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 before erecting, constructing, structurally changing or moving a structure covered by the county zoning ordinance; agricultural buildings are excluded1. Applications go to the County Auditor, while Central Valley Health District handles local septic permitting23. County zoning applies only where a city or lawfully regulated township has not retained its own authority4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for covered structures in county-zoned territory; agricultural buildings are excluded1
Permit application
Apply through the Stutsman County Auditor2
Zoning
Yes, in unincorporated territory under county jurisdiction; some townships have their own authority4
Septic permit
A local public-health permit and a state-licensed installer are required before work begins5
Owner-builder
No separate owner-builder exemption was confirmed; the stated exclusion is for agricultural buildings6
RV living
Long-term occupancy on private land was not confirmed; ask the applicable zoning office7
Tiny home
No specific county tiny-home occupancy rule was confirmed; district rules still apply7
Private well
State appropriation permit above 12.5 acre-feet per year; smaller qualifying uses must be reported8

Who to call

Zoning

Stutsman County Tax Equalization Office

County zoning questions and direction to township zoning officers

(701) 252-9032

[email protected]

511 2nd Ave SE Suite 102, Jamestown, ND 58401

Building permits

Stutsman County Auditor's Office

Building-permit applications under the county zoning ordinance

(701) 252-9035

[email protected]

511 2nd Ave SE Suite 102, Jamestown, ND 58401

Septic permits

Central Valley Health District Environmental Health

Environmental Health and onsite septic systems in Stutsman County

701-252-8130, ext. 9

122 2nd St NW, Jamestown, ND 58401

Floodplain permits

Stutsman County Emergency Management

County floodplain administration and development-permit questions

(701) 252-9093

[email protected]

205 6th St SE Suite 2, Jamestown, ND 58401

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

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

Yes, 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 covered structure; agricultural buildings are expressly excluded1. The exclusion is narrow: North Dakota's separate agricultural-building code exemption does not cover a place of human habitation or a building used by the public9. Stutsman County's ordinance does not establish a separate owner-builder exemption, so building your own residence does not by itself remove the county permit requirement6. The county permit is also not proof that Stutsman County conducts general building-code inspections: county adoption and enforcement of the state building code could not be confirmed. Ask the Auditor's Office what plan review or inspections apply to your exact project before construction10.

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

The Stutsman County Auditor receives building-permit applications under the zoning ordinance and informs the Zoning Administrator and Planning and Zoning Commission2. Reach the Auditor's Office at (701) 252-9035, [email protected], or 511 2nd Ave SE Suite 102, Jamestown, ND 5840110. For parcel zoning and the correct local jurisdiction, contact the Stutsman County Tax Equalization Office at (701) 252-9032 or [email protected] at the same courthouse address11. The county's zoning page says some townships have their own zoning officers and directs people with land in a listed township to that township officer; for unlisted townships, contact the county11. Ask the applicable office for the current application, fee schedule and any required drawings because current county building-permit fees were not confirmed in the reviewed material1.

Does Stutsman County have zoning?

Yes, but jurisdiction is parcel-specific. The Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance applies to unincorporated territory under the Board of County Commissioners' jurisdiction4. It does not apply where a lawfully regulated township retains zoning or subdivision authority, or inside a city's authority, unless that township or city relinquishes authority to the county4. The county's own page confirms that some townships use their own zoning officers and tells owners in other townships to contact the county11. That makes the first land-buying question jurisdiction, then zoning district: setbacks, allowed uses and placement rules follow the authority and district governing the parcel7. In a county-governed RR zone, public-road access is limited to one ingress or egress point per quarter-mile, with a frontage road required when necessary12. Minimum dwelling size, accessory dwellings and a dedicated tiny-home rule were not confirmed; ask the responsible county or township zoning office before designing around any of them11.

How do septic permits work in Stutsman County?

