North Dakota
Updated 3/15/2025
Overview
In North Dakota, the Division of Community Services (DCS) is responsible for updating and
amending the North Dakota State Building Code. However, enforcement is handled at the
local level, meaning cities, counties, and townships that choose to adopt building codes must
use the State Building Code as a baseline but may apply local amendments to address specific
needs.
Currently, all jurisdictions that enforce a building code have adopted the same set of individual codes as the State Building Code. While there are references to amendments for the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), no digital version is available; the North Dakota Plumbing Board only provides a physical copy of the amendments.
Currently, all jurisdictions that enforce a building code have adopted the same set of individual codes as the State Building Code. While there are references to amendments for the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), no digital version is available; the North Dakota Plumbing Board only provides a physical copy of the amendments.
CodePro Uses the Following Codes for Answers:
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) + North Dakota Amendments
- 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
- 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) + North Dakota Amendments
Additional Resources:
For more details, click here for the state-specific website.
For electrical code information, visit North Dakota State Electrical Board. For plumbing code details, the North Dakota Plumbing Board provides amendments in print form only and does not currently have a digital version (ND Plumbing Board Website).
North Dakota does not mandate statewide enforcement, but all jurisdictions that choose to enforce a building code follow the same standards. Local amendments may apply, depending on the municipality.
For electrical code information, visit North Dakota State Electrical Board. For plumbing code details, the North Dakota Plumbing Board provides amendments in print form only and does not currently have a digital version (ND Plumbing Board Website).
North Dakota does not mandate statewide enforcement, but all jurisdictions that choose to enforce a building code follow the same standards. Local amendments may apply, depending on the municipality.
- Adoption Category
Hybrid
- Amendments
State and Local
Hybrid
A hybrid adoption system means codes can vary at state and local level. Many times the state establishes a base code for building regulations and local jurisdictions then have the authority to amend or adopt more stringent requirements. This allows flexibility for cities and counties to tailor codes to their specific needs while maintaining a foundational standard set at the state level.