Bolthole Index

Sargent County, North Dakota

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

50Index Score / 100
#27 of 53 in North Dakota

Unincorporated Sargent County, North Dakota does not run a countywide residential building-permit program, and its townships, not the county, set zoning1. Forman, Gwinner and Milnor are confirmed code-enforcing cities, so building permits inside those cities come from the city2. Septic permits for any address in the county, city or township, come from the local public health unit, with a DEQ-licensed installer3.

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

Unincorporated Sargent County does not administer a countywide residential building-permit program.

Unincorporated Sargent County does not administer a countywide residential building-permit program1. A city, county or township that chooses to enforce building codes must use the State Building Code, with local amendments allowed, and the updated state code took effect in 202611. Forman, Gwinner and Milnor appear in the state's code-enforcement directory, so building permits for work inside those cities come from the city2. We could not confirm each township's residential building-permit rule, so rural owners should identify the township and ask its board before construction. Where a building permit is required, construction cannot be covered before inspection approval, and a final inspection is required before occupancy12.

Who issues building permits in Sargent County, and how do you reach them?

Sargent County's department list does not name a county building, zoning or planning office.

Sargent County's department list does not name a county building, zoning or planning office13. For a rural project, find the parcel's township and ask its board about building permits, zoning, setbacks and inspections4. For work in Forman, Gwinner or Milnor, call the city, since each is listed as a code-enforcing jurisdiction2. Septic permits stay with the county's health unit even inside those cities: the Sargent County District Health Unit is at 316 Main Street, Forman, ND 58032, phone 701-724-37253,14. The Sargent County Road Department, 701-724-3090, answers county-road access questions, though we could not confirm a county driveway-permit rule15. General county questions go to the Sargent County Commission, 355 Main Street South, Forman, ND 58032, 701-724-624113.

Does Sargent County have zoning?

The county itself does not appear to zone; its townships do.

The county itself does not appear to zone; its townships do. State records say every township in Sargent County is zoned and has its own zoning restrictions4. State records list zoning materials for Brampton, Dunbar, Forman, Hall, Harlem, Herman, Jackson, Kingston, Rutland, Sargent, Shuman, Vivian and Whitestone Hill townships, and city zoning can reach into an extraterritorial area around a city1. One concrete example: Dunbar Township's zoning amendment sets a 20-acre lot size, a 150-foot setback and no more than 20 non-farm dwellings per 640 acres for non-farm dwellings, except in pre-platted areas16. Do not assume that standard applies elsewhere. We could not confirm setbacks, minimum lot size or minimum dwelling size for the other townships, so ask the township board for its ordinance and map before choosing a house site. Subdivision rules cannot prohibit farming or its normal incidents, but that protection does not waive township zoning, septic or floodplain requirements17.

How do septic permits and well permits work in Sargent County?

North Dakota DEQ licenses onsite wastewater installers, and the installer must secure a septic permit from the local public health unit before work begins.

North Dakota DEQ licenses onsite wastewater installers, and the installer must secure a septic permit from the local public health unit before work begins3. An individual installing a system on their own premises for their own use is exempt from the installer license, but the work must still follow the state rules, and the local septic permit is still required6. Start with the Sargent County District Health Unit, 316 Main Street, Forman, ND 58032, 701-724-372514. State rules require the health unit to conduct a requested septic inspection within one business day of the request18. Only about 12% of Sargent County soils avoid a severe limitation rating for conventional drain fields, so arrange a site evaluation before fixing the house location19. For wells, a state water-appropriation permit is required for domestic use above 12.5 acre-feet per year; below that, no appropriation permit is needed, but the well's location and capacity must be reported to the Department of Water Resources20. Anyone hired to construct, install or repair a well, pump or pitless unit must be licensed7.

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

We could not confirm a countywide rule on long-term RV living, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land in Sargent County.

We could not confirm a countywide rule on long-term RV living, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on private land in Sargent County. Because townships and cities set zoning, ask the applicable township board or city whether the unit counts as a dwelling, where it may sit, and whether living in it during construction is allowed4. North Dakota licenses recreational-vehicle parks and campgrounds with 3 or more lots, but that rule does not authorize a single RV or isolated camping on private land9,21. Mobile-home parks with 3 or more lots also need a state license, and that park rule does not say where an individual manufactured home may be occupied9. Any RV or tiny home with plumbing still needs a septic permit from the Sargent County District Health Unit3,14.

