Bolthole Index

Stutsman County, North Dakota

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

43Index Score / 100
#46 of 53 in North Dakota

Unincorporated Stutsman County, North Dakota requires a building permit for construction, structural changes or moving non-agricultural structures where county zoning applies1. The County Auditor issues county building permits; Jamestown handles its own building permits and zoning2,3,4. Central Valley Health District handles local septic permits, including for homesites governed by county zoning5. Township zoning authority varies by parcel and use6.

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

In unincorporated territory governed by the Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance, a building permit is required before erecting, constructing, making structural changes to or moving a non-agricultural structure.

In unincorporated territory governed by the Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance, a building permit is required before erecting, constructing, making structural changes to or moving a non-agricultural structure1. Stutsman County protects farming and normal incidents of farming from prohibitive zoning restrictions and excludes agricultural buildings from its building-permit rule; those provisions do not waive every health or safety requirement1. We could not confirm a separate owner-builder permit exemption, so an owner building a residence should ask the Auditor's Office before relying on one8. A permitted structure or addition may not be occupied or used until the Zoning Administrator issues the county's Certificate of Compliance1. North Dakota has a state building-code framework, but local governments elect whether to administer and enforce it; we could not confirm that Stutsman County conducts general code inspections9.

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

The Stutsman County Auditor issues building permits, while applications with project details, maps, sketches and supporting documents and permanent blueprints go to the Zoning Administrator's office and may be emailed.

The Stutsman County Auditor issues building permits, while applications with project details, maps, sketches and supporting documents and permanent blueprints go to the Zoning Administrator's office and may be emailed2. Reach the Auditor's Office at (701) 252-9035, auditor@stutsmancounty.gov, or 511 2nd Ave SE Suite 102, Jamestown, ND 584018. For parcel zoning and the correct local jurisdiction, contact the Stutsman County Tax Equalization Office at (701) 252-9032 or tperleberg@stutsmancounty.gov at the same courthouse address10. Some townships use their own zoning officers, while the county handles townships not listed on its zoning page6,10. Ask the Auditor for current building-permit fees; the ordinance refers to the Stutsman County Fee Schedule, but we could not confirm the amounts1. Inside Jamestown, the city handles building permits; onsite septic permits still come from the local public health unit, Central Valley Health District3,5,11.

Does Stutsman County have zoning?

Stutsman County zoning covers unincorporated land under county jurisdiction, while a city or township may retain its own zoning or subdivision authority.

Stutsman County zoning covers unincorporated land under county jurisdiction, while a city or township may retain its own zoning or subdivision authority1,6. The county zoning map is filed with the County Auditor1. County-governed land is mapped into Agricultural, Rural Residential, Residential Community, Commercial, Industrial and Recreation/Open Space districts1. Lot and placement rules vary sharply: an Agricultural-zone non-farm home needs at least 5 acres, while a Rural Residential lot needs at least 20,000 square feet with public water or sewer and 1 acre without either service1. Rural Residential structures have 100-foot right-of-way and 50-foot lot-line setbacks, a 30% lot-coverage cap, and a conditional-use trigger above 35 feet except for specified metal towers1. We could not confirm a general minimum dwelling size or accessory-dwelling rule; ask the governing zoning office before design10. Jamestown sets its own zoning, with Planning and Zoning also serving its extraterritorial area; onsite septic permitting remains with the local public health unit, Central Valley Health District4,5,11.

How do septic permits work in Stutsman County?

Central Valley Health District permits onsite sewage treatment systems in Stutsman County.

Central Valley Health District permits onsite sewage treatment systems in Stutsman County5. Reach Environmental Health at 701-252-8130, ext. 9, or 122 2nd St NW, Jamestown, ND 5840112. In county-zoned territory, the disposal site needs County Sanitarian approval before the building permit issues or the system is installed, and percolation testing may be required at the developer's cost1. Soil-absorption systems must meet separation rules, and minimum lot area is 1 acre in soils with slight limitations and 2 acres in soils with severe sewage-disposal limitations1. About 55% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a parcel-level evaluation still matters13. For off-grid homes, domestic wastewater must pass through a septic tank or higher treatment before discharge into soil; Central Valley Health District may review alternatives when underground dispersal is infeasible5,14.

