Bismarck Planning & Zoning Commission - 2026-04-22
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Bismarck Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved a comprehensive Land Development Code replacing Title 14 (Zoning and Subdivision) along with a new zoning map, representing a two-year effort to implement the 2022 comprehensive plan. The commission also approved the JMAC Industrial Second Edition final plat creating 23 industrial lots on 37.05 acres in North Bismarck, with conditions including waivers for a cul-de-sac and extended block length.
Key Decisions (3)
Land Development Code - Title 14 Repeal and Replace
Comprehensive repeal and replacement of Title 14 (Zoning and Subdivision) with new Land Development Code and corresponding zoning map. Major changes include new zoning districts, consolidated use table, reduced parking minimums, street tree requirements in residential subdivisions, new outdoor lighting standards, streamlined subdivision process, and removal of 70% of existing PUDs (retaining 39 of 132). Code effective October 1st with applicant choice during interim period.
JMAC Industrial Second Edition - Zoning Map Amendment, Annexation, and Final Plat
UConn Investments LLC request for zoning map amendment from MA Industrial and A Agricultural to MA Industrial, annexation of east 43 feet of northwest quarter of section 10, and major subdivision final plat creating 23 lots in 3 blocks on 37.05 acres. Located in North Bismarck, east of Highway 83 Northeast, southwest quadrant of North 19th Street and 71st Avenue Northeast intersection.
Consent Agenda - Multiple Zoning and Subdivision Items
Four items approved: (A) DCN 1st Edition - zoning map amendment public hearing called and preliminary plat tentatively approved; (B) Clear Sky 2nd Edition - zoning map amendment public hearing called and preliminary plat tentatively approved; (C) Berg Acres Addition - zoning map amendment public hearing called and preliminary plat tentatively approved with conditions; (D) Capital Electric 2nd Subdivision Block 1 Part of Lot 2 - zoning map amendment public hearing called.
Zoning Changes (3)
North Bismarck, east of Highway 83 Northeast, southwest quadrant of North 19th Street and 71st Avenue Northeast
UConn Investments LLC
Citywide - Bismarck
City of Bismarck
Between Rosser and Avenue A, 6th and 7th Street (Sanford property)
City of Bismarck (map correction)
Development Activity (5)
JMAC Industrial Second Edition
37.05 acres creating 23 lots in 3 blocks; includes annexation of east 43 feet of northwest quarter of section 10; sanitary sewer available on west side of North 19th Street but no city water currently available; development agreement needed for water infrastructure
DCN 1st Edition
Zoning map amendment and major subdivision preliminary plat
Clear Sky 2nd Edition
Zoning map amendment and major subdivision preliminary plat
Berg Acres Addition
Zoning map amendment and major subdivision preliminary plat with conditions
Capital Electric 2nd Subdivision Block 1 Part of Lot 2
Zoning map amendment
Market Signals (5)
Housing Demand
New Land Development Code allows greater housing diversity including two-family and townhouses in suburban residential districts, and removes density caps in multifamily districts (all RM now allows 30 units/acre) indicating policy shift toward increased housing supply.
Commercial Demand
Self-storage facilities will now be permitted in commercial districts with design standards and special use permit, reflecting market demand that previously required PUD approvals.
Infrastructure
JMAC Industrial development in North Bismarck lacks city water infrastructure, requiring development agreement before building permits; master plan in works to extend water from existing 19th Street.
Sentiment
Commission expressed concern about green space adequacy in new developments, with public comment noting 100+ home developments built without walkable parks; new code requires minimum 3-acre neighborhood parks with flexibility provisions.
Commercial Demand
Drive-throughs, gas stations, and car washes will no longer require special use permits under new code, streamlining commercial development approvals.