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Fargo, ND Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Permit required from
City engineer's office
License required
Journeyman or master plumber license
Governing code
North Dakota State Plumbing Code (adopted)
Default penalty
Infraction, fine up to $1,000
License renewal deadline
January 31 each year

Summary

Fargo requires a licensed plumber to pull a permit from the city engineer before any plumbing installation, repair, or sewer/water connection, under the locally adopted North Dakota State Plumbing Code.

Every licensed plumber, before engaging in the installation, alteration, repair or extending of any plumbing or the connecting of any building sewer or water connection with the sewer or water system of the city, shall make application to the city engineer on appropriate blanks furnished by him for a permit therefor.

View official code

Full Breakdown

Fargo Municipal Code § 22-0104.1 adopts the North Dakota State Plumbing Code for all plumbing installations, repairs, and alterations citywide. Before starting work, every licensed plumber must apply to the city engineer for a permit covering the installation, alteration, repair, or extension of plumbing, or any connection of a building sewer or water line to the city's sewer or water system, per § 22-0112. A journeyman or master plumber license is required first (§§ 22-0105, 22-0111), and no permits issue until required licenses and bonds are on file (§ 22-0109).

Violations & Fines

Working without a plumber's license or permit, or hiring an unlicensed plumber, violates the code; chapter 22 isn't separately listed, so it defaults to an infraction with fines up to $1,000 per Fargo Municipal Code § 1-0305(B).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for plumbing work in Fargo?
Yes. Fargo Municipal Code § 22-0112 requires every licensed plumber to get a permit from the city engineer before installing, altering, repairing, or extending plumbing, or connecting to the city sewer or water system.
Can homeowners do their own plumbing in Fargo?
The code requires a journeyman or master plumber license to construct, alter, extend, or repair plumbing or connect to the sewer system, per § 22-0111: it doesn't carve out an owner exemption.
What plumbing code does Fargo follow?
Fargo adopted the North Dakota State Plumbing Code by reference under § 22-0104.1, with local modifications on file with the city auditor, enforced for all plumbing work citywide.

Sources & Official References

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All Fargo rules

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