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

We could not confirm a general rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy on private land in Stutsman County; ask the governing zoning office.

We could not confirm a general rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy on private land in Stutsman County; ask the governing zoning office10. Recreational vehicles and mobile homes cannot serve as permanent modular quarters in a county-regulated crew camp, while campground and seasonal-camp uses may require a conditional-use permit1. Those narrow rules do not answer whether one RV may be occupied on a private homesite, so ask the county, township or city zoning office governing the parcel before living in an RV or tiny home during construction6,10. A mobile or manufactured home outside a designated mobile-home court is treated as a single-family residence and must meet the applicable zoning district's rules1. Inside a county-regulated mobile-home court, every lot must have water, sewer, electricity and telephone hookups1.

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

Confirm whether the parcel is governed by Stutsman County, a township or a city, then identify its zoning district.

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is governed by Stutsman County, a township or a city, then identify its zoning district6,10.
  1. Check the district's allowed uses, lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, height and access rules with the applicable zoning office1,10.
  1. Arrange the septic site review and local public-health permit through Central Valley Health District before work starts1,5,12.
  1. Submit the building-permit materials to the Zoning Administrator's office; the County Auditor issues permits when county zoning governs the site1,8.
  1. If the parcel lies in a special flood hazard area, obtain the development permit before construction begins15,16.
  1. Ask which code inspections apply, then obtain the Zoning Administrator's Certificate of Compliance before occupying or using the permitted structure1,8,9.

What to check before you buy land in Stutsman County

Start by confirming the governing jurisdiction and zoning district; county rules do not displace a city or township that retains its own authority.

Start by confirming the governing jurisdiction and zoning district; county rules do not displace a city or township that retains its own authority6. Order a septic evaluation early because only about 55% of Stutsman County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field13. We could not confirm a Stutsman County well-construction permit requirement, so ask the applicable water authority before drilling10. Check mapped special flood hazard areas before choosing a homesite because development there requires a permit before work begins15. Stutsman County Rural Residential properties are limited to 1 public-road access point per quarter mile, with a frontage road required as necessary1. A driveway on state highway right-of-way needs NDDOT approval before work; contact the District Engineer17. For budgeting context, the typical home value is about $233,456, the effective property-tax rate is about 1.1%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,19313.

Watch-outs

  • North Dakota's state code framework does not by itself establish that Stutsman County runs general building-code inspections; ask the Auditor's Office what code review and inspections apply before construction8,9.
  • Some townships have their own zoning officers, so confirm the parcel's governing jurisdiction before relying on county zoning answers10.
  • Crew-camp and campground rules do not establish a right to live in one RV on private land; ask the applicable county, township or city zoning office before purchase1,6,10.

Sources

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

  1. Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance
  2. Stutsman County Application For Permit
  3. Jamestown: Inspections (Stutsman County)
  4. Jamestown: Code of Ordinances: Appendix C, Sec. 7.5. Residential uses (Stutsman County)
  5. On-Site Sewage Treatment Systems – Central Valley Health District
  6. Zoning | Stutsman County
  7. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule)
  8. Stutsman County Auditor's Office (stutsmancounty.gov)
  9. North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 54-21.3: State Building Code
  10. Stutsman County Tax Equalization Office (stutsmancounty.gov)
  11. Jamestown: On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (Stutsman County)
  12. Central Valley Health District Environmental Health (centralvalleyhealth.org)
  13. 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
  14. North Dakota Administrative Code, Section 33.1-21-01-07: General requirements (North Dakota statewide rule)
  15. National Flood Insurance Program Ordinance
  16. Stutsman County Emergency Management (stutsmancounty.gov)
  17. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 24-01, State Highway System (North Dakota statewide rule)

Written October 11, 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

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Stutsman County has countywide zoning.

