Watford City City Zoning Code

A.

Conformity Required. Each Base District contains regulations pertaining to the Use of the property, the design of Lots, the placement of Structures, and site Development in accordance with the purposes stated in Section 1-2 (Purpose). All Buildings must conform to the dimensional standards of the Base District in which they are located, as provided in Section 3-2 (A-1, Agricultural District) through Section 3-14 (CF, Community Facilities District), unless the regulations of an Overlay District or a Floating District supersede them.

B.

Height Exceptions. Chimneys, cooling towers, elevator headhouses, fire towers, grain elevators, stacks, stage tower or scenery lofts, tanks, water towers, ornamental towers, and spires, church steeples, communication/data towers, or necessary mechanical appurtenances may be erected to a height not to exceed 150 feet, provided they do not conflict with height requirements in the Airport Overlay District. Although exempted from structural height limitations, these Structures or structural components should not significantly impair solar access of Buildings or solar collector locations.

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The A-1, Agricultural District is designated to protect and preserve rural and agricultural lands that are not currently needed for further Development. This District provides opportunities for individuals seeking a rural lifestyle, understanding that they will reside or operate in more remote locations with limited municipal services, necessitating self-sufficiency. Additionally, the District accommodates responsible mineral resource extraction, such as oil, gas, coal, and aggregates, ensuring that such activities are conducted in a manner that minimizes environmental and Land Use conflicts.

Furthermore, the A-1 District serves as a transitional Land Use designation, maintaining agricultural operations within City limits or the ETA while preventing incompatible Uses that could negatively affect future urban expansion. By preserving agricultural lands and controlling Development intensity, this District safeguards Watford City from premature land conversion and aligns with its Future Land Use Plan. This approach allows Agricultural and extractive Uses to continue while maintaining flexibility for future Development.

The A-1 District corresponds to all existing agricultural areas and to the Extractive Future Land Use Category identified in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful Uses in the A-1 District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the A-1 District, as provided by Table 3-1 (A-1 District Dimensional Standards).

Table 3-1. A-1 District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

D.

Development Standards. All Development in the A-1 District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards).

E.

Building Permit Standards. Building Permits in the A-1 District shall not be required for new construction, repair, or replacement of fences, paddocks, corrals, grain bins, and other non-permanent, traditionally agricultural Structures. All other Buildings or Structures, such as Dwellings, roadways, pole Buildings or barns/shops/Garages, require City permitting and inspections. If a property owner is unsure as to whether a permit is required, it is the property owner's responsibility to inquire from City Officials.

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The RR-1, Rural Residential District is established to provide and preserve low-density residential areas with large Lots primarily for Single-Family Dwellings and compatible rural Accessory Uses. Unlike the A-1 Agricultural District, which prioritizes agricultural preservation and extractive Uses, the RR-1 District is intended to support rural Residential Development while maintaining a balance between open space and housing. This District accommodates residents who seek a rural lifestyle with larger Lots than those typically available in urban neighborhoods, but do not necessarily engage in agricultural activities as a Primary Use.

The RR-1 District is designed for areas both annexed into Watford City and those in its Extraterritorial Area (ETA), allowing for controlled residential expansion in locations with limited access to full City utilities and services. Improvement standards such as Streets or wastewater are defendant upon whether the property is annexed or in the ETA. While maintaining a rural character, this District permits smaller lot sizes than the A-1 District, facilitating a transition between agricultural lands and more developed residential areas. The RR-1 District aligns with the Rural Residential Future Land Use Category in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan, ensuring that Development occurs in an orderly manner while preserving the rural aesthetic and lifestyle.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful Uses in the RR-1 District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the RR-1 District, as provided by Table 3-2 (RR-1 District Dimensional Standards).

Table 3-2. RR-1 District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

D.

Development Standards. All Development in the RR-1 District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards).

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The R-1, Single-Family Dwelling District is established to support the development of low-density, single-family neighborhoods that are fully served by municipal utilities and public services, including water and sewer. The regulations within the R-1 District aim to maintain a high-quality residential environment by providing access to open space and neighborhood amenities while restricting incompatible Uses that could detract from the character of the area.

Aligned with the Low Residential Future Land Use Category in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan, the R-1 District fosters well-planned, stable, and attractive neighborhoods that contribute to the City's long-term growth and livability.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful Uses in the R-1, Single-Family Dwelling District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the R-1 District as provided by Table 3-3 (R-1 District Dimensional Standards), except as provided in part 2, below.