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

Identify whether the parcel is inside a city, in a city's extraterritorial area, or under a township, because zoning is set township by township.

  1. Identify whether the parcel is inside a city, in a city's extraterritorial area, or under a township, because zoning is set township by township4.
  2. Ask that township or city for its zoning map, setbacks, permitted uses, building-permit rules and inspection process. Forman, Gwinner and Milnor are confirmed code-enforcing cities2.
  3. If a building permit is required, schedule inspections before covering construction and a final inspection before occupancy12.
  4. For septic, use a DEQ-licensed installer (or qualify for the own-premises exemption) and get the septic permit from the Sargent County District Health Unit before work begins3,6,14.
  5. Ask the County Road Department, 701-724-3090, about a driveway from a county road; we could not confirm a county driveway-permit rule15.
  6. If the site lies in a Special Flood Hazard Area, get the floodplain permit from the local Floodplain Administrator before any work8.
  7. Check whether the well will exceed the water-appropriation threshold of 12.5 acre-feet per year20.

What should you check before buying land in Sargent County?

Zoning: identify the governing township or city and get its current map and ordinance, since zoning is set locally and not by the county.

Zoning: identify the governing township or city and get its current map and ordinance, since zoning is set locally and not by the county4. Septic: budget for a licensed installer, the health unit's septic permit and a site evaluation, because only about 12% of county soils avoid a severe limitation rating for conventional drain fields3,19. Water: a well drawing more than 12.5 acre-feet per year needs a water-appropriation permit20. Flood: development in a Special Flood Hazard Area needs a local floodplain permit before work begins; ask the Sargent County Commission who serves as administrator8,13. Access: ask the County Road Department about any county-road approach15. Taxes: the effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, and the median annual bill is about $1,70819.

Watch-outs

  • County commissioners may not prohibit farming, ranching or their normal incidents, but that protection is not a blanket exemption from township zoning, septic or floodplain requirements22.
  • Forman, Gwinner and Milnor are confirmed code-enforcing cities, but the state directory advises checking current requirements with the local government2.
  • We could not confirm a Sargent County subdivision ordinance, or setback and lot-size rules outside Dunbar Township; ask the township or city that governs the parcel rather than assume one standard applies countywide4.

Sources

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

  1. North Dakota DEQ - Sargent County Zoning records (2026 county census)
  2. Building Codes
  3. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems
  4. Sargent County
  5. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23.1-07.1
  6. ndlegis.gov
  7. Private Well Owner’s Guide: Well Installation
  8. Floodplain Management
  9. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-10: Mobile Home Parks, Trailer Parks, and Campgrounds
  10. Property Tax Exemption for Builders of Certain New Single Family Residential Properties (2026 county census)
  11. Building Codes
  12. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.2
  13. Sargent County Commission (sargentnd.com)
  14. Sargent County District Health Unit (sargentnd.com)
  15. Sargent County Road Department (sargentnd.com)
  16. Resolution to Adopt an Amendment
  17. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 11-33.2, Subdivision Regulation
  18. ndlegis.gov
  19. 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
  20. Water Permits
  21. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 23-10: Mobile Home Parks, Trailer Parks, and Campgrounds
  22. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 11-33, County Zoning

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, Sargent County requires no county building permit for a home.

RuleSargent CountyRansom CountyRichland CountyDickey CountyLaMoure CountyBarnes CountyCass County
Building permitNot requiredLimitedLimitedRequiredLimitedRequiredLimited
County zoningNoNot publishedYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsND Dept. of Env. QualityFargo Cass Public HealthCounty Health Dept.Central Valley Health DistrictCentral Valley Health DistrictND DEQFargo Cass Public Health

County locator

Sargent County in North Dakota

50
County map
Sargent County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Sargent County scores

50 / 100 · #27 of 53 in North Dakota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion82100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1692% ev.
Admin Boringness8090% ev.
Durability49100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost7994% ev.