RuleStutsman CountyLaMoure CountyLogan CountyKidder CountyBarnes CountyFoster CountyDickey County
Building permitRequiredLimitedRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCentral Valley Health DistrictCentral Valley Health DistrictND Dept. of Env. QualityCounty District Health UnitND DEQCentral Valley Health DistrictCentral Valley Health District

County locator

Stutsman County in North Dakota

43
County map
Stutsman County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Stutsman County scores

43 / 100 · #46 of 53 in North Dakota · six factors, land price, tax, rain and climate

Seclusion85100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency1592% ev.
Admin Boringness41100% ev.
Durability51100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost7996% ev.

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

$233kTypical home
1.1%Property tax
$2,732Land / acre
20.3"Annual rain
10.6% of yrsSevere drought
4.6 / yr (+3.9)Mid-century 100°F days
21.1 daysMid-century dry spell
1.56" (+3.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.62×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,667Home insurance / yr
1% / yrInsurance growth
0.82%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
285People within 30 min
230,907People within 2 hr
1,982Radius comparison (15 mi)
9.6People / sq mi
30.2%Federal land
91.5%Land at 15% slope or less
55%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
753,123 acWorkable land screen
2%Wooded land
40.8°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Stutsman 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: Alexander Township · Ashland Township · Bloom Township · Bloomenfield Township · Buchanan · Cleveland · Conklin Township · Corinne Township · Corwin Township · Courtenay Township · Cusator Township · Deer Lake Township · Durham Township · Edmunds Township · Eldridge Township · Flint Township · Fried Township · Gray Township · Griffin Township · Iosco Township · Jim River Valley Township · Kensal · Kensal Township · Lenton Township · Lippert Township · Lyon Township · Marstonmoor Township · Medina · Midway Township · Montpelier · Paris Township · Pingree · Pingree Township · Pipestem Valley Township · Plainview Township · Rose Township · Round Top Township · Severn Township · Sharlow Township · Sinclair Township · Spiritwood Township · Spiritwood Lake · Streeter · Strong Township · Sydney Township · Valley Spring Township · Wadsworth Township · Walters Township · Winfield Township · Woodbury Township · Woodworth · Ypsilanti Township

Answers from the rulebook for Stutsman County

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

Stutsman County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Structures in county-controlled areas subject to the Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance.

    • Agricultural buildings are excluded.
    • Applications are made to the County Auditor.
    • No permit may issue if the proposed action violates the ordinance.
    • Current building permit fees are governed by the Stutsman County Fee Schedule.
    “No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, make structural changes or move any structure, excluding agricultural buildings without first obtaining a Building Permit.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Erecting, constructing, structurally changing, or moving structures in unincorporated territory subject to the county ordinance.
      “No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, make structural changes or move any structure, excluding agricultural buildings without first obtaining a Building Permit.”
    • Required — Erecting, constructing, structurally changing, or moving a non-agricultural structure in territory where the county ordinance applies.
      “No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, make structural changes or move any structure, excluding agricultural buildings without first obtaining a Building Permit. Application for a building permit shall be made to the County Auditor, who may issue said permit and who shall inform the Zoning Administrator and Planning and Zoning Commission of said application.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Structures or additions subject to a county building permit.

    • The ordinance calls the document a Certificate of Compliance, not a Certificate of Occupancy.
    • The structure may not be occupied or used until the Certificate of Compliance is issued by the Zoning Administrator.
    • The Tax Assessor must be notified.
    “No structure or addition thereto which is subject to the need for a building permit shall be occupied or used for any purpose until a Certificate of Compliance has been issued by the Zoning Administrator and the Tax Assessor shall be notified of the issuance of said Certificate.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — A structure or addition subject to the county building-permit requirement.
      “Every application for a building permit shall be deemed to also be an application for certificate of compliance. No structure or addition thereto which is subject to the need for a building permit shall be occupied or used for any purpose until a Certificate of Compliance has been issued by the Zoning Administrator and the Tax Assessor shall be notified of the issuance of said Certificate.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in unincorporated territory under county jurisdiction.

