Permit Requirements for Williston, North Dakota

For Plumbing projects in Williston, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Williams County.

Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)

Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:

Within City Limits: The Williston Building Department typically oversees all local building, trade, and safety permits.
Unincorporated Areas: Properties located outside of official city boundaries are generally governed by the Williams County Building & Safety Division.
Calculate a Water Heater Replacement Project in Williston, Williams County, North Dakota
Find Plumber Contractors in North Dakota

General Plumbing 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 Plumbing in this area, please submit an update.

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

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

Williams County Building and Safety Divisions

Williams County, North Dakota, has a Building Division responsible for enforcing the North Dakota State Building Code, which includes the International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC). As of January 1, 2026, the county will follow the 2026 North Dakota State Building Code, which incorporates the 2024 versions of these international codes. The county has also adopted the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC). The Building Division handles plan reviews, issues building permits, and conducts building and fire inspections. They are also responsible for assigning addresses to properties in unincorporated areas of the county.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

For properties in unincorporated areas of Williams County, a building permit is required for any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, or change in occupancy of a building or structure. This also includes grading or drainage work. Permits are necessary for various projects such as structural modifications, installation of modular and manufactured homes, garages, storage buildings, pole barns, and temporary structures. The minimum fee for a building permit is $75, with additional fees based on the project's value. Applications can be submitted electronically via email, by mail, or in person at the Williams County Administration Building.

Certain projects are exempt from requiring a building permit. These include:

One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with a floor area not exceeding 120 square feet.
Fences under 8.5 feet in height.
Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (unless supporting a surcharge).
Sidewalks and driveways.
Finishing work such as painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, and countertop installation.
Swing sets and other playground equipment.

It is recommended to contact the Building Division if there is any uncertainty about whether a project requires a permit.

North Dakota also has state-level regulations for plumbing, including the North Dakota State Plumbing Code, which is formulated and circulated by the State Board of Plumbing. The State Plumbing Board is responsible for enforcing plumbing laws and adopting rules for the examination, regulation, and licensing of plumbers. While Williams County enforces the State Building Code, specific plumbing permit requirements at the county level would fall under the general building permit process. For detailed plumbing installation standards, refer to the North Dakota Administrative Code, Title 62.

Resources to Learn More

Williams County Building Division

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

Help Us Improve This Guide

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