Service name

Click here to visit the McKenzie County Emergency Management website.

In the event of an emergency, please call 911. If this is a non-emergency, you can call the Watford City Volunteer Fire Department at 701-444-2934, or email them at wcfire@ruggedwest.com.

Typically, if WCPD tows a vehicle it will be taken to our impound lot. In order to get it out, the person will need to come to WCPD’s front window inside the McKenzie County Law Enforcement Center. It is beneficial if they have their identification, insurance information, and registration information prior to coming. We understand some of this may be left inside of the vehicle. If the registration is not current for the motor vehicle it will not be able to be driven out of the impound lot. Also the person coming to get the vehicle should be the registered owner. The person driving the vehicle must have a VALID DRIVERS LICENSE.

Complaints that are actively happening are best filed by calling dispatch 701-444-3654. If you’d like to report vandalism or something non-urgent, you can access our online forms. Personnel complaints may be filed by calling the WCPD Office and our receptionist will determine who needs to be contacted.

View the complete municipal ordinance library. 

Open records requests can be made with the receptionist at the front window of The Watford City Police Department. WCPD will create an estimate of payment based upon the request. Payment is due prior to WCPD starting the request since redaction of personal identifying information, sensitive information, etc. may be required. This cost also takes into consideration any materials needed (paper, dvd, usb, etc.). Case information may also be requested through a discovery request made by an attorney.

Reports for traffic crashes that are reportable to the North Dakota Department of Transportation are available for purchase online. Customers will receive their report(s) immediately if the report is available for purchase. There is a $7 fee to locate and provide the crash report. You can access those reports here.

Traffic citations can either be mailed in to the clerk of court with payment in the envelope provided, or they can pay in person with The McKenzie County Clerk of Court, located in The McKenzie County Courthouse at 201 5th St NW #524, Watford City, ND 58854. 

Mail your parking ticket along with your payment in the addressed envelope your ticket came with, or come in person and pay at The Watford City Police Department, located inside the McKenzie County Law Enforcement Center at 1201 12th St SE Suite A, Watford City, ND 58854. 

View our Zoning Ordinances.

View this guide on how to apply for a zoning change.

No, any survey requests and associated costs are the responsibility of the property owner.

View the complete library of existing zoning maps

The City of Watford City requires building inspections. Permit holders must schedule an inspection 24 hours prior to inspection. To schedule an inspection, inquire about the inspection process, or whether an inspection is required, please contact City Building Inspector, Steve Williams at 701-444-8414, or email at swwilliams@nd.gov.

The City of Watford City and The State of North Dakota have adopted the following building codes:

• 2021  International Building Code (IBC)
• 2021  International Residential Code (IRC)
• 2021  International Mechanical Code (IMC)
• 2021  International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
• 2021  International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
• 2021  International Existing Building Code (IEBC)

View a complete list of Watford City standards for construction in city limits.

View the water and sewer access permit application for full details.

Article 8 of Chapter VI-Business Regulations & Licenses states a person may not engage in the business nor act in the capacity of a contractor within the city when the cost, value, or price per job exceeds the sum of two thousand dollars ($2,000.00) without first having received a City Contractor License.  This is applicable to both general contractors and sub-contractors. View the contractor application.

Yes, all construction requires a permit application. View permit applications.

Accessory structures under 120 square feet and under shall be allowed without a permit. Accessory structures 120 square feet to 1,000 square feet must be approved by the building official.

• Step 1: Find the appropriate permit application
• Step 2: Submit by email to swwilliams@nd.gov or in person at Watford City City Hall.

City Board of Equalization is held within the first 15 days of April. Meeting date and time will be published at least 3 weeks prior to the meeting.

Payment of taxes are due on January 1st.

 All real estate is valued as of February 1st of each year. Any change in assessment that results in a 10% increase and a $3,000 assessed value increase requires that the owner be contacted. The county then calculates taxes for each parcel based on budgeted needs of government entities. The local governments’ operating revenue is determined by the elected officials and local needs approved by the governing board. Once the yearly budget is defined, it is divided by the taxable value to obtain the mill levy which is then applied to each parcel to determine the tax liability.

You can view this map of City garbage routes to determine if you’re within the city boundaries for utilities and services. If you have questions, please call City Hall at (701)-444-2533.

View utility billing payment options.

Utility Bill payments are due by the 20th of each month (unless otherwise stated on bill card) but should be payable upon receipt. A penalty of 1.75% of the balance will be charged to any account that becomes delinquent.

The Bakken Area Skills Center currently offers classes for Certified Medical Assistant and a practical nursing program, with plans to expand options in the near-future.

McKenzie County Public School District #1 has all of the information you need for K-12 education in Watford City.

McKenzie Health has a walk-in clinic, emergency department, family care, surgical services, wellness recovery, laboratory and radiology department.

View the relocation guide.

You can view this guide of area orginizations and clubs to learn more.

There’s always so much to do in Watford City and McKenzie County! View our event calendar.

Visit www.watfordcityparks.com to view a complete list of leagues and activities.

Yes! Fox Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole public golf course that boasts a full tournament schedule, along with men’s and women’s leagues throughout the summer. Visit www.foxhillsgc.com to book a tee-time or learn more.

The Rough Rider Center is a 268,000 sq ft events and recreation facility owned by The City of Watford City, and operated by The Watford City Park District. It is home to a number of our youth athletics, and statewide and regional conferences and tradeshows.

The Veteran’s Memorial Building can be rented by filling out this form, or by calling City Hall at (701)-444-2533.

City Hall is located at 213 2nd St NE Watford City, ND 58854. If you’re looking for The McKenzie County Courthouse, that is located at 201 5th St NW #524, Watford City, ND 58854.

View meeting minutes and agendas.

City Council meetings are scheduled for the first Monday of each month, at 6:00PM CST, in the Heritage Room at Watford City City Hall. The entrance is located on 3rd Ave NE. Meeting dates are subject to change, and you can always call City Hall at (701)-444-2533 for the most current schedule.

View business grants and funding programs.

No, a business license is not required to open a business in Watford City. Certain exceptions pertain to transient merchants, street vendors, and establishments that sell alcoholic beverages.

The Long X Development Team is your number one resource for starting a business in Watford City and McKenzie County.

View current job openings. 

• Step 1: fill out job application
• Step 2: Submit by emailing Human Resources: jlkirchoffner@nd.gov, or dropping off at City Hall.

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