BISMARCK, N.D. – A comprehensive update to the City of Bismarck’s sign requirements will become effective on July 25, 2020.
The purpose of the zoning ordinance text amendment is to:
Assemble provisions related to signs into one chapter for simplicity;
Add basic standards and process requirements;
Align Bismarck’s sign ordinance with current best practices in peer communities and industry standards; and comply with federal case law and constitutional free speech requirements.
City staff, industry stakeholders, appointed and elected officials, and the general public worked together for over a year to find a balance between accommodating business interests and public safety and the overall visual impact on the community. A new chapter related to signs will be added to the zoning ordinance, relating to all types of signs: off-premise advertising signs (aka. billboards), on-premise advertising signs, and temporary/portable signs.
Some notable changes are:
- Electronic message center signs may be allowed in residential districts, at least on churches, schools, and other institutional properties. There will be limitations on size, brightness, and effects to ensure nearby homes are not negatively impacted. Furthermore, a public hearing with notification of neighbors would be held before each electronic sign may be placed in a residential area.
- The height of pole signs in commercial districts will be regulated for the first time. Except near the Interstate, all new pole signs will be limited to 50 feet in height. Many existing signs, especially along State Street, are taller than this. They may remain in place while still in use, but the intent is to gradually reduce the overall visual impact of these taller signs over time.
- Portable signs will be limited in terms of duration, size, spacing from each other, and other aspects. They would not be allowed downtown or in residential areas, unless granted special permission. A report or permit will be required before placing a portable sign to help the City track use of portable signs. Certain signs on properties for sale or rent or under development do not require a permit and have a different set of requirements.
The Board of City Commissioners adopted the ordinance to create Chapter 14-03.1 Signs in the Bismarck Code of Ordinances on May 26, 2020, upon recommendation from the Planning and Zoning Commission. The full text will be available within Title 14 Zoning on the City website in the near future, or can be provided upon request at any time.
Any inquiries concerning the ordinance may be directed to Daniel Nairn, AICP, Planner at 701-355-1854 or Email.