    • The ordinance excludes property within the zoning or subdivision authority of townships with lawfully enacted regulations.
    • The ordinance excludes property within the zoning or subdivision authority of cities unless the city relinquishes authority to the county.
    “This ordinance shall affect all unincorporated territory over which the Board of County Commissioners have jurisdiction in Stutsman County, North Dakota except as indicated below.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Stutsman County; county zoning applies in county-controlled unincorporated areas, while some townships and all organized cities may retain their own authority.

    • The county zoning page states that some townships have their own zoning officers.
    • The county jurisdiction schedule states that the county has no zoning authority over organized cities.
    • Township-level authority varies by township and use.
    “For the townships that retain zoning authority, any uses not listed above are locally zoned and are not controlled by the county zoning ordinance.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — County aggregate of county-administered unincorporated zoning and separate township/city zoning or subdivision authority.
      “This ordinance shall not affect any property, real or personal, which is located within the zoning or subdivision authority of any township having lawfully enacted regulations as provided in Sections 58-03-11 through 58-03-15 of the North Dakota Century Code (NDCC), except where such township supervisors relinquish to the County their powers or any portion thereof, to enact zoning regulations.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts established by Stutsman County for unincorporated territory over which the Board of County Commissioners has jurisdiction, subject to the ordinance's township and city exceptions.

    • The ordinance applies to unincorporated territory over which the Board of County Commissioners has jurisdiction.
    • The ordinance does not affect property within the zoning or subdivision authority of a township that has lawfully enacted regulations under NDCC Sections 58-03-11 through 58-03-15, unless the township relinquishes all or part of that authority to the County.
    • The ordinance does not affect property within the zoning or subdivision authority of a North Dakota city unless the city relinquishes all or part of that authority to the County by resolution.
    • The zoning districts must be mapped; the County Zoning Map must include materials necessary for interpretation, show the date of adoption and each amendment date, and be on file in the County Auditor's office.
    • The ordinance states that no regulation or restriction in it shall be construed to prohibit or prevent farming or normal incidents of farming.

    A: Agricultural Zone · RR: Rural Residential Zone · RC: Residential Community Zone · C: Commercial Zone · I: Industrial Zone · R/O: Recreation/Open Space Zone

    “A - Agricultural Zone RR - Rural Residential Zone RC - Residential Community Zone C - Commercial Zone I - Industrial Zone R/O - Recreation/Open Space Zone”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — County zoning districts and zoning map for county-controlled territory.
      “The zoning districts as described in this ordinance shall be mapped.”
    • Published (with conditions) — County-zoned unincorporated territory, subject to the Section 1.4 township and city jurisdiction exceptions.
      “Stutsman County is hereby divided into zoning districts for purposes of controlling the use of lands and structures as authorized by Section 11-03-02 of the NDCC. Said districts shall be known as: A - Agricultural Zone RR - Rural Residential Zone RC - Residential Community Zone C - Commercial Zone I - Industrial Zone R/O - Recreation/Open Space Zone”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential, commercial, industrial, and mobile-home-court lots in applicable unincorporated county zoning districts.

    • Minimums vary by zoning district and whether public water or sewer is available.
    • Agricultural-zone non-farm residences require lots of at least five acres.
    • Mobile-home courts have separate minimum area and lot standards.

    agricultural-zone non-farm residence lot: >= 5 acres · rural-residential lot with public water or sewer: >= 20000 square feet · rural-residential lot without public water or sewer: >= 1 acre

    “Minimum lot size shall be 20,000 square feet for lots served by public water or sewer and 1 acre for lots not served by public water or sewer;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Rural Residential, Residential Community, Commercial, Industrial, Agricultural, and onsite-sewage contexts within county-zoned unincorporated territory.
      “Minimum lot size shall be 20,000 square feet for lots served by public water or sewer and 1 acre for lots not served by public water or sewer;”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Structures and specified uses in applicable county zoning districts.

