City Guide · Verified 2026
Fence Installation Permits in Fargo
Local Rule
City of Fargo Inspections Department; Fargo fence
Fargo does not require a permit unless the fence will be more than 6.5 feet tall. The city notes its fence regulations are "a little complicated," with rules that vary based on where the fence sits on the property (front, side, or rear yard) and proximity to the property line and public right-of-way. All fences must be built entirely on the owner's own property, and permits are otherwise required for any new construction, addition, remodeling project, or structural alteration. Detached accessory structures, such as sheds larger than 120 square feet (10x12) or those in the floodplain, also require a permit for comparison; sheds must sit at least 3 feet from rear or side property lines and cannot be built on an easement.
Source · Verified September 2026
Fargo Building Department
Office: City of Fargo Inspections Department
Address: 225 4th St. N, Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: (701) 241-1500
Hours and procedures can change — call ahead to confirm.
How This Compares to Cass County
Fargo's own rule is shown above (No permit under 7 sqft). Here is the separate rule that applies at the county level, for context:
Individual townships and cities (Cass County itself directs
The City of Fargo, the county seat and largest city, states directly that a permit is generally not required unless a fence exceeds 6.5 feet, with a 3-foot maximum anywhere in the front of a home (rising to 4 feet if the fence is see-through, such as chain link). Rich Township, one of several townships within Cass County, maintains its own separate zoning ordinance with a dedicated "Fences, Walls, and Hedges" section, confirming that fence regulation in the county's unincorporated area is set at the township level rather than by a single countywide rule; a fencing contractor operating in the area recommends calling the Cass County zoning office directly even when a permit does not appear to be required.
Nearby Cities with Verified Rules
Other cities near Fargo with a confirmed fence installation rule:
FAQs
Which department handles Fence Installation permits in Fargo?
City of Fargo Inspections Department; Fargo fence handles Fence Installation permits in Fargo.
Is Fargo different from Cass County on Fence Installation?
Yes. Fargo's rule is "No permit under 7 sqft", while Cass County in general is "Set by local rules". See the full breakdown of each below.
Building It Yourself? Here's What You'll Need
Popular tools and materials homeowners use for a fence installation project:
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