Commercial Building Plan Review and Permitting Guide
This is an overview of the commercial building plans and permitting process. Overall time required depends on the quality of plans and the number of resubmittals required prior to approval. Reviews for specific items are conducted by the Inspections, Planning and Development, Engineering, Fire and Fargo Cass Public Health departments.
View the "More Information" section to the right or continue scrolling if on a mobile device for more detailed descriptions of each department’s review portfolio.
Pre-Application Meeting
A voluntary information meeting to discuss conceptual designs. Call the Planning and Development Department at 701.241.1474 to set up a meeting. Some designs may also require a Public Hearing; this can be determined during this step.
View the Step 1 Process
New Project Submittal
Plans are submitted to the Inspections Department. Inspections then routes plans to the Engineering, Planning and Development, Fire and Fargo Cass Public Health departments for review.
View the Step 2 Process
Technical Reviews
Each receiving department reviews specific items in the submittal. Review comments are compiled and returned to the designer/owner.
View the Step 3 Process
Review Response
The applicant's team modifies the design to address the comments received from City staff members. The revisions are resubmitted through the Inspections Department.
View the Step 4 Process
Resubmittal Review
Staff will review the applicant's resubmittal and comment again or approve the plan. If there are additional comments, the plan returns to Step 2.
View the Step 5 Process