    • Setbacks vary by district and use.
    • Agricultural, rural-residential, residential-community, commercial, industrial, mobile-home-court, and wind-energy standards differ.

    rural-residential right-of-way setback: 100 feet · rural-residential lot-line setback: 50 feet · residential-community right-of-way setback: 25 feet · residential-community lot-line setback: 10 feet

    “Minimum setback of any structure shall be: 100 feet from any right-of-way & 50 feet from any lot line;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Structures in county zoning districts.
      “Minimum setback of any structure shall be: 100 feet from any right-of-way & 50 feet from any lot line; Setbacks for electric transmission lines are to be 1,000 feet from an inhabited rural residence.”
  • Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Lots in the Rural Residential and Residential Community districts and mobile-home courts.

    • RR maximum intensity is 30 percent of lot area.
    • R/C maximum intensity is 40 percent of lot area.
    • Mobile-home-court maximum intensity is 40 percent of lot area.

    RR maximum intensity: <= 30 percent of lot area · R/C maximum intensity: <= 40 percent of lot area

    “The maximum intensity of buildings or other structures on any lot shall be 30% of the lot area;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Maximum building or structure intensity in applicable county zoning districts.
      “Maximum intensity of buildings or other structures shall not exceed 40 percent of the lot area;”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures in county zoning districts.

    • Structures exceeding 35 feet require a Conditional Use Permit in the cited districts.
    • Metal towers such as windmills and antennas are excepted.

    conditional-use threshold: > 35 feet (metal towers such as windmills and antennas)

    “Any structure exceeding 35 feet in height shall require a Conditional Use Permit, with the exception of metal towers such as windmills and antennas;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Structures in RR, R/C, and Commercial zoning districts.
      “Any structure exceeding 35 feet in height shall require a Conditional Use Permit, with the exception of metal towers such as windmills and antennas;”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Use of recreational vehicles as permanent or temporary living quarters in county-regulated crew camps.

    • The ordinance prohibits recreational vehicles or mobile homes as permanent modular quarters in a crew camp.
    • This claim does not establish a countywide rule for RV occupancy outside crew camps.
    “Use of recreational vehicles or mobile homes as PMQs in a crew camp is prohibited.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Campgrounds and seasonal recreational camps in applicable county zoning districts.

    • A Conditional Use Permit is required where the use is listed as conditional.
    • The ordinance separately permits certain smaller seasonal campgrounds in the commercial district.
    “Campgrounds, seasonal recreational camps, commercial stables, gun clubs, and recreational resorts;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Campgrounds in Agricultural, Rural Residential, Residential Community, and Recreation/Open Space districts, and temporary work camps in the Industrial district.
      “Temporary work camps, provided that: such camps shall provide occupancy only for those persons directly involved in the construction of industrial facilities during such construction. No such camp shall be in existence for more than 18 months. All such camps must be approved prior to occupancy by the County Sanitarian;”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile or manufactured homes in and outside designated mobile-home courts.

    • Outside a designated mobile-home court, mobile homes and prefabricated housing are treated as single-family residences and are subject to the applicable zone regulations.
    • Mobile-home courts require an Operator's Permit and must meet area, lot, setback, coverage, utility, access, and lighting requirements.

    mobile home court minimum area: >= 20 acres · individual mobile home lot: >= 6000 square feet · mobile home lot width: >= 60 feet · maximum lot intensity: <= 40 percent

    “When not located in a designated mobile home court, mobile homes and prefabricated housing shall be considered single-family residences for the purposes of this ordinance and are therefore subject to all regulations and inferences applied to such residences as defined for each zone herein established.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Mobile homes and prefabricated housing in county-zoned unincorporated territory.
      “When not located in a designated mobile home court, mobile homes and prefabricated housing shall be considered single-family residences for the purposes of this ordinance and are therefore subject to all regulations and inferences applied to such residences as defined for each zone herein established.”
  • Who permits septicLocal (with conditions)

    On-site sewage treatment systems serving Stutsman County through Central Valley Health District.

