Stark County, ND Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Unincorporated Stark County, North Dakota requires a building permit for construction, alteration or conversion of buildings and structures, although qualifying farm-operation buildings have a limited exemption¹. Homes and buildings used by the public still require building and occupancy permits regardless of farm acreage²³. The City of Dickinson serves as Stark County's building department, while Stark County Planning & Zoning administers zoning and floodplain management⁴⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: Required for construction, alteration or conversion in unincorporated Stark County¹
Zoning: Administered by Stark County in unincorporated areas⁶
Septic permit: Required from Southwestern District Health Unit before work begins⁷⁸
Agricultural buildings: A limited exemption applies, but not to homes or buildings used by the public²⁹
Owner-builder exemption: Not confirmed; ask the City of Dickinson building department¹⁰
Accessory dwelling unit: Allowed in specified residential districts; minimum size is 600 square feet¹¹
Private well: State water permit required above 12.5 acre-feet per year; lower domestic use must be reported¹²
Septic soil suitability: Only 11.7% of soils avoid a severe limitation rating for conventional drain fields¹³

Who to call

Building permits

City of Dickinson Building Department

Building-permit applications for Stark County

(701) 456-7815

Online permits →

Zoning

Stark County Planning & Zoning Department

Zoning, subdivision review, long-range land-use planning and floodplain management in unincorporated Stark County

701-456-7672

[email protected]

51 3rd St East Dickinson, ND 58601

Septic permits

Southwestern District Health Unit

Local public-health permits for onsite wastewater systems in Stark County

(701)483-0171

528 21st Street West Dickinson, ND 58601

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

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

Yes. Unincorporated Stark County requires a building permit before construction, alteration or conversion of buildings and structures covered by the county zoning ordinance². A qualifying farmer may be exempt for a structure used directly in a farm operation, but the exemption does not cover a home or a building used by the public²⁹. A building used for human habitation or by the public also requires an occupancy permit, including on a farm³. County building applications remain valid for one year from issuance². North Dakota's state-code framework took effect with its current updates in 2026, while local jurisdictions that elect enforcement administer the code¹⁴¹⁵.

Who issues building permits in Stark County, North Dakota?

The City of Dickinson serves as Stark County's building department, and the county directs building-permit applicants to Dickinson's online form⁴. Call the building department before preparing plans if the project may qualify for the agricultural exemption or if you intend to act as your own builder, because a general owner-builder permit exemption has not been confirmed for Stark County¹⁰⁴. Permit and plan-review fees are set by the enforcing jurisdiction rather than by one statewide North Dakota fee schedule¹⁶. Stark County Planning & Zoning is the separate contact for zoning, subdivision and floodplain questions on unincorporated land⁵. Ask the building department which inspections apply to the proposed work because an ordinary-construction inspection schedule could not be confirmed for Stark County⁴.

Does Stark County, North Dakota have zoning?

Stark County administers zoning and subdivision regulations in unincorporated Stark County¹⁷⁵. Incorporated municipalities may administer their own land-use rules, so confirm jurisdiction before relying on the county zoning map⁶. The county Planning & Zoning Department also handles long-range land-use planning and floodplain management in unincorporated areas⁵. Accessory dwelling units are permitted in Agriculture, Agricultural Residential, Rural Residential and Estate Residential districts, subject to lot, placement, parking, setback, water and sewer conditions¹¹. An accessory dwelling unit must be at least 600 square feet and cannot be an RV¹¹. Ask Planning & Zoning to verify the parcel's district and applicable setbacks before choosing a house site⁵.

How do septic permits work in Stark County, North Dakota?

Southwestern District Health Unit is the local public health unit serving Stark County, and its Dickinson office is the local contact for onsite wastewater permits⁷¹⁸. North Dakota requires the local public health permit before onsite wastewater work begins, while the Department of Environmental Quality licenses installers¹⁹⁸. Soil suitability deserves early attention: only 11.7% of Stark County soils avoid a severe-limitation rating for a conventional septic drain field¹³. That rating does not decide a permit, but it makes an early site evaluation especially valuable¹³⁸. Ask Southwestern District Health Unit about the site-evaluation and inspection steps before fixing the home location, because a Stark County septic inspection requirement could not be confirmed¹⁸.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Stark County, North Dakota?

