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Fargo, ND Environmental Rules: Stormwater Management (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governing chapter
Fargo Municipal Code Ch. 37
Plan required before
Platting or land disturbance
1-2 unit homes
Exempt from design-plan
Enforcement
City engineer, daily fines
Permit needed
Erosion and sediment control permit

Summary

Fargo requires a city-approved stormwater management plan and erosion control permit before platting or any land-disturbing activity, with one- and two-family homes exempt from the design-plan requirement.

An owner must submit to the city engineer a plan for storm water management and control including detention and retention facilities. The plan shall be submitted, and approval obtained from the city engineer prior to the owner (a) obtaining approval of an application for a plat...or (b) engaging in any land disturbing activity. ...Construction of one or two dwelling unit buildings shall be exempt from the requirements of this article.

Source: Fargo Public WorksView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Chapter 37 of the Fargo Municipal Code, an owner must submit a stormwater management and control plan (including detention/retention design) to the city engineer and get it approved before plat approval or any land-disturbing activity. A separate erosion and sediment control permit is also required before land disturbance begins. One- and two-dwelling-unit construction is exempt from the design-plan requirement but still needs the erosion and sediment control permit and must follow the city's BMP guide for single- and two-family construction.

Violations & Fines

Land disturbance without an approved plan/permit, prohibited discharges into the storm sewer, or tracking sediment onto city streets are violations; the city engineer can issue notices of violation, administrative orders with fines, withhold or revoke permits, and each day of noncompliance counts as a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do single-family homeowners need a stormwater plan?
No. One- and two-dwelling-unit buildings are exempt from the permanent stormwater facilities design plan, but still need an erosion and sediment control permit and must follow city BMP guidance.
What happens if I disturb land without a permit?
The city engineer can issue a notice of violation or an administrative order with a fine, and each day the violation continues counts as a separate offense.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fargo

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsFlood ZonesSignificant RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Cat RulesSome Restrictions

All Fargo rules

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