North Dakota § 23-35-08 - Boards of health - Powers and duties
Full text of North Dakota North Dakota Century Code § 23-35-08 — Boards of health - Powers and duties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 23-35-08. Boards of health - Powers and duties
Except when in conflict with a local ordinance or a civil service rule within a board of health's jurisdiction, or a tribal code, ordinance, or policy, each board of health: 1. Shall keep records and make reports required by the department. 2. Shall prepare and submit a public health unit budget. 3. Shall audit, allow, and certify for payment expenses incurred by a board of health in carrying into effect this chapter. 4. May accept and expend any gift, grant, donation, or other contribution offered to aid in the work of the board of health or public health unit. 5. May make rules regarding any nuisance, source of filth, and any cause of sickness which are necessary for public health and safety, except rules regarding the licensing of onsite wastewater treatment system installers. 6. May establish by rule a schedule of reasonable fees that may be charged for services rendered. Services may not be withheld due to an inability to pay any fees established under this subsection. If a tribal board of health establishes fees for services rendered, the fees may not exceed the highest corresponding fee of any of the public health units that border the tribal public health unit. 7. May make rules in a health district or county public health department, as the case may be, and in the case of a city public health department may recommend to the city's governing body ordinances for the protection of public health and safety. 8. May adopt confinement, decontamination, and sanitary measures in compliance with chapter 23-07.6 which are necessary when an infectious or contagious disease exists. 9. May make and enforce an order in a local matter if an emergency exists. 10. May inquire into any nuisance, source of filth, or cause of sickness. 11. Except in the case of an emergency, may conduct a search or seize material located on private property to ascertain the condition of the property as the condition relates to public health and safety as authorized by an administrative search warrant issued under chapter 29-29.1. 12. May abate or remove any nuisance, source of filth, or cause of sickness when necessary to protect the public health and safety. 13. May supervise any matter relating to preservation of life and health of individuals, including the supervision of any water supply and sewage system. 14. May isolate, kill, or remove any animal affected with a contagious or infectious disease if the animal poses a material risk to human health and safety. 15. Shall appoint a local health officer. 16. May employ any person necessary to effectuate board rules and this chapter. 17. If a public health unit is served by a part-time local health officer, the board of health may appoint an executive director. An executive director is subject to removal for cause by the board of health. The board of health may assign to the executive director the duties of the local health officer, and the executive director shall perform these duties under the direction of the local health officer. 18. May contract with any person to provide the services necessary to carry out the purposes of the board of health. 19. Shall designate the location of a local health officer's office and shall furnish the office with necessary equipment. 20. May provide for personnel the board of health considers necessary. 21. Shall set the salary of the local health officer, the executive director, and any assistant local health officer and shall set the compensation of any other public health unit personnel. 22. Shall pay for necessary travel of the local health officer, the local health officer's assistants, and other personnel in the manner and to the extent determined by the board.
Source: official North Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Dakota § 23-35-08
What does North Dakota Century Code § 23-35-08 cover?
Section 23-35-08 ("Boards of health - Powers and duties") is part of the North Dakota Century Code, the codified statutory law of North Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Dakota § 23-35-08?
A common citation format is "North Dakota Century Code § 23-35-08" (North Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Dakota attorney.
How does North Dakota § 23-35-08 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota.