Frequently Asked Questions

Please see the parking rates here.

The City Attorney's Office handles all risk management issues for the City. You will need to fill out a claim form and file it with our office.

The City Attorney's Office does not offer legal advice to anyone other than City leadership, management, or staff, and only in matters pertaining to City business. 

For matters in which a citizen needs legal advice on a private legal matter, the citizen should contact and consult with a private attorney. The Lawyer Referral and Information Service sponsored by the State Bar Association of North Dakota can assist you with names.

The Burleigh County States Attorney's Office is a department of Burleigh County. Their address is 514 East Thayer Avenue. They can be contacted at 701.222.6672.

No, you can not place a flyer on the windshield of a vehicle. City Ordinance 5-02-02(3) prohibits you from doing so.

You need to contact the North Dakota Attorney General's Office.

City Ordinance 12-13-19 addresses Parking Consecutively Over Forty-Eight Hours. It is unlawful for anyone to park or leave standing on any public street or highway in the city any vehicle for a period longer than forty-eight hours consecutively. 12-13-19. Parking Consecutively Over Forty-Eight Hours. Any person violating this section is subject to a fine of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) per each day of violation. A vehicle left parked or standing on any public street or highway for a consecutive period longer than forty-eight hours shall be considered abandoned for purposes of Section 12-13-23(k). City Ordinance 12-13-19.1 addresses Parking of Campers and Trailers Limited. It is unlawful for anyone to park or leave standing on any public street or highway in the city any boat, snowmobile, bumper pull travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, pull type camper, pickup camper, motor home, house car, bus, mini motor home, or trailer for a period longer than forty-eight hours consecutively. Any person violating this section is subject to a fine of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150.00) per each day of violation. A boat, snowmobile, bumper pull travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, pull type camper, pickup camper, motor home, house car, bus, mini motor home, or trailer left parked or standing on any public street or highway for a consecutive period longer than forty-eight hours shall be considered abandoned for purposes of Section 12-13-23(k). Notwithstanding paragraph above, it is unlawful for any person to park or leave standing any boat, snowmobile, bumper pull travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, pull type camper, pickup camper, motor home, house car, bus, mini motor home, or trailer on the public right-of-way in any residentially zoned area from December 1 to March 31. Any person violating this section is subject to a fine of One Hundred Fifty Dollars ($150) per each day of violation. 12-13-19.1 Parking of Campers and Trailers Limited.

You can contact Bismarck Municipal Court at 701.355.1350. Their address is 514 East Thayer Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501. You can look up court records for North Dakota at 

Assessment of points and suspension of driving privileges are administrative actions taken by the Driver’s License and Traffic Safety Division of the North Dakota Department of Transportation.

Contact the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) at 701-328-2604.  The Bismarck office is located at 608 East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58505.

You can check your reinstatement requirements online at Driver License Pay Reinstatement Fee/Outstanding Requirements System.

If you are able to reinstate your driving privileges within 60 days from the date of your citation/complaint, you can either stop by our office located at 221 North 5^th Street, or contact us at 701-355-1340.

If you have an active auto policy for the vehicle in question, you can provide proof to the Bismarck City Attorney’s office by emailing service@bismarcknd.gov. Please be sure to include your citation or case number as well.

• Bismarck Police Department
• Mandan Police Department
• Burleigh County Sheriff's Department
• Lincoln Police Department
• Bismarck Fire Department
• Mandan Fire Department
• Metro Area Ambulance
• Bismarck Rural Fire Department
• Steele Ambulance
• Sterling Fire Department
• Wilton Fire Department
• Wilton Ambulance
• Airport Security
• Rural Metro Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting (ARFF)
• Braddock Fire Department
• McLean Sheriff's Department
• Wing Fire Department
• Wing Ambulance

Contact Human Resources Direct Line: 701-355-1330 or Email

The City of Bismarck posts career opportunities within the organization on its website. 

Yes. Candidates are required to apply online for each job that interests them.

No. A position must be available and advertised by the City before applications are accepted. It is always recommended that job seekers watch for available jobs we post or advertise.

The riser height shall be not more than 8 inches tall – with not more than 3/8-inch difference. The minimum tread depth shall be 9 inches – with not more than 3/8-inch difference. 

A ½-inch diameter bolt with 7 inches of embedment into the concrete is required. They are to be spaced not more than 6 feet on center and at least 3-1/2 inches to not more than 12 inches from a sill plate splice or from the end of a plate or corner. There shall be at least 2 bolts per plate section. The bolts are to be located in the middle third of the plate width. 

Basements and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening that has a net clear opening of 5.7 square feet. Where emergency escape and rescue openings are provided, they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor. A finished basement must have an egress window in each bedroom. If there are no bedrooms in a basement, (1) egress window must still be provided. 

Sheds that are 200 square feet or less can be placed on a crushed rock/stone/gravel base that is a minimum of 4 inches thick or a 4-inch-thick concrete slab. 

Garages that are over 200 square feet in size shall be placed on a monolithic / thickened edge concrete slab or 4-foot deep (frost protected) perimeter concrete footing and foundation wall. The monolithic / thickened edge concrete slab must be a minimum of 12-inches deep and 8-inches wide around the perimeter, with two #4 metal rebar installed. The floor slab portion can taper up to a minimum of 4 inches thick.

48 inches below finished grade.

35 pounds per square foot (PSF).

The ultimate design wind speed is 115 mph.

Yes. See section R905 (Requirements for Roof Coverings) of the currently adopted building code.

City of Bismarck Utility Billing will need a Utility Service Agreement for Residential, Commercial, or Tenant accounts. Account changes to add or remove renters must be submitted by the property owners. The forms can also be completed in person at 601 S 26th St. 

Contact the Utility Billing Office customer service number at 701-355-1700, option 1, with the following information:

• utility bill account number
• physical address
• forwarding address for final bill
• date of sale (ownership change) or move out (rentals only) 

One unit of water consumption is 100 cubic feet (HCF), roughly 748.5 gallons. A container five feet long by five feet wide and four feet high would be the equivalent of one unit of water usage.

Water consumption is measured by the amount of water that goes through the water meter at your property in a billing period. High daily consumption, greenspace irrigation or other outdoor use, and leaks can all contribute to increases in monthly water consumption. 

The City of Bismarck provides an online tool called Water Analytics to view and monitor monthly, daily, and hourly usage. Sign up for Water Analytics and see information on how to check for leaks on the Utility Billing page. 

