Programs available for home improvements and repairs

By City of West Fargo

Some West Fargo homeowners wishing to improve or repair their homes can now do so with assistance through local and state programs.

Gate City Bank and the City of West Fargo are working together to keep West Fargo’s neighborhoods strong and to help local homeowners reinvest in their homes through the Neighborhood Revitalization Program. This program offers low interest loans and technical assistance to homeowners for major home improvement projects for existing homes with a property value under $250,000 in West Fargo’s core area, north of Interstate 94.

Homeowners can receive up to $75,000 with interest rates as low as 2.25% to make structural improvements and to ensure older homes meet current building codes. Examples of qualifying projects are new foundations, additions, energy improvements through updates to HVAC or electrical systems, exterior improvements to siding, roofing or windows and major interior remodeling. Learn more at westfargond.gov by typing “Neighborhood Revitalization Program” into the search bar or call the Planning Department at 701-515-5377 to find out if you qualify.

The City of West Fargo has set a West Fargo 2.0 Goal to invest in older neighborhoods. These incentive and assistance programs will help residents add new value to core area homes, creating opportunities for families of all sizes and income levels to find the perfect home in their neighborhood of choice.

“Keeping West Fargo’s core neighborhoods vibrant is an important aspect of our City’s growth and development,” says West Fargo Director of Planning & Zoning, Aaron Nelson. “We want to ensure that current and future residents have options to find homes to fit their needs in all areas of West Fargo.”

Owners of core area homes may find further assistance through the North Dakota Homeowners Assistance Fund Home Repair Program (HAFHR). This program helps North Dakota property owners who may need assistance making necessary repairs or upgrades to keep homes insurable and in accordance with building codes.

Homeowners who have an income equal to or less than 80% of Cass County’s median household income may receive up to $30,000 in grant funding for modification to kitchen or bathroom spaces, electrical or plumbing systems, foundations, drainage, roofing, or to make environmental updates to ensure a home meets the occupant’s physical or health needs. This state program is made possible through Covid-19 Relief Funding and is meant to assist those residents who have financial hardships due to the pandemic. More information can be found at applyforhelp.nd.gov.

Before embarking on any home improvement, West Fargo residents should contact the City’s Building Division to obtain all necessary permits. Connecting with the experts before any work takes place is extremely important to ensure following all City codes, and to be sure that you aren’t missing out on incentive or assistance programs you may qualify for.

Building permits are required for:

• Additions

• Decks and porches

• Finishing basements

• Replacing doors and windows

• Interior renovations or repair that include structural modifications

• Demolition work

• Accessory structures

• Swimming pools

• Residing

• All HVAC systems, including all gas appliances and equipment, wood stoves, etc. .

Permits are not required to:

• Paint a house (interior or exterior)

• Hang wallpaper

• Replace cabinets and do similar finish work

• Insulate an existing building where no structural changes are made. Separate plumbing and electrical system permits are required for the installation, alteration, relocation, replacement or addition to any wiring, piping, or equipment or appliances associated with those systems. These permits are issued and inspections are performed by the North Dakota State Electrical Board and the North Dakota State Plumbing Board