Building Permits in Bismarck, North Dakota

Part of Burleigh County.

We checked Bismarck's own official pages for 5 types of projects (shed, fence, deck, pool, garage). Permits are issued by City of Bismarck. Every rule below links to the page it was taken from, so you can confirm it before you start work. Last verified September 29, 2026.

Verified permit information is available for 4 project types in Bismarck.

Verified Permit Categories

Bismarck rules in detail

Shed

Setback (ft): 10 ft from the principal structure; not less than 3 ft from the rear or side lot line source: bismarcknd.gov
Permit required: Yes source: bismarcknd.gov

Fence

Conditions: Barbed wire fences are prohibited in or along a residential area in the City of Bismarck source: bismarcknd.gov
Exempt from a permit: Fences not over six feet in height are exempt from the building line and yard requirements source: bismarcknd.gov

Deck

Permit required: Yes source: bismarcknd.gov

Pool

Permit required: Yes source: bismarcknd.gov

Garage

Permit required: Yes source: bismarcknd.gov
Setback (ft): at least 20 ft from the alley line when the garage approach is perpendicular to the alley source: bismarcknd.gov

Not yet verified

These permit categories do not yet have enough verified information to publish a linked permit page.

Fence
Roof
Patio
Pergola
Carport
Tree Removal
Solar Panels
HVAC
Electrical
Plumbing
Driveway
ADU
Home Addition
Demolition
Windows
Water Heater

Where to apply

City of Bismarck · official website

North Dakota statewide rules

State defaults apply everywhere in the state; cities and counties may add stricter local rules.

Building code: 2024 IBC, IRC, IMC, and IFGC, effective Jan. 1, 2026 source: commerce.nd.gov
Local changes allowed: Yes source: commerce.nd.gov
Issued by: Community Services source: commerce.nd.gov