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

$185kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$3,454Land / acre
23.5"Annual rain
4.3% of yrsSevere drought
5 / yr (+4.4)Mid-century 100°F days
18.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.37" (+6.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.65×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
state median fallbackInsurance basis
2,905People within 30 min
417,978People within 2 hr
3,821Radius comparison (15 mi)
4.4People / sq mi
19.9%Federal land
98.3%Land at 15% slope or less
11.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
63,177 acWorkable land screen
1.5%Wooded land
42.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Sargent 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: Bowen Township · Brampton Township · Denver Township · Dunbar Township · Forman Township · Hall Township · Harlem Township · Herman Township · Jackson Township · Kingston Township · Marboe Township · Milnor · Milnor Township · Ransom Township · Rutland Township · Sargent Township · Shuman Township · Southwest Township · Taylor Township · Tewaukon Township · Verner Township · Vivian Township · Weber Township · Whitestone Hill Township · Willey Township

Answers from the rulebook for Sargent County

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

Sargent County rules

  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    County aggregate of locally administered township zoning; this does not state that Sargent County administers each township ordinance.

    • The cited 2023 testimony states that every township in Sargent County is zoned and has its own zoning restrictions.
    • The cited statement says township restrictions take priority over the county.
    • The statement that the county lacked a specific ordinance was limited to the pipeline discussed in the hearing; it is not used as a countywide absence finding.
    • Municipal and extraterritorial zoning can separately affect a parcel.
    “The townships in Sargent County, every one of the townships is zoned and they have their own zoning restrictions and -- and they take priority over the county anyway.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Sargent County, where zoning regulation may be administered by individual townships or other local jurisdictions rather than by the county as a whole.
      “The townships in Sargent County, every one of the townships is zoned and they have their own zoning restrictions”
    • Varies (with conditions) — Local zoning within Sargent County, including unincorporated areas and areas subject to township or municipal zoning; this is an aggregate county-level conclusion and does not mean Sargent County administers each local ordinance.
      “Brampton Township Dunbar Township Forman Township Hall Township Harlem Township Herman Township (1) Herman Township (2) Jackson Township (1) Jackson Township (2) Kingston Township Rutland Township Sargent Township (1) Sargent Township (2) Shuman Township Vivian Township (1) Vivian Township (2) Vivian Township (3) Whitestone Hill Township (1) Whitestone Hill Township (2)”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems in Sargent County.

    • The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality licenses onsite wastewater treatment system installers statewide.
    • A permit must also be obtained from the local public health unit before work begins.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers under the authority of NDCC 23.1-07.1. All installers must obtain a license from the department, which is issued at no cost, and secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system. Installers are required to follow local codes, and licenses may be revoked for cause under NDCC 23.1-07.1-03 (Licensing).”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite wastewater system installation in Sargent County

    • The installer must obtain a license from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.
    • A permit from the local public health unit must be secured before beginning work.
    • Installers are required to follow local codes.
    “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.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    ND DEQ records show zoning in Sargent County adopted at the individual township level (e.g., Forman, Herman, Vivian townships) rather than a countywide county zoning ordinance.

    North Dakota DEQ - Sargent County Zoning records ↗From the county’s own site, awaiting a second reviewer

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “Whether or not to offer the exemption is at the discretion of the governing body. [...] “Builder” includes an individual who builds that individual’s own residence.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — An individual installing an onsite wastewater sewage treatment system on the individual's own premises for the individual's own use.
      “An individual is exempt from the licensing requirements of this chapter if the individual is installing an onsite wastewater sewage treatment system on the individual's premises for the individual's use.”
  • 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.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — The North Dakota State Building Code, including the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, and International Fuel Gas Code, where a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes.
      “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
    • Partial — North Dakota State Building Code framework applicable in Sargent County when a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes.
      “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.
      “adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
    • Adopted — The North Dakota State Building Code, including residential construction covered by the state residential code.
      “The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction or work in North Dakota for which a permit is required under NDCC 11-33-18, NDCC 40-05-02(6), or a similar grant of authority, including applicable residential work in Sargent County.

