How much does a building permit cost in Fargo, ND?

The minimum permit fee is $50 residential; $55 commercial. Fees are calculated as: Residential: Up to $1,000: $45.00; $1,001-$100,000: $45.00 for first $1,000 plus $5.40 per additional $1,000; $100,001 and up: $579.60 for first $100,000 plus $2.97 per additional $1,000 (new schedule effective January 1, 2026 -- minimum $50). Commercial: Tiered valuation-based. $1,001-$25,000: $12.75/thousand; $25,001-$50,000: $8.70/thousand; $50,001-$100,000: $6.14/thousand; $100,001-$500,000: $4.99/thousand; $500,001-$1,000,000: $4.87/thousand; over $1,000,000: $4.64/thousand. Plan check fee: Commercial: 20% of building permit fee (minimum $50). Residential: use online fee calculator at permits.fargond.gov.

How do I apply for a building permit in Fargo, ND?

1. Create an account at permits.fargond.gov 2. Submit permit application online with project address, plans/drawings with measurements, and cost estimate 3. Application enters plan review queue; plan reviewers communicate status via email 4. For commercial projects, also deliver a physical set of plans to City Hall (225 4th Street North) 5. Pay permit fee upon approval 6. Permit issued; post permit card at job site 7. Schedule required inspections through the portal 8. Receive certificate of occupancy or final sign-off after all inspections pass

What work is exempt from building permits in Fargo, ND?

The following work is generally exempt: Painting (interior and exterior); Cabinet replacement and similar finish work; Replacing shingles (reroofing); Flat work such as concrete patios and brick patios.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Fargo, ND?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Fargo License and Permit Portal, 701-241-1561.

City Building Permits

Fargo, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Fargo, North Dakota. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

North Dakota Cass County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Administers permits within Fargo city limits and its extraterritorial area. Electrical permits handled by the North Dakota State Electrical Board; plumbing by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board.

Department: Inspections Department, City of Fargo
Address: 225 4th Street North, Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: 701-241-1561
Website: https://fargond.gov/city-government/departments/inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open Fargo License and Permit Portal

Platform: Fargo License and Permit Portal (proprietary City of Fargo system) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Create an account at permits.fargond.gov
Submit permit application online with project address, plans/drawings with measurements, and cost estimate
Application enters plan review queue; plan reviewers communicate status via email
For commercial projects, also deliver a physical set of plans to City Hall (225 4th Street North)
Pay permit fee upon approval
Permit issued; post permit card at job site
Schedule required inspections through the portal
Receive certificate of occupancy or final sign-off after all inspections pass

Typical processing time: Contact department at 701-241-1561 for current lead times. Commercial projects may require additional time for multi-discipline review.

Source: Inspections Department, City of Fargo

General Requirements

New construction, additions, remodels, structural alterations, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. Also required for Sheetrock installation, siding, stairs, and decks.

Required Documents

Permit application
Project plans/drawings with measurements
Cost estimate
Valuation breakdown (building + parking lot for commercial)

Permit validity: Not stated on public-facing pages; contact department for details
Building code: 2024 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Fire Protection and Prevention Code (all effective July 2, 2025 locally); 2018 North Dakota State Plumbing Code (Uniform Plumbing Code); 2023 National Electrical Code (effective July 1, 2024)
Owner-builder: Not specified; contact department
Contractor requirements: State contractor license required for jobs over $4,000 (ND Secretary of State). Electrical contractors must be licensed with the ND State Electrical Board; plumbers with the ND State Plumbing Board. Verify contractor license through ND Secretary of State (1-800-352-0867) or Building Industry Association of the Red River Valley (701-232-5846).

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50 residential; $55 commercial
Plan check fee: Commercial: 20% of building permit fee (minimum $50). Residential: use online fee calculator at permits.fargond.gov
Permit fee formula: Residential: Up to $1,000: $45.00; $1,001-$100,000: $45.00 for first $1,000 plus $5.40 per additional $1,000; $100,001 and up: $579.60 for first $100,000 plus $2.97 per additional $1,000 (new schedule effective January 1, 2026 -- minimum $50). Commercial: Tiered valuation-based. $1,001-$25,000: $12.75/thousand; $25,001-$50,000: $8.70/thousand; $50,001-$100,000: $6.14/thousand; $100,001-$500,000: $4.99/thousand; $500,001-$1,000,000: $4.87/thousand; over $1,000,000: $4.64/thousand
Reinspection fee: Assessed under IBC Sections 108 and 109; specific dollar amounts not published on city website -- contact department
Payment note: Payment required upon permit issuance; online payment available through the permit portal. Demolition permits: $100 standard; $50 for buildings under 400 sq ft or without utility services. House moving: $300 standard; $50 for small/no-utility structures.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Painting (interior and exterior)
Cabinet replacement and similar finish work
Replacing shingles (reroofing)
Flat work such as concrete patios and brick patios

Inspections

How to Schedule

Fargo License and Permit Portal (online)
701-241-1561 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday 7:45 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed legal holidays)

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by project type; for residential: footing, framing, insulation, rough-in mechanical/plumbing/electrical, final inspection

Additional Resources

Building code: 2024 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Fire Protection and Prevention Code (all effective July 2, 2025 locally); 2018 North Dakota State Plumbing Code (Uniform Plumbing Code); 2023 National Electrical Code (effective July 1, 2024)
Verify contractor license: ND Secretary of State Contractor License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Land Development Code — Chapter 20 of Fargo Municipal Code
Online Permit Fee Calculator
Fargo One (non-emergency municipal services)
License lookup guide: North Dakota Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: North Dakota Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
North Dakota hub: North Dakota Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Inspections Department, City of Fargo before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fargo Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Fargo, ND?: New construction, additions, remodels, structural alterations, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. Also required for Sheetrock installation, siding, stairs, and decks.
How much does a building permit cost in Fargo, ND?: The minimum permit fee is $50 residential; $55 commercial. Fees are calculated as: Residential: Up to $1,000: $45.00; $1,001-$100,000: $45.00 for first $1,000 plus $5.40 per additional $1,000; $100,001 and up: $579.60 for first $100,000 plus $2.97 per additional $1,000 (new schedule effective January 1, 2026 -- minimum $50). Commercial: Tiered valuation-based. $1,001-$25,000: $12.75/thousand; $25,001-$50,000: $8.70/thousand; $50,001-$100,000: $6.14/thousand; $100,001-$500,000: $4.99/thousand; $500,001-$1,000,000: $4.87/thousand; over $1,000,000: $4.64/thousand. Plan check fee: Commercial: 20% of building permit fee (minimum $50). Residential: use online fee calculator at permits.fargond.gov.
How do I apply for a building permit in Fargo, ND?: 1. Create an account at permits.fargond.gov 2. Submit permit application online with project address, plans/drawings with measurements, and cost estimate 3. Application enters plan review queue; plan reviewers communicate status via email 4. For commercial projects, also deliver a physical set of plans to City Hall (225 4th Street North) 5. Pay permit fee upon approval 6. Permit issued; post permit card at job site 7. Schedule required inspections through the portal 8. Receive certificate of occupancy or final sign-off after all inspections pass
How long does it take to get a building permit in Fargo, ND?: Typical processing time is Contact department at 701-241-1561 for current lead times. Commercial projects may require additional time for multi-discipline review..
What work is exempt from building permits in Fargo, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Painting (interior and exterior); Cabinet replacement and similar finish work; Replacing shingles (reroofing); Flat work such as concrete patios and brick patios.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Fargo, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Fargo License and Permit Portal, 701-241-1561.

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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