Stark County zoning applies to land uses and buildings in unincorporated areas, so RV or tiny-home plans should begin with a parcel-specific zoning check¹⁷⁵. The county's accessory-dwelling rules do not treat an RV as an accessory dwelling unit¹¹. A qualifying accessory dwelling unit must be at least 600 square feet, meet district setbacks, comply with water and sewer rules, and sit on a conforming residential lot of at least 60,000 square feet¹¹. Those accessory-unit standards do not establish a general minimum size for a principal home¹¹. Ask Stark County Planning & Zoning whether private-property RV occupancy, temporary camping or a proposed tiny home is allowed in the parcel's district before buying or moving a unit onsite⁵.

What are the steps to build a home in Stark County, North Dakota?

Confirm that the parcel is in unincorporated Stark County and ask Planning & Zoning for its zoning district, allowed residential use, setbacks and floodplain status⁶⁵.

Take the proposed site to Southwestern District Health Unit before finalizing the layout, because a local onsite wastewater permit is required before septic work begins⁸¹⁸.

Determine the water source; withdrawals above 12.5 acre-feet per year require a state water-appropriation permit, while lower domestic use must be reported¹².

Apply through the City of Dickinson, which serves as Stark County's building department⁴.

Confirm required inspections with the building department and obtain the required occupancy permit before using a home³⁴.

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

Start with jurisdiction, zoning and floodplain status through Stark County Planning & Zoning, then confirm whether the parcel has legal road access and what approach approval may be required⁵. Budget for a septic feasibility review early because only 11.7% of county soils avoid a severe-limitation rating for conventional drain fields¹³. Water is another early decision: private domestic withdrawals below 12.5 acre-feet per year avoid the state appropriation permit but still must be reported to the Department of Water Resources¹². The county's effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, with a median annual bill of about $2,398²⁰²¹. Stark County has little federal land at about 0.6%, so federal ownership is unlikely to dominate the countywide supply picture²².

Watch-outs

A farm-operation exemption does not excuse permits for a home or any building used by the public²⁹.
An accessory dwelling unit cannot be an RV and must satisfy the county's district, lot, setback, parking, water and sewer conditions¹¹.
Private-property RV occupancy, general minimum home size and ordinary building-inspection timing remain questions to take directly to Planning & Zoning and the City of Dickinson building department⁵⁴.

Sources

Written September 27, 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.

How Stark County scores

Seclusion84100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency2296% ev.

Admin Boringness4590% ev.

Durability64100% ev.

Property Autonomy73100% ev.

Carry Cost75100% ev.

Evidence strength: 97%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$324kTypical home

0.9%Property tax

$1,651Land / acre

16.4"Annual rain

9.6% of yrsSevere drought

5.9 / yr (+5)Mid-century 100°F days

21.4 daysMid-century dry spell

1.27" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.35×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$2,259Home insurance / yr

2.6% / yrInsurance growth

0.46%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

51,563People within 2 hr

3,497Radius comparison (15 mi)

24.7People / sq mi

0.6%Federal land

91.3%Land at 15% slope or less

11.7%Septic soil without severe limits

99,469 acWorkable land screen

1.8%Wooded land

29.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac

42.4°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Stark County

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

Stark County rules

Building permitRequired
Construction, alteration, or conversion of buildings and structures under the Stark County zoning ordinance.
- Buildings or structures directly used in connection with agriculture/farm operations and constructed by qualifying farmers are exempt from this section.
- A building permit and occupancy permit are still required for any building used for human habitation or by the public, regardless of farm acreage.
- Persons who do not qualify for, or have not filed forms for, the Farm Residence Property Tax Exemption must obtain a permit even for agricultural buildings.
- A building application expires one year from issuance.
- The ordinance was amended on December 5, 2023.
application validity: 1 year from issuance
“first obtaining a building permit from the County”
Stark County Zoning Ordinance Compilation Document 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Buildings used for human habitation or by the public, including such buildings on farms.
- The ordinance expressly preserves the agricultural exemption for other farm-operation buildings, but requires an occupancy permit for any building used for human habitation or by the public regardless of acreage.
“building permit and occupancy permit shall be required”
Stark County Zoning Ordinance Compilation Document 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent
Zoning administered by Stark County in unincorporated Stark County.
- The county page expressly scopes floodplain management to unincorporated Stark County; incorporated municipalities may administer their own land-use rules.
“administration and enforcement of Stark County zoning and subdivision regulations”
Planning & Zoning - Stark County, ND ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
Accessory dwelling units in Agriculture, Agricultural Residential, Rural Residential, and Estate Residential zoning districts.
- The unit must be on a conforming residential lot of at least 60,000 square feet.
- The owner must reside in either the principal residence or accessory dwelling.
- A detached unit must be in the side or rear yard and within 150 feet of the principal residence, unless it is a conversion of an existing detached structure.
- Minimum unit size is 600 square feet.
- Unit area may not exceed 80 percent of the primary residence's habitable area or 1,500 square feet, whichever is smaller.
- The unit must meet district setbacks, cannot be an RV, requires additional off-street parking, and must comply with building, water, and sewer regulations.
- One unit is allowed on residential property under 40 acres; two on property of 40 acres or more.
- A title notice applies until the unit is the sole residence on a legally subdivided parcel.
minimum lot area: >= 60000 square feet · minimum unit area: >= 600 square feet · maximum unit area: <= 80 percent of primary habitable area (also capped at 1,500 square feet) · maximum ADUs under 40 acres: 1 unit · maximum ADUs at least 40 acres: 2 units
“The accessory dwelling unit shall be a permitted use”
Stark County Zoning Ordinance Compilation Document 2026 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