    • The requirement applies only when a permit is required under the cited statutory authorities or a similar grant of authority.
    • Inspection is by the local building inspector.
    • No construction may be covered without inspection approval.
    • A final inspection is required on all buildings when completed and ready for occupancy.
    • The building inspector may cause any structure to be reinspected.
    • Cities, counties, and townships may amend state energy-conservation standards to conform to local needs if they elect to administer and enforce those standards.

    final inspection: required when completed and ready for occupancy · reinspection: permitted at building inspector discretion

    “No construction may be covered without inspection approval, and there must be a final inspection on all buildings when completed and ready for occupancy.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — 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.
      “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”
    • Limited — Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota.
      “The manufacturer of a modular residential or commercial structure that is built in a factory shall contract with a third party for the inspection [...]”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    New manufactured homes installed in North Dakota for residential purposes.

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

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

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

    Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system anywhere in North Dakota

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

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

    “Inspection of the installation of a system must be conducted by the permitting authority or an authorized representative of the permitting authority in accordance with paragraph 3 of subdivision c of subsection 2 of North Dakota Century Code section 23-35-02, which requires the inspection to be conducted within one business day of receiving the request for inspection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Onsite wastewater system inspections requested from a public health unit, including requests concerning residential systems in Sargent County.
      “A public health unit shall conduct a required in-person or virtual inspection of an onsite wastewater system within one business day of receiving the request for the inspection.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

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

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

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

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

    Water appropriation from surface-water or groundwater sources, including private-well water uses in Sargent County

    • A water appropriation permit is required before beneficial use for any industrial water use.
    • A water appropriation permit is required for irrigation of 5 acres or more.
    • A water appropriation permit is required for domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational water use exceeding 12.5 acre-feet per year.
    • The 12.5-acre-foot threshold is not a general private-well exemption; it applies to the specified domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses.
    • For specified domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and other recreational uses below 12.5 acre-feet per year, no water appropriation permit is required, but the location and capacity of the constructed works must be reported to DWR.
    • The cited rule concerns water appropriation permits and does not establish a separate well-construction permit requirement.

    industrial water use: any · irrigated acreage: >= 5 acres · annual use for domestic, municipal, public, livestock, fish and wildlife, and recreational uses: > 12.5 acre-feet · under-threshold annual use: < 12.5 acre-feet (Only domestic, livestock, fish and wildlife, and other recreation uses receive the stated no-permit rule; location and capacity of constructed works must be reported to DWR)

    “A water appropriation permit is required for: * Any industrial water use; * Irrigation of 5 acres or more; or * 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Private water-supply wells in Sargent County
      “If your well will draw over 12.5 acre-feet (4,073,000 gallons) of water per year, it needs to be permitted”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available — County zoning regulation of farming or ranching uses and their normal incidents statewide, including Sargent County.
      “A board of county commissioners may not prohibit or prevent the use of land or buildings for farming or ranching and may not prohibit or prevent any of the normal incidents of farming or ranching.”
    • Available — County subdivision resolutions, regulations, or restrictions adopted under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 11-33.2.
      “shall prohibit or prevent the use of land or buildings for farming or any of the normal incidents of farming.”
    • 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

    Development within a Special Flood Hazard Area in North Dakota, including Sargent County where the applicable local floodplain program applies.

    • The permit is obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator.
    • The requirement applies before beginning any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
    • The floodplain development permit should be the last permit issued for a project in the Special Flood Hazard Area.
    • The North Dakota Department of Water Resources must review development within the regulatory floodway before a floodplain development permit is issued.
    • Structures in Special Flood Hazard Areas that are substantially damaged or improved by more than 50 percent must fully comply with applicable floodplain regulations.

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

    “A floodplain development permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before beginning any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction or modification of North Dakota water-control structures regulated by the Department of Water Resources.
      “A construction permit is required from the DWR if a water control structure is constructed or modified”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

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

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

    Building-permit fee schedules under the North Dakota State Building Code framework.

