Bolthole Index

Ransom County, North Dakota

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

55Index Score / 100
#14 of 53 in North Dakota

Ransom County, North Dakota does not publish enough information to confirm whether a building permit is required on unincorporated land, and we could not confirm countywide zoning either, so ask the County Auditor's Office about the parcel before starting work1,2. Septic permits are separate: Fargo Cass Public Health licenses and inspects septic systems serving homes and small commercial buildings, then issues the permit for use after a successful inspection3.

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

Ransom County's residential building-permit requirement is not confirmed for unincorporated land; the county's official site does not identify a building-permit page or building department.

Ransom County's residential building-permit requirement is not confirmed for unincorporated land; the county's official site does not identify a building-permit page or building department1. North Dakota's current State Building Code took effect in 2026, but a city, township or county enforces that code only if it elects to administer it8.

Before buying materials or hiring excavation, give the Ransom County Auditor's Office the parcel location and ask whether the county, a township or a municipality is the enforcing jurisdiction4. Also ask whether the project needs a building permit, inspections or a certificate of occupancy, because none of those Ransom County requirements could be confirmed1. Permit and plan-review fees, where required, are set by the applicable governing authority rather than by one statewide fee schedule9.

Who handles building permits in Ransom County, and how do you reach them?

Ransom County does not identify a county building department on its official site, and the available county information does not establish who issues residential building permits in unincorporated areas.

Ransom County does not identify a county building department on its official site, and the available county information does not establish who issues residential building permits in unincorporated areas1. The practical starting point is the Ransom County Auditor's Office at the county courthouse in Lisbon; the official office page lists its phone, email and mailing address4.

Ask the Auditor's Office to identify the enforcing jurisdiction for the exact parcel, including whether a city or township has authority there. North Dakota allows an electing city, township or county to administer and enforce the State Building Code within its jurisdiction, and a county may enforce where a city or township does not8. A nonresidential agricultural building is exempt from the State Building Code chapter when it is used for agricultural purposes and is neither a place of human habitation nor open for public use; that exemption does not establish freedom from every other local requirement10,11.

Does Ransom County have zoning?

We could not confirm whether Ransom County administers countywide zoning or publishes zoning districts for unincorporated land.

We could not confirm whether Ransom County administers countywide zoning or publishes zoning districts for unincorporated land2. North Dakota law authorizes county commissioners to regulate the location and use of buildings and land through zoning, but that authority does not prove that Ransom County has adopted a particular ordinance12.

Treat parcel-level questions about setbacks, minimum lot size, building height, lot coverage and minimum home size as unresolved until the County Auditor's Office identifies the governing jurisdiction2,4. Land inside a city can be subject to city rules even when a county rule is absent, and we could not confirm local zoning coverage within Ransom County2. For a purchase contract, make satisfactory confirmation of permitted use a contingency rather than assuming that rural acreage is unrestricted.

How do septic permits work in Ransom County?

Fargo Cass Public Health handles onsite sewage treatment systems in Ransom County, and a home or small commercial building that discharges household wastewater must have its septic system licensed and inspected.

Fargo Cass Public Health handles onsite sewage treatment systems in Ransom County, and a home or small commercial building that discharges household wastewater must have its septic system licensed and inspected3,13. A permit for use follows a successful inspection6.

For a system with a drain field, obtain a valid soil sample first; Fargo Cass Public Health uses it to help size the system, then requires the construction application, a proposed-system sketch and payment6. The county's published environmental fee schedule lists a sewer inspection charge of $15014. Only about 33.5% of mapped soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so make the soil evaluation an early feasibility step rather than a post-purchase detail15. Property owners may physically install their own system, but the permitting and inspection process remains the same6.

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

Ransom County's rules for long-term RV occupancy, private-land camping and tiny-home occupancy could not be confirmed.

Ransom County's rules for long-term RV occupancy, private-land camping and tiny-home occupancy could not be confirmed2. The countywide zoning status, minimum dwelling size and setback rules also remain unconfirmed, so no parcel should be described as unrestricted2. Ask the County Auditor's Office which city, township or county authority governs the parcel and whether the proposed unit counts as a residence, temporary use or recreational vehicle4.

A tiny home that discharges household wastewater still needs a licensed and inspected septic system through Fargo Cass Public Health3. A new manufactured home installed for residential use in North Dakota must be installed and inspected by professionals licensed through the Division of Community Services16. North Dakota's state-park camping rule applies only to campsites and cabins in state parks, so it does not answer whether an RV can be occupied on private land in Ransom County17.

Building a home in Ransom County: what are the steps?

