How Fargo Handles Public Conduct: A Practical Guide

Fargo maintains 140 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with public conduct. 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.

Public Urination

Fargo bans urinating on any public or private property, streets, alleys, sidewalks, and boulevards, unless inside a facility built for that purpose. It's a fineable infraction, not a criminal charge, on a first offense.

Key details: Fine: up to $1,000. Offense class: infraction, not misdemeanor. Where it applies: public and private property. Exception: facilities built for that purpose.

Infraction citation carrying a fine up to $1,000 under § 1-0301(B); two prior convictions for the same infraction within a year allow a court to sentence a third as a Class B misdemeanor instead.

Jaywalking

Fargo pedestrians must use a marked crosswalk between adjacent intersections with working traffic signals, and anywhere in the business district: crossing elsewhere in those spots is a cited violation.

Key details: Fee: $20.00 noncriminal offense. Covers: business district + signalized blocks. Citation: Fargo Municipal Code § 8-0707. Elsewhere: must still yield per § 8-0706.

Noncriminal offense: flat $20.00 fee under the city's ordinance fee schedule (§ 1-0305(C)(2)), not a misdemeanor or jail exposure.

Public Alcohol Use

Fargo prohibits consuming alcohol or possessing an open container on streets, sidewalks, alleys, and other public property citywide, with narrow exceptions for licensed premises and permitted special events.

Key details: Citation: Fargo Municipal Code § 10-0327. Covers: Streets, sidewalks, alleys, public property. Penalty class: Infraction, fine up to $1,000. Exception: Licensed premises or special event permit. Enacted by: Ordinance 5471 (2025).

Fargo police cite under § 10-0327, an infraction under § 1-0305(B) punishable by a fine up to $1,000 under § 1-0301(B).

This is one of the stricter rules in Fargo's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Outdoor Smoking Restrictions

Fargo follows the statewide ND Smoke-Free Law (NDCC 23-12-10), banning smoking in workplaces, restaurants, bars, and within 20 feet of public building entrances and windows.

Key details: State statute: NDCC 23-12-10. Entrance buffer: 20 feet. Vaping included: Yes (state law). Local ord: Fargo Ch. 23-1011.

Smoking inside a covered area or within 20 feet of an entrance can trigger civil fines for both the smoker and the property owner who fails to ask the smoker to stop.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Fargo actively enforces its outdoor smoking restrictions requirements.

Public Marijuana Use

Fargo bans possessing or using marijuana anywhere in city limits under Municipal Code § 10-1202, with infractions for under a half ounce and Class B misdemeanors for larger amounts or use by anyone under 21.

Key details: Under 1/2 oz: infraction (citation). 1/2 oz to 500g: Class B misdemeanor. Under-21 use: Class B misdemeanor, any amount. Medical marijuana: exempt under N.D.C.C. Ch. 19-24.1. First offense: record sealable under § 10-1203.

Infraction (fine) for under a half ounce; Class B misdemeanor for a half ounce to 500 grams, or for anyone under 21 who uses marijuana at all.

This is one of the stricter rules in Fargo's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Loud Party Ordinance

Fargo bans loud parties in residential areas from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and requires the host or property owner to help police stop the noise once warned.

Key details: Quiet hours: 10:00 p.m.–6:00 a.m.. Violation class: Infraction, up to $1,000 fine. Owner/tenant duty: Must cooperate to stop disturbance. Noise evidence threshold: Audible 50 feet from building.

Infraction, fine up to $1,000; repeat police calls (2+ same day, or 3 written notices to an absentee owner in 6 months) count as prima facie evidence against the tenant or owner.

Skateboarding Rules

Fargo bans skateboards, coasters, scooters, and roller/in-line skates from every sidewalk in the central business district, plus all roadways, city-owned parking ramps and lots, and skyways citywide.

Key details: Banned area: All CBD sidewalks citywide. Also banned: City parking ramps, lots, skyways. Elsewhere: Only where signs are posted. Exception: Crossing a roadway at a crosswalk. Max fine: Up to $1,000 as infraction.

Chapter 8 traffic offenses, including § 8-0113, are charged as a misdemeanor or infraction under § 8-0110; an infraction carries a fine up to $1,000 under § 1-0301(B), with each day a separate offense.

This is one of the stricter rules in Fargo's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Loitering Rules

Fargo folds loitering into its disorderly conduct ordinance, banning obstruction of sidewalks and loitering to solicit sexual contact in public.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 10-0301. Penalty class: Class B misdemeanor. Covers: Obstruction + solicitation loitering. Protected activity: Expressly exempted.

Class B misdemeanor under § 1-0306's penalty schedule; police may also order dispersal of an obstructing crowd under related sidewalk-use rules.

The Bottom Line

Fargo is tougher than many cities when it comes to public conduct. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 4 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Fargo, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Fargo's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.