Our system's base level usage year round is consistently around 200 million gallons a month, however May through September typically see increased usage of up to or over 600 million gallons for greenspace irrigation. We have to invest in a system large enough to be able to produce roughly 3 times more water than we typically sell to assure safe drinking water and fire protection needs are met at all times. Lower water usage and sales in non-peak months save very little expense as most of our costs are fixed and do not go decrease proportionately to decreased usage. Year around, our system must build and maintain enough infrastructure for storage, treatment, and high-service extra pumping costs to serve the city's highest peak needs. Recent rate studies have shown that the peak demands are being largely driven by our residential irrigation users, thus billing tiers to recover appropriate costs from those users. Customers can make usage and irrigation decisions based on their needs and amount they would like to spend. 

The Bismarck Landfill is located at 2111 N 52nd St, Bismarck ND 58501.

To reach the landfill from Bismarck Expressway turn east at the intersection of Miriam Ave and Bismarck Expressway.  Follow Miriam Ave until you come to the T in the road at 52nd street.  Turn left and head north until you reach the landfill.  

To reach the landfill from Highway 10, turn north at 52nd Street and drive north 1.5 miles to the landfill.

The Hazardous Waste and Electronics Recycling Center accepts many hazardous household materials.

8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Monday through Thursday
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of Each Month

Location: City of Bismarck Landfill, 2111 N 52nd Street, Bismarck, ND 58501

Garbage collection is once a week for Bismarck residents. Collection day is based on the area of town you live in.  All materials for collection must be placed within 3 feet of the curb or alley, whichever is your collection point, before 6:00 AM on your scheduled day of collection.

All trash set out for collection, must be inside the City issued garbage can.  Anything placed beside the can, will not be collected.

No collection on the holiday. Garbage collection will be delayed one day throughout the remainder of the week.

Holiday Collection Schedule

Garbage Collection Information

Garbage Collection Information

• The container must be set out by 6:00 am on your normally scheduled pick-up day to be emptied.  Trucks will not be rerouted for late placements.
• City issued containers must remain at a property if the property is sold.
• The handle of the container must face the house

Inert Waste: Waste that cannot disintegrate naturally, either biologically or chemically, is referred to as inert waste. Examples of inert waste include glass, plaster, drywall, siding, shingles, insulation, metal, wood, bricks, asphalt or cement concrete, and other building construction materials.

Municipal Waste:  Municipal Solid Waste (MSW)—more commonly known as trash or garbage—consists of everyday items we use and then throw away, such as product packaging, grass clippings, furniture, clothing, bottles, food scraps, newspapers, appliances, paint, and batteries. This comes from our homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses

Landfill Fees

Call the Public Works office at 701-355-1700, option 3 with the exact location or address of the malfunctioning street light or stop light or submit Report a Concern.

Call the Public Works office at 701-355-1700, option 3 with the exact location or address of the malfunctioning street light or stop light or submit Report a Concern.

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.

Call the Bismarck Police Department at 701-223-1212. 

For dates and times, please visit the North Dakota Court website. Scroll down to select a Court location, select the Court Calendar and enter your information.  

You can take your proof of insurance to the City Attorney's office to show you had insurance when you received your citation. The City Attorney's office is located at 221 N. 5th St. Bismarck, ND 58501.

No, all points are handled through Drivers License Division 701-328-2604.

If you need an extension on your fine you must appear in front of the Judge on any Monday or Wednesday at 8:00 am and ask for an extension.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover for payments of fines and payments on traffic and other non-criminal offenses. We also accept cash, checks, and money orders. When posting bond to get someone out of jail, you must pay in cash.

The Municipal Court handles parking tickets, the office is located at: 514 E. Thayer Ave. Bismarck ND 58501 701-355-1350. Parking tickets may be paid at Park Bismarck.

Assessment of points and suspension of driving privileges are administrative actions taken by the Driver's License & Traffic Safety Division of the North Dakota Department of Transportation. You may reach them at 701-328-2604 or visit DOT Record Services and Suspensions. Contact your home state if you are a resident of or licensed by another state.

You need to call the municipal or district court of the jurisdiction where you received the ticket. Look for the courts contact information on the front of the citation.

Contact the Burleigh County District Court at 701-222-6690 or visit North Dakota Court System - District Court Case Search and Payment Processing.

Yes, call 701-355-1350 to schedule your ceremony.

Contact: North Dakota Department of Transportation 608 East Boulevard Avenue Bismarck, ND 58505 701-328-2500, email mv@nd.gov or visit Motor Vehicle | NDDO.

Contact Burleigh County District Court at 701-222-6690 or visit North Dakota Court System - Pay Fines.

Contact Burleigh County District Court at 701-222-6690 or visit North Dakota Legal Self Help Center.

Contact Burleigh County Recorder’s Office at 701-222-6749 or visit Burleigh County Recorder's Office.

Contact the North Dakota Division of Health Vital Records at 701-328-2360 or visit ND Vital Records. 

Contact: North Dakota Department of Transportation 608 East Boulevard Avenue Bismarck, ND 58505 701-328-2600 select option 1 or visit DOT Driver License.

"The sale, possession or discharge of fireworks within the City of Bismarck is prohibited, and violators could be charged with a class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail and/or fined up to one thousand dollars.” - Bismarck City Ordinance 4-07-06 and NDCC 23-15-01

One question the department often gets is "What fireworks exactly are prohibited?" Anything sold at a fireworks stand, which has to be ignited, including snakes and sparklers, would not be legal in the city. Caps, for a cap gun, on the other hand are not prohibited.

The Fourth of July has become the traditional day for families to watch public fireworks displays, and for some youths to shoot off firecrackers. Unfortunately, this day for celebrating has also evolved into a day for numerous injuries ranging from burned fingers to lost eyesight and even death.

The hazards of fireworks are highlighted each year by accounts of explosions at pyrotechnic production plants or in vehicles during bootleg transport. However, victims of fireworks accidents are usually not the handlers but bystanders, and most often children.

All fireworks--punks, sparklers and firecrackers, Roman candles and cherry bombs--can burn the eyes and even cause blindness. Seemingly harmless sparklers sizzle at temperatures over 1550 F. Heightening the hazards is the tendency of youngsters to throw or toss fireworks in horseplay or to tamper with them to produce a bigger blast.

Other injuries are caused by flying fragments when fireworks devices are placed inside bottles, cans or other containers, and the explosion shatters the container.

