Bolthole Index

Steele County, North Dakota

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Steele County, North Dakota

45Index Score / 100
#41 of 53 in North Dakota

Steele County, North Dakota requires a building permit for new structures and footprint changes where county permit rules apply, but townships that retain permit authority, tribal land and federal land are excluded1. Steele County does not administer zoning; the township or city governing the parcel sets zoning rules2. Septic permits come from the local public-health unit, and Steele County Public Health provides septic evaluations for every address in the county, city or township3,4.

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

Yes, where the county building-permit regulations apply.

Yes, where the county building-permit regulations apply. Steele County requires a permit for a new structure or a change to an existing structure's footprint1. The regulations exclude townships that retain building-permit authority, tribal land, and federal land; ordinary maintenance and uses exempted from county jurisdiction under state law are also outside the rule1. Farm-exempt structures still require a permit, and a farm-residence property-tax exemption application is due by February 1 of the year for which the exemption is requested1. County permit fees are $25 for an improvement under $100,000 and $50 for an improvement above $100,000, with payment due before work begins, and a violation carries a $250 fine5.

Who issues building permits in Steele County, North Dakota, and how do you reach them?

Steele County's permit materials direct applicants to the Tax Equalization Office, also called the Assessment Office, or to a township clerk or treasurer.

Steele County's permit materials direct applicants to the Tax Equalization Office, also called the Assessment Office, or to a township clerk or treasurer2. The county office is at the Steele County Courthouse in Finley, and the contact details are listed above2. Identify the parcel's township first because a township that retains building-permit authority is outside the county regulations1. The application asks for the property location, proposed use, work description, dimensions, stories, square footage, and estimated value, and the administrative decision is recorded as approved or denied7. North Dakota allows a governing city or county to adopt a property-tax exemption that can cover an individual building an unoccupied single-family residence, but that tax provision is discretionary and does not waive a building permit8. Steele County's materials do not confirm building inspections, certificates of occupancy, or an owner-builder permit exemption; ask the Tax Equalization Office before scheduling construction1.

Does Steele County have zoning?

Steele County does not administer county zoning and directs zoning questions to the township or city governing the parcel.

Steele County does not administer county zoning and directs zoning questions to the township or city governing the parcel2. Zoning approval and building permits can therefore come from different offices: a township or city may set zoning while the county issues the building permit, and septic permits stay with the public-health unit. In unincorporated areas, the county imposes no zoning minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, setback, lot-coverage limit, or building-height limit2. Township or city zoning may still set those controls, and septic, health, highway, and other non-zoning rules may also affect the site2. Steele County publishes no general county zoning-district schedule; obtain any local zoning materials from the applicable township or city2. A county building permit does not establish that the township or city allows the proposed land use, so settle both permit jurisdiction and local zoning before designing the site1,2.

How do septic permits work in Steele County?

Steele County Public Health provides septic evaluations, and North Dakota requires a permit from the local public-health unit before work begins on an onsite wastewater system.

Steele County Public Health provides septic evaluations, and North Dakota requires a permit from the local public-health unit before work begins on an onsite wastewater system3,4. Installation of the system must also be inspected by the permitting authority or an authorized person9. The installer also needs a North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality license and must follow local codes4. About 47.1% of Steele County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so parcel-level conditions can still affect system design and cost10. Ask Public Health what evaluation, design, inspection, and fee it will require for the specific site because the county's published information does not give the complete procedure3.

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

Steele County has no county-administered zoning restriction on RV occupancy in unincorporated areas, but the township or city may have its own rules.

Steele County has no county-administered zoning restriction on RV occupancy in unincorporated areas, but the township or city may have its own rules2. Confirm long-term RV occupancy with the governing township and Steele County Public Health because the county zoning answer does not resolve wastewater, floodplain, health, or other requirements2. Steele County sets no county zoning minimum dwelling size for a tiny home in unincorporated areas, but township, city, building, septic, health, and other rules may still apply2. A tiny home still needs a building permit if it is a new structure where county permit rules apply1. A new manufactured home used as a residence must be installed and inspected by state-licensed professionals11.

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

Identify the township, then ask its clerk or the applicable city about zoning and which office has building-permit authority.

  1. Identify the township, then ask its clerk or the applicable city about zoning and which office has building-permit authority1,2.
  2. Where county rules apply, complete the application with the property location, proposed use, work description, dimensions, stories, square footage, and estimated value7.
  3. Submit the approved application and county fee to the Director of Tax Equalization before work starts1,5.
  4. File for any qualifying farm-residence property-tax exemption by February 1, but still obtain the building permit1.
  5. Obtain the onsite-wastewater permit through the local public-health unit before septic work starts and use a state-licensed installer4.
  6. Ask the Steele County Emergency Manager for a development permit before work in a special flood hazard area6.