Give the Ransom County Auditor's Office the parcel number and proposed use, then ask which jurisdiction handles building permits, zoning, setbacks and occupancy.

  1. Give the Ransom County Auditor's Office the parcel number and proposed use, then ask which jurisdiction handles building permits, zoning, setbacks and occupancy1,4.
  2. Confirm the rules with that jurisdiction before finalizing plans; North Dakota building-code enforcement is local to jurisdictions that elect to administer it8.
  3. Contact Fargo Cass Public Health Environmental Health about the onsite sewage plan13.
  4. For a drain-field system, obtain a valid soil sample, use the resulting sizing to complete the construction application, attach the proposed-system sketch and submit payment6.
  5. Keep the system uncovered for inspection; the septic permit for use is issued only after a successful inspection6.
  6. If a private well will exceed 12.5 acre-feet of annual withdrawal, obtain the state water-appropriation permit; smaller domestic uses still have state reporting requirements after construction7.

What should you check before buying land in Ransom County?

Start with legal use: ask the Ransom County Auditor's Office to identify the governing jurisdiction and confirm building permits, zoning, setbacks, RV use, tiny-home use, access and floodplain requirements for the parcel.

Start with legal use: ask the Ransom County Auditor's Office to identify the governing jurisdiction and confirm building permits, zoning, setbacks, RV use, tiny-home use, access and floodplain requirements for the parcel2,4. The available county information does not confirm a county driveway-access rule or a current local floodplain-development permit rule2.

Next, test wastewater feasibility. Only about 33.5% of mapped soils avoid a severe limitation rating for conventional drain fields, and Fargo Cass Public Health requires a valid soil sample for each system that needs a drain field6,15. Confirm the water source as well: North Dakota's water-appropriation threshold and reporting rules apply to private wells according to annual use7. Finally, budget holding costs using the county-level benchmarks: the effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,83815.

Watch-outs

  • Do not assume that the absence of a published county building department means no permit is required; Ransom County's residential permit and inspection requirements remain unconfirmed1.
  • A conventional drain field may be difficult on much of the county's mapped soil, because only about 33.5% is rated without severe limitations15.
  • A successful Fargo Cass Public Health inspection is required before the septic permit for use is issued6.

Sources

17 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 10, 2026

  1. North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 11-33: County Zoning (2026 county census)
  2. (2026 county census)
  3. Septic Systems
  4. Ransom County Auditor's Office (ransomcountynd.net)
  5. Property Tax Exemption for Builders of Certain New Single Family Residential Properties (2026 county census)
  6. Fargo Cass Public Health Environmental Health (fargond.gov)
  7. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule)
  8. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule)
  9. 2026 North Dakota State Building Code Book (North Dakota statewide rule)
  10. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule)
  11. Chapter 54-21.3 - State Building Code
  12. North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 11-33, County Zoning (North Dakota statewide rule)
  13. Environmental Health - Ransom County North Dakota
  14. Fee Schedule - Ransom County North Dakota
  15. 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
  16. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule)
  17. North Dakota Administrative Code, Chapter 58-02-08, State Park Rules (North Dakota statewide rule)

Written October 10, 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

RuleRansom CountySargent CountyBarnes CountyRichland CountyCass CountyLaMoure CountyDickey County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredRequiredLimitedLimitedLimitedRequired
County zoningNot publishedNoYesYesNoYesYes
Septic permitsFargo Cass Public HealthND Dept. of Env. QualityND DEQCounty Health Dept.Fargo Cass Public HealthCentral Valley Health DistrictCentral Valley Health District

County locator

Ransom County in North Dakota

55
County map
Ransom County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Ransom County scores

55 / 100 · #14 of 53 in North Dakota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion81100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency23100% ev.
Admin Boringness5835% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% ev.

Evidence strength: 89%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$199kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$2,811Land / acre
22.8"Annual rain
5.9% of yrsSevere drought
4.1 / yr (+3.6)Mid-century 100°F days
20.8 daysMid-century dry spell
1.57" (+5.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.65×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,771Home insurance / yr
2.1% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
325,363People within 2 hr
5,053Radius comparison (15 mi)
6.5People / sq mi
32.8%Federal land
97.1%Land at 15% slope or less
33.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
183,997 acWorkable land screen
4%Wooded land
33 tonsBiomass / forest ac
42.2°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Ransom 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: Aliceton Township · Alleghany Township · Bale Township · Big Bend Township · Casey Township · Coburn Township · Elliott · Elliott Township · Fort Ransom Township · Greene Township · Hanson Township · Island Park Township · Isley Township · Liberty Township · Moore Township · Northland Township · Owego Township · Preston Township · Rosemeade Township · Sandoun Township · Scoville Township · Sheldon · Shenford Township · Springer Township · Sydna Township · Tuller Township

Answers from the rulebook for Ransom County

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

Ransom County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Material land-use changes, structures, and tree planting in zones created by Ransom County Zoning Ordinance 06-2, the Airport Overlay Zone.

