Bolthole Index

Wells County, North Dakota

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

52Index Score / 100
#19 of 53 in North Dakota

Unincorporated Wells County, North Dakota requires a permit before construction, reconstruction, relocation or alteration of a building or structure in the county zoning jurisdiction1. The Wells County Tax Director administers building and zoning permits, while Central Valley Health District handles onsite sewage permits23. Township zoning can supersede the county ordinance where a township has lawfully adopted its own regulations4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before covered building work in the county zoning jurisdiction1
Zoning
County zoning applies in unincorporated territory under county jurisdiction, except where a township lawfully exercises its own authority4
Septic permit
Required for new onsite systems and repairs through the local public-health authority5
RV living
Not confirmed for private land; ask Planning and Zoning before occupancy6
Tiny home
No tiny-home-specific occupancy rule was confirmed; zoning and building permits still matter61
Owner-builder exemption
No county-specific exemption was confirmed7
Private well
A state appropriation permit applies above 12.5 acre-feet per year; smaller covered uses must be reported8
Conventional septic soils
About 64.5% of county soils lack severe drain-field limitations9

Who to call

Building permits

Wells County Planning and Zoning / Tax Director

Building-permit applications, plans, zoning review and the Rural Living Agreement

701-547-3220

PO Box 361, Fessenden ND 58438

Online permits →

Septic permits

Central Valley Health District Environmental Health

Installer licensing and permits for new and repaired onsite sewage treatment systems serving Wells County

701-252-1325

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 Wells County, North Dakota?

Yes. Before constructing, reconstructing, relocating or altering a building or structure in the Wells County zoning jurisdiction, the owner must obtain a permit from the Tax Director1. Mobile and manufactured homes also require a county permit for placement or relocation1. Wells County has adopted a building code through its zoning ordinance, while North Dakota's current state-code framework took effect in 20261011. A building used for agricultural purposes is exempt from the state building-code chapter only when it is not used for human habitation or by the public; that state exemption does not establish an exemption from Wells County zoning or permit review12. County permit and plan-review charges come from the applicable local fee schedule rather than one statewide price13.

Who issues building permits in Wells County, and how do you reach the office?

The Wells County Planning and Zoning office, administered through the Tax Director, receives building-permit applications at PO Box 361, Fessenden ND 58438; call 701-547-32202. The county checklist calls for a completed application, a scaled site sketch showing the proposed structure, lot size, access points, section and township, plus construction plans and a Rural Living Agreement2. The construction-plan package includes foundation information, floor plans, structural details, a building-cost estimate and truss plans when they are not engineered2. The county asks applicants to allow three days for building-permit processing2. Routine construction inspections and a certificate-of-occupancy requirement could not be confirmed, so ask Planning and Zoning what inspections and final approvals apply to the particular project2.

Does Wells County have zoning?

Wells County zoning covers unincorporated territory under the County Commission's jurisdiction, but the county ordinance does not apply where a township has lawfully enacted its own regulations unless that township relinquishes its zoning power to the county4. Confirm both the parcel's zoning district and whether county or township rules control before designing a project4. Building intensity varies by district: the stated maximum is 30% of lot area in the RR district and 40% in the RC district14. RR-zone road access is limited to one ingress or egress point per quarter mile, with a frontage road required when needed to reach allowed access points15. Wells County's reviewed materials did not confirm a universal minimum dwelling size, an accessory-dwelling rule or a tiny-home-specific rule, so take the parcel number and proposed use to Planning and Zoning2.

How do septic permits work in Wells County?

Central Valley Health District provides environmental-health services for Wells County and licenses installers and permits new onsite sewage systems and repairs involving septic tanks, drain fields and related components165. Call CVHD Environmental Health at 701-252-1325 before work begins1617. North Dakota divides responsibility between the state and local authority: the Department of Environmental Quality licenses onsite-system installers, while the local public health unit issues the system permit18. About 64.5% of Wells County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so parcel-specific evaluation still matters9. Existing permitted systems may be inspected on request, rather than under a confirmed universal routine-inspection rule19. Alternative off-grid sanitation arrangements were not confirmed; discuss the proposed system directly with CVHD before relying on one16.

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

Long-term RV occupancy on private land and temporary private-land camping could not be confirmed for unincorporated Wells County, so ask Planning and Zoning about the parcel, zoning district, duration and sanitation plan before moving an RV onto the property2. The North Dakota state-park limit of 14 nights in a 30-day period applies to state-park campsites and cabins, not private-land occupancy20. Wells County's reviewed rules also did not establish a tiny-home-specific occupancy standard or minimum dwelling floor area, but construction, relocation and alteration of structures in the county zoning jurisdiction require a permit1. A new manufactured home used as a residence must be installed and inspected by professionals licensed through the North Dakota Division of Community Services, and Wells County separately requires a permit for its placement or relocation211.

