N.D. Cent. Code § 11-33-17.1

11-33-17.1. Zoning - Nonconforming structure

1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law or zoning ordinance, a nonconforming

structure devoted to residential use and located in a residential zoning district may be

repaired, replaced, improved, maintained, restored, or rebuilt in its entirety even

though the structure is damaged beyond fifty percent of its value if:

a. An application for a building permit is submitted within six months of the date the

damage occurs;

b. Restoration begins within one year of the date the damage occurred;

c. The lot or parcel upon which the structure dedicated to residential use is located

abuts a public right of way; and

d. The new structure will not:

(1) Occupy a portion of the lot which was not occupied by the damaged

structure;

(2) Have more square footage than the damaged structure;

(3) Exceed the height or number of stories of the damaged structure;

(4) Diminish the number of off-street parking spaces located on the property

from the number of spaces before the damage;

(5) Violate existing building and fire codes;

(6) Violate existing sanitary or health standards imposed by the local health

district;

(7) Pose a risk to public health or safety;

(8) Encroach upon a public right of way; or

(9) Encroach upon any neighboring property.

2. Under subsection 1, expansion of a nonconforming structure is prohibited unless the

expansion is in compliance with applicable zoning ordinances and state laws and

rules. The zoning authority shall determine whether a proposed expansion is in

compliance.

3. Under subsection 1, a nonconforming structure may not be moved unless the

movement or relocation will bring the structure into compliance with all applicable

zoning ordinances.

4. Notwithstanding subsection 1, the zoning authority shall regulate the repair,

replacement, improvement, maintenance, restoration, rebuilding, or expansion of

nonconforming uses and structures in floodplain areas to the extent necessary to

maintain eligibility in the national flood insurance program and adhere fully to all

applicable floodplain management ordinances without increasing flood damage

potential or increasing the degree of obstruction to floodflows in the floodway.

5. Notwithstanding subsections 1, 2, and 3, the zoning authority may create a less

restrictive ordinance or regulation.

6. Unless the county determines the repair, replacement, improvement, maintenance,

restoration, or rebuilding of a nonconforming structure will violate subdivision d of

subsection 1, the county shall issue a building permit to a property owner that meets

the qualifications under subsection 1.

7. For purposes of this section, "nonconforming structure" means a structure that was

legal before a change in ordinance made the structure nonconforming.