    • The district serves Stutsman County and Logan County.
    • County zoning separately requires County Sanitarian site inspection and approval before installation or building-permit issuance.
    “The Environmental Health Department permits on-site sewage treatment systems (OSTS), commonly called septic systems.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    On-site sewage treatment systems in Stutsman County administered by Central Valley Health District.

    • The program covers septic tanks, drainfields, seepage pits, holding tanks, and repairs or replacements of existing systems.
    “The Environmental Health Department permits on-site sewage treatment systems (OSTS), commonly called septic systems.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Proposed sewage disposal system sites in county-controlled areas.

    • Inspection and approval are required before building-permit issuance or installation.
    • A disapproval may be appealed to the County Planning and Zoning Commission.
    • Percolation testing may be required, at the developer’s cost.
    “Inspection and approval by the County Sanitarian of any proposed sewage disposal system site shall be required”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Proposed sewage-disposal-system sites in county-zoned unincorporated territory.
      “Inspection and approval by the County Sanitarian of any proposed sewage disposal system site shall be required prior to the issuance of a building permit for said site or to the installation of any sewage disposal system. Disapproval of any such site by the County Sanitarian may be appealed to the County Planning and Zoning Commission, which shall then either uphold or reverse the decision of the County Sanitarian.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Soil-absorption onsite sewage systems in county-zoned unincorporated territory.

    • Systems must be lower in elevation than nearby wells or springs.
    • Systems have specified dwelling, water-supply, waterbody, property-line, lake, and drainage-ditch separation requirements.
    • Minimum lot area is one acre in soils with slight limitations and two acres in soils with severe sewage-disposal limitations.
    • County Sanitarian inspection and approval is required before installation.

    minimum lot area in slight-limitations soils: >= 1 acre · minimum lot area in severe sewage-disposal-limitations soils: >= 2 acres

    “A soil absorption system shall not be constructed on any lot smaller than one(1) acre (43,560 square feet) in soils with slight limitations; nor on any lot smaller than two(2) acres (87,120 square feet) in soils with severe sewage disposal limitations.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Lots in a county-regulated mobile-home court.

    • Applies to mobile-home courts; the ordinance does not establish a general countywide connection mandate.
    • Water and sewer systems must meet minimum county, state, and federal health and sanitary standards.

    required utility hookups: water, sewer, electricity and telephone (Each mobile-home-court lot.)

    “Underground utility hookups shall be provided for each lot. These utilities include water, sewer, electricity and telephone. Water and sewer systems must meet minimum county, state and federal standards for health and sanitary conditions;”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Water and sewer (with conditions) — Mobile home courts subject to the county ordinance.
      “Underground utility hookups shall be provided for each lot. These utilities include water, sewer, electricity and telephone.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Land or buildings used for farming or normal incidents of farming under the county zoning ordinance.

    • The building-permit rule also expressly excludes agricultural buildings.
    “No regulation or restriction contained in this ordinance shall be construed to prohibit or prevent the use of land or buildings for farming or any of the normal incidents of farming.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available — Farming and normal incidents of farming under the county zoning ordinance.
      “No regulation or restriction contained in this ordinance shall be construed to prohibit or prevent the use of land or buildings for farming or any of the normal incidents of farming.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Ingress and egress from public roads for RR-zoned properties.

    • Points of ingress and egress are limited to one per quarter mile in or from RR-zone properties.
    • A frontage road must be constructed as necessary to provide access through allowable points.

    maximum access points: per 1 per quarter mile

    “Points of ingress and egress from any public road shall be limited to one per 1/4 mile in or from any RR Zone properties.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Ingress and egress from public roads for Rural Residential Zone properties.
      “Points of ingress and egress from any public road shall be limited to one per 1/4 mile in or from any RR Zone properties. A frontage road shall be constructed as necessary to allow access to public roads via the allowable points of ingress and egress;”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or development within a special flood hazard area established by the County ordinance.

