[7][8] The parish of Sparbu was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 (see formannskapsdistrikt law).

Historically, the name was spelled Sparbuen (using the definite singular form).

At the time of the municipal dissolution, it was part of the Sparbu prestegjeld and the Nord-Innherad prosti (deanery) in the Diocese of Nidaros.

The municipal council (Herredsstyre) of Sparbu was made up of representatives that were elected to four year terms.

The tables below show the historical composition of the council by political party.