New Business Development Processes

A complete permit application for the appropriate permit subtype.

• Cover sheet and project narrative that describes the complete scope of work to be completed as part of the project and a detailed description of the use of the building.
• A building code analysis, also referred to as a code summary or life safety plan. The code analysis must include a list of the codes used in the design of the project, type of construction, occupancy classification and use, allowable height and area, fire protection systems, and any detailed requirements that apply to the occupancy group. 
• A complete set of building plans drawn to scale, including but not limited to, architectural plans, structural plans, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing plans.
• A site plan drawn to scale, including but not limited to, the location of the property lines, buildings (existing and proposed), setbacks, easements, landscaping, off-street parking, driveways, means of egress, and accessible routes.

Inspections are required to be completed after the permitted work has been completed and before the work has been concealed. 

Inspections are required if a permit is issued to change the occupancy/use of a building, structure, or space within, even if no work is required. This confirms the building meets all requirements for the new occupancy/use. 

The individual and/or contractor that the permit is issued to is responsible for making sure that all required inspections have been requested, completed, and approved. 

A site plan is a scaled drawing depicting the layout and arrangement of buildings and open spaces including but not limited to parking, access, stormwater facilities, easements, landscaping, connections to adjacent properties, and water and sewer lines. Most commercial or industrial new construction or addition projects require a site plan prior to issuance of a building permit. This includes the building itself or installation or major alteration of the parking lot or private roadways and utilities. Multifamily residential projects also require a site plan, although the process varies for two-unit buildings and buildings with three or more units. Relatively minor additions may be subject to an expedited minor site plan review process. The full criteria for site plan scope may be found in the site plan information guide.  Please contact the Community Development department by phone at 701-355-1840 for questions related to the site plan process. 

The amount of time to process an application will depend on the complexity of the item. For a better understanding of timeframe to process a permit, application, or license it may be best to speak to the issuing department directly. Staff availability and the provision of all necessary items to review the project will also influence the turnaround time to process an application. 

A certificate of occupancy is a document that is issued by the Building Inspections division (within the Community Development Department) upon completion of work and final inspections have been approved for all permits issued to the new building or tenant improvement. The certificate of occupancy verifies that all work done is in accordance with the approved building permit. Without the final or temporary certificate of occupancy, you are not legally authorized to occupy the building. 

For a change in occupancy, if a permit is issued and inspections are approved, a new certificate of occupancy may be issued to document the change. 

Minimum parking requirements may be found in Section 14-03-10 of the zoning ordinance.  All parking is set as a regulatory minimum, and you may provide more to meet your individual business needs. Look for the use category your business may fall into in the table, and there will be a parking ratio based on floor area, occupancy, or some other factor. However, this may be adjusted in several ways. Certain districts (DC, DF, and HM) are exempt from minimum parking requirements entirely. Available on-street parking, bicycle parking, and other options may be used for some of the spaces. Finally, there is an option to perform a parking study for shared parking arrangements or documented unusual circumstances to administratively adjust parking requirements further. Contact the Planning department by phone at 701-355-1840 or by email for more detailed information on your parking needs. 

The City of Bismarck is required to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As part of the program, flooding sources (such as rivers) are modeled to identify potential flood risk to properties within the community. The resulting analysis to flood risk in the area is a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), which identifies Special Flood Hazard Areas or floodplains. Local ordinances must be adopted to protect properties impacted by flood risk. The City of Bismarck regulates two types of floodplains including the floodplain with a 1% change of flooding each year (sometimes referred to as the 100-year floodplain) and the floodway. The FEMA map service center at the following link can provide information on Special Flood Hazard Areas that may be associated with your property. If your interested in developing a property within a Special Flood Hazard Area please contact the local floodplain administrator by phone at 701-355-1465. 

In most cases, a property within city limits is serviceable with municipal water, sewer, and storm sewer. This is determined during the initial annexation process, although there may be lots with infrastructure installation pending or locations in which certain services are not yet available without significant investment. Outside of city limits, municipal services are not available unless an annexation is pursued and granted. You may contact the Planning Division by phone at 701-355-1840 or by email with an inquiry about a specific property. A planner will respond in consultation with Engineering or Public Works. In the meantime, there may be rural utility services available through South Central Regional Water District and private septic systems. Electricity, gas, and phone/internet are provided by MDU, Capital Electric Cooperative, or Lumen and these entities may be contacted for availability of their services. 

Addresses in the City of Bismarck or ETA are assigned by the Community Development Department once a new location is created, usually through the subdivision platting process. It may take a few weeks after a plat is formally recorded to fully assign all addresses. If an address is required during this interim period, you may contact the Building Inspections Division to inquire about its status at 701-355-1465 or by email.