At the Tuesday night Bismarck City Commission meeting, Mayor Mike Schmitz issued a clear warning to local business owners who have been posting advertising yard signs on city boulevards. The mayor said the city has seen a noticeable increase in the number of signs promoting lawn‑cutting, snow‑removal and Christmas‑light services that are being placed on public right‑of‑way, including roundabouts.

Ordinance prohibits signs on public property

City ordinance expressly forbids the placement of any advertising signs on boulevards, sidewalks, roundabouts or other city‑owned property without prior approval. The rule is intended to keep traffic flow safe and preserve the visual character of Bismarck’s streets.

Commissioner Risch backs enforcement

City Commissioner John Risch recounted a recent call from a resident who had removed fourteen illegal signs. “He pulled the signs and I said go ahead and pull them,” Risch said. “Those signs are pretty expensive, they’re not going to get them back, and they don’t belong there. Putting them on roundabouts is distracting. Rules are rules.”

Mayor’s directive to business owners

Mayor Schmitz emphasized that the city will not tolerate continued violations. He warned that if owners do not take down the signs, city workers will remove them and discard them. The mayor also clarified that signs may be posted on private property, but only with the explicit consent of the property owner.

Why the crackdown matters to families and neighborhoods

Unrestricted signage can create visual clutter, distract drivers and obscure important traffic markings. For families who rely on safe streets for school runs and daily commutes, maintaining clear boulevards aligns with the community’s values of order and responsibility. The city’s enforcement action supports those traditional family concerns while respecting the rights of business owners to advertise on private land.

What business owners should do

Owners who wish to continue advertising should contact the Bismarck Planning Department to obtain written permission for placement on private lots or driveways. The department can provide guidance on acceptable sign sizes, mounting methods and locations that comply with local codes.

Next steps for the commission

The commission will monitor compliance over the coming weeks and may consider additional outreach to educate the business community about the ordinance. Residents who notice illegal signs are encouraged to report them to the city’s 311 service.

By enforcing the existing ordinance, Bismarck’s leadership aims to keep streets safe, reduce distractions for drivers, and preserve the aesthetic quality of the city’s public spaces—an effort that reflects the community‑first spirit of the HyperLocal Loop.

Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.