Building Permit Overview

A permit is needed prior to any construction activity including any change or addition, repair, improvement, removal or conversion to your home or yard.

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG:  1-800-795-0555 (N.D. One-Call).  Please call 48 hours before you plan to do any building, landscaping, digging for fence posts, etc.  They will locate all utility lines in your yard.

All building in Harwood must comply with FEMA floodplain rules and regulations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1.  Application is made to the Building Inspector and reviewed by the City Council prior to construction.
 
2.  All structures in Harwood must be constructed in a manner that complies with FEMA rules and regulations and other requirements pertinent to this location.  A certified engineer must be retained prior to any and all construction that will provide the necessary Elevation  and Basement Floodproof Certificates.  Harwood’s city engineering firm is Houston Engineering (235-5065).  The charge is collected with the permit fee for new construction.
 
3.  The contractor is responsible for notifying the Building Inspector for inspections at appropriate intervals.  All building will comply with applicable UBC, HUD and Harwood codes.
 
4.  Locates must be obtained prior to digging (ND One-Call 1-800-795-0555).
 
5.  Zoning of the site selected for the proposed building or relocation must be proper for the proposed use.  All houses, structures and/or accessory buildings must comply with Harwood zoning ordinance regulations.

6.  A detailed plot plan, drainage plan and blueprints must be attached to and submitted with the building permit application.
 
7. In the case of water and wastewater hookups, application will be made prior to construction/moving.  The hookup fee is $350 for a single-family dwelling.  The Superintendent of Works must be present to inspect the installation and notified at the time of connection to service lines.  The City will provide a ¾” water meter.  Property owners are responsible for any repairs from the shut off to the home.  The City retains ownership of water meters and has the right of inspection to assure compliance. 

8.  An excavation permit is necessary when excavation is necessary within city streets or public ways.  The fee is $500.  Upon inspection, the City will reimburse up to $475 after excavation is completed and the site filled, compacted, leveled to its original condition. 

9.  Building permits expire after 120 days, after which time reapplication will be made.