Table 3-3. R-1 District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

2.

Exceptions.

a.

Where a Lot has Double Frontage, the required Front Yard Setback shall be provided on both Streets.

b.

Where the Lot Width of a Lot of Record is 50 feet or less, Interior Side Yards may be reduced to a width of not less than 5 feet.

c.

The buildable width of a Lot of Record shall not be reduced to less than 35 feet.

d.

If the Accessory Building's main door faces an Alley, the Accessory Building shall be set back at least 10 feet from the Alley line.

D.

Development Standards. All Development in the R-1 District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards).

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The R-2, Two-Family Dwelling District is established to accommodate a mix of Single-Family Dwellings and Two-Family Dwellings, including Duplexes and Attached and Detached Single-Family Dwellings, in areas suited for urban Development. This District supports moderate population densities and is fully served by municipal utilities such as water and sewer. This District helps transition between lower-density, single-family areas and more intensive residential or mixed-use Districts.

The R-2 District corresponds with the Low Residential and Medium Residential Future Land Use Categories identified in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful uses in the R-2, Two-Family Dwelling District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the R-2 District as provided by Table 3-4 (R-2 District Dimensional Standards), except as provided in part 2, below.

Table 3-4. R-2 District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

2.

Exceptions.

a.

Where a Lot has Double Frontage, the required Front Yard Setback shall be provided on both Streets.

b.

The Side Yard Setback or the Rear yard Setback shall be 0 feet wherever a common wall joins two Attached Single-Family Dwellings or Multifamily Dwelling Units.

c.

If the Accessory Building's main door faces an Alley, the Accessory Building shall be set back at least 10 feet from the Alley line.

D.

Development Standards. All Development in the R-2 District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards).

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The R-2M, Manufactured Home, Two-Family Dwelling District allows the same Uses as the R-2 District, with the addition of Manufactured Homes. This District is intended to provide flexibility for siting Manufactured Homes to meet Watford City's evolving housing needs without constraining the long-term opportunity for site-built homes. The R-2M District corresponds with the Medium Residential Future Land Use Category identified in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan, with the additional allowance of a Manufactured Home as a permittable construction type. This District shall only be applied to a Development Parcel of ten contiguous Lots or more. The intent of this requirement is to enable the placement of Manufactured Homes on single Lots within clearly defined Development areas.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful Uses in the R-2M District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the R-2M District as provided in Table 3-5 (R-2M District Dimensional Standards), except as provided in part 2, below.

Table 3-5. R-2M District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

2.

Exceptions.

a.

Where a Lot has Double Frontage, the required Front Yard Setback shall be provided on both Streets.

b.

The Side Yard Setback or the Rear yard Setback shall be 0 feet wherever a common wall joins two Attached Single-Family Dwellings or Multifamily Dwelling Units.

c.

If the Accessory Building's main door faces an Alley, the Accessory Building shall be set back at least 10 feet from the Alley line.

D.

Development Standards.

1.

All Development in the R-2M District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards).

2.

No more than two Dwelling Units shall be located on any Lot in the R-2M District. When two Dwellings are located on a Lot, both Dwellings shall share one Driveway Access. However, each Dwelling shall have individual utility connections and metering.

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The R-3, Medium Density Residential District allows for increased density, accessibility, and housing variety. The R-3 District allows for Attached and Detached Single-Family Dwellings, Multifamily Buildings with six or fewer Dwelling Units, and supportive neighborhood Uses, facilities, and amenities. The R-3 District corresponds with the Medium Residential Future Land Use Category identified in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful Uses in the R-3 District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the R-3 District as provided by Table 3-6 (R-3 District Dimensional Standards), except as provided in part 2, below.

Table 3-6. R-3 District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

2.

Exceptions.

a.

Where a Lot has Double Frontage, the required Front Yard Setback shall be provided on both Streets.

b.

The Side Yard Setback and/or the Rear yard Setback shall be 0 feet wherever a common wall joins Attached Single-Family Dwellings or Multifamily Dwelling Units.

c.

If the Accessory Building's main door faces an Alley, the Accessory Building shall be set back at least 10 feet from the Alley line.

D.

Development Standards. All Development in the R-3, Medium Density District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards).