An onsite wastewater system in Stutsman County needs both a local public-health permit and installation by a state-licensed installer before work begins5. Central Valley Health District's Environmental Health Department serves Stutsman County and lists onsite septic systems among its programs13. Reach Environmental Health at 701-252-8130, ext. 9, or 122 2nd St NW, Jamestown, ND 58401; appointments are required to speak with an Environmental Health specialist13. In county-zoned territory, the proposed disposal site also needs County Sanitarian inspection and approval before either the building permit issues or the sewage system is installed, and percolation testing may be required at the developer's cost14. About 55% of county soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a parcel-level evaluation still matters15. No categorical rule for off-grid sanitation was confirmed; take any alternative toilet or wastewater plan to Environmental Health before buying equipment13.

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. The North Dakota state-park camping limit applies to state-park campsites and cabins, not private property, so it does not answer this question16. County zoning still applies in territory under county jurisdiction, while some townships and cities retain their own authority4. Ask the applicable zoning office how the parcel's district treats an occupied RV, temporary dwelling and utilities before using an RV during construction11. No specific tiny-home occupancy rule or minimum dwelling-floor-area rule was confirmed either. A mobile or manufactured home outside a designated mobile-home court is treated as a single-family residence and must meet the regulations of its zoning district17. A new manufactured home used as a residence must also be installed and inspected by professionals licensed by the North Dakota Division of Community Services18.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is governed by Stutsman County, a township or a city, then identify its zoning district411.
  1. Discuss the proposed house, setbacks, access and current fee schedule with the applicable zoning office; an RR-zone driveway has a one-per-quarter-mile access limit1211.
  1. Arrange the septic site review and local public-health permit through Central Valley Health District before work starts513.
  1. Submit the building-permit application to the Stutsman County Auditor when county zoning governs the site210.
  1. If the parcel lies in a special flood hazard area, obtain a development permit before construction or development begins and contact Emergency Management1920.
  1. Confirm any required inspections directly with the Auditor because a general county building-inspection schedule was not established10.

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 authority4. Order a septic evaluation early because only about 55% of Stutsman County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field15. For a private well, North Dakota requires a water-appropriation permit when annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet, while qualifying smaller domestic and livestock uses still must be reported to the Department of Water Resources8. Check mapped flood hazards before choosing a homesite because development in a special flood hazard area requires a separate county permit19. Confirm legal road access too, especially in an RR zone where ingress and egress are limited to one point per quarter-mile12. 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 $2,193212223.

Watch-outs

  • Stutsman County's building permit does not establish that the county runs general building-code inspections; ask the Auditor's Office what inspections apply before construction210.
  • Some townships have their own zoning officers, so confirm the parcel's governing jurisdiction before relying on county zoning answers11.
  • Long-term RV living, tiny-home occupancy and minimum dwelling size were not confirmed; ask the applicable county, township or city zoning office before purchase411.

Sources

  1. Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  2. Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  3. Stutsman County Health Department / Central Valley Health District (2026 county census)
  4. Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  5. NDPDES Permits Program, quoted and re-checked
  6. Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance (Sec. 4.4) (2026 county census)
  7. Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance (2026 county census)
  8. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Stutsman County Auditor's Office (stutsmancounty.gov)
  11. Stutsman County Tax Equalization Office (stutsmancounty.gov)
  12. Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  13. Central Valley Health District Environmental Health (centralvalleyhealth.org)
  14. Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  15. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  16. Parks and Recreation FAQ (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  18. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  20. Stutsman County Emergency Management (stutsmancounty.gov)
  21. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  22. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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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

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%Septic soil without severe limits
753,123 acWorkable land screen
2%Wooded land
40.8°FAvg temp

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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

    Erecting, constructing, making structural changes to, or moving structures subject to the County Zoning Ordinance.

    • Agricultural buildings are excluded.
    • Applications are made to the County Auditor.
    • A permit cannot issue if the proposed action violates the ordinance.
    • If initially denied, the Zoning Administrator must inform the applicant within seven days; the applicant may request a hearing or reapply.
    • Current 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.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in unincorporated Stutsman County territory under the County's jurisdiction.

    • The ordinance does not apply within the zoning or subdivision authority of lawfully regulated townships unless the township relinquishes authority to the County.
    • The ordinance does not apply within a city's zoning or subdivision authority 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.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Mobile and manufactured homes in areas governed by the County Zoning Ordinance.

