) 35 35 20”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — RS-R Rural Suburban Residential District in county-jurisdiction areas.
      “Maximum Lot Coverage 25% 30% -- Maximum Bldg. Height (ft) 35 35 20”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Recreational vehicles, including campers and motor homes, parked on residential streets in areas governed by the Ramsey County zoning ordinance.

    • The ordinance permits parking on a residential street but prohibits using the recreational vehicle for living, sleeping, or housekeeping purposes.
    • The zoning regulations apply to townships that have not adopted their own zoning regulations and to townships that relinquished zoning authority to the county.
    • The ordinance does not apply within city corporate limits or exercised extraterritorial areas unless the city relinquished or transferred zoning authority to the county.
    • Farming and ranching uses are specifically excluded from the ordinance.
    “Recreational vehicles such as campers and motor homes may be parked on a residential street, but at no time may be used for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater treatment system permitting for Ramsey County within the Lake Region District Health Unit service area

    • A permit from the local public health unit is required before work begins on an onsite wastewater system.
    • The Lake Region District Health Unit service area includes Ramsey County.
    • State installer licensing and applicable local codes also apply.
    “Lake Region District Health Unit (Benson, Eddy, Pierce and Ramsey counties) | 701.662.7035”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Local — Ramsey County, within the Lake Region District Health Unit service area.
      “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

    All new onsite sewage treatment systems and repairs to existing onsite sewage treatment systems in Ramsey County within the Lake Region District Health Unit service area.

    • The district page states that systems covered include septic tanks, drain fields, cesspools, and holding tanks.
    • North Dakota DEQ states that installers must also obtain a no-cost state installer license and secure a permit from the local public health unit before beginning work.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    • The DEQ page states that the state is currently drafting administrative rules to support implementation of its installer-licensing program.

    state installer license fee: 0 USD

    “permits all new onsite sewage treatment systems (OSTS) and/or repairs to existing OSTS”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Inspection of existing permitted onsite sewage treatment systems in Ramsey County within the Lake Region District Health Unit service area.

    • The official district page states that inspection of existing permitted systems is provided upon request.
    • The page does not state that installation inspections are mandatory for every permitted system.
    • No inspection fee or request deadline was stated on the page reviewed.
    “inspection of existing permitted systems upon request.”
  • Off-grid sanitationProhibited

    Cesspools in Ramsey County within the Lake Region District Health Unit jurisdiction.

    • When a cesspool is actively used or abandoned, it must be pumped out and then removed or filled with soil, sand, or gravel.
    • The requirement applies to all systems.
    “Cesspools shall not be installed and/or utilized”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Individual onsite sewage treatment system permit applications in Ramsey County within the Lake Region District Health Unit jurisdiction.

    • The adopting authority must refuse an individual sewage treatment system permit when a public sewer system is available within 200 feet of the property line unless the municipality denies hookup in a written document.
    • This is a condition governing approval of an onsite sewage treatment system, not a statement that every Ramsey County parcel has sewer service.
    • Municipal ordinances, codes, or laws that regulate and enforce in an equivalent or more restrictive manner may apply instead.

    public sewer proximity: <= 200 feet from property line (The permit-refusal condition does not apply if the municipality denies hookup in a written document.)

    “The adopting authority shall refuse to grant a permit for the construction of an individual sewage treatment system where a public sewer system is available within 200 feet of the property line, unless the municipality denies hookup in a written document.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Commercial farms or ranches active in production agriculture and/or livestock in the AG-P Agricultural Preservation District.

    • A lot less than 40 acres may be created for each qualifying farm or ranch.
    • One additional lot may be conveyed to each child of the landowner for a detached single-family dwelling.
    • All residential structures must comply with the county ordinance, North Dakota State Building Code, and Lake Region Health District.
    • For agricultural uses, there is no maximum lot coverage and no maximum building height.
    • The ordinance's applicability excludes farming or ranching use from the zoning ordinance itself, while the AG-P section separately states the commercial farm exemption.

    lot size allowed under commercial farm exemption: less than 40 acres (One lot per qualifying farm or ranch; one additional lot may be conveyed to each child for detached single-family dwellings) · maximum lot coverage for agricultural uses: none · maximum building height for agricultural uses: none

    “Commercial Farm Exemption. A lot less than 40 acres in size may be created for each farm or ranch active in production agriculture and/or livestock.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Properties in the Ramsey County HWY-C Highway Commercial District.