Under Bismarck City Ordinance 4-07-06 and NDCC 23-15-01 Sale of Fireworks, this section does not apply to any toy paper cap containing not more than twenty-five hundredths of a grain of explosive composition per cap. Toy paper cap items are often known as bang snaps, throw-downs, snap-its, poppers, pop-its, snappers, etc. As such, a retailer is permitted to sell only the toy paper cap items that contain not more than 25 hundredths of a grain of explosive composition per cap.

The phone number for the jail is (701)255-3113. The jail is located at 4000 Apple Creak Road, Bismarck and is under the Burleigh County Sheriff's Department.

As of 8/1/12 the Bismarck Police Department no longer does fingerprinting the public.

Fingerprint services at the Bismarck Police Department will only be performed when required to be taken by Law Enforcement. 

The Police Department is located at 700 S. 9th St. Bismarck, ND 58504 

Section 39.08.09 of the NDCC requires that persons involved in a motor vehicle crash resulting in the death or injury to any person or property damage to an apparent extent of at least $4,000 combined, shall report the crash to the local law department when the crash occurs within a municipality.

When involved in a motor vehicle crash with an unoccupied vehicle, the driver must either notify the owner of the unoccupied vehicle or contact the local law enforcement.

For reporting tips on a Cold Case if you want to talk to the Detective in charge of the Cold Case Files you can call (701)355-1902, or you can call our Tips number at (701)224-8477 if you would like to remain anonymous.

If your incident is an emergency, call 911. If it is not an emergency, call the Police Department at (701)223-1212.

No. If the crime took place outside of the City of Bismarck, please call the law enforcement for that city.

Please email the Bismarck Fire Department for this incident report.  Submit the information you are requesting, including the incident date and location. 

Yes, with exceptions. All charcoal grills, chimineas, fire pits, and patio heaters are allowed within the city limits. Chimineas and fire pits should be placed at least 15 feet from any combustibles. Do not place on wood decks, in enclosed patio decks, or under overhangs. You should have a fire extinguisher or water hose available at all times. Do not burn garbage, leaves, rubbish, or rotten wood that will smoke. Fire pits and chimineas should have a spark arrestor screen while being used to control sparks and embers. While operating chimineas or fire pits, if the smoke or odor emission becomes offensive or objectionable, you will be required to extinguish the fire. IFC 307.1.1 (City Ordinance 8-01-06)

The use of solid fuel cooking devices,  outdoor portable fireplaces, and recreational outdoor fires using solid fuel is banned when the fire index is at the very high or extreme level, and anytime during a red flag warning.   Solid fuel includes wood, charcoal, and pellets. These devices may NOT be used on balconies at any time.

Burning is allowed within the city limits with the approval of the Fire Chief. You will need to apply for a burning permit and receive approval before conducting any burning. Information that you need to provide at the time of the application includes the date, time, and location that you plan on conducting the burn and contact information for the person responsible. We will evaluate the request and the site before the permit or burning is allowed. In addition, you will need to contact the State Health Department at 701-328-5188 and Central Communications at 701-223-9111 before burning. Burning outside the city limits must be directed to the Rural Fire Department at 701-258-5792 and the State Health Department at 701-328-5188.

If the CO detector is sounding intermittently, check the detector for low batteries even if it is plugged into the wall. If it continues to sound even after you have changed the batteries, call the fire department for assistance. If the CO detector is alarming with a constant beep, everyone in the house should immediately move to a fresh air location outside and call the fire department. Leave your windows and doors closed so that the fire department can survey the home using air monitoring equipment to determine the problem. If no problem is found and your CO detector is older than 6 years, you may have a malfunctioning detector and it will need to be replaced. Many new CO detectors have an end of life notification alarm that will let you know when they need to be replaced.

The cost of a daycare inspection is $35. It usually takes seven to ten days' notice for an inspection to take place. To request a daycare inspection, click on the link provided. Before you begin, click on the “How To” link for instructions on how to access and complete the application. Payment is due at the time of application and can be completed online. If you are unable to access the application, please contact the Bismarck Fire Department for assistance. For a list of items we look for during an inspection, please view the following page.

At a minimum, you need to place a smoke detector in each bedroom and hallway outside the sleeping area. In addition, a detector is required on each level of your home. It is recommended that you change the batteries in your smoke detectors at least once a year. While changing batteries, also vacuum your detector to prevent dust buildup and remove any insects that may be nesting. You should check your detectors with the test button each month to make sure they alarm properly. Smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years or sooner if they quit working. The materials used in making the detector lose their effectiveness over time, causing the detector to eventually fail. If your smoke detector is chirping every 30 seconds, first change your batteries. If that does not resolve the problem, change out your smoke detector for a new one.

We recommend that if you use natural gas, propane, or solid fuel (wood or coal) appliances in your home, you install a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, colorless, tasteless gas that kills and injures thousands each year. The symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on how much you were exposed to. Mild exposures can cause slight headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms. More severe exposures can cause severe throbbing headaches, drowsiness, confusion, and a fast heart rate. Extreme exposures can cause unconsciousness, convulsions, and death. The symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on how much you were exposed to. Mild exposures can cause slight headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms. More severe exposures can cause severe throbbing headaches, drowsiness, confusion, and a fast heart rate. Extreme exposures can cause unconsciousness, convulsions, and death.

Yes, the Fire Department gives tours. The best times are 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. The tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the age group. Tours are scheduled based on the availability of the fire company. Night tours are also available if time permits. We will talk to children and adults regarding any type of fire safety, teach "Stop, Drop and Roll", show what a firefighter looks like in full bunker gear, and show the trucks and sirens. In addition, we will answer any questions you may have regarding fire safety or what we do as firefighters. To request a tour, you can call 355-1400 or go online using the following link:

In response to heightened security measures implemented throughout the fire service, we are no longer trading or giving out patches.   

We recommend that you have at least a 2A10BC extinguisher in your home. It should be mounted close to an exit out of your home, between four inches and five feet off the floor. Be sure to read the directions on how to use the extinguisher and ask if you have any questions on its operation. Never try to fight the fire by yourself. Call 911 first and get out of the house if you think the fire is too large for you to extinguish.

