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1. Where is the Renaissance Zone located?

The West Fargo Renaissance Zone was created in 2000 to spur private sector reinvestment in downtown and increase the overall vitality of the once central business district. The Renaissance Zone encompasses a twenty (20) block area primarily located on the Sheyenne Street, Center Street and Main Avenue Corridors. The Renaissance Zone boundary was selected because of the deteriorating building conditions and weakened tax base within the core area of West Fargo. This core area has seen the recent relocation of business activity move to the 13th Avenue East and 9th Street East corridor. 

To learn more about the City of West Fargo's Renaissance Zones, visit https://www.westfargond.gov/295/Renaissance-Zone.

2. Are there any commercial properties available in West Fargo?

Yes, we have several retail sites, office sites and industrial sites available to fit any commercial need. Contact the Economic Development department for more details.

Business page.

3. What is a Renaissance Zone?

The Renaissance Zone program is a tool to help cities revitalize their communities. By offering both state and local tax incentives for five years, both residents and business owners are provided with an incentive to invest in the community. This program is unique in that cities develop handcrafted development plans that address each city's specific goals.

For more information about the Renaissance Zone program in the City of West Fargo, visit the Economic Development website.

4. Does the City of West Fargo participate in the low-income housing tax credit program?

The City of West Fargo is committed to encouraging the creation of high-quality, affordable housing for its residents through the low-income housing tax credit (LIHTC). 

Historically, the City preferred private townhome-style apartments over the larger box style. Additionally, when the preferred style apartments enter into rent restrictions for lower income persons, the City will consider a 15-year Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) in conjunction with the LIHTC provided by the federal government. 

While there is a set of guidelines especially formulated for the LIHTC program, the application is the same as the new industry/PILOT application. The qualified project must file an annual report each December to be eligible for the exemption. The report must reflect the amount of rent charged for the project. The exemption will run for a 15-year period if the rent stays at the specified levels.

The West Fargo Economic Development Advisory Committee will review the application and make a recommendation to the West Fargo City Commission. 

For more information on applying for the exemption, please visit the city’s Economic Development website.

5. Does West Fargo have any incentives for businesses?

Yes, depending on the type of business, location of the business, number of primary jobs created and other factors the city has a variety of potential incentives to encourage economic development in the city. For more information and to find out if your business qualifies, please contact the Economic Development department.

A city on the grow

6. Where is the Renaissance Zone located?

With a few exceptions it covers the Butler industrial Park, Main Ave from 11th Street west to 6th Street northwest. Then extends to include Main Avenue on the south side of the road from 6th Street west to 24th Street east. Finally, it covers Center Street from Main Avenue to 8th northwest west side of street and Sheyenne St from Main Avenue to 7th Avenue west.

7. Do I need a license to operate a business in West Fargo?

Yes, you need to be registered with the State Department of Commerce. Depending on the type of business, you may also be required to complete some additional City applications. For more information, contact the Economic Development department.

A city on the grow

8. Where do I pay a parking ticket?

Parking ticket payments can be made in person during business hours or mailing your payment to the West Fargo Police Department, which is located at:

800 Fourth Ave. E., Suite 2

West Fargo ND 58078

Business hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. A drop box is also located on the south side of the building for payments after hours.

The Police Department accepts checks, money orders, cash or credit/debit card for payments.

There is a minimum $2 fee attached to credit cards payments.

9. Can we ask for special parking for certain events?

Yes, you will need to contact the Police Department at 701-515-5500 and ask to speak to the Support Services Officer. 

Be prepared to provide the officer with the following information:

• Your name
• Address
• Date
• Time and type of event

The officer will consider the request and make a determination if the special parking is warranted.

10. Can I have my business equipment at my home?

Home occupation is allowed, but all equipment associated with the business must be stored indoors and can’t be visible in the yards or outdoors.

Ordinance 4-448 (PDF).

11. Do vacant buildings need to be secured and registered with the city?

All vacant buildings must be secured/boarded and then registered with the city if it meets the criteria. Buildings can be registered using our Vacant Building Registration Form. Once filled out the city will contact the owner to complete the registration process and fees.

Ordinance 5-1000 (PDF).