Welcome to the Inspection Department Home

The City of Minot Inspection Division is dedicated to the promotion of public health and safety through the implementation of state and local regulations relating to the construction and alteration of structures and property.

Disclaimer: The material on this site is made available as a public service.  Data is to be used for informational purposes only and not as a substitute for contacting the applicable agencies for information on specific properties or projects.  No responsibility is assumed by the City of Minot, ND for damages or other liabilities due to the accuracy, availability, use or misuse of the information herein provided.

Do I need a permit?

Work not requiring a building permit is listed below, however, no work is exempt from the zoning regulations that apply to a property.  Even small structures such as sheds, dog houses and fences are subject to zoning regulations.  These regulations include, but are not limited to, setbacks from property lines, distance required between structures, and size and number of structures allowed on a lot.  It is also the owner's responsibility to locate property lines and ensure that any easements on the property are not violated.

Obtaining a permit.

The Inspection Division office is located at 1025 31st Street SE. Sidewalk, excavation, mechanical and plumbing permits can be obtained any time during the work day. Electrical permits require direct application to the Electrical Inspector. He is available between 8:00-9:00 AM and 12:30-1:30 PM every workday. Construction or renovation permit applications can be turned in any time during the workday. If application is made between 8:00-9:00 AM or 12:30-1:30 PM, simple projects usually can be reviewed and acted upon that same day. If a permit application can not be acted upon when presented, the application will be received for later review. The applicant will be notified by telephone when the permit is ready. More complicated projects should be presented at least ten working days prior to the date a permit is desired. When new structures or additions are planned, the owner must locate and identify property lines.  The services of a private surveyor may be required to accomplish this.  The City may be able to advise the property owner of the area in which to look for property markers, but does not have information on exactly where property lines are located.

Q: How do I apply for a building permit?

A: Building permit application forms are available at the City Public Works Building, located at 1025 31st Street SE. The following information and documents will be required:

• The address or legal description of the property on which the work will be performed.
• A description of the work for which application is being made.
• Construction plans are required for all new structures and extensive remodeling.
• The dollar value of the work.
• A plot plan must be submitted.  This plot plan must show how the new or revised strucutre will be located on the lot.  All distances from the structure to lot lines and other structures must be shown on the plot plan.

The following projects are exempt from permits:

• Single story detached accessory buildings used as a tool room, storage room, or playhouse when erected in connection with a residence and not exceeding 120 square feet in area. Zoning setbacks still apply.  Check with Planning/Inspection prior to construction (857-4102).
• Fences not over 6 feet high
• Oil derricks
• Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 6 feet high
• Retaining walls not retaining a slope, not impounding hazardous liquids and not over 4 feet high as measured from the bottom of the footing.
• Water tanks not over 5000 gallons and less than 2:1 height to diameter ratio.
• Platforms, walks and driveways not over 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below and located on private property.  Permits are required for sidewalks located in the public right of way.
• Swimming pools accessory to single family dwellings
• Swings and other playground equipment
• Painting, papering, and similar finish work
• Window awnings in connection with residences when not extending over 54 inches from the wall.
• Temporary motion picture and theater stage sets.
• Prefabricated swimming pools
• Re-roofing or re-siding
• Ordinary repairs that do not change the structural frame or enter/exit pattern in any manner.

How long is my permit good for?

Your permit application is good for six months from the date of issue. Calling for inspections extends the permit for an additional six months.

When and how I call for an inspection?

          You should call 857-4102 a minimum of 12 hours in advance an inspection. Inspections required    under the building permit are as follows:

• Call for a footing inspection after the forms and rebar are in place, but before placing any concrete
• Call for a drain tile and moisture treatment inspection after these work items are complete, before covering them up.
• Call for a framing inspection after the plumbing and electrical work is in place but prior to insulating
• Call for a final inspections when structure is substantially complete, but prior to occupying the structure, i.e., all safety items such as smoke detectors, guards, steps, handrails etc., must be in and operational.    

How can I locate my property lines?

The City does not locate property lines and does not know where the property lines are located.   Based on data on file at the Engineering Department Office, the City may be able to indicate where to look for lot line markers.  However, this will be for reference only; to be used as an aid by the property owner to locate his own property lines.  If the property owner cannot locate the property markers, a surveyor will be required.  There is a listing such services in the Yellow Pages under SURVEYORS-LAND.  It is important that you know where your property lines are located.  If you wish to build a new structure or an addition to an existing structure, you will be asked provide a plot plan of your lot,  certifying the location of the new work in relationship to your property lines. 

What can I do about rain water drainage from a neighboring property entering my property?

The City does not regulate surface drainage on private property.  The City will advise the parties involved as to how the problem might be resolved.  If a solution cannot be worked out between the parties and relief or compensation for damages are desired by either of the parties, it becomes a civil matter to be resolved by the courts.  In such an instance legal counsel should be sought.

How do I contact the Inspection Department?

You may email the Building Official here or dial (701) 857-4102