Firefighters do a variety of things throughout the day. Our primary responsibility is to save lives and protect property. We respond to fires, medical emergencies, and accidents. To keep our skills current in firefighting, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, confined space, and technical rescue, we train regularly. In addition, we also do prevention activities such as life safety inspections for businesses and public education activities such as visiting schools and doing fire extinguisher training for the public. Of course, we also work to keep our equipment clean and in good working order at all times.

Within the incorporated limits of the City of Bismarck, the ISO Public Protection Classification is 1. The rating scale is 1-10, with a rating of 1 being the best achievable rating. The rating is based on the capability of the community’s fire department equipment, training, and staffing, as well as its water supply infrastructure and 911 operations. The rating is one factor many insurance companies use to determine property insurance premium rates. Of the communities in the US rated by ISO, less than 1% have a rating of 1. See the website at ISO for more information on the Public Protection Classification (PPC) program. ISO Website

Exit drills from the home are one of the most important things you can teach your children to do in the event your smoke or carbon monoxide detector alarms. Plan at least two ways out of your home, including windows, and then practice them. If you have a window high above the ground, purchase a window ladder for that room. Plan for everyone to meet in one spot to make sure everyone is out. Never go back into the house if there is a fire. If you can’t get out, close the door and seal the bottom with a towel or sheet. Open the window and hang something out to let the firefighters know you are inside the room. Never hide and stay low to the floor.

Visit our website using the following link.  Bismarck Fire Department.

Outdoor warning sirens are one method used to alert citizens of a current or potential emergency. To provide a "tornado warning" is a typical use, but outdoor warning sirens may be used for other emergencies as well. When the sirens sound, go indoors, seek shelter, and monitor local media and your all hazards NOAA Weather Radio if you have one. Regarding Tornadoes The Outdoor Warning Sirens will be sounded when: - A confirmed funnel has been spotted within a 10 mile approach of the community, OR - A confirmed tornado has been spotted within a 10 mile approach of the community, OR - The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for eastern Morton and southwest Burleigh Counties to include the Cities of Mandan and Bismarck and/or Lincoln. Confirmation of a funnel cloud or tornado may occur through the National Weather Service, trained Law Enforcement Officers, or trained Weather Spotters. Remember, a Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado. The Outdoor Warning Sirens will not be sounded for a Watch. There is NO "All-Clear" sounded by the outdoor warning sirens. The all-clear will be made over NOAA Weather Radio, local radio stations, and cable TV. Note: The outdoor warning sirens are tested on the last Friday of the month at 9:30 AM, unless weather conditions might imply an actual event. 

Tornado shelters are not offered in our community. Citizens are highly encouraged to plan ahead for severe weather. For information regarding what to do when the sirens sound, please review our Alert and Warning Systems Brochure. The best place is in the center of the basement under a sturdy workbench or under the stairway. If you do not have a basement, go to the lowest level of a sturdy building and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible and avoid areas with exterior windows and doors. In a school or other large building, go to the lowest level and into a bathroom or a hallway near the center of the building. Stay away from large wide open rooms like an auditorium or gymnasium! All citizens need to plan ahead to identify where they will shelter during a tornado watch and warning. The city of Bismarck does not own or operate emergency tornado shelters. Those who live in mobile homes or other vulnerable structures should discuss sheltering possibilities with nearby friends, neighbors, relatives, etc. The best time to relocate to the shelter area is during a tornado watch. Do not purposely wait until a tornado warning is issued. Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio to get your tornado watches and warnings as soon as possible. Even if you should happen to be sleeping, you can get the alert.

City ordinance 3-03-02.10 allows homeowners to have no more than three dogs and/or cats or combination thereof, six months of age or older. A special pet license with Bismarck’s Environmental Health Division is required if you wish to have more. 

Bismarck zoning ordinance prohibits abandoned or unlicensed vehicles from storage outside of a closed building in any residentially zoned district. If you need to report an abandoned vehicle or unlicensed vehicle, click here: Nuisance Complaint

Section 14-05-05.1 of Bismarck zoning ordinance states: No person shall cause, permit, keep, accumulate or allow the accumulation of any commercial equipment, junk, refuse, surplus, scrap, salvage or other similar items outside of a closed building in any residentially-zoned district. 

If you need to report junk stored outdoors, click here: Nuisance Complaint

The North Dakota Department of Health administers guidelines and regulations involving the handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. In many instances, a "Notification of Demolition or Renovation" form must be completed. 

Yes, a food license is required when offering food to the public. For more information, contact Bismarck’s Environmental Health Division at 701-355-3400. 

Your birth certificate can be requested at the Department of Vital Statistics at the State Capitol. The telephone number is 701-328-2360. They can also be reached by email or contact them at Vital Records. 

Note: Vital Records is not a City of Bismarck function or department. 

Bismarck Post Office 

• Phone: 800-275-8777 
• Fax: 701-255-6963 
• TTY: 877-889-2457 
• Toll-Free: 1-800-Ask-USPS® (275-8777) 
• Bismarck Downtown Post Office: 220 E Rosser Ave Rm 112, Bismarck, ND 58501 
• Website: uspspostoffices.com

Note: The Post Office is not a department of the City of Bismarck.

The City of Bismarck maintains a plan to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. View more details of the Title VI Plan on the Title VI Plan page. 

Yes. Door-to-door sales or solicitation are allowed in residential areas under the Code of Ordinances 5401 5-07-07 and are permitted only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., daily.

Bismarck Public Schools 

• Central Administration Building: 128 Soo Line Drive 
• BPS District Main Phone: 701-323-4000 
• BPS Fax: 701-323-4001
• Website: https://www.bismarckschools.org/

Note: Bismarck Public Schools is not a department of the City of Bismarck, it takes direction from the Bismarck Public School Board.

The City Commission meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:15 pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room of the City/County Building at 221 N Fifth Street in Bismarck. The Mayor or two commissioners can call for a special meeting at any time. Agendas, minutes and most meeting videos are available in our agenda center. 

City Commission meetings are recorded by our community partner Dakota Media Access: 

• Available on-demand
• Available on Government Access
  • Channels 2 and 602 HD, FreeTV.org, ROKU, FireTV & Apple TV
• Available on Radio Access
  • Also tune in to 102.5 FM

To become a candidate in a mayoral election in Bismarck, a citizen must be 18 or older and have been a resident of the City of Bismarck for at least nine months prior to the election. To get on the ballot, candidates must collect 300 signatures from Bismarck residents. Election administrators suggest collecting up to 350 signatures and turning in your petitions at least one day before the deadline, as some signatures may be eliminated for not being from valid city residents. Please note that post office boxes are not considered a valid address. For more information, call Bismarck City Administration at 701-355-1300.