What to check before you buy land in Steele County

About 99% of Steele County land has a slope of 15% or less, while about 1.2% is wooded.

About 99% of Steele County land has a slope of 15% or less, while about 1.2% is wooded10. Annual precipitation is about 21.8 inches, and severe drought occurs in about 9.9% of years10. About 47.1% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make the parcel-specific septic evaluation part of due diligence3,10. A development permit is required before work begins in a special flood hazard area, and the Steele County Emergency Manager administers that permit6. Confirm the township before buying because local zoning varies and some townships retain building-permit authority1,2. The effective property-tax rate is about 1%, with a median annual bill near $1,146 and a typical home value near $120,40010.

Watch-outs

  • Steele County's building-permit regulations exclude townships that retain permitting authority, tribal land, and federal land, so confirm who issues the permit before applying1.
  • Steele County imposes no county land-use zoning restriction on RV occupancy in unincorporated areas, but township, septic, building-permit, floodplain, and health rules may still apply2.
  • Steele County's published fee schedule covers improvements under or above $100,000 but does not specify the fee at exactly $100,000; ask the Tax Equalization Office for that amount2,5.

Sources

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

  1. Steele County Building Permit Ordinance and Regulations
  2. Tax Equalization - Steele County, ND
  3. Public Health - Steele County, ND
  4. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (North Dakota statewide rule)
  5. Steele County Building Permit Ordinance and Regulations
  6. Steele County Floodplain Ordinance
  7. Application for Building Permit for Steele County, ND
  8. Property Tax Exemption for Builders of Certain New Single Family Residential Properties (North Dakota statewide rule)
  9. North Dakota Administrative Code, Chapter 33.1-21-01: Onsite Wastewater Treatment System Installers Licensing Systems (North Dakota statewide rule)
  10. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  11. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule)

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 4 of its 6 neighbors, Steele County has no countywide zoning.

RuleSteele CountyGriggs CountyTraill CountyGrand Forks CountyNelson CountyCass CountyBarnes County
Building permitRequiredNot requiredRequiredRequiredLimitedLimitedRequired
County zoningNoYesNoYesYesNoYes
Septic permitsCounty Public HealthNelson-Griggs District Health UnitTraill District Health UnitGrand Forks Public HealthNelson/Griggs District Health UnitFargo Cass Public HealthND DEQ

County locator

Steele County in North Dakota

45
County map
Steele County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Steele County scores

45 / 100 · #41 of 53 in North Dakota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion84100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1692% ev.
Admin Boringness4490% ev.
Durability48100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8296% 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 →

$120kTypical home
1%Property tax
$2,962Land / acre
21.8"Annual rain
9.9% of yrsSevere drought
3 / yr (+2.7)Mid-century 100°F days
20.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.45" (+8.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.67×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,688Home insurance / yr
0.4% / yrInsurance growth
0%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
1,289People within 30 min
460,397People within 2 hr
2,762Radius comparison (15 mi)
2.5People / sq mi
7.4%Federal land
99%Land at 15% slope or less
47.1%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
214,039 acWorkable land screen
1.2%Wooded land
39.9°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Steele 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: Beaver Creek Township · Broadlawn Township · Carpenter Township · Colgate Township · Easton Township · Edendale Township · Enger Township · Finley · Finley Township · Franklin Township · Golden Lake Township · Greenview Township · Hugo Township · Luverne · Melrose Township · Newburgh Township · Primrose Township · Riverside Township · Sharon · Sharon Township · Sherbrooke Township · Westfield Township · Willow Lake Township

Answers from the rulebook for Steele County

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

Steele County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New structures and changes to the current footprint in areas subject to Steele County building-permit jurisdiction.

    • The regulations do not apply to townships that have not relinquished building-permit authority to the county.
    • The regulations do not apply to lands within tribal boundaries or federal land.
    • Ordinary maintenance of the exterior or interior is exempt, including the listed examples in Sections 2.3.1 and 2.3.2.
    • Structures considered farm exempt still require building permits.
    • Uses specifically exempted from county jurisdiction under N.D.C.C. also remain exempt.
    “Building permits shall be necessary to any new structures”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New structures and changes to an existing structure footprint in areas subject to county building-permit regulations.
      “Building permits shall be necessary to any new structures or any changes in the current footprint of the structure in question.”
    • Required — New structures and changes to the current footprint in areas subject to county building-permit jurisdiction.
      “Building permits shall be necessary to any new structures”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    County zoning regulations.