    • Access must be from US Highway 2 or a frontage road with direct access to the highway.
    • The access must be at least 30 feet wide.

    minimum access width: >= 30 feet

    “Access to HWY-C properties must be from US Highway 2 or a frontage road with direct access to highway and must be a minimum of thirty (30) feet in width.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Properties in the Ramsey County RS-C Rural Service Commercial District.
      “Access to RS-C properties must be from an improved roadway and must be a minimum of thirty (30) feet in width.”
    • Limited — Properties in the Ramsey County I Industrial District.
      “Access to industrial properties must be from public right-of-way and must be a minimum of twenty (20) feet in width.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction, development, or placement of a dwelling within Ramsey County's Floodplain Overlay District on lands within the county's zoning and subdivision jurisdiction.

    • The Floodplain Overlay District applies to all lands within Ramsey County's zoning and subdivision jurisdiction shown on the official Zoning Map.
    • The flood-hazard areas are those identified by FEMA's latest Flood Insurance Rate Map, dated June 20, 2001, and all subsequent revisions; the map is adopted by reference and filed in the Flood Plain Administrator's office at the Ramsey County Courthouse.
    • Before construction, development, or placement of any dwelling begins within the FO District, a permit must be obtained from the Ramsey County Floodplain Administrator.
    • The application must include the lowest-floor elevation including basement, the elevation to which a structure will be floodproofed, and certification by a registered professional engineer or architect that the methods and elevations are sufficient to protect each structure.
    • Permits are reviewed by the Floodplain Administrator, building official, and Lake Region Health District for compliance with county, state, and federal requirements.
    • The Floodplain Administrator may require additional information upon request.
    • Underlying permitted uses become conditional uses in the FO District.
    • No new structures, fences, fill, or excavations may be permitted without review and approval by the Floodplain Administrator, building official, and Lake Region Health District.
    • Temporary structures without a foundation or permanent affixation may be approved by the Floodplain Administrator, including recreational camper trailers and storage sheds on skids.
    • Uses legally existing in the floodplain when the ordinance was adopted may continue and are not classified as nonconforming uses, except dwellings with any floor below the established flood elevation as determined by the Floodplain Administrator.

    FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map date: June 20, 2001 (and all subsequent revisions thereto)

    “a permit shall be obtained from the Ramsey County Floodplain Administrator.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Conditional-use permit applications in townships subject to the Ramsey County Zoning Ordinance.

    • The application must be in writing and signed by the owner of the lot, tract of land, building, or structure.
    • The application consists of forms and information required by the county, must be filed with the county auditor, and must include the appropriate filing fee.
    • No dollar amount or county fee schedule was stated in the ordinance passage reviewed.

    conditional-use application filing fee: appropriate filing fee

    “An application for a conditional use permit shall be in writing and signed by the owner of the lot, tract of land, building or structure for which the permit is being requested. The application, which shall consist of forms and information required by the county and be filed with the county auditor with the appropriate filing fee.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Conditional-use permit process under the Ramsey County Zoning Ordinance for townships within Ramsey County that have not adopted zoning regulations or have relinquished or transferred zoning authority to the county; the ordinance does not generally apply within city corporate limits or exercised extraterritorial areas.

    • The zoning regulations apply to townships that have not adopted zoning regulations under NDCC Section 58-03-11 and to townships that formally relinquished zoning authority to the county under NDCC Section 11-33-20.
    • The regulations do not apply within city corporate limits or exercised extraterritorial areas unless the city relinquished or transferred zoning authority to the county under the cited statutes.
    • Farming and ranching land uses are specifically excluded from the ordinance.
    • Conditional uses must be specifically listed in the applicable district regulations and require additional requirements under Chapter 12.
    • A public hearing must be held at the planning and zoning commission before a conditional-use permit may be issued; requests are reviewed by the planning commission and zoning commission, and county commission action must occur at a properly advertised meeting required by state statute and listed as an agenda item.
    • The written application must be signed by the owner; the ordinance also requires the signature of the parcel owner or authorized legal agent.
    • The application must be filed with the county auditor with the appropriate filing fee and must include applicant contact information, legal description, acreage, existing land use, a detailed proposed-use description and mitigation steps, a site plan, existing zoning, and notification of property owners within 150 feet.
    • The planning and zoning commission considers a completed application at its next monthly meeting and must make a recommendation within 90 days of receipt.
    • The Board of County Commissioners must decide within 60 days after receiving the commission recommendation.
    • Conditions attach to the property; violations may result in continuation, amendment, or cessation of the permit, and the same review process applies.
    • The permit and county-approved conditions transfer with the property unless the approval conditions state otherwise.

