Frequently Asked Questions

No, the City does locate or re-set property corners for property owners. Property corners are typically a vertical metal pipe or rebar with a plastic or metal cap on the top of it. You can try to locate your own property corners with a metal detector.  They are typically flush or just below the surface of the ground, but maybe buried 6 inches deep or more if substantial landscaping was done after they were originally set. When looking for the corners care must be taken so as to not move them from their location. The Engineering Department can provide information on where to look for your property corners. If constructing a fence or other structure you need to make sure that the distances between your found property corners matches the distances shown on your property ownership records. If you are unable to locate them you may need to hire a registered land surveyor to help find or reset them. Contact the Engineering Department at 701-355-1505 for more information.

Usually the home builder will either hire an approved contractor to install the sidewalk and driveway apron and the costs will be added into the price of the house, or the home builder will petition the Engineering Department to have it installed by a contractor hired by the City and the costs will be assessed to the property. Contact the Engineering Department at 701-355-1505 for more information.

It depends. If the driveway work is in the street right-of-way, and you want the City to build and assess the cost to your property, then the property owner must sign a concrete petition at the Engineering Department. If you want to hire a city-approved contractor and pay the contractor directly instead of having the cost assessed to property, the contractor must obtain a concrete permit. If the work to be done is only between the sidewalk and your garage, then you do not need a permit or a petition. Contact the Engineering Department at 701-355-1505 for more information.

No. Any work in the street right-of-way must be done by a concrete contractor who is approved by the City of Bismarck. The owner has the option to hire an approved concrete contractor and pay for the work up front or have it repaired by a concrete contractor hired by the City and have the costs assessed to his property. In some instances, such as a tripping hazard, the sidewalk may not need to be replaced but can be lifted or mud-jacked by an approved contractor. The property owner is responsible for any injuries that may occur due to the condition of his sidewalk. If you have a sidewalk you feel is hazardous, please contact the Engineering Department at 701-355-1505.

Yes, by city ordinance, all improved residential and commercial lots shall contain a sidewalk a minimum of 4.5 feet to 6 feet in width, depending on adjacent zoning regulations. The City is contacting a number of owners each year to install sidewalks in areas currently missing some sidewalks.

Driveways may be up to 36 feet wide in residential areas and 40 feet wide in commercial areas, not including the flares (the flares are the wider, angled part of the driveway that connects to the street). If you are building on a corner lot or near an intersection, you should check with the Engineering Department before your approved contractor begins construction to determine the location of non-access lines. Driveways are not permitted in areas where there is a non-access line. Non-access lines are established near intersections to prevent traffic that is turning in or out of the driveway from conflicting with traffic that may be backed up at the intersection. All driveway widenings must have prior approval by the Engineering Department. Contact the Engineering Department at 701-355-1505 for more information.

City residents are reminded to clean all snow and ice from their sidewalk including the crosswalk of corner lots. City Ordinance requires property owners to remove all snow and ice from their sidewalk within 24 hours after the snow falls or ice forms. If it is not removed it may be removed by the City and the cost charged to the property owner. To report problems with snow on public sidewalks, contact the City Engineering Department at 701-355-1505.

Generally, when half of the lots in a new residential subdivision have buildings constructed, the City will consider installing roadway lights. The costs associated with roadway lights are typically assessed to the benefiting lots in the neighborhood. To inquire about roadway lights in your neighborhood, contact the Engineering Department at 701-355-1505.

When lights are installed, every effort is made to minimize conflicts with future driveway locations, while ensuring that the area receives a sufficient amount of light. If the property owner has a conflict with the location of an existing light, the Engineering Department will consider moving the light. The relocation would be at the property owner’s expense. Relocation of a light pole can range from $700 to $2,000. Contact the Engineering Department at 701-355-1505 for more information.

To report a maintenance issue such as a burned-out roadway light, contact the Public Works Department at 701-355-1700.