If you're planning construction in Cass County, North Dakota, understanding the building permit process is essential – and unfortunately, it’s not always straightforward. Permitting requirements often depend on whether your project is in a city, a township, or unincorporated county land, each with its own rules, approvals, and inspection process.
This guide breaks down how Cass County permitting works, when the county is involved, when cities take over, and what to expect for zoning, applications, and inspections so you can avoid delays and keep your project moving.
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What requires a building permit in Cass County?
Under Cass County zoning and planning rules, a building permit is typically required for projects that involve structural construction, land development, or major utility work.
Projects that commonly require a Cass County building permit include:
- New construction
- Additions
- Remodeling projects
- Structural alterations
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing projects (when required by the township)
Note: If you’re inside city limits or a city’s extraterritorial boundary, you should contact that city directly for permitting.
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Cass County does not publish a single countywide “no permit required” list. Exemptions are typically set by the city or township administering the ordinance.
Cass County building permit cost
In Cass County, ND, most building and trade permit fees are set by the city (Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, etc.) or by the township, not by Cass County government. Below is the fee schedule for the City of Fargo as an example.
Residential building permit fees
Commercial building permit fees
Cass County trade permits
Cass County, ND does not publish a single countywide fee schedule for trade permits like electrical, plumbing, or HVAC. In most cases, Cass County’s role is planning and subdivision support, while trade permits and fees are set by the local jurisdiction (such as Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, or a specific township) or, for some scopes, by a state agency. Contact the city or township where your work is located to learn more about local trade permit fees.
Below are the fee schedules for various trade permits for the City of Fargo as an example.
Plumbing permit fees
HVAC permit fees
How to get a building permit in Cass County
Step 1: Confirm your jurisdiction and zoning rules
Before you do anything, confirm where your property sits:
- Inside a city (or within a city’s extraterritorial boundary): Contact that city for permits and zoning
- Unincorporated Cass County: Your township zoning ordinance typically controls setbacks, land use, and local permit rules – start with Cass County’s township resources hub
Step 2: Check “special area” requirements (floodplain, septic, access)
Depending on the site and scope, you may also need a Floodplain Development Permit (if the property is in a mapped floodplain/SFHA). Contact the County Planner before building to see if a development permit is required.
Step 3: Prepare your application packet
What you need depends on the township/city, but common items include:
- Completed residential or commercial building permit application
- Project description + estimated valuation
- Plans/drawings (as required)
- Site plan / survey (as required)
- Contractor info (if applicable)
- Any related approvals (floodplain, septic, access, etc.)
Step 4: Submit to the correct office
There are two ways you can submit your application:
- Township/unincorporated areas: Submit through the township (using the township’s process; Cass County provides templates/forms to support township processing)
- City/ETJ areas: Submit to the city permitting office
If you need guidance or have questions, reach out to (701) 298-2375.
Step 5: Plan review and approvals
The reviewing authority (township or city) typically checks for:
- Zoning compliance (setbacks/land use)
- Required supporting documents (site plan, plans, floodplain items, etc.)
Step 6: Pay fees, post the permit, and schedule inspections
Fees and inspections vary by jurisdiction. Many townships/cities set their own processes and may also require trade permits (electrical/plumbing/HVAC) through the applicable local or state authority.
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Permit inspections in Cass County, ND
Cass County does not operate a single, countywide inspection department. The inspection authority depends on where your project is located:
- Inside a city (Fargo, West Fargo, Horace, etc.): Inspections are typically handled by that city’s inspections/building department
- Unincorporated Cass County (township areas): Inspections are usually coordinated through the township’s process (many townships use a designated inspector/third-party model)
Typical inspections
- Footings / foundation (before concrete)
- Framing / structural
- Rough-in inspections (as applicable): plumbing, electrical, mechanical/HVAC
- Final inspection (before closeout/occupancy)
How to schedule an inspection
Because inspections are jurisdiction-based, scheduling is usually done through:
- Your city’s inspections office (if in city limits), or
- Your township’s designated inspector / permit contact (if unincorporated)
If you’re not sure which office applies to your address, contact Cass County Planning and they can help point you to the correct jurisdiction.
Cass County Planning (general help/township resources):
- Phone: (701) 298-2375
- Office: Cass County Highway Dept., 1201 Main Ave. W., West Fargo, ND 58078
- Planning page
Electrical inspection note
Electrical inspections in North Dakota are under the North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB), which assigns inspectors by district. If your project includes electrical work, you may need to work with the NDSEB inspector for your district.
Inspection process
Inspectors check work against the approved plans and applicable code/standards. If an inspection fails, you must correct the issues and request a reinspection. A final approval is typically required to close the permit and finish the project.
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Cass County permitting resources
- Cass County Planning Department
- Address: Cass County Highway Dept., 1201 Main Ave. W., West Fargo, ND 58078
- Phone: (701) 298-2375
- Fax: (701) 298-2395
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am-5 pm
- Township resources
- Cass County, ND property search
- Zoning map amendment
- Subdivision ordinance
- Residential building permit application
- Commercial building permit application
- Application checklists
- Floodplain development permit
- On-site sewage treatment systems
- Planning page
- North Dakota State Electrical Board (NDSEB),
- NDSEB inspections hub
- NDSEB inspection districts + inspector contacts
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