Bismarck, North Dakota Plumbing Local Permit Ordinances and Codes

Bismarck, North Dakota Plumbing Permit Ordinances

The City of Bismarck Building Inspections Department is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for plumbing permits in Bismarck, North Dakota. They administer adopted ordinances related to development within the City of Bismarck and its extraterritorial area. North Dakota has adopted the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) and the Uniform Plumbing Code, which are enforced by the city.

Permit Requirements

Plumbing permits are generally required for replacing plumbing fixtures (like toilets or sinks), running new water or drain lines, and for water heater installation or replacement.
Minor repairs such as fixing leaks or replacing faucets are typically exempt from permit requirements.
Full bathroom remodels or adding new bathrooms will require building, plumbing, and electrical permits.
Permits are required for new construction, additions, renovations, remodels, and changes in occupancy.

Fees

Plumbing permit fees are not published as a plain text on the city's website but are available in separate fee schedule PDFs.
Estimated fees for replacing plumbing fixtures range from $75 to $250.
Estimated fees for running new water or drain lines range from $150 to $600.
Estimated fees for water heater installation or replacement range from $75 to $250.
A worksheet for Burleigh County indicates a fee of $100 for issuing a certificate and $10 per plumbing fixture.
Permit fees are generally based on the valuation of the project for building permits, while trade permits (including plumbing) use separate schedules.

Zoning Nuances

While specific zoning nuances for plumbing permits are not detailed in the provided search results, it is noted that zoning and planning requirements must be met even if a project is exempt from a building permit. For specific zoning information, it is recommended to contact the Building Inspections Division or review Title 4 of the Bismarck Code of Ordinances.

Application Process

Permit applications can be submitted online through the eTRAKiT portal, by email, or in person.
Contractors can register for an account to pay by invoice or use credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) through eTRAKiT.
Inspections can also be scheduled online via eTRAKiT or by contacting the Building Inspections Department.

Resources to Learn More

Because Bismarck is located within Burleigh County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:

North Dakota, Burleigh County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Burleigh County Plumbing Permit Requirements

Burleigh County, North Dakota, handles plumbing permit requirements through its Building, Planning, and Zoning Department. This department is responsible for enforcing building codes and ordinances to ensure structural and life safety. For properties located in unincorporated areas of Burleigh County, this department has jurisdiction.

Permits are generally required for new buildings and structures, remodels that involve structural changes, basement finishing, septic systems, and mechanical work, which includes plumbing.

To obtain a plumbing permit, you will need to complete a Plumbing Permit Worksheet and submit it along with other required documentation. Applications can be submitted online through the Permit and Inspection Portal, in person, by mail, by fax, or by email.

North Dakota has a State Plumbing Code, which is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code. This code sets minimum standards for plumbing, drainage, and ventilation. Licensed plumbers are required to perform plumbing work, and the State Plumbing Board oversees the licensing and regulation of plumbers.

For properties in unincorporated areas, it is crucial to confirm that your property falls within Burleigh County's jurisdiction and not within a city or Bismarck's Extraterritorial Area (ETA).

If you are unsure whether a permit is required for your specific project, it is recommended to contact the Burleigh County Building, Planning, and Zoning Department directly at 701-221-3727.

Resources to Learn More

The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within North Dakota:

North Dakota Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Plumbing Codes and Legislation in North Dakota

The state of North Dakota regulates plumbing installations, licensing, and standards through the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. The state has adopted the 2018 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), as the basis for the North Dakota Plumbing Code. This code includes specific state-level amendments and is codified under the North Dakota Administrative Code (specifically Article 62-03.1).

Regulatory Authority

The primary agency responsible for setting and enforcing these standards is the North Dakota State Plumbing Board. Established by state law (North Dakota Century Code Chapter 43-18), the Board is empowered to:

Formulate and circulate the state plumbing code.
Prescribe rules and regulations for the examination, regulation, and licensing of all classifications of plumbers (including apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers).
Supervise and inspect plumbing, drainage, sewage, and ventilation systems in public and private buildings.
Administer licensing for water conditioning and sewer and water installers.

Resources to Learn More

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