North Dakota Statewide Rule

North Dakota Factory-Built and Tiny Home Building Standards

Some RestrictionsApplies statewide across North Dakota (2026)

Key Facts

Governing law: N.D.C.C. § 54-21.3-03
Code standard: International Residential Code
Modular inspection: Certified third-party inspector required
IRC Appendix Q: Not adopted statewide
Install violation: Class A misdemeanor

Last verified: July 31, 2026

Summary

North Dakota has no tiny-home-specific statute, but N.D.C.C. § 54-21.3-03 requires every modular, prebuilt, or factory-built dwelling, a tiny house included, to be constructed to the adopted state building code, the International Residential Code.

7. A modular residential structure or a prebuilt home placed in the state must be constructed in compliance with the state building code. A modular residential structure or a prebuilt home placed in a jurisdiction that has amended the state building code must be constructed in compliance with the state building code and the amendments adopted by that jurisdiction.

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Full Breakdown

North Dakota's Department of Commerce adopts the state building code, the International Residential Code, and any modular, prebuilt, or factory-built tiny house must be built to it under N.D.C.C. § 54-21.3-03. Modular units are inspected in the factory by a certified third-party inspector approved by the Division of Community Services under § 54-21.3-07; manufactured homes follow HUD's 24 CFR 3280 standards. North Dakota has not adopted IRC Appendix Q statewide, so a foundation-built tiny home must meet the full residential code unless the local jurisdiction adopts it. Cities, townships, and counties administer and enforce placement and can amend the code to local needs.

Violations & Penalties

Violating the manufactured-home installation rules under N.D.C.C. § 54-21.3-08 is a class A misdemeanor. A modular or prebuilt tiny home that fails the state building code cannot be lawfully placed or occupied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does North Dakota allow tiny houses?

Yes. A tiny house built to the state building code is legal statewide; modular and prebuilt units must comply with N.D.C.C. § 54-21.3-03, and local cities or counties administer and enforce placement.

Did North Dakota adopt IRC Appendix Q for tiny homes?

No. North Dakota has not adopted Appendix Q statewide, so a foundation-built tiny house must meet the full International Residential Code unless the local jurisdiction adopts Appendix Q.

Who inspects factory-built tiny homes?

For modular units, a certified third-party inspector approved by the Division of Community Services inspects during factory manufacturing under N.D.C.C. § 54-21.3-07; no further state inspection is required during manufacture.

Sources

N.D.C.C. Chapter 54-21.3 — State Building Code

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