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Williston adopts two ordinances to align local floodplain rules with new state law
Summary
The Board of City Commissioners approved second readings of Ordinances 1177 and 1178 to update Williston’s flood hazard overlay and flood elevations after state changes under Senate Bill 2027, following guidance from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources to retain National Flood Insurance Program participation.
The Board of City Commissioners approved second readings of Ordinance 1177 and Ordinance 1178 on April 14, 2026, to update the city’s floodplain regulations and adopt revised flood elevations required by recent state law changes.
Mark Schneider, Director of Development Services, told the board that the 2025 Legislature enacted Senate Bill 2027, which amended state floodplain authority and requires municipalities to update local ordinances. Schneider said the North Dakota Department of Water Resources advised communities that fail to update ordinances by June 1, 2026, risk suspension from the National Flood Insurance Program.
Attorney Taylor Olson cautioned the board about wording carried from the March 24 meeting and noted that approving the ordinance language as presented would avoid a third reading. The board voted unanimously to approve the second reading of Ordinance 1177 and then approved Ordinance 1178, each on 5–0 voice votes.
The ordinances revise the Flood Hazard Overlay District and related elevation standards to align Williston’s code with state and federal floodplain-management requirements. The board did not alter the text on the floor; the city will proceed with the ordinances as approved and coordinate any next steps with the Department of Water Resources.
The measures take place amid a statewide push to bring local ordinances into compliance with SB 2027; the city’s action preserves its standing in the National Flood Insurance Program pending administrative follow-up.
