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

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for building permits; mechanical permits based on type, size, and number of appliances installed. Contact department at 701-515-5380 for specific schedule.. Plan check fee: Not published separately; contact department.

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

1. Review project guidelines (deck, garage, addition, etc.) available on city website 2. Complete permit application (downloadable from city website or available at City Hall) 3. Submit application online via iWorQ portal or in person at City Hall (2515 6th Street E) 4. Plan review by Building and Inspections Division 5. Pay permit fee 6. Permit issued; post at job site 7. Contact Building Department to schedule required inspections (call 701-515-5380) 8. Work proceeds between inspections; do not cover work before inspection sign-off 9. Final inspection and project closeout

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

The following work is generally exempt: Painting (interior and exterior); Wallpaper installation; Cabinet replacement and similar finish work; Accessory buildings with floor area of 120 sq ft or less; Concrete sidewalks and patios entirely on the property; Insulation of an existing building where no structural changes are made.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-515-5380 (7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon-Fri).

City Building Permits

West Fargo, ND - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

North Dakota Cass County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Administers building and mechanical permits within West Fargo city limits. Electrical permits handled by the ND State Electrical Board (701-400-1549); plumbing by the ND State Plumbing Board (701-799-1555).

Department: Building and Inspections Division, City of West Fargo
Address: 2515 6th Street E, West Fargo, ND 58078
Phone: 701-515-5380
Email: mark.housh@westfargond.gov
Website: https://www.westfargond.gov/190/Building-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open iWorQ Permit Portal

Platform: iWorQ • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Review project guidelines (deck, garage, addition, etc.) available on city website
Complete permit application (downloadable from city website or available at City Hall)
Submit application online via iWorQ portal or in person at City Hall (2515 6th Street E)
Plan review by Building and Inspections Division
Pay permit fee
Permit issued; post at job site
Contact Building Department to schedule required inspections (call 701-515-5380)
Work proceeds between inspections; do not cover work before inspection sign-off
Final inspection and project closeout

Typical processing time: Mechanical, reroofing, residing permits may issue same-day if time allows. Most building permits: up to 2 business days for complete applications. Incomplete applications take longer. Allow extra time during summer construction season.

Source: Building and Inspections Division, City of West Fargo

General Requirements

Additions, decks, porches, finishing basements, replacing doors and windows of different sizes, interior renovations with structural modifications, demolition, accessory structures, swimming pools, residing, all HVAC systems, all gas appliances and equipment, wood stoves, use changes. Separate plumbing and electrical permits required for those trades.

Required Documents

Permit application form
Project plans and drawings
Stormwater management permit for new construction
Asbestos information for applicable projects
Gas meter clearance documentation as required

Permit validity: Not specified on public pages; contact department
Building code: ICC (International Code Council) standards adopted. Per state mandate, adopts IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC. State update to 2024 editions effective January 1, 2026.
Owner-builder: Not specified; contact department
Contractor requirements: State contractor license required for jobs over $4,000 (ND Secretary of State). Electrical: ND State Electrical Board. Plumbing: ND State Plumbing Board.

Fees

Plan check fee: Not published separately; contact department
Permit fee formula: Valuation-based for building permits; mechanical permits based on type, size, and number of appliances installed. Contact department at 701-515-5380 for specific schedule.
Reinspection fee: Not published on city website; contact department
Payment note: In person at City Hall or online through iWorQ portal; fire permit fees (separate) are $70-$140/year for operational permits and $100 + percentage of project cost for construction fire permits

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Painting (interior and exterior)
Wallpaper installation
Cabinet replacement and similar finish work
Accessory buildings with floor area of 120 sq ft or less
Concrete sidewalks and patios entirely on the property
Insulation of an existing building where no structural changes are made

Inspections

How to Schedule

701-515-5380 (7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon-Fri) (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, framing, insulation, rough-in mechanical/plumbing/electrical, final inspection. Framing and final inspection checklists available on city website.

Additional Resources

Building code: ICC (International Code Council) standards adopted. Per state mandate, adopts IBC, IRC, IMC, IFGC. State update to 2024 editions effective January 1, 2026.
Verify contractor license: ND Secretary of State Contractor License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Building Inspection Activity Reports
Contact Planning and Zoning
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 Building and Inspections Division, City of West Fargo before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

West Fargo Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in West Fargo, ND?: Additions, decks, porches, finishing basements, replacing doors and windows of different sizes, interior renovations with structural modifications, demolition, accessory structures, swimming pools, residing, all HVAC systems, all gas appliances and equipment, wood stoves, use changes. Separate plumbing and electrical permits required for those trades.
How much does a building permit cost in West Fargo, ND?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for building permits; mechanical permits based on type, size, and number of appliances installed. Contact department at 701-515-5380 for specific schedule.. Plan check fee: Not published separately; contact department.
How do I apply for a building permit in West Fargo, ND?: 1. Review project guidelines (deck, garage, addition, etc.) available on city website 2. Complete permit application (downloadable from city website or available at City Hall) 3. Submit application online via iWorQ portal or in person at City Hall (2515 6th Street E) 4. Plan review by Building and Inspections Division 5. Pay permit fee 6. Permit issued; post at job site 7. Contact Building Department to schedule required inspections (call 701-515-5380) 8. Work proceeds between inspections; do not cover work before inspection sign-off 9. Final inspection and project closeout
How long does it take to get a building permit in West Fargo, ND?: Typical processing time is Mechanical, reroofing, residing permits may issue same-day if time allows. Most building permits: up to 2 business days for complete applications. Incomplete applications take longer. Allow extra time during summer construction season..
What work is exempt from building permits in West Fargo, ND?: The following work is generally exempt: Painting (interior and exterior); Wallpaper installation; Cabinet replacement and similar finish work; Accessory buildings with floor area of 120 sq ft or less; Concrete sidewalks and patios entirely on the property; Insulation of an existing building where no structural changes are made.
How do I schedule a building inspection in West Fargo, ND?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 701-515-5380 (7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon-Fri).

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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