    • Steele County directs zoning inquiries to townships and cities.
    • This does not establish the absence of municipal or township zoning.
    “For any information regarding zoning, contact must be made with the Township's or each City directly. Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate of township and city zoning within Steele County; the county does not administer each local ordinance.

    • Applicable zoning authority is the relevant township or city.
    • The county page does not identify which individual townships or cities currently have operative zoning ordinances.
    “contact must be made with the Township's or each City directly.”
  • Zoning districtsNot published (with conditions)

    General county-administered zoning districts in Steele County.

    • The county states that zoning information must be obtained from the applicable township or city.
    • This conclusion does not negate the separately listed Animal Feeding Operations zoning ordinance.
    “For any information regarding zoning, contact must be made with the Township's or each City directly. Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Not published — County zoning-district publication for unincorporated Steele County.
      “For any information regarding zoning, contact must be made with the Township's or each City directly. Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
    • Not published — County zoning districts in unincorporated Steele County.
      “Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone (with conditions)

    County zoning dimensional controls on dwelling size in unincorporated Steele County.

    • Township, municipal, building, septic, health, and other applicable rules may still apply.
    “Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — County zoning dimensional controls on dwelling size in unincorporated Steele County.
      “For any information regarding zoning, contact must be made with the Township's or each City directly. Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
  • Minimum lot sizeNone (with conditions)

    County zoning dimensional controls on minimum lot size in unincorporated Steele County.

    • Township, municipal, building, septic, health, and other applicable rules may still apply.
    “Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • None — County zoning dimensional controls on lot size in unincorporated Steele County.
      “For any information regarding zoning, contact must be made with the Township's or each City directly. Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
  • SetbacksNone

    County-imposed zoning setbacks in unincorporated Steele County.

    • Municipal or township rules may apply.
    • Other non-zoning rules, including septic requirements, may impose separation distances.
    “Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning setback controls in unincorporated Steele County.
      “For any information regarding zoning, contact must be made with the Township's or each City directly. Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
    • None (with conditions) — County zoning setbacks in unincorporated Steele County.
      “Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
  • Lot coverageNone

    County-imposed zoning lot coverage in unincorporated Steele County.

    • Municipal or township rules may apply.
    “Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning lot-coverage controls in unincorporated Steele County.
      “For any information regarding zoning, contact must be made with the Township's or each City directly. Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
    • None (with conditions) — County zoning lot-coverage controls in unincorporated Steele County.
      “Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
  • Building heightNone

    County-imposed zoning building height in unincorporated Steele County.

    • Municipal or township rules may apply.
    “Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • None — County zoning height controls in unincorporated Steele County.
      “For any information regarding zoning, contact must be made with the Township's or each City directly. Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
    • None (with conditions) — County zoning building-height controls in unincorporated Steele County.
      “Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
  • Living in an RVUnrestricted

    RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Steele County insofar as county land-use zoning is concerned.

    • Steele County states that it is not involved in zoning regulations; zoning information must be obtained from the applicable township or city.
    • This claim does not resolve township, municipal, septic, building-permit, floodplain, health, or other applicable rules.
    “For any information regarding zoning, contact must be made with the Township's or each City directly. Steele County IS NOT involved in any zoning regulations. Thank you!”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Public-health administration of septic-related services in Steele County.

    • The county Public Health office is not part of a health district.
    • The page identifies septic evaluations but does not state the complete permit or inspection procedure.
    “department office held within the County and not part of a Health District. [...] Septic evaluations”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of an onsite wastewater treatment system in Steele County.

    • The permit must be obtained from the local public health unit before beginning work.
    • The installer must also obtain a North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality license, issued at no cost.
    • Installers must follow local codes.

    state installer license fee: 0 USD

    “secure a permit from their local public health unit before beginning work on a system.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    Farm-exempt property under the Steele County building-permit regulations.

    • A farm residence property-tax exemption application must be filed by February 1 of the year in which the exemption is requested.
    • Even structures considered farm exempt require a building permit.
    • If the exemption requirements are met, the permit is retained for reference and no valuations are placed on the structure.

    application deadline: February 1 (of the year in which the exemption is requested)

    “including those that are considered “farm exempt.””
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Farm-exempt structures under the county building-permit ordinance.
      “Building permits shall be necessary for all structures, including those that are considered “farm exempt.” The application for property tax exemption of a farm residence must be filed by February 1st of the year in which the exemption is being requested as indicated by N.D.C.C. 57-02-08.”
    • Conditional — Farm-exempt structures under Steele County building-permit regulations.
      “Building permits shall be necessary for all structures, including those that are considered “farm exempt.””
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or development within Steele County special flood hazard areas.