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The R-4, High Density Residential District allows high-density Residential Development, including multi-story Buildings with more than six Dwelling Units, and supporting facilities, services, and amenities. This District promotes efficient Development through shared parking areas. The R-4 District corresponds with the High Residential Future Land Use Category identified in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful Uses in the R-4, High Density Residential District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the R-4 District as provided by Table 3-7 (R-4 District Dimensional Standards), except as provided by part 2. below.

Table 3-7. R-4 District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

2.

Exceptions.

a.

The Side Yard Setback and/or the Rear yard Setback shall be 0 feet wherever a common wall joins Attached Single-Family Dwellings or Multifamily Dwelling Units.

b.

If the Accessory Building's main door faces an Alley, the Accessory Building shall be set back at least 10 feet from the Alley line.

D.

Development Standards. All Development in the R-4, High Density District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards). A Site Development Plan, as described in Section 7-3 (Site Development Plans), shall be required prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The MH, Manufactured Home Park District is intended to permit low-density Manufactured Home Uses, as listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table), in a park-like atmosphere. The MH District is intended for those areas where the owner proposes to develop and rent or lease individual sites.

B.

Application Requirements. In addition to any other information required as part of an application to effectuate the Use of a Manufactured Home Park, the following information must be provided and approved by City Officials:

1.

A Site Development Plan that shows the following:

a.

Site topography;

b.

Manufactured Home sites;

c.

Utility lines, including electrical lines/hook-ups, sewer lines, sewer outlets, and water hook-ups;

d.

Landscaped areas, walls, and fences;

e.

Off-street parking areas;

f.

Recreational areas;

g.

Roadways;

h.

Service Buildings;

i.

Sidewalks/walkways; and

j.

Lighting, information, and security infrastructure.

2.

A Grading and Drainage Plan illustrating how stormwater will be accommodated to ensure the integrity of the on-site circulatory roadways, walkways, and parking areas and the avoidance of stagnant pools of water.

C.

Standards. Each Manufactured Home Park shall conform with the following requirements:

1.

The requirements of Chapter 23-10 of the North Dakota Century Code must be adhered to.

2.

Manufactured Home Parks shall be comprised of one or more adjacent Parcels containing a combined minimum of five acres.

3.

Manufactured Home Parks shall be located on a well-drained site, properly graded to ensure rapid drainage and freedom from stagnant pools of water.

4.

Manufactured Home Parks shall have a maximum density of ten Manufactured Homes per gross acre and a minimum space of 2,800 square feet for each Manufactured Home site.

5.

Each Manufactured Home space shall be at least 35 feet wide and clearly defined through sequential numbering.

6.

There shall be at least 20 feet of space between Manufactured Homes parked side-to-side and at least 15 feet of space between Manufactured Homes parked end-to-end.

7.

All Manufactured or Home spaces shall front upon a private roadway of not less than 32 feet in width, which shall have unobstructed Access to a public Street, Alley, or highway.

8.

Walkways, not less than 5 feet wide, shall be provided from Manufactured Home spaces to service Buildings.

9.

All roadways and walkways within the Manufactured Home Park shall be Hard Surfaced and adequately lighted at night with electric lamps.

10.

Sufficient electrical, water, and sanitary sewer services shall be provided for each Manufactured Home space.

11.

A solid-frame fence or wall and a 10-foot landscaped buffer area shall be provided between the Manufactured Home Park District and any adjoining property zoned for Residential Use.

12.

Parking shall be provided in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 7-5 (Parking and Loading Regulations).

13.

Signage shall conform with all requirements set forth in Section 7-6 (Sign Regulations).

14.

Each Manufactured Home shall be provided with at least one garbage can to permit disposal of garbage. In addition, community dumpsters are permitted. The burning of garbage is prohibited within Manufactured Home Parks.

15.

Service Buildings, such as housing sanitation and laundry facilities, shall be permanent Accessory Buildings complying with all applicable codes, ordinances, and statutes.

16.

All service Buildings and grounds of the Manufactured Home Park shall be maintained in a clean, orderly, and sanitary condition, and kept free of any debris that may harm personal health or constitute a nuisance.

D.

Register of Occupants.

1.

The owner or manager of a Manufactured Home Park shall maintain a current record of the names of the occupants. The owner or manager shall always keep the register available for inspection by law enforcement officers, public health officials, and other officials whose duties necessitate acquisition of the information contained in the register.

2.

The record for each registered occupant shall be retained for at least three years following the date of departure of the registrant from the Mobile Home Park.

E.

Inspection, Violation, and Enforcement.

1.

The City shall have the authority to inspect all Manufactured Home Parks.

