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. This is directly relevant, since a second or 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
Fargo ADU permit questions
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Fargo?
- Yes. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Fargo requires a building permit. ArchPermit tracks 12 cited requirements for this jurisdiction (9 required, the rest conditional). Always confirm the exact forms, fees, and code edition with the local permitting authority that issues the permit.
- What does an ADU permit package require in Fargo?
- Core required items include: Floor-Area Breakdown; Foundation / Heating / Fireplace Details; Intended Use of Property; Lot-Coverage / Setback Compliance (per district); One (1) Set of Building Plans; Residential Permit Application Form, plus 3 more. Each requirement links to its authoritative source, and nothing is permit-ready until an independent licensed professional reviews and seals it.
- How are ADU permits submitted in Fargo?
- Fargo accepts permit submittals via City of Fargo Inspections Web Portal (CityView). ArchPermit prepares a draft package you can submit there after a licensed architect reviews and seals it.