Regulatory framework
The code baseline for Stark County.
North Dakota State Building Code, International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, and State Uniform Plumbing Code, as incorporated by the Stark County 2024 zoning ordinance.
← Stark County overview
Codes, exemptions & field inspections
Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Inspection lane
All Stark County building permits are handled by the City of Dickinson Building Department at 701-456-7815. The application requires plans and supporting documents; after review, the applicant is contacted and must pick up the permit within 14 days of notification.
Minor-work playbook
Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.
Farm buildings directly used in agricultural/farm operations and constructed by qualifying farmers are exempt from the county building permit requirement. Buildings used for human habitation or by the public always require building and occupancy permits; agricultural buildings also require permits if the owner does not qualify for the farm residence property-tax exemption or has not filed the required forms.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Keep the work visible at every release point.
- 1
Request with lead time
All Stark County building permits are handled by the City of Dickinson Building Department at 701-456-7815. The application requires plans and supporting documents; after review, the applicant is contacted and must pick up the permit within 14 days of notification.
- 2
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
- 3
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Verify the builder before the contract is signed.
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗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 Stark County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
This record is marked Municipal Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel 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 701-456-7815 (City of Dickinson Building Department); 701-456-7672 (Stark County Planning & Zoning).
How long might review take?
N/A; the official application states that staff will contact the applicant after review and processing.
How are inspections scheduled?
All Stark County building permits are handled by the City of Dickinson Building Department at 701-456-7815. The application requires plans and supporting documents; after review, the applicant is contacted and must pick up the permit within 14 days of notification.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
North Dakota State Building Code, International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, and State Uniform Plumbing Code, as incorporated by the Stark County 2024 zoning ordinance. Farm buildings directly used in agricultural/farm operations and constructed by qualifying farmers are exempt from the county building permit requirement. Buildings used for human habitation or by the public always require building and occupancy permits; agricultural buildings also require permits if the owner does not qualify for the farm residence property-tax exemption or has not filed the required forms.