In force in North Dakota

Fire, building, elevator, boiler and pool codes in force in North Dakota now.

Who enforces each one, what edition applies, and what changes next. 8 of 8 state-level topic areas checked against primary sources. Federal OSHA state.

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By topic in North Dakota

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In force in North Dakota now

Statewide · county and city rules sit on top
AreaIn forceAuthorityNext
Fire2021 International Fire Code with North Dakota amendments, adopted by State Fire Marshal rule NDAC 45-18-01-04, effective Jan 1, 2024Fire marshal rule text posted by the Insurance Dept adopts the 2021 IFC with state amendments plus the State Building Code for fire-safe construction. It applies to all persons unless exempted, to existing and new conditions; existing nonconforming conditions may continue unless the fire marshal finds a distinct hazard. The older rule (NDAC 10-07, 2018 IFC) is indexed as repealed. SourceChecked on the sourceState Fire Marshal Division, ND Insurance Dept (NDAC 45-18; NDCC 18-01) statewide; local fire officials where a jurisdiction adopts and enforces its own codeIn forceCONFLICT: codified NDAC 45-18-01 on ndlegis.gov (re-read Oct 22, 2026) still adopts the 2021 IFC, every section effective Jan 1, 2024. The Insurance Dept 2026 Article 45-18 file shows the 2024 IFC with 'amended effective July 1, 2026'; its rule notice (hearing Mar 27, 2026) states no effective date. Adoption could not be confirmed on the primary page; confirm edition with the State Fire Marshal
Building2024 ICC family (IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IEBC), in force since Jan 1, 2026State Commerce page says the 2024 IBC, IRC, IMC and fuel gas codes (with IECC and IEBC) were adopted Sept 11, 2025, effective Jan 1, 2026. The state does not enforce; cities, counties and townships that enforce a code must use it and may amend. Home-rule cities may differ. SourceChecked on the sourceLocal building departments enforce; ND Dept. of Commerce administers adoption only, not enforcementIn forceIn force since Jan 1, 2026 (Commerce page re-read Oct 18, 2026); no next edition named
ElevatorsState conveyance program under NDCC ch. 43-09 (2025 SB 2336) and NDAC arts. 24.1-50 and 24.1-52, effective July 1, 2026; ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44:19 and ASME A18.1-2023 adoptedNDAC 24.1-50/52 (effective July 1, 2026). Existing conveyances were to be registered by Jan 1, 2026; certificate of operation renewed yearly; injury incidents reported within 48 hours. Acceptance tests: new/altered and traction units from Aug 1, 2026; hydraulic elevators, escalators, walks from Aug 1, 2027; five-year full-load tests from Aug 1, 2032. A17.3 not named. SourceChecked on the sourceNorth Dakota State Electrical Board (also registers elevator contractors, mechanics and inspectors)Deadline Aug 1, 2027Annual tests due for hydraulic elevators, escalators and moving walks from Aug 1, 2027; five-year full-load safety tests from Aug 1, 2032
BoilersNDCC ch. 23.1-16 and NDAC art. 33.1-14 (North Dakota Boiler Rules); a valid certificate of inspection is required to operate a boilerNDAC 33.1-14-02-08 (effective July 1, 2020): certificates run 12 months for most power boilers, 36 months for hot-water heating and supply boilers and power boilers over 100,000 lb/hr, 24 months for low-pressure steam, with a two-month grace period. Special-inspector certificates require continued insurance or inspection agreement. NDCC 23.1-16 exemptions not re-read. SourceChecked on the sourceND Department of Environmental Quality, Boiler Inspection Program (chief boiler inspector)In force
PoolsNDAC ch. 33-29-01 (Pool Facilities) water-quality rules for public and semipublic pools and spas; no state pool licenseNDAC 33-29-01 (sections dated 1985, amended 1993) sets water-quality rules for public, semipublic, special-use pools and spas: 200 colonies per mL cap, clarity, 1 mg/L minimum free chlorine, three-year records. Inspection and closure sections were repealed April 1, 1993; the more stringent local rule controls. Confirm local inspection with the AHJ. SourceChecked on the sourceLocal public health units (e.g., Bismarck Public Health); state rule issued under NDCC 23-01-03In force
LodgingStatewide license under HHS's Regulatory Code for Lodging EstablishmentsHHS Food and Lodging licenses lodging establishments under NDAC ch. 33-39 and NDCC ch. 23-09; apply 30 days before construction or ownership change, with plan review for new work. Buildings with five or fewer guest rooms and ten or fewer occupants are outside the lodging license. Smoke detector rule is NDAC 33-33-05. SourceChecked on the sourceND Dept. of Health & Human Services, Food & Lodging Program, statewideNo statewide ruleNone identified; HHS lodging page re-read Oct 19, 2026 (NDAC ch. 33-39; establishment lists updated July 2026) describes no rule or licensing change
WorkplaceFederal OSHA jurisdiction; North Dakota has no State PlanOSHA's state-plan page lists North Dakota as not an OSHA-approved State Plan, so federal OSHA has jurisdiction over most private employers. State and local government workers are outside OSHA coverage. SourceChecked on the sourceFederal OSHA (U.S. Dept. of Labor)In forceIn force; osha.gov approved State Plans page re-read Oct 21, 2026 does not list North Dakota
EnvironmentalNorth Dakota DEQ layer on top of federal EPA rules: air permit-to-construct exemptions for small fuel-burning equipment and engines (NDAC 33.1-15-14-02), state asbestos demolition/renovation standard (NDAC 33.1-15-13-02), UST notification and sewer-overflow reporting in NDPDES permits (not re-read); federal SPCC, Tier II and HFC rules also applyNDAC 33.1-15-14-02: no construction permit for fossil-fuel equipment up to 10 MMBtu/hr total, or engines under 500 hp (under 1,000 hp if run 500 hours or less yearly); DEQ may require registration. NDAC 33.1-15-13-02: asbestos notice ten working days before demolition or renovation (160 sq ft trigger). Sewer-overflow wording seen only in a draft permit; UST rule not read. SourceChecked on the sourceNorth Dakota Dept. of Environmental Quality (Air Quality, Waste Management, Water Quality); U.S. EPA; local utilities and plumbing officialsIn forceNDAC 33.1-15-14-02 re-read Oct 19, 2026 (fuel-burning and engine exemptions unchanged; last amended effective July 1, 2020). Federal: HFC leak-repair rule in force since Jan 1, 2026; automatic leak detection for existing 1,500 lb+ commercial refrigeration by Jan 1, 2027 (eCFR 84.108 re-read Oct 21, 2026); next Tier II filing March 1, 2027

