ND HB1076

Requires permits from the Department of Water Resources for construction of dikes, dams, or other water devices for conservation, flood control, watershed improvement, or water storage in accordance with state law.

Establishes permit thresholds: low-hazard dams capable of retaining more than 50 acre-feet of water; medium or high-hazard dams capable of retaining more than 25 acre-feet; agricultural dikes protecting more than 80 acres; or any dike protecting an occupied residence, structure, or public infrastructure.

Exempts low-hazard dams less than 10 feet in height, agricultural dikes less than 2 feet in height, and farmstead ring dikes from professional engineer plan requirements.

Establishes a 45-day application review timeline for the Department, followed by 45-day review by the local water resource board, with the Department making final permit decisions.

Imposes liability for all damages and class B misdemeanor charges on anyone constructing a qualifying dam, dike, or device without first obtaining a required permit.