Consultants brief commission on Land Development Code rewrite focused on downtown standards and predictability

City consultants and Community Development staff presented Module 2 of a rewrite to Bismarck’s Land Development Code on Sept. 23, saying the work is intended to implement the Together 2045 comprehensive plan and make zoning and subdivision rules more predictable and user‑friendly.

Jenny Baker and Mary Madden (consultants) told the commission that Module 2 focuses on development standards — how buildings locate on lots, parking, site design and related requirements — while downtown will be handled as its own district with subareas, including a medical district with tailored standards. They emphasized objective, illustration‑driven standards and predictable outcomes so property owners and businesses can better understand what is permitted.

Key updates presented included a mobility and connectivity section (prohibiting private streets except for specific topographic exceptions and allowing multiple access points for larger developments to support emergency access), basic bicycle and pedestrian connectivity (sidewalks on both sides in many locations), revised open‑space provisions, protections for environmentally sensitive lands (floodplain and wetlands), a refreshed parking approach with some flexibility and a focus on bicycle parking to reduce required parking, and a new tree emphasis (street trees required in single‑family subdivisions).

Consultants said they have met with technical and steering committees, the downtown renaissance committee, and the historic district review committee and plan more public outreach this fall and winter; staff expect to provide module 3 and a consolidated draft to the commission by year‑end and to return for adoption in spring.

Commissioners thanked staff, asked clarifying questions about lighting and tree standards and expressed support for additional public engagement. Staff said they will continue stakeholder meetings and return with updated drafts for review.