2.

If the City determines upon inspection that the sanitary condition of the Manufactured Home Park is a danger to the health or welfare of its occupants or the surrounding community, the City shall have the power to require the owner of the Manufactured Home Park to restore its sanitary condition within 10 days' notice. If the owner or manager of the Manufactured Home Park does not restore its sanitary condition to acceptable standards within 10 days, the City shall have the right to impose fines and penalties.

F.

Unused Manufactured Home Parks. If a Parcel in a Manufactured Home Park District ceases to be occupied for a period of two years, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall initiate action and hold a public hearing to rezone the property to an appropriate District.

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The C-1, General Commercial District provides for a variety of commercial retail, service, and professional Uses within designated business areas. This District is not intended for Uses that create intolerable levels of odor, noise, glare, dust, smoke, or vibrations that detract from the commercial environment. The C-1 District corresponds with the General Commercial Future Land Use Category identified in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful uses in the C-1 District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the C-1 District as provided by Table 3-8 (C-1 District Dimensional Standards).

Table 3-8. C-1 District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

D.

Development Standards. All Development in the C-1, General Commercial District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards). A Site Development Plan, as described in Section 7-3 (Site Development Plans), shall be required prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The CB, Central Business District is designed to promote a pedestrian-oriented environment, providing a diverse mix of retail, service, office, and limited Residential Uses within a concentrated area. It is primarily intended for application within Watford City's historic downtown, reinforcing its role as a social and economic hub. The CB District corresponds with the Core Commercial Future Land Use Category identified in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful uses in the CB District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the CB District as provided by Table 3-9 (CB District Dimensional Standards).

Table 3-9. CB District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

D.

Development Standards. All Development in the CB, Central Business District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards). A Site Development Plan, as described in Section 7-3 (Site Development Plans), shall be required prior to the issuance of a Building Permit.

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The I-1, General Industrial District is intended to provide and preserve suitable sites for the manufacture, assembly, distribution, or storage of products and related Light Industrial Uses. This District is not intended for Uses that create intolerable levels of odor, noise, glare, dust, smoke, vibrations, or other nuisances. The I-1 District corresponds with the Industrial Land Use Category identified in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan. This District has increased road design specifications to account for the type of traffic generally associated with Industrial Uses.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful Uses in the I-1 District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the I-1 District provided by Table 3-10 (I-1 District Dimensional Standards).

Table 3-10. I-1 District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

D.

Development Standards. All Development in the I-1, General Industrial District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards). A Site Development Plan shall be required prior to the issuance of a Building Permit, as outlined in Section 7-3 (Site Development Plans).

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The I-2, Heavy Industrial District is intended to provide and preserve suitable sites for the most intensive Industrial Uses engaged in basic processing or manufacturing of products from raw materials. Such Uses may have higher levels of noise, dust, odor, vibration or smoke, but shall mitigate impacts to the surrounding environment as required by this Ordinance. The I-2 District is appropriate in locations with adequate utilities and capacity for freight. The I-2 District corresponds with the Industrial Future Land Use Category identified in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan. This District has increased road design specifications to account for the type of traffic generally associated with Industrial Uses.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful Uses in the I-2 District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the I-2 District provided by Table 3-11 (I-2 District Dimensional Standards).

Table 3-11. I-2 District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

D.

Development Standards. All Development in the I-2, Heavy Industrial District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards). A Site Development Plan shall be required prior to the issuance of a Building Permit, as outlined in Section 7-3 (Site Development Plans).

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)

A.

District Purpose. The CF, Community Facilities District provides for the location and Development of sites suitable for public and semi-public Uses, open spaces, and community recreational facilities. Accessory Commercial Uses are allowed. Development standards shall be applied by City Officials based on project and site specifics. The CF District corresponds with the Public and Institutional Land Use Category identified in Watford City's Future Land Use Plan.

B.

Lawful Uses. Lawful uses in the CF District are those listed in Table 5-1 (Use Table).

C.

Dimensional Standards.

1.

Requirements. All Development shall conform with the height, Lot, and Setback requirements for the CF District provided by Table 3-12 (CF District Dimensional Standards).

Table 3-12. CF District Dimensional Standards

*Note: All Yard Setbacks are measured from the Building Line to the Lot Line.

D.

Development Standards. All Development in the CF, Community Facilities District shall conform with all regulations as set forth in Article 7 (Development Standards).

(Ord. No. 692, 1-5-2026)