    • A development permit is required before construction or development begins.
    • Applications may require scaled plans, elevations, floodproofing certification, and watercourse-alteration information.
    • The Stutsman County Emergency Management Office administers the ordinance.
    • Necessary federal, state, and local approvals must also be obtained.
    “A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any special flood hazard area established in Section 3.2.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Building-permit applications and development in county-regulated flood-prone areas.
      “All building permit applications shall be reviewed by the County Planning and Zoning Commission to determine if the proposed development adversely affects the flood carrying capacity of a flood prone area to assure that all development sites are reasonably safe from flooding. All applications shall also be reviewed to determine if all necessary permits have been obtained from those Federal, State or Local agencies from which prior approval is required.”
    • Required — Construction or development within Stutsman County special flood hazard areas.
      “A development permit shall be obtained before construction or development begins within any special flood hazard area established in Section 3.2.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Building permit and zoning application fees in Stutsman County zoning jurisdiction

    • When certified mail is required, costs are added to the listed fees.
    • Wind energy and crew camp conditional use permit fees are in separate ordinance sections.
    • Section 4.4 also refers to the county fee schedule for current building permit fees.

    building permit, valuation under $2,000: no fee · building permit, $2,001-$25,000: 25 USD · building permit, $25,001-$100,000: 50 USD · building permit, over $100,000: 100 USD · conditional use permit, zoning amendment, variance (each): 100 USD

    “permit fee schedule application for building permit: valuation of work to be done under $2,000 fee no fee $2,001 - $25,000 $25 $25,001 - $100,000 $50 over $100,000 $100 application for conditional use permit $100 application for zoning amendment $100 application for variance $100 *when certified mail is required, the costs will be added to the fees listed above.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit applications in territory where the county zoning ordinance applies.

    • Application is made to the County Auditor, who may issue the permit and informs the Zoning Administrator and Planning and Zoning Commission.
    • A permit may not issue if the proposed action violates the ordinance.
    • For an initial denial, the applicant must be informed within seven days and may seek a Commission hearing or reapply after changes.

    notice after initial denial: <= 7 days

    “If, for any reason, a building permit is initially denied, the Zoning Administrator shall so inform the applicant within seven days of the date of application. The applicant may then request a hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission to appeal for a reversal of such denial or may reapply after making whatever changes in the application deemed necessary by the Zoning Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — County zoning-permit and variance application process.
      “Please provide as much detail as possible and attach maps, sketches, and any other supporting documents”

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “If a city, county, or township elects to adopt and enforce building codes, it must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — The North Dakota state building code, including the International Building, Residential, Mechanical, and Fuel Gas Codes; this statewide framework applies in Stutsman County subject to the statutory local-administration provisions.
      “The department of commerce, in cooperation with the state building code advisory committee, shall adopt rules to implement, amend, and periodically update the state building code, which must consist of the international building, residential, mechanical, and fuel gas codes.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.
      “adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
    • Adopted — The North Dakota State Building Code, including residential construction covered by the state residential code.
      “The new North Dakota State Building Code will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota or intended for placement in North Dakota, where the manufacturer produces two or more modular residential or commercial structures per year.

    • The manufacturer must contract with a third party for inspection during the manufacturing process in the factory.
    • The third-party inspector must be approved as a certified third-party inspector by the Division of Community Services.
    • The inspection covers applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards.
    • When a certified third-party inspector monitors compliance during factory manufacturing, no further inspection by state or local building, electrical, fire, or plumbing inspectors may be required for that structure during the manufacturing process in the factory.
    • The statutory provision does not apply to a factory manufacturing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year; the Commerce program page states that manufacturers producing less than two modular structures per year are exempt but must submit a yearly certification of exemption.

    annual modular structures produced: >= 2 structures/year (Factories producing fewer than two residential or commercial structures per year are exempt from the statutory provision; the Commerce program page requires a yearly certification of exemption.)