    • The ordinance applies to all special flood hazard areas within Steele County.
    • A development permit is required before construction or development begins in a special flood hazard area.
    • Applications are made on forms furnished by the Steele County Emergency Manager and may require scaled plans, elevations, structures, fill, storage materials, drainage facilities, and related information.
    • The FEMA Flood Insurance Study for Steele County dated September 21, 2023 and accompanying map are adopted by reference.
    • The Emergency Manager administers the ordinance and grants or denies development permits.
    • Other federal, state, or local permits may also be required.

    FEMA Flood Insurance Study date: September 21, 2023

    “A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any special flood hazard area established in Section 3.2.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit fees.

    • Fees and an approved application must be submitted to the Steele County Director of Tax Equalization.
    • Fees must be paid before the project starts.
    • The ordinance imposes a $250 fine for violations.

    improvement under $100,000: 25 USD · improvement above $100,000: 50 USD · violation fine: 250 USD

    “$25.00 FOR IMPROVEMENTS UNDER $100,000.00 [...] $50.00 FOR IMPROVEMENTS OVER $100,000.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit application and appeal process.

    • The application requests applicant, property location including city/township, proposed use, work description, structure dimensions, stories, square footage, and estimated value.
    • Administrative action is recorded as approved or denied.
    • An appeal of a township assessor decision goes to the appropriate Township Clerk/Treasurer.
    • An appeal of a township board or county Director of Tax Equalization decision goes to the Steele County Board of Commissioners via the County Auditor and is heard at the subsequent Commission Meeting.
    • The County Commission decision is final except as provided by law.
    “Location of Property (please include City/Township) [...] ACTION TAKEN: APPROVED OR DENIED”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County building-permit application and appeals process.
      “Fees and approved application shall be submitted to the Steele County Director of Tax Equalization. Building permit fees shall be charged and collected PRIOR to the start of the project.”

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A person who owns a manufactured home or the real property where a manufactured home is to be installed and who performs that person's own first-time manufactured-home installation in Steele County, North Dakota.

    • The exemption is from registration as a manufactured-home installer only; the owner must comply with all other provisions of North Dakota Administrative Code chapter 108-03.
    • A person who installs more than one manufactured home in any twelve-month period, whether owned by that person or installed on real property owned by that person, must register as an installer and comply with the registration provisions.
    • The rule applies to first-time installation of each manufactured home installed in North Dakota for residential occupancy, beginning July 1, 2006.
    • Each installed manufactured home must display an insignia issued by the Department of Commerce Division of Community Services.
    • Temporary installations for home display or office use that will be relocated to another location for residential use are exempt from the chapter.
    • Before installation begins, the owner must obtain an installation authorization from a participating jurisdiction or certified installation inspector; the authorization is valid for thirty days and may be extended for an additional thirty days upon written approval.
    • The installation authorization must be displayed until an installation insignia is attached, and inspection costs are borne by the installer.
    • Local jurisdictions may impose additional requirements; a political subdivision may not issue a building or zoning permit for a first-time installation to an unregistered installer.

    owner installation registration exemption: <= one manufactured home or fewer in any twelve-month period homes per 12 months (Installing more than one manufactured home in any twelve-month period requires installer registration.) · installation authorization validity: 30 days (May be extended for an additional thirty days upon written approval by the issuing entity.)

    “A person who owns the manufactured home or the real property where the home is to be installed is not required to register as an installer if that person does that person's own installation but shall comply with all provisions of this chapter other than the registration provision. A person who installs more than one manufactured home in any twelve-month period, either owned or on real property owned by such person, must register as an installer and shall comply with the registration provisions.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — North Dakota State Building Code, including its application to counties that elect to adopt and enforce a building code.
      “Cities, townships, and counties that elect to enforce a building code are responsible for adopting and enforcing the state building code, but may amend the code to conform to local needs.”
    • 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 [...]”
  • 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.”
  • 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
  • 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.”
  • 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 Steele 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.

  • 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 — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements.

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 Steele County, North Dakota

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

Steele County scores 45/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 1,289 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (21.8″/yr rainfall).

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

Land in Steele County runs about $2,962 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Steele County?

Steele County gets about 21.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.9% of years.

How remote is Steele County?

A representative private-land location has about 1,289 people within a 30-minute drive and 460,397 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 Steele compares in North Dakota

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