North Dakota, Billings County HVAC Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Billings County Building & Safety Jurisdiction

In Billings County, North Dakota, building and safety regulations are managed by the Planning & Zoning Department in coordination with the Building Department. The county has adopted the North Dakota State Building Code, which incorporates the International Building Code (IBC). The county's authority primarily covers unincorporated areas; properties located within incorporated cities are typically subject to the jurisdiction of that specific municipality's building department.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

For properties in unincorporated Billings County, a Zoning Certificate and a Building Permit are required before beginning any new construction, moving or relocating structures, altering the external dimensions of an existing building, changing the use of a property, or subdividing land. Because the county enforces building codes to ensure public health and safety, mechanical work—which includes HVAC installations—is subject to review and inspection.

Permit Application: Applicants must submit a completed Application for Building & Zoning Certificate along with required documentation, such as site plans and construction plans, to the Planning & Zoning office.
Plan Review: Once zoning approval is granted, the application is transmitted to the Building Department for a plan review to ensure compliance with adopted building codes.
Inspections: All permitted work is subject to field inspections. Once a permit is issued, the property owner or contractor must schedule inspections by calling the Building Department's inspection line.
Contractor Licensing: Construction projects exceeding a certain value (typically $4,000) require a North Dakota state contractor license.
Contact for Guidance: Given that specific mechanical/HVAC requirements can be technical, it is essential to contact the Billings County Building Department directly at 701-260-5373 or 701-842-2120 to confirm if your specific HVAC project requires a separate mechanical permit or if it is covered under a general building permit.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within North Dakota, including Billings County.

North Dakota Hvac Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

North Dakota State Building Code and HVAC Legislation

The North Dakota State Building Code is established under North Dakota Century Code (N.D.C.C.) Chapter 54-21.3. This legislation mandates that the state building code must consist of nationally recognized standards, specifically the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), along with the International Energy Conservation Code and the International Existing Building Code. As of January 1, 2026, the state has adopted the 2024 editions of these codes.

While the state establishes these standards, the North Dakota Department of Commerce, through its Division of Community Services, is the primary agency responsible for adopting rules to implement, amend, and periodically update the state building code. This process is conducted in cooperation with the Building Code Advisory Committee, which includes representatives from various professional organizations such as architects, engineers, building officials, and contractors.

It is important to note that the North Dakota Department of Commerce does not enforce the building code. Enforcement is the responsibility of local jurisdictions (cities, townships, and counties) that elect to adopt and enforce building codes within their boundaries. These local jurisdictions are required to adopt the state building code but may amend it to conform to local needs. Additionally, state agencies are responsible for ensuring their own construction projects comply with the state building code.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Billings County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

Help Us Improve This Guide

Did you find a dead link, or do you have the direct link to the Billings County permit application portal? Help us keep this information accurate by submitting an update.