    • Outside designated mobile-home courts, mobile homes and prefabricated housing are treated as single-family residences and must meet district regulations.
    • Mobile-home courts require an Operator's Permit.
    • Mobile-home courts must be at least 20 acres, with minimum lot, setback, intensity, utility, and access requirements.

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

    “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.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    On-site wastewater treatment system installation in Stutsman County.

    • Both a state installer license and a local public-health permit are required before work begins.
    • The County Zoning Ordinance separately requires site inspection and approval before installation.
    “Installers must obtain both a state license and a local public health permit before beginning work.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Proposed sewage-disposal system sites in areas subject to the County Zoning Ordinance.

    • Approval is required before a building permit is issued or any sewage-disposal system is installed.
    • A County Sanitarian 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 prior to the issuance of a building permit for said site or to the installation of any sewage disposal system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Mobile-home courts governed by Section 2.3.

    • Each lot must have underground water, sewer, electricity, and telephone hookups.
    • Water and sewer systems must meet minimum county, state, and federal health and sanitary standards.
    “Underground utility hookups shall be provided for each lot. These utilities include water, sewer, electricity and telephone.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Agricultural buildings under Section 4.4 of the County Zoning Ordinance.

    • The exemption is limited to agricultural buildings.
    “No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, make structural changes or move any structure, excluding agricultural buildings without first obtaining a Building Permit.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Ingress and egress from public roads for RR-zone properties and mobile-home courts.

    • RR-zone properties are limited to one point of ingress or egress per quarter-mile; a frontage road must be constructed as necessary.
    • Mobile-home courts have separate access and frontage-road requirements.

    RR-zone public-road access frequency: per 1 per 1/4 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. 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.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    County building-permit process under Section 4.4.

    • Application is made to the County Auditor.
    • The County Auditor informs the Zoning Administrator and Planning and Zoning Commission.
    • A permit cannot issue for an ordinance violation.
    • A denial must be communicated within seven days; hearing and reapplication options are available.
    • Current fees are in the County Fee Schedule.
    “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.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionNot available

    Section 4.4 requires a Building Permit for any person, firm or corporation constructing any structure (only agricultural buildings are excluded); no owner-builder exemption is provided in the ordinance.

    Stutsman County Zoning Ordinance (Sec. 4.4) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    The North Dakota State Building Code, consisting of the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, with the 2024 updates and stated amendments effective statewide as the state code framework.

    • Community Services updates and amends the state code but does not enforce it.
    • The 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, plus the 2024 IECC and IEBC versions and proposed amendments, were adopted on September 11, 2025.
    • The new North Dakota State Building Code went into effect January 1, 2026.
    • Appendix chapters are not part of the state building code unless specifically adopted.

    code versions adopted: 2024 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, and IEBC with proposed amendments · effective date: 2026-01-01

    “adopted the 2024 updates to the IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC and the proposed amendments.”
  • 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”
  • Who permits septicMixed

    On-site wastewater treatment systems statewide in North Dakota.

    • The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality licenses onsite wastewater treatment system installers.
    • A local public health unit issues the system permit before work begins.
    • Installers must follow local codes.
    “The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality oversees the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers”
  • 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.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Camping at North Dakota state-park campsites and cabins administered by the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department.

    • Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to no more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.
    • All vehicles entering a state park must have a valid daily or annual vehicle entrance permit, including overnight stays and day visits.
    • The cited rule concerns state-park facilities and does not determine camping on private land or land governed by local ordinances.

    maximum campsite or cabin occupancy: <= 14 nights in any 30-day period

    “Campsite and cabin occupancy is limited to no more than 14 nights in any 30-day period.”
  • 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.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Certificate of occupancy — Occupancy authorization for structures subject to the County Zoning Ordinance.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in County zoning districts.
  • Living in an RV — Residential or long-term occupancy of recreational vehicles.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy in areas governed by the County Zoning Ordinance.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in areas governed by the County Zoning Ordinance.
2 more unanswered
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Subdividing land

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.

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

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

How much does land cost in 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.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Stutsman County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Stutsman compares in North Dakota

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