You may contact a local Internal Revenue Service (IRS) office. The toll-free telephone number is 844-545-5640.

Note: The IRS is not a department of the City of Bismarck.

Social Security Office

• Phone: 800-772-1213 
• TTY: 800-325-0778
• Address: 4207 Boulder Ridge Rd Suite 100, Bismarck, ND 58503 
• Website

Note: The Social Security Office is not a department of the City of Bismarck.

The parking garages and public lots are governed by the Bismarck Parking Authority. Contact them at 701-222-8954.

Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC

• Main Telephone Number: 701-223-5660
• Address: 1640 Burnt Boat, Bismarck, ND 58503
• Email
• Website

Note: The City of Bismarck does not manage the Chamber EDC.

Job Service North Dakota

• Mailing Address: PO Box 5507, Bismarck, ND 58506-5507
• Main Office Number: 701-328-2825
• TTY: 800-366-6888
• Fax: 701-328-4000
• Website

Note: Job Service North Dakota is not a department of the City of Bismarck.

A Geographical Information System (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying data related to positions on the Earth's surface. Typically, a GIS is used for handling maps of one kind or another. These might be represented as several different layers where each layer holds data about a particular kind of feature. Each feature is linked to a position on the graphical image on a map and a record in an attribute table.

• ArcGIS Enterprise (Current)
• ArcGIS Pro (Current)
• ArcGIS Online

Local Projection:

• Coordinate System: North Dakota StatePlane Coordinate System
• Zone: North Dakota South (fips 3302)
• Horizontal Datum: North American Datum of 1983 HARN (NAD83)
• Vertical Datum: North American Datum of 1988 (NAVD88)
• Units: International Survey Feet

ArcGIS Online Projection:

• Coordinate System: WGS 1984 Web Mercator (auxiliary sphere)
• Horizontal Datum: WGS 1984
• Vertical Datum: D WGS 1984
• Units: Meters

You should contact the City of Bismarck’s Engineering Department (701) 355-1505 concerning the problem, with your name, address, location of incident and extent of the damage. If deemed the contractor's responsibility, the City will then notify the contractor of the situation and the contractor will then contact you to resolve the problem.

Yes, this widening would then be scheduled along with the other work in that area. A form (petition) is required to be filled out prior to any work being done. Call the City of Bismarck’s Engineering Department 701-355-1505 to get information on the proper procedure or visit the Engineering Department web page. 

Finding the market value or true and full value of residential property involves determining the most probable price expressed in terms of money that a property would bring if exposed for sale in the open market in an arms-length transaction between a willing seller and a willing buyer, both of whom are knowledgeable concerning all the uses to which it is adapted and for which it is capable of being used. The Assessing Division reviews sales in the City to determine the market valuation.

Property value is reviewed and adjusted annually to reflect market changes in the City. In addition to market changes, values also change as a result of remodeling, additions, or changes in a property’s condition.

On-site inspections of properties that have sold and properties that have undergone changes assist our appraisers in determining values for each taxable parcel in the City. This is an ongoing process of gathering and reviewing information, measuring and listing new construction, and analyzing sales to provide accurate and current values annually.

All valuations are determined annually as of February 1st; also known as the assessment date.

The assessed value refers to a percentage of the market value, according to a state prescribed formula. In the State of North Dakota, assessed value is 50% of the market value.

The taxable value is determined by multiplying the assessed value by 9% for residential and 10% for all other property classes. Mill levy and property taxes are based on taxable value.

The City of Bismarck Assessing Division employs certified appraisers according to century code. Appraisers are trained to look for specific amenities such as style, size, location, condition, and other factors that affect value. Statistical analysis of current sales in your neighborhood as well as review of cost models are used by appraisers to estimate market values.

At times, the City also employs data collection personnel who are trained to inspect, measure, and list the property features that appraisal personnel will analyze in determining value.

The purpose of the on-site review is to update our records regarding the condition of a property and to list property features that affect its market value. It is important for the assessor to complete a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior of a property in order to make an accurate valuation.

Each property’s share of the property tax is based on the taxable value of the property. Although the work of the assessor does not determine the total amount of taxes paid, it does affect the uniform distribution of the property tax burden. The benefit of having the on-site review performed will ensure your market value is based on your home’s condition and property features, and not based on assumed condition or features.

Several factors may affect property taxes. The most common factors are changes in the market value and changes in the mill levies.

Property value changes may be a result of market trends, condition of the property, or remodeling and/or additions to the property.

Mill levy changes are determined annually by each political subdivision (city, county, school district, park district). These mill levies are then applied to the value of each property based on taxable value.

If your property is currently valued at or near market value, you should expect little or no change in the true and full value of your home. However, the property taxes you pay may also be affected if the mill levy changes as determined by the city, county, school district, or park district.

Valuations are determined annually as of February 1st; this is called the assessment date. The tax statement you receive annually in December reflects the value placed on your property from the prior year. The tax statement received annually in December will reflect any tax changes that result from market value or mill levy change.

To calculate annual taxes for a property, the taxable value is multiplied by the Mill Levy. 

Market Value 100,000 

Assessed Value (50% of Market Value) 50,000 

Taxable Value (Assessed Value Multiplied by 9% residential tax rate) 4,500

Annual Tax (Taxable Value multiplied by the *Mill Levy) 1,169.55

*Note: 2023 Mill Levy - .25990 (259.90 divided by 1,000) 

The mill levy is subject to change annually. 

The tax rates are 9% for residential property and 10% for commercial property.

Property Tax Calculator

The mill levy is the tax rate that is applied to the taxable value of your property. A mill is 1/10 of $.01 or $.001 (one thousandth). A mill levy is the number of dollars a taxpayer must pay for every $1,000 of taxable value. The Burleigh County Auditor determines the mill levy annually based on city, county, school district, and park district budgets. Mill levy changes are determined annually in November.

Info on how taxes and mill levies are established

The zoning map is available to the public online here, either as an interactive map or poster-size pdf (the interactive map is recommended for most updated information). Type in any address to zoom on the map. Once you find the district (e.g. R5 – Residential), you can look up the provisions for that district in the zoning ordinance here. You may see a “Conditional” district or “Planned Unit Development” with special rules that also apply. If so, please contact the Planning Division for a copy of this ordinance at 701-355-1840 or planning@bismarcknd.gov. 

