ADU Rules in Beulah, North Dakota

Beulah is the county seat of Mercer County in western North Dakota, located along the Knife River approximately 60 miles north of Bismarck. The city has a population of roughly 3,100 and is situated in one of North Dakota's most significant energy-producing regions. The area contains large lignite coal deposits that fuel nearby power plants, including the Great Plains Synfuels Plant (one of the world's largest coal gasification facilities). This energy industry context shapes the local economy and at times drives demand for housing.

No Statewide ADU Law — Local Zoning Controls

North Dakota has not passed statewide legislation preempting or standardizing local ADU regulations. All rules governing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Beulah are set exclusively by the City of Beulah Zoning Ordinance. There is no state mandate requiring Beulah to permit ADUs or limiting the city's authority to regulate them. Rules in Beulah are independent of those in other North Dakota communities.

ADU Types That May Be Permitted

Depending on the zoning district, Beulah may allow:

• Detached ADUs — freestanding backyard structures, small cottages, or converted outbuildings
• Attached ADUs — living unit additions connected to the primary dwelling
• Garage conversions — converting an existing attached or detached garage into a habitable unit
• Basement or interior ADUs — self-contained apartments created within the interior footprint of the principal home

Energy boom-and-bust cycles have historically created periods of housing demand in western North Dakota communities. Accessory units can provide flexible housing options during high-demand periods. However, all ADU construction must still comply with applicable zoning regardless of market conditions.

Typical Development Standards

Beulah's zoning ordinance is likely to include standards such as:

• Minimum lot size — a minimum lot area is typically required before an ADU is permitted
• Maximum ADU size — often capped as a percentage of the primary dwelling's floor area or an absolute maximum (commonly 700–1,000 sq ft)
• Setbacks — rear and side yard setback minimums apply to detached ADUs, commonly at least 5 feet from rear and side property lines
• Height — detached accessory structures are generally limited to one story or consistent with accessory building standards in the zone
• Parking — additional off-street parking spaces may be required for ADU occupants
• Utilities — ADUs must comply with city water, sewer, and electrical requirements

Confirm all specific standards with City Hall or the Beulah Zoning Administrator.

Knife River Context

The Knife River runs near Beulah and empties into the Missouri River (Lake Sakakawea/Garrison Reservoir) nearby. Properties near these waterways may fall within FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). Any ADU on a property in an SFHA will be subject to additional requirements:

• Finished floor elevation must meet or exceed the Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
• A floodplain development permit may be required
• Foundation and fill requirements are more stringent in flood zones

Verify your parcel's flood zone status using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov before planning an ADU near the river.

Extreme Cold Climate Requirements

Beulah experiences harsh western North Dakota winters with temperatures regularly reaching −20°F to −30°F. All ADU construction must comply with North Dakota building code requirements:

• Frost depth: Foundations must extend 5 to 6 feet below grade — the standard frost depth range for this region
• Insulation: High-performance wall, roof, and foundation insulation is required
• Heating systems: An independently adequate and properly sized heating system is required for the ADU unit
• Snow loads: Structural design must account for winter snow accumulation

Permit Process

1. Contact City Hall to confirm the property's zoning district and ADU eligibility
2. Check flood zone status using FEMA maps if the property is near the Knife River or Missouri River corridor
3. Obtain zoning approval or any required conditional use permit
4. Submit a building permit application with complete construction drawings
5. Schedule and pass all required inspections

Contact Information

City of Beulah City Hall

• Website: beulahnd.org
• Address: 117 2nd Street NE, Beulah, ND 58523
• Phone: (701) 873-4381

Disclaimer: Zoning regulations change frequently. The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the most current rules. Always verify ADU requirements directly with the City of Beulah and consult a licensed contractor or architect before beginning any project.