Deck Permit Requirements in Lincoln, ND

Small city near Bismarck in Burleigh County. Some permits handled by Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning. North Dakota adopted the 2024 IRC effective January 1, 2026.

By Joey, Founder · Last verified March 28, 2026 · How we research →

Population: 4,502 Code: 2024 Verified: 2026-03-28 4 local rules

When you don’t need a Deck permit in Lincoln

Exempt·Rule 1

Freestanding decks not more than 30 inches above grade are exempt from a building permit per 2024 IRC R105.2.

SourceCity of Lincoln / 2024 IRC

When you need a Deck permit in Lincoln

Required·Rule 1

Attached decks require a building permit even when under 30 inches above grade.

Estimated Fee$87 – $280
Typical Timelineabout 1 week
SourceCity of Lincoln / 2024 IRC
Required·Rule 2

Decks more than 30 inches above grade require a building permit.

Estimated Fee$122 – $402
Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceCity of Lincoln / 2024 IRC
Required·Rule 3

Covered decks or those over 300 sq ft require a building permit.

Estimated Fee$157 – $489
Typical Timelineabout 2 weeks
SourceCity of Lincoln / 2024 IRC

Deck Permit Costs: Lincoln vs. Nearby

Lincoln comes in on the low side for North Dakota. You're looking at $87 – $489 here, compared to the state average of $144 – $461.

CityEstimated Fee
Lincoln $87 – $489
Fargo $125 – $700
Bismarck $125 – $700
Grand Forks $125 – $700

Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Lincoln permit costs →

Zoning Considerations

Zoning

Decks may be subject to zoning setback and lot coverage requirements. Check with your local planning department before building near property lines.

Estimated Project Timeline in Lincoln

Here's a typical timeline for a deck project in Lincoln, ND:

Week 1
Get quotes & finalize design
Contact licensed contractors, get 3+ quotes, finalize project scope and drawings (plan drawings required).
Week 2
Prepare permit documents
Contractor prepares site plan, construction drawings, and permit application. Gather required documents per your city's checklist.
Week 3
Submit permit application
Your contractor submits the application to Lincoln's building department, apply online here.
Week 4-5
Plan review & approval
Typical processing time in Lincoln: about 2 weeks. Plan review examiner checks drawings for code compliance.
Week 6+
Construction & inspections
Post the permit card on site. Work begins. Schedule inspections at required stages (varies by project). Final inspection required before closing the permit.

Timeline is based on Lincoln's typical about 2 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.

Need a Deck permit in Lincoln, ND?

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Building Department Contact

NameCity of Lincoln Building Department
Address2090 E Main St, Lincoln, ND 58504
HoursMon-Fri 8:00am-5:00pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Estimated permit fees for Deck projects in Lincoln, ND range from $87 – $489. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.

It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller Deck projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.

Working without a required permit in Lincoln can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.

Typical approval time for Deck permits in Lincoln is about 1 week. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.

Learn More About Deck Permits

Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.

Read Deck Guide →

Estimate your permit fees →

Disclaimer: This information was last verified on 2026-03-28. Building permit requirements may change. Zoning requirements (setbacks, lot coverage, height limits) are separate and vary by location. Always confirm with your local building and planning departments before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.