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Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find information that might help you understand how to find things or learn about information you might need to know about your city or town.

Community Development - Building Inspections

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  • No, there is no inspection required before you start to tape and texture the wall. There is however a final inspection needed once the entire project is completed.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Yes, the minimum headroom clearance is 6 feet 8 inches (80”).
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • The handrail is to be continuous at a height of 34” (minimum) to 38” (maximum).
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Yes, enclosed accessible space under stairs shall have wall, under stair surface and any soffits protected on the enclosed side with 1/2-inch gypsum board.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • The riser height shall be not more than 8 inches tall – with not more than 3/8-inch difference. The minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches – with not more than 3/8-inch difference. 

    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • The garage shall be separated from the residence and its attic area by not less than 1/2-inch gypsum board applied to the garage side. Garages beneath habitable rooms shall be separated from all habitable rooms above by not less than 5/8-inch Type X gypsum board or equivalent
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Yes, every dwelling unit shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of 68 degrees at a point 3 feet above the floor and 2 feet from exterior wall in all habitable rooms at the design temperature.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Surface drainage shall be diverted to a storm sewer conveyance or other approved point of collection so as to not create a hazard. Lots shall be graded to drain surface water away from the foundation wall. The grade shall fall a minimum of 6 inches within the first 10’.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • A ½-inch diameter bolt with 7 inches of embedment into the concrete is required. They are to be spaced not more than 6 feet on center and at least 3-1/2 inches to not more than 12 inches from a sill plate splice or from the end of a plate or corner. There shall be at least 2 bolts per plate section. The bolts are to be located in the middle third of the plate width. 

    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Basements and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening that has a net clear opening of 5.7 square feet. Where emergency escape and rescue openings are provided, they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor. A finished basement must have an egress window in each bedroom. If there are no bedrooms in a basement, (1) egress window must still be provided. 

    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Egress windows are still required in every sleeping room on the main floor, but they can be reduced to 5 square feet of net clear opening.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet, with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches. The window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Window wells with a vertical depth greater than 44 inches shall be equipped with a permanently affixed ladder or steps usable with the window in the fully open position.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Porches, balconies, ramps or raised floor surfaces located more than 30 inches above the floor or grade below shall have guards not less than 36 inches in height.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Approved numbers or addresses shall be provided for all new buildings in such a position as to be plainly visible and legible from the street side of the structure.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • A soils report is required, If a report has not been filed prior to August 2007. You must also complete a drainfield permit application.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Sheds that are 200 square feet or less can be placed on a crushed rock/stone/gravel base that is a minimum of 4 inches thick or a 4-inch-thick concrete slab. 

    Garages that are over 200 square feet in size shall be placed on a monolithic / thickened edge concrete slab or 4-foot deep (frost protected) perimeter concrete footing and foundation wall. The monolithic / thickened edge concrete slab must be a minimum of 12-inches deep and 8-inches wide around the perimeter, with two #4 metal rebar installed. The floor slab portion can taper up to a minimum of 4 inches thick.

    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Permits are required by State statutes and Local ordinances. Projects not done according to Code can affect your home’s insurability and potential sale. Prospective buyers can check the City’s building records.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • No. The City of Bismarck does not issue temporary Certificates of Occupancy. Living in a home prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy is prohibited.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • 48 inches below finished grade.

    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • 35 pounds per square foot (PSF).

    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • The ultimate design wind speed is 115 mph.

    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • 1500 pounds per sq. ft.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • C
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Zero
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • Yes. See section R905 (Requirements for Roof Coverings) of the currently adopted building code.

    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • It was adopted May 25, 2004, when the 2009 International Residential Code was adopted by the City of Bismarck.
    Community Development - Building Inspections

  • It depends on the type of permit. Commercial project review time is 14 to 21 business days, residential new construction review time is 7 to 10 business days. Drainfield permits are 2 to 3 business days. All other permits can be issued within 1 business day.
    Community Development - Building Inspections
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