Environmental Rules in Grand Forks, ND (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Grand Forks, North Dakota, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
In the City of Grand Forks, anyone seeking subdivision or plat approval, a building permit, or permission for any land-disturbing activity must first file a stormwater management plan or erosion and sediment control permit application with the city engineer. City Code § 15-0903 blocks the underlying approval until that plan, permit, or an approved waiver is on record and conforms to the city's design standards.
Grand Forks Stormwater Management Plan Rule
Some RestrictionsGrand Forks City Code § 15-0903
a.Any person, firm, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, state agency, or political subdivision proposing subdivision or plat approval, a building permit or any land-disturbance activity within the city must submit a stormwater management plan or erosion and sediment control permit application to the city engineer unless a waiver is provided in accordance with this section. No subdivi...
Erosion Control
Grand Forks makes it unlawful to start any land-disturbing activity that could raise stormwater volumes, degrade water quality, or restrict flow in the city's drainage system without first complying with City Code § 15-0906. Disturbing five thousand square feet or more of land triggers a mandatory erosion and sediment control permit application filed with the city engineer, along with a council-set fee.
Grand Forks Erosion and Sediment Control Permit
Some RestrictionsGrand Forks City Code § 15-0906
(1)Erosion and sediment control permit. It is unlawful to initiate any land-development activity, land-disturbing activity, or other activities which may result in an increase in stormwater quantities, degradation of stormwater quality, or restriction of flow in any storm sewer system, open ditch or natural channel, stormwater easement, water body, or wetland outlet within the jurisdiction of t...
Flood Zones
Grand Forks regulates floodplain development through Article 6 of Chapter XIX, adopting "the floodproofing code of the City of Fargo, North Dakota" by reference at § 19-0602 rather than writing its own text. Section 19-0601 ties the purpose to the 1973 Flood Disaster Protection Act, and § 19-0604 fines violations up to $500 per day.
Grand Forks Floodproofing Code Adoption Rule
Some RestrictionsGrand Forks City Code §§ 19-0601, 19-0602, 19-0604
19-0601. - Purpose and intent. This article is enacted to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the City of Grand Forks by the proper public regulation and management of flood-prone areas. It is the purpose and intent of this article to: (1)Comply with the specific requirements of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973.(2)Prevent development in flood-prone areas...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Grand Forks requires new and substantially improved buildings in its F-1 floodway and F-2 floodplain districts to sit above the 'flood protection elevation' set under Section 18-0220 of the Land Development Code. In FEMA's AO Zones the code adds a freeboard floor of at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade when the flood map does not print its own depth number.
Grand Forks Flood Protection Elevation Rules
Significant RestrictionsGrand Forks City Code §§ 18-0204, 18-0220(3)(B)
18-0204. - Rules and definitions. ... Flood protection elevation. The elevation to which uses regulated by this chapter are required to be elevated or floodproofed. This elevation is to be based on the regional floodwater surface profile. ... 18-0220. - F-1 (floodway) and F-2 (floodplain) districts. ... (b)Construction or substantial improvements of residential structures permitted by the ordin...