Building a home in Wells County: what are the steps, in order?

  1. Give Planning and Zoning the parcel number and confirm whether county or township zoning applies, along with the district, allowed use and site controls42.
  2. Confirm legal access and show access locations on the scaled site sketch; RR-zone access is limited to one point per quarter mile215.
  3. Contact CVHD Environmental Health for the onsite sewage permit and arrange the required site-specific work before installation begins1617.
  4. If using a private well, determine whether annual withdrawal exceeds 12.5 acre-feet and report qualifying smaller domestic or livestock works to the Department of Water Resources8.
  5. Submit the building application, site sketch, construction plans, cost estimate and Rural Living Agreement to the Tax Director2.
  6. Ask the Tax Director which inspections and final approvals apply, because a routine schedule and certificate-of-occupancy rule were not confirmed2.

What should you check before you buy land in Wells County?

Start with jurisdiction: verify whether Wells County or a township controls zoning, then confirm the district and proposed use4. Check recorded access and road frontage, because RR parcels are limited to one public-road access point per quarter mile and may need a frontage road15. Screen septic conditions early; 64.5% of county soils lack severe conventional drain-field limits, but the rating does not replace parcel evaluation or a permit95. A local floodplain development permit is required before work in a Special Flood Hazard Area where the applicable community participates in the federal program, so identify the local Floodplain Administrator before building22. Wells County averages 18.5 inches of annual precipitation, and 98.4% of its land has a slope of 15% or less2324. The effective property-tax rate is about 1%, with a median annual bill of about $1,1072526.

Watch-outs

  • A township with lawfully enacted zoning may control the parcel instead of Wells County, so establish jurisdiction before relying on the county ordinance4.
  • No county-specific owner-builder exemption was confirmed; ask Planning and Zoning before assuming owner-performed work avoids a permit72.
  • RV living, tiny-home occupancy and a minimum dwelling size remain unconfirmed for private land; get a parcel-specific answer from Planning and Zoning2.
  • Floodplain work may require a permit from the local Floodplain Administrator before construction begins22.

Sources

  1. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  2. Wells County Planning and Zoning / Tax Director (wellscountynd.com)
  3. Environmental Health and Safety, quoted and re-checked
  4. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  5. Environmental Health and Safety, quoted and re-checked
  6. Wells County Zoning Ordinance (2026 county census)
  7. (2026 county census)
  8. Water Appropriation Permits (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  10. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Codes | Commerce | North Dakota (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 54-21.3, State Building Code (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. 2026 North Dakota State Building Code Book (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  15. Wells County Zoning Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  16. Central Valley Health District Environmental Health (wellscountydistricthealth.org)
  17. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. On-Site Wastewater Treatment Systems (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. Environmental Health and Safety, quoted and re-checked
  20. Parks and Recreation FAQ (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Manufactured Home Installation Program (North Dakota statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Floodplain Management, quoted and re-checked
  23. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  26. 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

Wells County in North Dakota

52
County map
Wells County highlighted among the North Dakota counties · colored by Index score

How Wells County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency20100% ev.
Admin Boringness5590% ev.
Durability47100% ev.
Property Autonomy73100% ev.
Carry Cost8096% 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 →

$133kTypical home
1%Property tax
$2,385Land / acre
18.5"Annual rain
9% of yrsSevere drought
4 / yr (+3.4)Mid-century 100°F days
20.2 daysMid-century dry spell
1.38" (+7.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.62×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,974Home insurance / yr
0.3% / yrInsurance growth
2.13%Nonrenewal rate
single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis
2,351People within 30 min
245,690People within 2 hr
2,878Radius comparison (15 mi)
3.1People / sq mi
13.9%Federal land
98.4%Land at 15% slope or less
64.5%Septic soil without severe limits
515,258 acWorkable land screen
1.1%Wooded land
16.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
40°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Wells County

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

Wells County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, reconstruction, relocation, or alteration of buildings or structures in the County zoning jurisdiction.

    • A permit must be obtained before work proceeds.
    • Mobile and manufactured homes require a permit for placement and relocation.
    • A permit issues only when the proposed taxable building or structure conforms to zoning and building provisions.
    “Any person or persons intending to construct or reconstruct or relocate a building or structure or make alteration shall, before proceeding with the work, obtain a permit from the Tax Director.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Buildings regulated under the Wells County zoning ordinance.