    • A permit must be applied for and granted unless an ordinance exception applies.
    • In the horizontal and conical zones, no permit is required for a tree or structure under 75 feet above ground unless terrain, contour, or topographic features cause it to exceed the prescribed height limit.
    • In approach zones at least 4,200 feet from a runway end, no permit is required for a tree or structure under 75 feet above ground unless it exceeds the prescribed height limit because of terrain, contour, or topographic features.
    • In transition zones beyond the horizontal-zone perimeter, no permit is required for a tree or structure under 75 feet above ground unless it exceeds the prescribed height limit because of terrain, contour, or topographic features.
    • The ordinance does not establish a general countywide residential-building permit rule in the cited passage.

    no-permit structure or tree height threshold: < 75 feet above ground (Applies only to the stated airport-overlay areas and does not apply where terrain, contour, or topographic features cause an exceedance of the applicable height limit.)

    “Except as specifically provided in a, b, and c hereunder, no material change shall be made in the use of land, no structure shall be erected or otherwise established, and no tree shall be planted in any zone hereby created unless a permit therefore shall have been applied for and granted.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Uses proposed in the Limited Development Area of the Ransom County Airport Overlay Zone.

    • The County may require increased setbacks as a condition of approval of a proposed use in the Limited Development Area.
    • The cited provision supplies no fixed dimensional setback.
    • The ordinance states that the County may also require additional off-street parking and loading facilities, building standards, limits on signs or lighting, operating hours, ingress and egress, building heights, landscaping, screening, and other necessary conditions.
    “As a condition of approval of any use proposed within an LD Area, the County may require: A. An increase in required setbacks.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    Environmental-health services, including sewer inspections, for Ransom County.

    • The county page states that all environmental health services are provided by Fargo Cass Public Health.
    • The cited page identifies sewer inspections but does not state the complete septic-permit process.
    “• Sewer Inspections • Health Hazard Concerns *All environmental health services are provided by Fargo Cass Public Health.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite sewage treatment systems for homes or small commercial buildings in Ransom County.

    • A local public-health permit is required before work begins.
    • After a successful inspection, a permit is issued for use.
    “All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Onsite sewage treatment systems for homes or small commercial buildings in Ransom County.

    • Fargo Cass Public Health conducts an open-trench inspection of the tank and drain field.
    • Twenty-four-hour notice is required before requesting an inspection.
    • The system must not be covered until Fargo Cass Public Health gives approval.

    inspection notice: 24 hours

    “Please note: we require a 24-hour notice prior to requesting an inspection. FCPH will then conduct an open trench inspection of the tank and drain field. Do not cover the system until FCPH has given approval.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Published environmental-health fees relevant to Ransom County.

    • The published fee is for sewer inspections, not a general building-permit fee.
    • The page states that if a client is unable to pay, Ransom County Public Health will accept any amount the client can afford.

    sewer inspection fee: 150 USD (The fee schedule states that clients unable to pay may pay any amount they can afford.)

    “Environmental Fee Schedule Swimming Pool Inspections$125 Sewer Inspections$150 *If a client is unable to pay, Ransom County Public Health will accept any amount that the client can afford to pay for services received.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Onsite sewage treatment system permitting and inspection in Ransom County.

    • A valid soil sample is required for each system requiring a drain field.
    • An application, system sketch, and required payment are required.
    • Twenty-four-hour notice is required before requesting inspection.
    • The system must remain uncovered until approval.

    inspection notice: 24 hours

    “Once you have a valid soil sample, we will assist in sizing the system. The sizing will be used to fill out and return an Application for OSTS Construction (2024) along with a sketch of the proposed system as well as the required payment.”

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
    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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota.
      “The manufacturer of a modular residential or commercial structure that is built in a factory shall contract with a third party for the inspection [...]”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    City zoning regulations governing the size of residential buildings in North Dakota; the actual minimum, if any, is established by the applicable local zoning ordinance.

