Minot council extends homeowner window for sidewalk repairs and limits special assessments to actual costs

The Minot City Council voted on March 2 to change how the city handles sidewalk special assessments, extending homeowners’ time to complete repairs in some cases and directing that property assessments be limited to actual repair costs with no additional interest.

Alderman Fuller proposed an amendment to the city’s sidewalk assessment policy to give homeowners more time to complete required sidewalk repairs; the amendment text would allow a property owner who receives notice under the cited state code to have until Sept. 1 of the calendar year following notice to complete repairs before the city initiates construction and assessment. Fuller said the goal was to give homeowners more than the current single construction season to find contractors and avoid higher city-contracted costs and fees. “Any property owner receiving notice under section 40-29-03 of the North Dakota Sentry Code shall be granted until September 1st of the calendar year following the date of notice to complete the required sidewalk repairs prior to the city initiating construction and assessment,” Fuller said when offering the amendment.

City Engineer Lance explained the program’s safety basis, the department’s normal outreach practice and practical constraints for homeowners: “We generally give them till August to let us know what their plan of action is,” he told the council, noting that many homeowners struggle to find available concrete contractors during the busy season. Lance said staff flags hazards, tries to be fair, and balances public‑safety obligations with opportunities for property owners to complete work themselves.

Council members debated whether the city’s public‑safety obligations required more immediate action or whether the policy should allow additional time because contractor availability is limited. After discussion the council approved Fuller’s timing amendment 4–3. Later, Alderman Bless moved that the city assess only the actual repair costs and not impose additional program fees or interest when the city performs the work; that motion passed 6–1, with Alderman Olsson dissenting.

The council’s final direction means that, for assessed sidewalk repairs under the amended policy, property owners who ask the city to have repairs completed will be billed the city’s actual cost of repair rather than additional administrative fees or interest. Staff said typical annual volumes are roughly 50–60 notices, with about half of property owners arranging private repairs and the remainder having the city complete the work and special assess the cost.

Next steps: the council adopted changes to the city’s policy and directed staff to implement the amended approach; the city engineer and finance staff will incorporate the revised timing and cost-assessment rules into enforcement and billing practices.