Do You Need a Permit for Your Bismarck Home Project? (2026)
Which home projects the City of Bismarck requires a permit for, which ones aren't on the list, and why you want your contractor to pull it.
Bismarck requires a permit for new construction, change of occupancy, additions and remodels — including basement finishes, decks, sheds, garages, pools, sunrooms and gazebos — plus electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. Roofing, siding, and fences aren't on that list, but not listed isn't the same as exempt.
Fast facts
- Always needs one
- Electrical, plumbing, HVAC
- Decks & basements
- Yes — named on the list
- Fence under 8.5 ft
- No permit needed
- When unsure
- (701) 355-1465
What Bismarck says requires a permit
The City of Bismarck publishes a list of work that needs a building permit. As of 2026 it covers:
| Category | What's included |
|---|---|
| New construction | Any new structure |
| Change of occupancy | Converting how a space is used |
| Additions, renovations, remodels | Including basement finishes, decks, sheds, garages, pools, sunrooms, gazebos |
| Electrical wiring | All of it |
| Plumbing | All of it |
| HVAC | Fireplaces, furnaces, water heaters, boilers, air conditioners, unit heaters |
What's not on that list
Roofing, siding, and fences aren't named. That's useful to know. But not listed isn't the same as exempt.
Scope matters. A re-side that changes structure, or a deck attached during a re-roof, can pull a project back into permit territory.
The city's own advice is to ask when you're not sure. The Building Inspection Division answers this exact question at (701) 355-1465. A two-minute call beats finding out during a home sale.
One fence note. A residential fence in Bismarck under 8.5 feet doesn't need a building permit. Setback and corner-sightline rules still apply, so check placement before posts go in.
Mandan sets its own rules
If your home is in Mandan, Bismarck's list doesn't apply to you. Mandan has its own permit requirements. Check with the City of Mandan before you start.
Let the contractor pull it
A licensed contractor knows the local codes and should pull the permit as part of the job. A pulled permit means the work gets inspected and put on record. That protects your home's value and your insurance.
If a contractor wants you to pull the permit yourself, or wants to skip it, treat that as a red flag.
| When it surfaces | What happens |
|---|---|
| Selling the house | Buyer's inspector flags it, deal stalls or price drops |
| Appraisal | Un-permitted square footage may not count toward value |
| Insurance claim | Insurer can deny a claim tied to uninspected work |
| Refinancing | Same appraisal problem, worse timing |
| A future permit | The city may require you to open up and inspect the old work |
None of these show up the year you do the project. They show up at the worst possible moment, years later.
Frequently asked
Do I need a permit for home projects in Bismarck?
Bismarck requires permits for new construction, change of occupancy, additions and remodels — including basement finishes, decks, sheds, garages, pools, sunrooms, and gazebos — plus electrical wiring, plumbing, and HVAC work like furnaces and water heaters. If your project isn't on that list, call the Building Inspection Division at (701) 355-1465 instead of assuming you're exempt.
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Bismarck?
Yes. Decks are named on the City of Bismarck's permit list, grouped with additions, renovations, and remodels. Your contractor should pull it.
Do I need a permit for a fence in Bismarck?
A residential fence under 8.5 feet doesn't need a building permit in Bismarck. Setback and corner-sightline rules still apply, so check placement with the city before you set posts.
Should my contractor pull the permit or should I?
Your contractor should. A pulled permit means the work gets inspected and recorded, which protects your home's value and your insurance. A contractor who asks you to pull it, or suggests skipping it, is a red flag.
Do Bismarck permit rules apply in Mandan?
No. Mandan is a separate city with its own requirements. If your home is in Mandan, check with the City of Mandan.
What happens if work was done without a permit?
It usually surfaces later — during a sale when the buyer's inspector flags it, at appraisal when un-permitted square footage doesn't count, or on an insurance claim tied to uninspected work. Depending on the project, the city may require you to open up the work so it can be inspected retroactively.