Allowable uses within each zoning district are listed at the beginning of the relevant section in Chapter 14-04 District Regulations in the zoning ordinance. Many of the items will refer to a certain “Use Group,” which are further defined in Section 14-03-08. Certain uses may be listed as a “special use,” in which case a hearing with the Planning and Zoning Commission is held and additional requirements may apply. If you are unsure of how your business will be categorized, you may contact the Planning Division at 701-355-1840 or planning@bismarcknd.gov.

Pre-application meetings are required for all subdivisions and are optional for other development types. The meeting is held between consultants and City/County/Parks staff to discuss proposals and identify any potential issues early in the review process. Use the Development Project Scoping form and check the box for requesting a meeting. You will be asked to provide information and attachments to help staff understand your proposal in advance of the meeting.

Pre-application meetings for all items submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission will be 30 minutes and held on the Wednesday one week before application deadlines. Other pre-application meetings will be scheduled based on availability.

Timelines vary depending on project type and any unusual circumstances that may arise during the process. Of course, approval is subject the discretion of the approving body and not guaranteed with any application submittal. A table of typical times by project type may be found in the Land Development Process page.

The City of Bismarck charges fees to cover the administrative cost of development review and holding public hearings. Fees are determined by project type, and sometimes by the size of the project area. The fee schedule for the current year and next year is available here.

Most commercial or industrial new construction or addition projects require a site plan prior to issuance of a building permit. This includes the building itself or installation or major alteration of the parking lot or private roadways and utilities. Multifamily residential projects also require a site plan, although the process varies for two-unit buildings and buildings with three or more units. Relatively minor additions may be subject to an expedited minor site plan review process. The full criteria for site plan scope may be found in the Site Plan Review information guide. Any questions should be directed to planning@bismarcknd.gov.  

The Extraterritorial Area (ETA) outside of city limits is under the jurisdiction of the City of Bismarck for purposes of zoning, subdivision, and building permits. This is a planning tool allowed in North Dakota for cities to facilitate future urban growth and development. This boundary is negotiated with Burleigh County and the relevant townships and may change periodically. The current boundary may be found here as the outer boundary of the zoning map (red dashed line).

For properties within the ETA, all development applications and inquiries should be initiated with the City of Bismarck. You may contact the Planning Division at 701-355-1840 or planning@bismarcknd.gov. Outside of the ETA, all development applications and inquiries should be initiated with Burleigh County. You may contact Burleigh County Building/Planning/Zoning at (701) 221-3727 or burleighcobuilding@nd.gov.

A Comprehensive Plan is commonly used in many jurisdictions across the United States as the guiding document for future growth and development of the physical, social, and economic environment of a community. The North Dakota Century Code requires that zoning regulations for a municipality follow a Comprehensive Plan. Bismarck’s Together 2045 Comprehensive Plan sets goals and objectives, including a series of maps, to guide the present and future development of the community. This plan provides staff with an understanding of the future policy and regulatory changes needed over the next 25 years to align with community existing and anticipated needs.

There are several components of the Comprehensive Plan that are updated regularly, including:

• Future Land Use Plan. Areas of anticipated new development or redevelopment to guide zoning map amendments.
• Growth Phasing Plan: Areas inside and outside of city limits indicating a sequence of growth based on infrastructure availbility
• Major Street Plan: Corridors for arterial and collector roadways to ensure a future connective street network
• Activity Mobility Plan: Corridors for shared use paths to ensure a connected bicycle and pedestrian network

Update maps of each plan are available on the Comprehensive Plan page.

In many cases, yes. These are referred to in the zoning ordinance as a “home occupation.” There are two types - major and minor - with a different permitting process for each. An information guide on home occupations is available here. Home-based firearm retailers licensed through ATF are considered home occupations, and a zoning verification letter needed for ATF licensure may be requested here. Obviously, businesses are intended to grow, and a good business plan for most home occupations will anticipate moving into a commercial or industrial site in the future when needed. 

All properties should have legal access to a public right-of-way in some form. However, it may not be clear for certain undeveloped properties exactly where that should be. First, you may consult the subdivision plat for a property. This will show the locations of legal rights-of-way, whether proposed or already constructed. Any locations where access is restricted will be denoted by a “non-access line” adjacent to the property line. Driveways may not be placed in this area, unless the non-access line is released through the plat modification process. 

All approaches to public rights-of-way are subject to approval by Bismarck Engineering, in city limits, or Burleigh County Highway Department, outside of city limits, and access is managed by these departments to ensure safe and efficient traffic movements along streets. Some access points may only be allowed through a special configuration, such as a right-in right-out only traffic movements. Many of these questions are resolved during the platting or site plan process and should already be determined by the time of site development.

Access to the property may also be available through an access easement dedicated through an adjoining property. Access easements may be depicted on the subdivision plat or may be recorded through a separate document which may be found at the Burleigh County Recorders’ office in the first floor of the City-County office building at 221 N 5th Street.

Information on the Renaissance Zone Program is available here.

There are two types of floodplain areas that are relevant to local zoning and building regulation. The Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), where there is a 1% chance of flooding each year, and within this the Floodway, where waters are intended to freely flow during a flood event, are both found on the effective Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). This map is designated by FEMA and available directly from their map service center. You may search the map by your property address. This map changes every few years, and you may contact the Building Inspections or Planning Division for updates on new pending maps.

Development may be possible within the SFHA areas with a floodplain development permit or a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMR), both of which require certain protective measures. Development within the Floodway is only permitted with certification that it would not result in any rise of flood waters during an event. The City of Bismarck participates in FEMAs Community Rating System (CRS) program to uphold a high standard of flood protection for community residents. You may contact the Building Inspections Division at 701-355-1465 or buildinginspections@bismarcknd.gov for information about floodplain development.

In general, no. The market value of a property is determined by the Bismarck Assessing Division based on the actual improvements and condition of a property and not the zoning classification. More information on valuation is available from the City Assessing Department page. Outside of city limits, property values are set by the Burleigh County Auditor’s office.

In most cases, a property within city limits is serviceable with municipal water, sewer, and stormwater. This is determined during the initial annexation process, although there may be lots with infrastructure installation pending or locations in which certain services are not yet available without significant investment. Outside of city limits, municipal services are not available unless an annexation is pursued and granted. You may contact the Planning Division at 701-355-1840 or planning@bismarcknd.gov with an inquiry about a specific property. A planner will respond in consultation with Engineering or Public Works.