North Dakota rules that apply here

Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)
The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.
- Community Services updates and amends the state code but does not enforce it.
- The 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, plus the 2024 IECC and IEBC versions and proposed amendments, were adopted on September 11, 2025.
- The new North Dakota State Building Code went into effect January 1, 2026.
- Appendix chapters are not part of the state building code unless specifically adopted.
code versions adopted: 2024 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, and IEBC with proposed amendments · effective date: 2026-01-01
“adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
Building Codes | Commerce | North Dakota ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 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”
2026 North Dakota State Building Code Book ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
Manufactured Home Installation Program ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
On-site wastewater systems in Stark County under North Dakota's statewide program.
- North Dakota DEQ licenses installers.
- A permit must also be obtained from the local public health unit.
- Installers must follow local codes.
“secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system”
On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Mixed — On-site wastewater treatment systems statewide in North Dakota.
  “The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers”
  On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system anywhere in North Dakota.
- A permit from the applicable local public health unit must be secured before beginning work.
- The installer must also obtain a state license from the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.
- Installers must follow local codes.
“Installers must obtain both a state license and a local public health permit before beginning work.”
On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
Water Appropriation Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Buildings used for agricultural purposes under North Dakota's State Building Code.
- The statute defines agricultural purposes to include agriculture, farming, ranching, dairying, pasturage, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry.
- The exemption does not apply when the building is a place of human habitation or is for use by the public.
- The exemption is from Chapter 54-21.3, the State Building Code chapter; other applicable laws or local authorities may still apply.
“Any building used for agricultural purposes, unless a place of human habitation or for use by the public, is exempt from this chapter.”
North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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”
Construction Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
Lodging Establishments ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
2026 North Dakota State Building Code Book ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
Building Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
Campground & park staysLimited
Camping at North Dakota state-park campsites and cabins administered by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.
- Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to no more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.
- All vehicles entering a state park must have a valid daily or annual vehicle entrance permit, including overnight stays and day visits.
- The cited rule concerns state-park facilities and does not determine camping on private land or land governed by local ordinances.
maximum campsite or cabin occupancy: <= 14 nights in any 30-day period
“Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to no more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.”
Parks and Recreation FAQ ↗Re-checked Sep 12, 2026
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.”
North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 11-33, County Zoning ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Stark County zoning districts.
Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private property in Stark County.
Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Stark County.
Septic inspection — Inspection of on-site wastewater systems in Stark County.
Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems in Stark County.

2 more unanswered

Mandatory utility hookup
Driveway access

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 Stark County, North Dakota

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

Stark County scores 55/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 3,497 people within 15 miles and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (16.4″/yr rainfall).

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

Stark County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Southwestern District Health Unit. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

Land in Stark County runs about $1,651 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Stark County?

Stark County gets about 16.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.6% of years.

How remote is Stark County?

A typical private-land location has about 3,497 people within 15 miles and 241,447 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who issues building permits in Stark County, North Dakota?

Does Stark County, North Dakota have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Stark County, North Dakota?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Stark County, North Dakota?

What are the steps to build a home in Stark County, North Dakota?

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

Watch-outs

Sources

Stark County in North Dakota

How Stark County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Stark County

Stark County rules

North Dakota rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Stark County, North Dakota

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

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

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

What is the water situation in Stark County?

How remote is Stark County?

How Stark compares in North Dakota