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.