In the meantime, there may be rural utility services available through South Central Regional Water District and private septic systems. Electricity, gas, and phone/internet are provided by MDU, Capital Electric Cooperative, or Lumen and these entities may be contacted for availability of their services.

Addresses in the City of Bismarck or ETA are assigned by the Inspections Department one a new location is created, usually through the subdivision platting process. Assigned addressed may be found on the City’s Address Map or within the “Property Address” field of the Parcel Map. Both may be found in the Map Gallery. In most cases, these will be aligned with external sources like Google Maps, but the city maps will likely be more contemporaneous. It may take a few weeks after a plat is formally recorded to fully assign all addresses. If an address is required during this interim period, you may contact the Building Inspections Division to inquire about its status at 701-355-1465 or buildinginspections@bismarcknd.gov.

Not necessarily. This map or table may have been referencing the tax classification. By state law, most undeveloped properties outside of city limits must be classified as “commercial,” regardless of the zoning. Properties that have a multifamily residential building may also have a tax classification of “commercial,” which differs from zoning. Please reference the zoning map in the Map Gallery to determine the zoning classification, which establishes land use rights.

Minimum parking requirements may be found in Section 14-03-10 of the zoning ordinance. All parking is set as a regulatory minimum, and you may provide more to meet your individual business needs. 

Look for the use category your business may fall into in the table, and there will be a parking ratio based on floor area, occupancy, or some other factor. However, this may be adjusted in several ways. Certain districts (DC, DF, and HM) are exempt from minimum parking requirements entirely. Available on-street parking, bicycle parking, and other options may be used for some of the spaces. Finally, there is an option to perform a parking study for shared parking arrangements or documented unusual circumstances to administratively adjust parking requirements further. Contact the Planning department at 701-355-1840 or planning@bismarcknd.gov for more detailed information on your parking needs.

Most permanent sign types require a sign permit from the Building Inspections department, including installation by a licensed sign installer. Some notable exceptions include: window signs, portable signs (although owners must keep records of placement to be available upon inspection), other temporary signs and displays, inwardly oriented signs, and public art. For a detailed list of sign permitting and exemptions, see Section 14-03.1-03 of the zoning ordinance.

The Community Development Department Administers property and state income tax exemptions for qualified capital investments within the designated Renaissance Zone area. More details about this program are available here. You may also contact the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber-EDC for other programs potentially available.

The Planning Division uses several means to communicate development proposals to the community. You may consult the Open Projects Dashboard or Community Development Activities Map for a comprehensive view of all development projects currently in review. Projects with an upcoming public hearing are highlighted in red, and information on the project is available by clicking on the item or shape in the map. You will find contact information for the project manager, and you may contact this person for more details.

Public hearings are also advertised in advance in the Bismarck Tribune and letters are mailed to nearly property owners. All agendas for board meetings are published online in the agenda center usually about one week prior to the meeting. Detailed staff reports are attached to each agenda item.

A Zoning Verification Letter is a request for information related to the current zoning compliance of a property. Many financial institutions require this letter during an appraisal process. The Planning Manager will address zoning compliance, typically in response to specific questions that are posed in the request. You may use the Zoning Verification online form to request a letter. 

Yes, any housing unit may be rented on a short-term basis, just as they may be on a longer-term basis. The City of Bismarck is monitoring this business sector and may institute regulation if the need arises. Any short-term rental business should be respectful of neighbors.

Inside of Bismarck city limits, all livestock and chickens are not permitted. Outside of city limits, limitations on horses and chickens will vary by zoning district. There are no limitations in the A – Agricultural zoning district. Within the RR – Rural residential zoning district, the following apply:

• Two horses on any property of two acres or greater, with an additional horse allowed for each additional three acres (e.g. three horses allowed on a five acre lot).
• Up to ten chickens are allowed on a property in a fenced area; and no roosters.  All coops and structures must meet setback rules and not located less than 150 feet of any neighboring structure.

Covenants refer to a private contractual agreement applied to a property that runs with the land, often applying to an entire neighborhood or district. The City of Bismarck is not involved in the creation of covenants, or the enforcement of any restrictions contained therein. Planning staff do not take covenants into account when recommending action on development proposals. There may or may not be an active Neighborhood Association (HOA) that administers and enforces these rules, or they may be enforced by the initial developer for new subdivisions. Any covenants will be recorded with the Burleigh County Recorders’ office.

Many proposals, such as zoning map amendments, subdivisions, zoning text amendments, special use permits, and certain others receive a public hearing with Planning and Zoning Commission and/or City Commission. There are several ways to participate:

1. You may attend the hearing at the appointed time. Once that item is reached on the agenda, the chair will open a public hearing, and anyone may come to the podium to express an opinion. You will be asked to provide your name and address before making a comment. Commissioners may or may not ask follow-up questions, and they will consider all comments before deliberation and decision.
2. You may attend the hearing at the appointed time remotely through an online platform. Contact the Planning Division at planning@bismarcknd.gov at least two days prior to the meeting to receive an invitation to the meeting through the Zoom platform. Join the meeting and continue as if attending in person. Communicating in advance which item you intend to speak on will assist staff in facilitating the comment.
3. You may submit a written comment in advance of the hearing. The comment should be sent to planning@bismarcknd.gov or delivered to the Planning Division on the 2nd Floor of the City-County Office Building at 221 N 5th Street by 8am on the day of the meeting. The comment should contain your full name, your address, and the agenda item addressed.

Non-profit agencies which operate facilities in Bismarck or provide services to low- moderate-income individuals who reside in Bismarck, and meet one of the national objectives, are generally eligible to receive CDBG allocations from the City of Bismarck.

Applications are available by contacting the City of Bismarck Planning Division at (701) 355-1840 or planning@bismarcknd.gov. Applications are typically received in January, with allocations awarded later in the spring.

Garage sales are considered "home occupations" in Bismarck. See the Garage Sales information guide for more on requirements.

You can now request an immunization record from the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services by completing a simple request form online.

The forestry division has established a pruning cycle for street trees. Regular maintenance (like branches growing too low over the street, sidewalk, or driveway) that may be necessary between pruning rotations is the responsibility of the property owner.
NOTE: A pruning/removal permit must be obtained from the forestry division before performing work on street trees. Permits are available at NO COST to the property owner.

