Fargo ADU permit requirements
Last reviewed: June 22, 2026
Quick answer
Permitting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Fargo, North Dakota means pulling a building permit from the local authority that issues it. ArchPermit tracks 12 source-cited requirements (9 required, the rest conditional) for this jurisdiction. Submittals go through City of Fargo Inspections Web Portal (CityView). These requirements were last reviewed June 22, 2026; confirm the exact forms and fees with the local permitting authority.
A source-cited checklist of what an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permit package needs in City of Fargo. Every item links to its authoritative source; items that vary are flagged to confirm locally.
Fargo's adopted Land Development Code (Chapter 20) does NOT establish an as-of-right ADU — 'accessory dwelling unit' does not appear in the Use Regulations, and the §20-0403 accessory-uses list has no accessory dwelling. A second dwelling on a single-family lot would require a discretionary land-use approval (rezoning, Conditional Use, or variance via Planning & Zoning / Board of Adjustment) before a building permit, or is only possible where the district already allows a Duplex or Multi-Dwelling Structure. North Dakota has no statewide law forcing cities to allow ADUs; a full LDC rewrite ('Fargo LDC 2026') is in public draft, not adopted. The items below are Fargo's residential building-permit submittals. Confirm the ADU pathway with Fargo Planning & Development before assuming one exists.
- Floor-Area Breakdownrequired
Square footage by level (basement/1st/2nd/3rd, finished areas, garage attached/detached).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Foundation / Heating / Fireplace Detailsrequired
Foundation type (Concrete/PWF/ICF/Floodproof), heating system, and fireplace type on the application.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Intended Use of Propertyrequired
The intended use, especially if other than a listed residential use — directly relevant since a second/accessory dwelling is not a listed use in Fargo's code.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Lot-Coverage / Setback Compliance (per district)required
The project must meet the Article 20-05 dimensional standards (lot coverage %, setbacks, density, height) for the zoning district.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - One (1) Set of Building Plansrequired
Basic construction drawings for the project ('one set of plans are required with this application').
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Residential Permit Application Formrequired
Official Fargo application (project address, legal description, zoning, intended use, contractor, valuation, square-foot breakdown, foundation/heating/fireplace), submitted via the portal.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Site Planrequired
Size and location of all existing buildings plus the proposed project, with lot/block, easements, and actual setback dimensions to property lines.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Truss Design Drawingsrequired
The truss design(s) used in construction, plus the truss supplier (required with the application).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Valuation / Estimated Cost of Constructionrequired
The estimated cost of construction (drives the permit fee).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Discretionary Zoning Approval (for a 2nd dwelling)conditionalverify locally
A second/accessory dwelling is not a listed use, so it would require a land-use approval (rezoning / Conditional Use / variance) before the building permit — confirm the pathway with Planning.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Flood-Proofing / Floodplain Elevation Infoconditional
If in the FEMA 1% floodplain, the structure must be elevated ≥1 ft above Base Flood Elevation; the City marks the elevation after permit.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Trade-Permit Applications (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)conditional
Separate trade permits via the portal; the application lists the trade subcontractors.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22