On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fargo
New construction, additions, remodels, structural alterations, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. Also required for Sheetrock installation, siding, stairs, and decks.
Painting (interior and exterior)
Cabinet replacement and similar finish work
Replacing shingles (reroofing)
Flat work such as concrete patios and brick patios
- Exempt Painting (interior and exterior)
- Exempt Cabinet replacement and similar finish work
- Exempt Replacing shingles (reroofing)
- Exempt Flat work such as concrete patios and brick patios
Required documents
- Permit application
- Project plans/drawings with measurements
- Cost estimate
- Valuation breakdown (building + parking lot for commercial)
- 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)
- Permit validity
- Not stated on public-facing pages; contact department for details
- 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).
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Contact department at 701-241-1561 for current lead times. Commercial projects may require additional time for multi-discipline review.
- 01 Create an account at permits.fargond.gov
- 02 Submit permit application online with project address, plans/drawings with measurements, and cost estimate
- 03 Application enters plan review queue; plan reviewers communicate status via email
- 04 For commercial projects, also deliver a physical set of plans to City Hall (225 4th Street North)
- 05 Pay permit fee upon approval
- 06 Permit issued; post permit card at job site
- 07 Schedule required inspections through the portal
- 08 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50 residential; $55 commercial
02
Plan check fee
Commercial: 20% of building permit fee (minimum $50). Residential: use online fee calculator at permits.fargond.gov
03
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
04
Reinspection fee
Assessed under IBC Sections 108 and 109; specific dollar amounts not published on city website -- contact department
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 1, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Varies by project type; for residential: footing, framing, insulation, rough-in mechanical/plumbing/electrical, final inspection
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fargo permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fargo, ND? ▸
Building permit fees in Fargo, ND are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fargo, ND? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Fargo, ND, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fargo, ND? ▸
Building permit processing times in Fargo, ND typically run Contact department at 701-241-1561 for current lead times. Commercial projects may require additional time for multi-discipline review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Fargo, ND? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fargo, ND? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fargo, ND via: Fargo License and Permit Portal, 701-241-1561.
last verified April 2026
source Inspections Department, City of Fargo ↗
entry id permits/north-dakota/cass/fargo
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspections Department, City of Fargo before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.