Permit Requirements for Scranton, North Dakota
For HVAC projects in Scranton, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Bowman County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Most jurisdictions require permits for HVAC work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:
General HVAC Guidelines
Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.
Help Us Improve This Guide
If you have found a direct link to a permit portal or a specific local ordinance for HVAC in this area, please submit an update.
Because Scranton is located within Bowman County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
North Dakota, Bowman County Hvac Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Bowman County Building and Safety Jurisdiction
Bowman County does not have a centralized county-level building department that enforces a comprehensive building code for HVAC or general construction. The county's primary regulatory body for development is the Bowman County Planning and Zoning Department, which focuses on land use, zoning ordinances, and subdivision regulations rather than technical building or mechanical codes.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
In unincorporated areas of Bowman County, the primary requirement for development is obtaining a zoning permit for new construction, major additions, accessory structures, or changes in land use. The North Dakota State Building Code is not separately enforced by the county. Because there is no county-level mechanical or HVAC permitting process, property owners should contact the Planning and Zoning office directly to confirm if any specific local requirements apply to their project before beginning work. While the county does not mandate HVAC permits, contractors must still comply with any applicable state-level licensing requirements for specialized trades, such as electrical or plumbing, as governed by the North Dakota State Electrical Board and the North Dakota State Plumbing Board.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within North Dakota:
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