Shed permit rules in Fargo, ND — also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations — set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Fargo requires a building permit for any accessory building larger than 120 square feet (10 ft x 12 ft) under the city's adopted International Residential Code (Chapter 21, Fargo Municipal Code). Sheds 120 sqft or smaller are permit-exempt but must still comply with Land Development Code (Chapter 20) zoning setbacks and easement rules.
Fargo follows the IRC permit threshold codified through Chapter 21 of the Fargo Municipal Code (International Building/Residential Code as adopted), so detached one-story accessory structures (sheds, playhouses, garden buildings) used for storage do not need a building permit if the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet. Above that threshold, a residential building permit is required from the City of Fargo Inspections Department. Even permit-exempt sheds must satisfy Land Development Code Chapter 20 zoning standards: a minimum three-foot setback from rear and side property lines, no encroachment into recorded utility or drainage easements, location entirely behind the front line of the principal dwelling (or meeting the standard side setback if placed alongside the home), and no placement in a front yard. Sheds placed within the city's mapped FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area trigger floodplain development review regardless of size. Plans for permitted sheds need only a basic sketch with measurements; apply through permits.fargond.gov or call 701-241-1561 to confirm zoning district setbacks.
Building a shed over 120 sqft without a permit, encroaching on an easement, or violating the three-foot setback can trigger a stop-work order, after-the-fact permit fees, and an order to relocate or remove the structure. Confirm specific civil-fine amounts with Fargo Inspections at 701-241-1561.
Fargo, ND
Fargo Land Development Code Sec. 20-0403(B)(6) caps fences in residential districts (SR, MR, UMU, NC, NO) at 3 ft in front yards (4 ft if at least 75% light-...
Fargo, ND
Fargo Ordinance No. 5425 requires every private swimming pool holding water more than 24 inches deep to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches tall and ...
Fargo, ND
North Dakota HB 1361 (2025) prohibits cities and counties from adopting sanctuary policies, requiring full cooperation between Fargo Police and federal immig...
Fargo, ND
North Dakota has no statewide paid sick or family leave mandate, and Fargo cannot impose one, leaving private benefits to individual employer policies and fe...
Fargo, ND
North Dakota preempts local minimum-wage rules under NDCC 34-06-22, so Fargo employers follow the state and federal minimum of 7.25 dollars per hour set by t...
Fargo, ND
Fargo businesses charge 7.5 percent total sales tax (5 percent state plus 2.5 percent city) and must register their classification with the ND Tax Commission...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Cass County.
See how other cities in Cass County handle shed rules.
See how Fargo's shed rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.