Fargo, ND Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Manufactured home freeboard
- one foot above BFE
- Permit required
- before any floodplain construction
- Governing provision
- Municipal Code Article 21-06
- Penalty
- infraction, up to $1,000/day
- Appeals body
- board of adjustment
Summary
Fargo requires manufactured homes in special flood hazard zones to sit one foot above base flood elevation, with all new construction meeting the city's Floodproofing Code standards enforced by the building inspector.
Require all manufactured homes placed or substantially improved within Zones A 1-30, AH, or AE on sites (i) outside of a manufactured home park or subdivision, (ii) in a new manufactured home park or subdivision, (iii) in an expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision, or (iv) in an existing manufactured home park or subdivision which has incurred substantial damage, be elevated on a permanent foundation so the lowest floor of the manufactured home is elevated one foot above the base flood elevation and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist floatation, collapse, and lateral movement.
Full Breakdown
Fargo's floodplain management ordinance (Municipal Code Article 21-06) requires a development permit before any construction in a special flood hazard area identified on FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Map. Manufactured homes placed or substantially improved in Zones A1-30, AH, or AE must be elevated on a permanent foundation so the lowest floor sits one foot above base flood elevation and be anchored to resist flotation and lateral movement. Standard new construction and substantial improvements must instead conform to the city's Floodproofing Code and Floodproofing Construction Requirements, certified by a registered engineer or architect. The building inspector administers permits and elevation records; the board of adjustment hears variance requests.
Violations & Fines
Building without a floodplain development permit, or below the required elevation, is an infraction punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, with each day of continued violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is base flood elevation in Fargo?
Does every new home in Fargo need extra elevation above BFE?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota environmental rules overview
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