    “shall contract with a third party for the inspection of the structure for compliance with all applicable building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and standards”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Factory-built modular residential or commercial structures manufactured in North Dakota.
      “The manufacturer of a modular residential or commercial structure that is built in a factory shall contract with a third party for the inspection [...]”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    “A person may not establish [...] a recreational vehicle park, or campground in this state without first obtaining a license from the department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    North Dakota counties adopting zoning regulations for land and buildings within the county, including unincorporated areas.

    • The authority is exercised by the board of county commissioners.
    • Regulation is subject to North Dakota Century Code chapter 54-21.3.
    • The authority covers the location and use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.
    • County zoning regulations must be made in accordance with a comprehensive plan.
    • A county may divide all or any parts of the county into districts, and regulations must be uniform within each district but may differ between districts.
    • County zoning regulations must account for the statutory limitations governing farming, ranching, and animal feeding operations in section 11-33-02.1.
    • The board must state the grounds for approving or disapproving zoning amendments or variances, and written findings must be included in the records.
    • The board must establish zoning requirements for solid waste disposal and incineration facilities before July 1, 1994.
    • The board may impose tipping or other fees on solid waste management and incineration facilities, but may not impose a fee under this section on an energy conversion facility or coal mining operation that disposes of its waste onsite.
    • The board may establish institutional controls addressing environmental concerns with the department of environmental quality under section 23.1-10-16.
    “For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, public convenience, general prosperity, and public welfare, the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county, subject to chapter 54-21.3, the location and the use of buildings and structures and the use, condition of use, or occupancy of lands for residence, recreation, and other purposes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — North Dakota county boards of commissioners adopting zoning regulations, including regulation of unincorporated county land.
      “the board of county commissioners of any county may regulate and restrict within the county”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    County authority to administer and enforce the state building code, including the residential code, and to provide for building permits for buildings or structures subject to county zoning in unincorporated areas of North Dakota.

    • A county that elects to administer and enforce a building code must adopt and enforce the state building code; it may amend that code to conform to local needs.
    • A county may administer and enforce the state building code only in areas where a city or township does not administer it. A city or township may relinquish that authority to its county under N.D.C.C. § 54-40.5-03; local governments may also agree to joint administration and enforcement or contract for private enforcement.
    • County permit authority under N.D.C.C. § 11-33-18 applies to a building or structure otherwise subject to the County Zoning chapter.
    • If the county provides for permits, it must require the applicant to state whether the structure is reasonably anticipated to have a significant transportation-system impact. A structure has such impact if it will average at least twenty-five motor vehicles per day during one year with gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].
    • For a structure with significant transportation-system impact, the county must notify the director of the department of transportation and allow an opportunity to comment; director approval is not required.
    • The county may establish and collect reasonable permit fees, which must be credited to the county general fund.
    • A county-adopted building code may not require fire sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or a residential building containing no more than two dwelling units.

    significant transportation-system impact threshold: >= 25 motor vehicles per day (Over a period of one year; vehicles must have gross weight exceeding sixty thousand pounds [27215.54 kilograms].) · fire-sprinkler requirement: false (A county building code may not require sprinklers in a single-family dwelling or residential building with no more than two dwelling units.)

    “The governing body of a city, township, or county that elects to administer and enforce a building code shall adopt and enforce the state building code. However, the state building code may be amended by cities, townships, and counties to conform to local needs.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in Stutsman County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in Stutsman County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Stutsman County, North Dakota

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

Stutsman County scores 43/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 285 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (20.3″/yr rainfall) and more administrative friction around building and land use.

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

Land in Stutsman County runs about $2,732 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Stutsman County?

Stutsman County gets about 20.3" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.6% of years.

How remote is Stutsman County?

A representative private-land location has about 285 people within a 30-minute drive and 230,907 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 Stutsman compares in North Dakota

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