No person may remove a tree from the boulevard for the purpose of construction, or for any other reason, without first filing an application and procuring a permit from the city forester.  Protecting and preserving our tree canopy is priority; particularly when it comes to mature trees.  Mature trees take a lifetime to grow and are not permitted to be removed unnecessarily.  Replacement of a removed tree is required in accordance with the adopted arboricultural specifications and standards of practice. The replacements shall meet the standards of size, species and replacement as provided for in the permit issued by the city forester. The cost of removal and replacement shall be borne by the property owner.

Yes! A permit is required before planting street trees. There is no charge for a permit. A forester will come to the site and mark the available planting spot(s) with a dot of white paint on the edge of the curb. They will provide you with a permit and recommended tree species, along with information on tree planting and tree care. The forester will also provide you with information on the Partners In Planting Program.

Call (701)355-1700 option 3 for an appointment or fill out the

Tree roots can damage sidewalks or other physical infrastructure if not planted in an adequate space.  If your sidewalk has started to lift, short term solutions include applying an asphalt patch or grinding down the raised portion to smooth out any tripping hazards.  Another solution is to replace the damaged portion of the sidewalk; the City Engineering Department (701-355-1505) must be contacted for more information on requirements for sidewalk replacement. 

If sidewalk replacement does take place, Forestry staff will inspect the roots of the tree when the defective concrete has been removed and work with the contractor to determine a solution.  There are many options to work around the tree and in most cases the tree will not require removal.

The intrusion of tree roots into sewer lines is seldom the fault of the tree and indicates cracks and leaks in the lines themselves.  Roots grow where conditions allow, defects in the line can release oxygen and moisture that the roots will find, but the roots themselves do not break pipes.  When roots are found to be growing pipes seasonal treatment with a root-inhibiting compound such as copper sulfate can help reduce or resolve the problem.  In some case the pipes may need to be professionally cleaned. 

The best solution is to repair or replace the defective sewer line. Repeated blockage indicates that the line is collapsed or badly damaged. Many plumbers or sewer cleaning services have cameras that can inspect the line to determine the nature and extent of the problem. This can be a great assistance in planning the most cost effective repairs to the service line.

The Code of Ordinances of the City of Bismarck requires property owners to mow tall grasses and weeds on their property by June 1, July 15 and, if necessary, September 1 of each year or if grass and/or weeds exceed 8” in height. Our office must provide the property owner a seven day notification period to control tall grass and weeds on their property. To report a property, please contact: Email Tall Grass and Weed Complaints Please remember to provide an address of the property.

If it is late summer or fall you may be experiencing fall needle drop. View the following document for more information.

We now know that, dollar for dollar, large-stature trees deliver big savings and other benefits we can’t ignore. Small-stature trees like crabapple deliver far fewer benefits. In fact, research at The Center for Urban Forest Research shows that their benefits are up to eight times less. Compared to a small-stature tree, a strategically located large-stature tree has a bigger impact on conserving energy, mitigating an urban heat island, and cooling a parking lot. They do more to reduce stormwater run off; extend the life of streets; improve local air, soil and water quality; reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide; provide wildlife habitat; increase property values; enhance the attractiveness of a community; and promote human health and well being. And when we use large stature trees, the bottom-line benefits are multiplied. When it comes to trees, size really does matter.  Read on for the full publication “The Large Tree Argument” from the US Forest Service.

Trees improve our quality of life by improving air and water quality, reducing stormwater runoff, and reducing traffic speeds.  Trees add value to your home, foster a sense of community, provide shade to help cool your home, and reduce heating costs by providing a windbreak for your home.  Studies have shown trees and greenspace contribute to better mental and general health.  For more information, read ISA publications, Benefits of Trees and Tree Values.

Be a good neighbor and try first to work with your neighbor to resolve the problem.  You do have the right to prune branches and limbs back to your property line as long as you don’t harm the tree.  You may not go onto the neighbor’s property or deliberately destroy the tree.  Trees are property of the homeowner and if you harm or kill the tree, you could be found liable for property damage.

All established trees shall be pruned to sufficient height to allow free passage of pedestrians and vehicular traffic. A clear height of ten (10) feet over sidewalks and thirteen and one-half (13½) feet over streets shall be maintained, except those streets that are subject to truck traffic which shall have a clearance of sixteen (16) feet.

Commercial arborists working in Bismarck must first pass an arboricultural exam conducted by the City Forester to satisfactorily demonstrate a reasonable level of competence in the field of arboriculture or have valid arborist certification through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).  The company must also provide proof of the required level of liability insurance and maintain that coverage for the duration of time they hold the license.  These requirements ensure that the company is professional, adheres to the latest standards, and is insured to protect the consumer.  Click here for more information on licensing requirements.  

The Forestry Division maintains a list of currently licensed Bismarck arborists.  Link to access that list.

Getting an accurate count is vital to ensuring that our region receives its fair share of federal funding that is allocated based on the census. Estimates show that for each North Dakota resident not counted, North Dakota stands to lose $1,900 in federal funding annually, or $1,900 over the next ten years. This lost funding means less federal assistance for road and highway construction, social services and housing aid.

The Census also provides a resource for informed decision-making. Census data is used to help better our communities and region. This may include community initiatives, legislation, and quality-of-life advocacy. Local governments use the Census for public safety and emergency preparedness. Businesses use Census data to decide where to build offices and stores, which creates jobs.  Census data is also used to determine funding provided by federal and state agencies for social services and infrastructure projects.

The 2020 Census will be easier than ever.  The U.S. Census Bureau will accept responses online, by phone, or by mail.  You will be able to respond once you receive notification from the Census Bureau.

All people in each household will be counted based on where they reside on April 1, 2020. People who live in more than one location should count themselves at the location where they live and sleep most of the time. Be sure to count everyone living within the household, regardless of age, even if they are not family or related.

Each household will be asked to indicate the number of people living in the home as well as their sex, age, race and relationship to the person completing the Census for the entire household.

Yes. Federal law protects your Census responses. The U.S. Census Bureau never shares individual information with any other agencies or entities such as landlords, U.S. Immigration and Customs enforcement or law-enforcement agencies.

For those who live in a rural area that normally receives mail at a P.O. Box, a Census form will be hand-delivered to households by a U.S. Census employee.

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District is a separate political subdivision from the City of Bismarck. 

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

• Main Phone Number: 701-222-6455
• Email
• Address: 400 East Front Avenue, Bismarck ND, 58504
• Website