Fargo, ND Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- SR-0 to SR-5 districts
- 35 ft maximum
- MR-1 district
- 45 ft maximum
- MR-2, MR-3, UMU districts
- 60 ft maximum
- Governing table
- Table 20-0501
- Exempt features
- spires, chimneys, flagpoles, small rooftop equipment
Summary
Single-family and duplex zoning districts in Fargo cap building height at 35 feet, rising to 45 feet in MR-1 and 60 feet in MR-2, MR-3, and UMU districts under the Land Development Code's dimensional standards table.
Dimensional Standard Zoning District AG SR-0 SR-1 SR-2 SR-3 SR-4 SR-5 [9] MR-1 MR-2 MR-3 UMU Maximum/Minimum Density (UPA - Units per Acre) 0.1 Max. 1.0 Max. 2.9 Max. 5.4 Max. 8.7 Max. 12.1 Max. 14.5 Max. 16.0 Max. 20.0 Max. 24.0 [1] Max. 18.0 Min. Minimum Lot Size Area (Sq. Ft.) 10 Ac 1 Ac [2] 15,000 8,000 5,000 3,600 3,000 5,000 5,000 5,000 2,420 Width (Ft.) 200 120 80 60 50 [3] 34 [3] 25 50 [3] 50 [3] 50 [3] 50 [3] Minimum Setbacks(Ft.) Front 50 [4] 50 35 30 20 15 [5] 15 [5] 25 25 25 10 Interior Side [6] 25 25 15%/15 10%/5 10%/5 4 4 15%/25 15%/25 10 5 Street Side 25 [7] 25 17.5 15 12.5 10 10 12.5 12.5 12.5 10 Rear 50 50 25 25 15 15 15 20 20 20 15 Watercourse Setback [10] [10] [10] [10] [10] [10] [10] [10] [10] [10] [10] Max. Building Coverage (Pct. of Lot) NA 25 25 35 40 45 50 35 [8] 35 [8] 35 [8] 75 Minimum Open Space(Pct. of Lot) NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 35 35 35 NA Maximum Height (Ft.) 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 45 60 60
Source: 2985 (1999), 3062 (1999), 4039 (2000), 4165 (2001), 4338(2003), 4695 (2009), 4818 (2012), 5091 (2017).
[1] Higher densities may be allowed in accordance with the Bonus Density provisions of Sec. 20-0505.
[2] SR-0 minimum district size is 20 acres. See Sec. 20-0203-A.
[3] Minimum lot width subject to limitation of access as provided in Sec. 20-0702.
[4] Minimum 100 feet from right-of-way on Arterial or section line road.
Full Breakdown
Fargo's Land Development Code sets maximum building height by zoning district in Table 20-0501, which governs all development in MR-3 and more restrictive districts. Every single-family district, AG, SR-0 through SR-5, and the MR-1 duplex/townhouse district cap structures at 35 feet. MR-2 and MR-3 multifamily districts and the University Mixed-Use district allow 60 feet. A handful of features are exempt from these limits, including belfries, cupolas, spires, chimneys, flagpoles, and rooftop mechanical equipment covering less than a third of the roof area, per § 20-0504.G.2.
Violations & Fines
Building without a permit that exceeds the district height limit is a Land Development Code violation; the city can deny occupancy or require the structure be altered or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the height limit for a single-family home in Fargo?
Are any rooftop features exempt from Fargo's height limits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota building setbacks & zoning overview
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