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Williston commission adopts floodplain code updates to comply with new state law
Summary
The Williston Board of City Commissioners approved two ordinance amendments to align the city’s floodplain regulations with North Dakota’s SB 2027 and NFIP standards, directing staff to submit required documentation to the Department of Water Resources; votes were unanimous.
The Williston Board of City Commissioners on March 24 approved two ordinances updating the city’s floodplain rules to conform with state law enacted in the 2025 legislative session.
Mark Schneider, Development Services Director, told the commission the North Dakota Department of Water Resources and the State NFIP coordinator advised communities must update ordinances to remain compliant with SB 2027 and the National Flood Insurance Program. "DWR further advises communities failing to update their ordinance by June 1, 2026 may be suspended from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)," Schneider said.
The amendments revise Section 7 F - H (Flood Hazard Overlay District) in the zoning ordinance and Chapter 8.3 of the City Code. Schneider said changes largely update statutory authority and findings, codify permit submittal and elevation/floodproofing certification requirements, clarify floodway encroachment and "no-rise" standards, and restate variance and appeal procedures to match the State’s model ordinance.
Commission President Howard Klug opened and closed the public hearings after asking for comment three times; no members of the public spoke. The commission voted 4-0 to approve Ordinance 1177 (amending the Flood Hazard Overlay District) and Ordinance 1178 (amending the flood elevation ordinance) and directed staff to finalize implementation steps, including submission to the Department of Water Resources and completion of any annual certification filings required under SB 2027.
The approvals were unanimous and take effect under the city’s ordinance procedures; staff said technical standards may be updated as needed to ensure continued NFIP compliance.
The commission did not record any public opposition during the hearings. The city will move forward with administrative steps and any necessary map or technical updates in coordination with state authorities.
