Explore zoning districts, official map resources, and recent rezoning activity in Bismarck, ND. ZoneWire monitors council meetings to track every zoning change.
Live records updated through August 13, 2026
Updated with meetings through August 13, 2026.
Zoning classifications used in this jurisdiction, from the adopted local code.
Residential (rural single-family)
Residential (rural single-family - 5 acres)
Residential (single-family)
Residential (manufactured home park)
Residential (two-family)
Residential (multifamily)
Residential (office - multifamily)
Health-Medical
Commercial (neighborhood)
Commercial (heavy commercial)
Industrial (light industrial)
Industrial (heavy industrial)
Public and institutional uses such as schools, parks, and government facilities
Agricultural
Planned Unit Development
Overlay district restricting development in mapped floodplain areas along the Missouri River and tributaries
Airport Noise
Downtown Core
Downtown Fringe
These parcels came up for a zoning decision in Bismarck in the last 30 days, often before they hit the market. See what changed, how the vote went, and hear the moment it happened. According to ZoneWire's analysis of official public meeting records, each decision below links to its timestamped source.
Bismarck · Jul 22, 2026
ApprovedSouth side of Burleigh Avenue between Rutland Drive and Boston Drive, South Bismarck
Zoning change from RM30 to CX (14.33 acres), approved on Jul 22, 2026 in Bismarck.
Your move: Entitlement cleared. The parcel just got more buildable.
Applicant
Unlock who filed this with ProBismarck · Jul 28, 2026
Approved · UnanimousSouth side of East Main Avenue between 52nd Street Southeast and 66th Street Southeast
Zoning change from A to C-G (6.99 acres), approved unanimously on Jul 28, 2026 in Bismarck.
Your move: Higher-intensity use now allowed. Comp the parcel before the owner reprices.
Applicant
Unlock who filed this with ProBismarck · Jul 28, 2026
Approved · UnanimousOrdinance 6676 - Berg Acres Addition rezoning and final plat, approved unanimously on Jul 28, 2026 in Bismarck.
Your move: Entitlement cleared. The parcel just got more buildable.
Bismarck · Jul 22, 2026
Approved · 5-0Zoning map amendment and preliminary subdivision plat for Paradise Valley 3rd Edition, approved by a 5-0 vote on Jul 22, 2026 in Bismarck.
Your move: Entitlement cleared. The parcel just got more buildable.
Bismarck · Jul 20, 2026
ApprovedClotty Subdivision, near 136th Avenue and 41st
Zoning change from A to R-1 (8.41 acres), approved on Jul 20, 2026 in Bismarck.
Your move: Higher-intensity use now allowed. Comp the parcel before the owner reprices.
Applicant
Unlock who filed this with ProBismarck · Jul 20, 2026
Approved · UnanimousIsland Park Estates 2nd Subdivision Plat, approved unanimously on Jul 20, 2026 in Bismarck.
Your move: Entitlement cleared. The parcel just got more buildable.
In Bismarck, 92% of land-use board decisions were approved over the last 24 months. Subdivision / plat clear 94%, Commercial / office / retail 96%. ZoneWire analyzed 205 land-use board decisions in Bismarck over the last 24 months. Here are the most active project types and how often each one clears.
| Project type | Decisions | Approval rate |
|---|---|---|
| Subdivision / plat | 93 | 94% |
| Commercial / office / retail | 27 | 96% |
| Land use / comp-plan amendment | 22 | 95% |
| Variance | 18 | 67% |
| Special exception / conditional use | 13 | 100% |
| Industrial / warehouse | 11 | 100% |
| Multifamily / attached housing | 9 | 89% |
These are the denials and deferrals in categories that usually sail through, the deals worth understanding before you commit capital.
Get free county alertsThe official Bismarck zoning map is maintained by the local planning department. You can access the interactive GIS map at https://bismarck.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/filtergallery/index.html?appid=47b2edfbedc340e1a87572f44edb252d. ZoneWire also tracks rezoning activity discussed in council meetings.
Zoning districts in Bismarck include RR (Residential District), RR5 (Residential District), R5 (Residential District), RMH (Mobile Home Residential District), R10 (Residential District), RM (Residential District), RT (Residential District), HM (Medical Facility District). Each district has specific permitted uses, setbacks, and density requirements set by the local code.
ZoneWire reads every council meeting in Bismarck to detect rezoning discussions, variances, and zoning amendments. Start a free trial to receive alerts when rezoning activity is detected.
Zoning in the City of Bismarck is administered by the Community Development Department's Planning Division. The Planning and Zoning Commission is an 11-member advisory board that makes recommendations on the comprehensive plan, zoning, subdivision, annexation, and other development requests within the city and its extraterritorial area (ETA). The City Commission holds the final decision authority. For a copy of the zoning ordinance or questions, the Planning Division can be reached at 701-355-1840 or planning@bismarcknd.gov.
A zoning map amendment is a legal change to Bismarck's zoning map and can be initiated by a property owner or by the City. The process involves submitting a Unified Development Application with the required fee, staff review against the comprehensive plan and ordinances, a development review meeting, and public notification (legal ads in the Bismarck Tribune plus letters to nearby property owners). The Planning and Zoning Commission holds the first public hearing and makes a recommendation, and the City Commission holds the final public hearing and makes the ultimate decision.
The Bismarck Planning and Zoning Commission typically meets at 5:00 pm on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Tom Baker Meeting Room at the City County Office Building, 221 N. 5th St., Bismarck, ND. The Commission hears requests for major and minor subdivision plats, zoning changes, zoning ordinance text amendments, annexations, special use permits, and rural lot splits. Applicants should confirm the specific date on the Commission's posted meeting schedule.
Land-use and development decisions in Bismarck are guided by Together 2045, Bismarck's Comprehensive Plan, which was adopted by the City Commission on December 22, 2022, and is amended periodically. The plan sets goals and objectives related to land use and development and functions as the legal basis for the city's zoning and subdivision ordinance and all development decisions.
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