    neighbor notification distance: 150 feet · planning and zoning commission recommendation deadline: 90 days (from receipt of a completed application) · county commission decision deadline: 60 days (after receipt of the planning and zoning commission recommendation)

    “The Board of County Commissioners shall approve the establishment of a conditional use”

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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Certified industrialized or modular buildings and certified building components installed in Ramsey County, where a local enforcement agency has jurisdiction.
      “Local enforcement agencies shall issue building permits [...] prior to installation”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — An owner performing plumbing work on premises, or part of premises, owned and actually occupied by that person as a residence.
      “Anyone not so licensed may do plumbing work which complies with the provisions of the minimum standards prescribed by the board on premises or that part of premises owned and actually occupied by the person as a residence, or may do plumbing repair on premises where the person is employed in full-time maintenance work, unless otherwise forbidden to do so by a local ordinance.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • 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”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Certified industrialized or modular buildings and certified building components installed in Ramsey County.
      “Local enforcement agencies shall inspect work performed on site”
    • 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 [...]”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Certified industrialized or modular buildings and buildings containing certified building components installed in Ramsey County.

    • The building must otherwise comply with all codes.
    • The building must first be installed and inspected under the Uniform Administrative Procedures.
    • Any building or component that does not comply with the filed plans must be brought into compliance before issuance.
    • If violations are hazardous to occupants, a certificate of occupancy must not be issued and the building may not be occupied before hazards are corrected.
    • If violations are not hazardous, a provisional or temporary certificate of occupancy must be issued.
    “Local enforcement agencies shall issue certificates of occupancy”
  • 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.”
  • 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 wells serving property in Ramsey County under the statewide North Dakota rule described by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.

    • A North Dakota Department of Water Resources permit is required when the well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,000 gallons) per year.
    • A permit is not needed for wells drawing less than 12.5 acre-feet per year.
    • The guide states that individuals may install or repair wells on their own property without a license; hired contractors must be licensed.
    • The source is a private-well guide updated April 13, 2026; this update date is reported as a document revision date, not an effective date.

    annual water withdrawal threshold: > 12.5 acre-feet per year (A permit is not needed for wells that draw less than 12.5 acre-feet per year.) · annual water withdrawal threshold: > 4073000 gallons per year (Equivalent threshold stated by the source.)

    “If your well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,000 gallons) of water per year, it needs to be permitted”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Private water-supply wells in Ramsey 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.”
    • Limited — Private water-supply wells statewide in North Dakota.
      “Domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational water use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,137 gallons or 96,979 barrels) per year.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”

Inside cities and towns in Ramsey County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code enforcement in Devils Lake, Ramsey County, North Dakota.

    • The official state directory is labeled 'Code Enforcing Jurisdictions as of 2022'; current local requirements should be confirmed with the city.
    • North Dakota Commerce states that an adopting city must adopt and enforce the State Building Code, subject to permitted local amendments.
    “The Building Department helps ensure the construction of safe buildings and protects future community development through building code regulations and zoning requirements. These regulations are administered by issuing building permits and conducting inspections throughout the construction process.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land or outside a licensed campground in Ramsey County.
  • Tiny homes — Occupancy of tiny homes in areas potentially governed by Ramsey County zoning.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in Ramsey County, including unincorporated areas.

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 Ramsey County, North Dakota

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

Ramsey County scores 57/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 189 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (20.1″/yr rainfall).

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

Land in Ramsey County runs about $1,885 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Ramsey County?

Ramsey County gets about 20.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.9% of years.

How remote is Ramsey County?

A representative private-land location has about 189 people within a 30-minute drive and 168,046 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 Ramsey compares in North Dakota

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