Fargo, ND Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Max bonus density
- 30 dwelling units/acre
- Structured parking required
- 70% of building footprint
- Minimum open space
- 40 percent
- MR-3/DMU pathway
- Conditional use, within 600 ft
Summary
Fargo allows up to 30 dwelling units per acre for multi-family projects that provide structured parking, 40% open space, and comply with height limits.
A. A maximum density of 30 dwelling units per acre shall be allowed for projects that comply with the following 3 standards, provided that: 1. Parking area constructed within the building structure (i.e. underground or "tuck under" parking) shall be provided, with an area equal to at least 70 percent of the principal building footprint; 2. Minimum Open Space shall be 40 percent; and 3. Building height shall comply with maximum height described in Sec. 20-0501.
Full Breakdown
Under Fargo Municipal Code § 20-0505, a base multi-family project can push density to 30 dwelling units per acre if it meets three conditions: underground or "tuck under" parking covering at least 70 percent of the building footprint, minimum 40 percent open space, and compliance with the district's maximum height standard. A separate track lets MR-3 projects within 600 feet of the Downtown Mixed Use (DMU) district reach the same 30-unit cap through Planning Commission conditional-use review, if the project delivers underground parking and added open space, serves residents with special needs, or preserves a designated historic landmark.
Violations & Fines
A project can't claim the 30-unit-per-acre density without satisfying the structured-parking, open-space, and height conditions of § 20-0505(A); the Planning Commission enforces compliance through site plan and building permit review, and noncompliant plans are denied or must be redesigned to the base district density.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every apartment project in Fargo get the density bonus?
Can density bonuses apply outside the standard track?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
Compare Fargo to another location·View the North Dakota zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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