Administrative overview · FIPS 38059
Morton County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Morton County Building Inspector / Planning and Zoning Department
For a project in or near Morton County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
701-667-3325
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
210 2nd Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554
Operating hours
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Review expectation
Ask the agency for its current review estimate
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Morton County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Morton County Building Inspector / Planning and Zoning Department is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 701-667-3325.
How long might review take?
A typical review timeline was not verified. Ask the agency for its current completeness and review estimate.
How are inspections scheduled?
Apply to the Building Inspector before work begins. Permitted work is subject to inspection and must remain accessible and exposed until approved; contact Laurel Lundstrom/Building Inspector at 701-667-3325. A certificate of occupancy is required before occupying a building or changing occupancy, except the application notes it is not required for additions, alterations, garages or shops.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
North Dakota State Building Code in its current version, including the International Building Code and future updates; Morton County's 2025 Land Use Code states the county adopts the state code without local amendments. A building permit is generally required for structures 120 square feet or larger. A qualifying farm/ranch building on at least 150 contiguous acres may be exempt, but buildings for human habitation or public use require permits regardless of acreage.