    • The applicable enforcing jurisdiction determines how it administers and enforces the state building code.
    • The state publication provides only a sample jurisdiction fee schedule, not a single statewide fee schedule.
    • Permit and plan-review fees are established by the applicable governing authority; plan-review fees are separate from and in addition to permit fees.
    “Where a permit is required, a fee for each permit and plan review shall be paid as required, in accordance with the schedule as established by the applicable governing authority.”
  • Permit processPartial

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

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

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

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

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

    “A person may not establish [...] a recreational vehicle park, or campground in this state without first obtaining a license from the department.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Recreational-vehicle occupancy in a North Dakota recreational vehicle park, campground, or similar licensed facility containing three or more lots, including facilities in Sargent County.
      “A person may not establish, maintain, change use, mix use, or enlarge a mobile home park, recreational vehicle park, or campground in this state without first obtaining a license from the department.”
    • Limited — Temporary camping by recreational vehicles or tents in a North Dakota campground or recreational-vehicle park containing three or more lots, including facilities in Sargent County.
      “No tent, recreational vehicle, or other attachment may be located within ten feet [3.05 meters] of any other tent, recreational vehicle, or part thereof. No recreational vehicle or tent in a trailer park or campground may be located as to create a hazard to the recreational vehicle or tent or restrict emergency vehicles and personnel from performing necessary services.”
    • Limited — Occupancy of relocatable manufactured, modular, or prefabricated residential units in North Dakota mobile home parks containing three or more lots, including facilities in Sargent County.
      “"Mobile home" means any relocatable manufactured, modular, or prefabricated structure or unit that is designed to be used as residential living quarters. The term does not include a recreational vehicle. "Mobile home park" means any parcel of land containing three or more lots intended for occupancy by mobile homes.”
    • Limited — Camping and campsite occupancy in North Dakota state parks.
      “may not occupy any cabin, dormitory, or campsite for more than fourteen days within any thirty-day period without the written permission of the park manager.”
  • 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 Sargent 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 the City of Forman, Sargent County.

    • The official directory is identified as current as of 2022.
    • Local jurisdictions that adopt and enforce building codes must adopt and enforce the North Dakota State Building Code, subject to permitted local amendments.
    • The directory advises confirming requirements with the local governing body.
    “CODE ENFORCING JURISDICTIONS AS OF 2022 [...] CITIES CONTACT PERSON PHONE NUMBER [...] Forman Trish Pearson 724-5673”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code enforcement in the City of Gwinner, Sargent County.
      “CODE ENFORCING JURISDICTIONS AS OF 2022 [...] CITIES CONTACT PERSON PHONE NUMBER [...] Gwinner Dana Grosgehauer 678-2409”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code enforcement in the City of Milnor, Sargent County.
      “CODE ENFORCING JURISDICTIONS AS OF 2022 [...] CITIES CONTACT PERSON PHONE NUMBER [...] Milnor Kristin Lunneborg 427-5272”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Non-farm dwellings in Dunbar Township, Sargent County, under the township zoning amendment.

    • The standard applies to non-farm dwellings.
    • Density is limited to no more than 20 non-farm dwellings per 640 acres, except for pre-platted areas.
    • The same provision also specifies a 150-foot setback, 150-foot lot width, 24-foot side yard, and 35-foot maximum height.

    lot size: 20 acres · density: 20 per 640 acres (except for pre-platted areas)

    “Minimum Dimensional Standards of Non-Farm Dwellings: 1. Setback - 150 feet 2. Lot size - 20 acres”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Non-farm dwellings in Dunbar Township, Sargent County, under the township zoning amendment.

    • The standard applies to non-farm dwellings.
    • Density is limited to no more than 20 non-farm dwellings per 640 acres, except for pre-platted areas.
    • The same provision also specifies a 150-foot lot width, 24-foot side yard, and 35-foot maximum height.

    setback: 150 feet · density: 20 per 640 acres (except for pre-platted areas)

    “Minimum Dimensional Standards of Non-Farm Dwellings: 1. Setback - 150 feet”

Set by your township or city, not the county

In North Dakota, zoning is adopted by each township or city, so Sargent 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
  • 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 for buildings in Sargent County, including unincorporated areas and township jurisdictions.

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 Sargent County, North Dakota

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

Sargent County scores 50/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,905 people within a 30-minute drive and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property. Watch-outs: thin water margin (23.5″/yr rainfall).

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

Land in Sargent County runs about $3,454 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Sargent County?

Sargent County gets about 23.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 4.3% of years.

How remote is Sargent County?

A representative private-land location has about 2,905 people within a 30-minute drive and 417,978 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 Sargent compares in North Dakota

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