    • The authority is permissive and applies to governing bodies of cities that adopt zoning regulations.
    • The regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
    • A local board of adjustment may determine and vary application of the regulations under the local regulations.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, or the general welfare of the community, the governing body of any city may, subject to the provisions of chapter 54-21.3, regulate and restrict the height, number of stories, and the size of buildings and other structures, the percentage of lot that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land for trade, industry, residence, or other purposes.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Buildings used for agricultural purposes under North Dakota State Building Code authority affecting Ransom County.
      “Any building used for agricultural purposes, unless a place of human habitation or for use by the public, is exempt from this chapter.”
    • Available — Land and buildings used for farming, and the normal incidents of farming, when regulated under a county subdivision resolution adopted under N.D.C.C. chapter 11-33.2.
      “Additionally, no resolution, regulation, or restriction adopted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter shall prohibit or prevent the use of land or buildings for farming or any of the normal incidents of farming.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land in North Dakota counties that adopt and enforce subdivision regulations under N.D.C.C. chapter 11-33.2; the statute does not apply to subdivisions within city corporate limits or areas of extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.

    • A county board of commissioners is empowered, but not required, to regulate subdivision.
    • A county subdivision resolution may provide for plat submission and preliminary and final approval.
    • A county may require public improvements and surety or other security as a condition of final plat approval.
    • A county may approve plats as a prerequisite to subdivision and may establish and collect reasonable fees credited to the county general fund.
    • If plat approval is required, final approval or disapproval requires recommendations from both the county planning commission and the township supervisors, although those recommendations are not binding; if township supervisors do not respond within sixty days after notification, the county may take final action.
    • Subdivision rules may not prohibit or prevent farming or the normal incidents of farming.
    • The statute separately requires floodplain and water-feature information on plats where applicable.

    township recommendation response period: 60 days (If the county does not receive the township supervisors' recommendation by certified mail within sixty days after notification, it may take final action.) · plat approval fee: reasonable fees text (The statute authorizes fees but does not set a statewide amount.)

    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision of land in North Dakota, subject to county adoption and administration of subdivision regulations; the statute excludes subdivisions within city corporate limits and areas subject to a city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
      “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — North Dakota's statewide statutory framework authorizing county regulation of land subdivision; actual regulation depends on county action and does not apply within city corporate limits or applicable extraterritorial zoning areas.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
    • Regulated (with conditions) — County subdivision regulation authority throughout North Dakota, subject to exclusions for city corporate limits and applicable city extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county is hereby empowered to regulate and restrict within the county the subdivision of land.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway and other access connections involving the North Dakota State Highway System, including controlled-access facilities and driveways within state highway right-of-way.

    • The North Dakota statute applies specifically to controlled-access facilities; access is available only at designated points and on terms and conditions specified from time to time.
    • NDDOT maintains access control on the State Highway System, and proposed changes to access require contact with the District Engineer for coordination.
    • For a driveway on state highway right-of-way, the NDDOT driveway permit must be granted before the permitted work proceeds; failure to construct the drive approach as permitted may result in cancellation and removal or correction at the landowner's expense.
    • A driveway is not complete until checked and approved by NDDOT; surfacing may be omitted on field entrances if specified in the application.
    • The driveway may be used only to provide entrance to and exit from the landowner's property.
    • A driveway or improvement on the highway right-of-way may not be altered or relocated without permission of the NDDOT District Engineer.
    • NDDOT supervises the location, construction, and maintenance of driveways and may direct future removal, relocation, or maintenance; NDDOT may diminish or expand use as required for highway-traffic safety.
    “No driveway, or improvement constructed on the highway right-of-way shall be altered or relocated without permission of the District Engineer of NDDOT.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or modification of North Dakota water-control structures regulated by the Department of Water Resources.

    • A DWR construction permit is required when a water-control structure is capable of retaining, diverting, or obstructing more than 50 acre-feet for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams.
    • The threshold is more than 25 acre-feet for medium-hazard and high-hazard dams.
    • This claim does not establish the separate local floodplain-development-permit requirements administered by local floodplain administrators.

    retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams: > 50 acre-feet · retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for medium- and high-hazard dams: > 25 acre-feet

    “A construction permit is required from the DWR if a water control structure is constructed or modified”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

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

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

    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.”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In North Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Ransom County has no county-wide answer on these. Find your township or city in the list of places on this page, or call its clerk or zoning administrator.

  • Zoning districts
  • Minimum lot size
  • Living in an RV
  • Camping on your land
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings

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 unincorporated Ransom County.
  • County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning authority in Ransom County.
  • Local zoning — Zoning administered by municipalities, townships, or other local authorities within Ransom County.

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 Ransom County, North Dakota

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

Ransom County scores 55/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: sparse surroundings — about 5,053 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (22.8″/yr rainfall).

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

Land in Ransom County runs about $2,811 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Ransom County?

Ransom County gets about 22.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 5.9% of years.

How remote is Ransom County?

A typical private-land location has about 5,053 people within 15 miles and 536,359 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Ransom compares in North Dakota

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