Dated items in North Dakota

Next 24 months
Jan 1, 2027
Automatic leak detection on existing 1,500 lb+ HFC commercial refrigerationFederal EPA · 40 CFR 84.108
Confirmed date
Mar 1, 2027
EPCRA Tier II chemical inventory filingFederal EPA · 40 CFR 370.45
Confirmed date

Questions about North Dakota

Which fire code is in force in North Dakota?

2021 International Fire Code with North Dakota amendments, adopted by State Fire Marshal rule NDAC 45-18-01-04, effective Jan 1, 2024. Fire marshal rule text posted by the Insurance Dept adopts the 2021 IFC with state amendments plus the State Building Code for fire-safe construction. It applies to all persons unless exempted, to existing and new conditions; existing nonconforming conditions may continue unless the fire marshal finds a distinct hazard. The older rule (NDAC 10-07, 2018 IFC) is indexed as repealed. Enforced by: State Fire Marshal Division, ND Insurance Dept (NDAC 45-18; NDCC 18-01) statewide; local fire officials where a jurisdiction adopts and enforces its own code.

Which building code applies in North Dakota?

2024 ICC family (IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC, IECC, IEBC), in force since Jan 1, 2026. State Commerce page says the 2024 IBC, IRC, IMC and fuel gas codes (with IECC and IEBC) were adopted Sept 11, 2025, effective Jan 1, 2026. The state does not enforce; cities, counties and townships that enforce a code must use it and may amend. Home-rule cities may differ. Enforced by: Local building departments enforce; ND Dept. of Commerce administers adoption only, not enforcement.

Who inspects elevators and boilers in North Dakota?

Elevators: North Dakota State Electrical Board (also registers elevator contractors, mechanics and inspectors) (State conveyance program under NDCC ch. 43-09 (2025 SB 2336) and NDAC arts. 24.1-50 and 24.1-52, effective July 1, 2026; ASME A17.1-2019/CSA B44:19 and ASME A18.1-2023 adopted). Boilers: ND Department of Environmental Quality, Boiler Inspection Program (chief boiler inspector) (NDCC ch. 23.1-16 and NDAC art. 33.1-14 (North Dakota Boiler Rules); a valid certificate of inspection is required to operate a boiler).

Is North Dakota a federal OSHA state or a state-plan state?

North Dakota is a federal-OSHA state: the U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA enforces workplace safety rules directly.

What changes next in North Dakota?

Elevators: Deadline Aug 1, 2027 (Annual tests due for hydraulic elevators, escalators and moving walks from Aug 1, 2027; five-year full-load safety tests from Aug 1, 2032); Jan 1, 2027: Automatic leak detection on existing 1,500 lb+ HFC commercial refrigeration; Mar 1, 2027: EPCRA Tier II chemical inventory filing.

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