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Fargo, ND Property Maintenance: Vacant Lot Maintenance (2026)

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

Key Facts

Height limit
8 inches for weeds and grass
Applies to
Vacant lots, all real estate parcels
Enforcement
Fargo Cass Public Health notice, then city mowing
Max fine
$1,000 per day, § 11-0821
Exception
Land management plan permit, § 11-0809

Summary

Fargo caps weeds and grass at 8 inches on vacant lots and every real estate parcel citywide, with the health department empowered to mow and bill owners who ignore a correction notice.

No stagnant water shall be allowed to stand or remain, noxious or other weeds, or grass allowed to grow more than eight inches (8") in length upon or along the line of any railroad, street, highway, alley, public place, along or upon any vacant or other lot or real estate parcel, public or private, or other place within the city. For purposes of this article, "noxious weeds" shall mean any species of plant or vegetation recognized by the North Dakota State Weed Board as a noxious weed.

Source: 1952 Rev. Ord. 11-0801, 2512 (1990), 4533 (2006), 5143 (2018).

View official code

Full Breakdown

Fargo Municipal Code § 11-0805 bars noxious weeds or grass over eight inches on any vacant or other lot, public or private, and along streets, alleys, and rights-of-way. Section 11-0806 puts the mowing duty on the owner, occupant, or person in control of the property; § 11-0807 lets the health department act after a mailed notice goes unheeded. Owners can apply for a land management plan permit under § 11-0809 to let native or prairie plantings grow taller.

Violations & Fines

Health department can mow the lot itself and bill the owner (§ 11-0807); article-wide penalty under § 11-0821 is a fine up to $1,000, with each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can weeds get on a vacant lot in Fargo before it's a violation?
Eight inches. Section 11-0805 bars noxious weeds or grass grown taller than eight inches on any vacant lot or parcel, public or private, within the city.
What happens if I ignore a Fargo weed notice?
Under § 11-0807 the health department can enter and cut the weeds itself after notice, then charge the cost to the owner as a special assessment on the property.
Can I let a vacant lot grow wild on purpose in Fargo?
Yes, with a land management plan permit under § 11-0809, which allows taller native or prairie plantings if you file a plan with the city forester.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fargo

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All Fargo rules

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