    • The ordinance incorporates the edition of the Uniform Building Code adopted by the County Commission, with later amendments.
    • North Dakota states that a jurisdiction electing to adopt and enforce building codes must adopt and enforce the State Building Code.
    “The edition of the Uniform Building code as published by the International Conference of Building Officials and adopted by the County Commission, together with any amendments made hereafter are incorporated and made a part of this ordinance.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County zoning in unincorporated Wells County territory under county jurisdiction.

    • The ordinance does not apply within the authority of a township that has lawfully enacted its own regulations unless the township relinquishes zoning powers to the County.
    “This ordinance shall affect all unincorporated territory over which the Board of County Commissioners have jurisdiction in Wells County, ND. This ordinance shall not affect any property, real or personal, which is located within the authority of any township having lawfully enacted regulations”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Maximum building or structure intensity in Wells County zoning districts.

    • RR maximum intensity is 30% of lot area.
    • RC maximum intensity is 40% of lot area.

    RR maximum lot intensity: <= 30 percent of lot area · RC maximum lot intensity: <= 40 percent of lot area

    “The maximum intensity of buildings or other structures on any lot shall be 30% of the lot area.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    On-site sewage treatment systems serving Wells County.

    • Central Valley Health District provides environmental-health services in Wells County.
    • North Dakota DEQ oversees installer licensing and requires a local public-health-unit permit before system work begins.
    “Central Valley Health District (CVHD) provides environmental health services and education in southeast central North Dakota for the counties of Barnes, Dickey, Foster, LaMoure, Logan, McIntosh, Stutsman, and Wells.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New on-site sewage treatment systems and repairs to existing systems serving Wells County.

    • The local public-health-unit permit is required before beginning work.
    • The County health page includes septic tanks, drain fields, seepage pits, cesspools, and holding tanks.
    “The Environmental Health Department licenses installers and permits all new on-site sewage treatment systems and/or repairs to existing on-site sewage treatment systems which includes: septic tanks, drain fields, seepage pits, cesspools or holding tanks.”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    Existing permitted on-site sewage treatment systems in Wells County.

    • Inspection is provided upon request, not stated as a universal routine inspection requirement.
    “Additionally, the Department provides inspection of existing permitted systems upon request.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Ingress and egress from public roads for properties in the RR zone.

    • A frontage road must be constructed as necessary to allow access to public roads through the permitted access points.

    Public-road access points: <= 1 per quarter mile (RR-zone properties)

    “Points of ingress and egress from any public road shall be limited to one per ¼ 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.”

North Dakota rules that apply here

  • 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”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Buildings used for agricultural purposes under North Dakota's State Building Code.

    • The statute defines agricultural purposes to include agriculture, farming, ranching, dairying, pasturage, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry.
    • The exemption does not apply when the building is a place of human habitation or is for use by the public.
    • The exemption is from Chapter 54-21.3, the State Building Code chapter; other applicable laws or local authorities may still apply.
    “Any building used for agricultural purposes, unless a place of human habitation or for use by the public, is exempt from this chapter.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Construction or modification of North Dakota water-control structures regulated by the Department of Water Resources.

    • A DWR construction permit is required when a water-control structure is capable of retaining, diverting, or obstructing more than 50 acre-feet for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams.
    • The threshold is more than 25 acre-feet for medium-hazard and high-hazard dams.
    • This claim does not establish the separate local floodplain-development-permit requirements administered by local floodplain administrators.

    retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for dikes, other devices, and low-hazard dams: > 50 acre-feet · retention/diversion/obstruction threshold for medium- and high-hazard dams: > 25 acre-feet

    “A construction permit is required from the DWR if a water control structure is constructed or modified”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area in Wells County where the applicable community participates in the National Flood Insurance Program.
      “A floodplain development permit must be obtained from the local Floodplain Administrator before beginning any work in a Special Flood Hazard Area.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    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.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder exemptions from County building or zoning permits.
  • Certificate of occupancy — Certificate-of-occupancy requirements for buildings in unincorporated Wells County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling floor area in unincorporated Wells County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land in unincorporated Wells County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Wells County.
5 more unanswered
  • Tiny homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Mandatory utility hookup
  • 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 Wells County, North Dakota

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

Wells County scores 52/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 2,351 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: thin water margin (18.5″/yr rainfall).

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

Wells County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Wells County Public Health District (Environmental Health). 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 Wells County, North Dakota?

Land in Wells County runs about $2,385 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Wells County?

Wells County gets about 18.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9% of years.

How remote is Wells County?

A representative private-land location has about 2,351 people within a 30-minute drive and 245,690 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 Wells County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Wells compares in North Dakota

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