Bismarck Zoning Decisions: August 2026

In August 2026, Bismarck held 9 public meetings covering zoning matters. 13 zoning decisions had a recorded outcome this month: 13 approved (100% approval rate). Activity was down 70% compared to July (925 activity items across 14 meetings).

Zoning Decisions This Month

Olive Tree Second Subdivision final plat

Approved.

Lot combination at 5501 Dietrich Place involving a 1.43-acre parcel and a 3.19-acre parcel owned by Derek Horner, combining to create a new 25-acre lot to allow an accessory building on land without a principal structure. Approved with do-pass recommendation to Burleigh County Commission, unanimous roll call.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Apple Creek Ridge Third Subdivision final plat

Approved.

Property at 11737 Appleview Lane near Minokin; two 1.55-acre lots in the existing Apple Creek Ridge subdivision merged into a new lot just over three acres to allow an accessory unit on the currently unoccupied parcel; zoning unchanged. Approved with do-pass recommendation to Burleigh County Commission, unanimous roll call.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

First reading of Ordinance 1490 - Land Use Code rewrite (sections 101 and 109; repeal/reserve 105)

Approved.

First reading of Ordinance 1490 reenacting land use code sections 101 and 109 and repealing/reserving current section 105. Comprehensive rewrite prepared by Stantec and finalized by Interstate Engineering (interim planner Rachel). Creates five new zoning districts (Rural Residential min 1.5 acres, MX Industrial limited to refinery, Downtown Fringe, Neighborhood Mixed Use form-based, CMU Corridor Mixed Use), updates landscaping (mimicking Bismarck), park dedication, access management, right-of-way widths, parking/driveway standards, and administrative processes. Data center section explicitly reserved and not voted on. Approved.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Arcadia Light Estates Subdivision final plat

Approved.

Five-lot subdivision on an 80.1-acre parcel in the southeast one-fourth of Section 15 of Burnt Creek Township, each lot 16.5 acres, accessed from existing 26th Street Northeast with no new roads; zoning to remain agricultural. Approved with do-pass recommendation to Burleigh County Commission, unanimous roll call.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Misty Waters Third Replat

Approved.

Property at 6301 Dream Circle in the existing Misty Waters subdivision; two neighboring unbuilt lots combined to create one new 1.45-acre lot allowing a house to be built over the existing property line; zoning unchanged. Property owner Jesse Shugart spoke. Approved with do-pass recommendation to Burleigh County Commission, unanimous roll call.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Reorganization of Burleigh County Park Board into Park Authority

Approved.

Park Board approved reorganizing the Burleigh County Park Board into a 'Park Authority' and directed the state's attorney to prepare a resolution for the County Commission's approval by the first September meeting. Passed; dissenters were Schwab, Herman, and Chairman Bittner. Debate concerned use of the word 'district' (a misnomer), mill-levy authority, and future development of the Missouri Valley Complex/fairground, including a passing mention that a data center could go on the property.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

2027 preliminary county budget

Approved.

Approved the preliminary 2027 Morton County budget of $34,005,628, representing a $583,000 property tax increase (5.4% total, 1.2% new growth, 4.2% on existing properties). Discussion noted continued work on state's attorney's office staffing, detention center cost reductions (down $542,000) offset by a $455,000 sheriff's budget increase, and a possible $30,000 cut to reopening the comprehensive plan under planning and zoning. Final budget due October 10.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Revisions to county zoning ordinances - advance to second public hearing

Approved.

Package of revisions to multiple county zoning ordinances (definitions through industrial), driven by the ETA transition to county ordinances, adding allowances for major home occupancies, cell towers (requiring special use), shop condos, and personal storage. Advanced to a second public hearing at the next meeting with corrections: remove duplicate Section 2 home occupation on page 5 (keeping the highlighted 'but not limited to' version), add storage units to ag zoning, and remove duplicate use on page 14 (temporary sale of certain items) and renumber. Approved unanimous roll call. Separately, the board voted by voice to allow Commissioner Bittner to vote despite a potential conflict of interest.

See the vote tally and conditions for this decision →

Showing the 8 most significant of 13 recorded zoning decisions. See all Bismarck meetings →

Top Keywords This Month

• zoning: 47 instances
• subdivision: 31 instances
• residential: 19 instances
• commercial: 19 instances
• land use: 12 instances

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