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1. When do I need a permit?

Permits are required for additions, decks, porches, finishing basements, replacing doors and windows of different sizes, interior renovations or repair that include structural modifications, demolition work, accessory structures, swimming pools, and residing. 

All HVAC systems require permits, including all gas appliances and equipment, and wood stoves. A building permit and/or a zoning permit may be required when a building use is changed.

Separate plumbing and electrical systems permits are required for the installation, alteration, relocation, replacement, or addition to any wiring, piping, or equipment, or appliances associated with those systems.

2. When don't I need a permit?

You do not need a permit to paint a house (interior or exterior), hang wallpaper, replace cabinets and do similar finish work, build an accessory building having a floor area of 120 square feet or less, install concrete sidewalks and patios entirely on your property or insulate an existing building where no structural changes are made.

If you have questions about whether you need a permit for the project you have in mind or to see if it meets zoning requirements, contact the West Fargo Building Department at (701) 515-5390 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.

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3. Why do I need a permit?

The City of West Fargo’s building code requires building permits to be obtained before doing certain types of construction for all existing structures, all new residential and commercial construction, and remodeling. Building permits allow the City to review all construction projects and ensure they meet the minimum requirements of the City of West Fargo's Building Code and Zoning requirements. A building permit also establishes a record of the construction and remodeling history of your property. Once the permits have been issued the building department will conduct onsite inspections to help ensure compliance to the building code.

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4. Who inspects the work?

With your permit, we will provide information about when and who to call for inspection(s). Our inspectors will inspect your work several times during the course of construction for items such as footings, framing, insulation, rough-in, mechanical work, and the building's final inspection. You will need to contact our office to schedule an inspection. No work shall proceed or be covered until the requested inspection has been signed off.

An inspection card may be attached to your permits. You or your contractor should post the card on the site until the completion of the final inspection. This card contains important information about the job and is used to record inspections performed.

Call the West Fargo Building Department at (701) 515-5390 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday to arrange for the inspection.

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5. Where do I go to get my permits?

The City of West Fargo's Building Department is located in West Fargo City Hall (800 Fourth Ave. E., West Fargo, ND. You may also access building permit information on the website.

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6. What information should I provide when applying for a permit?

Information requirements can vary depending upon your specific project. Handouts and checklists are available which describe the information required to apply for a permit.

Homeowners may prepare their own plans. However, the building department may require professional designs or engineered plans to ensure building code compliance. 

Please allow adequate time for you or your representative to prepare the plans.

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7. How long does it take to get a permit?

Some permits, such as mechanical, residing, and reroofing, can be issued at the time you apply if time allows. Most other building permit applications may take up to two business days to process but it may take longer if the applications and building plans are not complete and accurate.

Applications for permits should be submitted well in advance of your scheduled starting date so that the building department staff can help you through the process and issue your permit before you are ready to start work. This is especially true during the summer construction season.

Electrical permits are issued and inspections are performed by the North Dakota State Electrical Board (701) 499-1549. (Josh Wilson)

Plumbing permits are issued and inspections are performed by the North Dakota State Plumbing Board (701) 799-1555. (Dean Staska)

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8. Is there a charge for a permit?

Yes, there is a charge for permits. Building permit fees are based upon the value of the project (material and labor). Mechanical permits are based upon the type, size, and number of appliances installed.

9. How can I get more information?

The City of West Fargo Buildings Department provides various handouts on permit application procedures and requirements. This information is available on the City of West Fargo's website or at the West Fargo Building Department office located at West Fargo City Hall (800 Fourth Ave. E., West Fargo) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The office number is (701) 515-5390. The Building Department can mail or email any handouts you will need. 

The handouts include:

• Detached accessory structure construction such as garages and sheds
• Decks
• Building additions
• Remodeling buildings
• Swimming pools
• Fences

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