How Fargo Handles Business Licensing & Operations: A Practical Guide

Fargo maintains 102 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with business licensing & operations. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Fargo falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tobacco Retail License

Fargo retailers selling tobacco, vape, or e-cigarette products must hold a city tobacco license under Chapter 10 and verify customers are 21 or older per ND Century Code.

Key details: Minimum age: 21 statewide (NDCC 12.1-31-03). License chapter: Fargo Code Ch. 10. Inspector: Fargo Cass Public Health. ID check threshold: Anyone appearing under 30.

Selling without a license, selling to anyone under 21, or failing inspection can trigger fines, license suspension, or revocation by Fargo Cass Public Health enforcement.

Tattoo & Body Modification

Tattoo, piercing, and body modification studios in Fargo need a Fargo Cass Public Health body-art license, and ND law requires customers to be 18 or older without parental consent.

Key details: Inspector: Fargo Cass Public Health. Tattoo minimum age: 18 (no parental waiver). State statute: NDCC 23-01-21. Sterilization: Autoclave logs required.

Operating without an FCPH body-art license, tattooing a minor, or skipping required sterilization steps can result in license revocation, citations, and possible criminal charges.

Pawnbrokers

Fargo pawnbrokers must hold a city license under Chapter 10, report transactions to the Fargo Police Department, and hold pledged property for the state-mandated redemption period.

Key details: Reporting partner: Fargo Police Department. Holding period: 60 days minimum. State chapter: NDCC 51-07. Customer minimum age: 18.

Failing to report transactions, releasing items before the holding period, or buying from anyone under 18 can lead to license suspension, fines, and criminal charges for receiving stolen property.

Massage Establishments

Fargo massage establishments must register with the city and employ practitioners licensed by the North Dakota Board of Massage, with zoning compliance under the Land Development Code.

Key details: State board: ND Board of Massage. Training hours: 750 hours minimum. Exam: MBLEx required. City code: Fargo Ch. 10.

Operating without state licensure, employing unlicensed therapists, or working from a non-permitted zone can lead to citations, business license suspension, and Board disciplinary action.

Towing Companies

Tow operators handling police-rotation calls or non-consent tows in Fargo must register with the police department, post rate schedules, and meet vehicle and insurance standards.

Key details: Insurance: Commercial garage liability. State chapter: NDCC 35-13. Release hours: 24/7 vehicle release. Rotation list: FPD-administered.

Charging above posted rates, refusing 24-hour vehicle release, or towing without proper signage on private lots can trigger license revocation and consumer-protection complaints.

The Bottom Line

Fargo's business licensing & operations rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Fargo is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Fargo's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.