ADU Rules in Carrington, North Dakota

Carrington is the county seat of Foster County in the geographic center of North Dakota, situated near the headwaters of the James River approximately 115 miles northeast of Bismarck. The city has a population of roughly 2,000 and serves as the commercial and governmental hub for a productive agricultural region. Carrington is also home to the North Dakota State University Extension Research Center, which supports the surrounding farming community.

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 Carrington are set exclusively by the City of Carrington Zoning Ordinance. There is no state mandate requiring Carrington to permit ADUs or limiting the city's regulatory authority. Rules in Carrington are independent of those in other North Dakota municipalities.

ADU Types That May Be Permitted

Depending on the zoning district, Carrington may allow:

• Detached ADUs — freestanding backyard structures or small secondary dwellings
• Attached ADUs — living unit additions physically connected to the primary home
• Garage conversions — repurposing an existing attached or detached garage into habitable living space
• Basement or interior ADUs — self-contained apartments created within the existing interior footprint of the principal dwelling

Whether any of these types is permitted on a given parcel depends on the parcel's zoning district designation and whether applicable dimensional standards are satisfied. Contact City Hall for guidance specific to your property.

Typical Development Standards

Carrington's zoning ordinance typically includes standards such as:

• Minimum lot size — a minimum lot area must be met before an ADU can be added to a residential property
• Maximum ADU size — commonly limited as a percentage of the primary dwelling's floor area or capped at an absolute maximum (often 600–900 sq ft for smaller North Dakota cities)
• Setbacks — rear and side yard setback minimums apply to detached ADUs; typically 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 applicable zone
• Parking — at least one additional off-street parking space is commonly required for ADU occupants
• Utilities — the ADU must comply with city requirements for water, sewer, and electrical service

All specific figures and requirements must be verified with City Hall or the Carrington Zoning Administrator before designing or permitting an ADU.

James River Watershed Considerations

Carrington is located near the headwaters of the James River (also known as the "Jim River"), one of the longest unobstructed rivers in North America. Properties in low-lying areas near the river or its tributaries may be within FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs). ADUs proposed on properties in an SFHA are subject to additional requirements:

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

Check flood zone status using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at msc.fema.gov before planning an ADU on any low-lying parcel.

Extreme Cold Climate Requirements

Carrington experiences severe continental winters with temperatures regularly reaching −25°F or colder. All ADU construction must meet North Dakota building code requirements for extreme cold climates:

• Frost depth: Foundations must penetrate 5 to 6 feet below grade to reach below the frost line and prevent frost heave
• Insulation: High-performance insulation is required in walls, roofs, and below-grade assemblies
• Heating systems: An independently adequate and properly sized heating system is required for the ADU
• Snow loads: Structural design must account for roof snow loads typical of central North Dakota

Permit Process

1. Contact City Hall to confirm the property's zoning district and ADU eligibility
2. Check FEMA flood maps if the parcel is near the James River or low-lying areas
3. Obtain zoning approval or any required conditional use permit
4. Submit a building permit application with construction drawings
5. Schedule and pass all required inspections (foundation, framing, rough mechanical, final)

Contact Information

City of Carrington City Hall

• Website: carringtonnd.com
• Address: 871 Main Street, Carrington, ND 58421
• Phone: (701) 652-2441

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 Carrington and consult a licensed contractor or architect before beginning any project.