FAQs

If a city governing board wishes to enforce sidewalk snow removal, it must follow a specific statutory process to ensure the costs can be legally recovered via special assessments. 1. Establish the Ordinance The city must first have an ordinance in place that identifies the property owner as the party responsible for the removal of snow and ice from abutting sidewalks. This ordinance should define the timeframe (e.g., 24 hours after a snowfall ceases) and the manner in which the snow must be cleared. 2. City Intervention The ordinance should also provide, if a property

Under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-21(2), the minutes of a governing board must include: The names of the members attending the meeting; The date and time the meeting was called to order and adjourned; A list of topics discussed regarding public business; A description of each motion made and whether the motion was seconded; The results of every vote taken; and The vote of each member on every recorded roll call vote. (June 2026)

If a contract for the construction of a public improvement is estimated to exceed $250,000, the city or park district governing body must advertise for bids in accordance with NDCC ch. 48-01.2. (Sept/Oct 2026)

The threshold for bidding the construction of a public improvement and for procuring plans, drawings, and specifications from an architect or engineer is $250,000. (NDCC 48-01.2-02.1). When must a city or park district obtain plans from an architect or engineer? If the estimated cost for constructing a public improvement exceeds $250,000, the city or park district governing body must procure plans, drawings, and specifications from an architect or engineer. (NDCC 48-01.2-02). Even when a project does not exceed the $250,000 threshold, a city or park district should consider whether engineering or architectural services are needed to protect the health, safety,

A “public improvement” is an improvement undertaken by a city or park district governing body for the good of the public, paid for with public funds—including public loans, bonds, leases, or alternative funding—and constructed on public land, within a public building, or as part of public infrastructure or a public facility if the improvement will be operated and maintained by the governing body. (NDCC 48-01.2-01(21)). (Sept/Oct 2026)

“Construction” means building, altering, repairing, improving, or demolishing a public structure, building, or other improvement to public property. The definition does not include routine operation or maintenance of existing facilities, structures, buildings, or real property, or demolition projects costing less than $250,000. (NDCC 48-01.2-01(4)). (Sept/Oct 2026)