This bill amends sections of the North Dakota Century Code to establish new procedures for counties and municipalities to levy infrastructure fees for funding improvements and maintenance of infrastructure. It allows county commissioners and city officials to create infrastructure zones for proposed projects, requiring them to notify utility account holders within these zones about project details, including costs and public hearing dates. The bill mandates that public hearings be held to allow residents to protest the fees, and if a majority of protests are received, the project cannot proceed. Additionally, the bill specifies that the fee for commercial properties cannot exceed twice that of residential properties.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that tax levy limitations do not apply to special assessments or infrastructure fees levied by political subdivisions, ensuring that these entities can adequately fund necessary infrastructure projects without being constrained by general tax limits. The language also removes previous provisions that allowed home rule counties and municipalities to levy green field special assessments when imposing infrastructure fees, while still permitting them to do so under the new framework. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process for funding infrastructure improvements while ensuring transparency and public participation.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 57-15-41
Prepared by the Legislative Council staff for Representative Porter: 11-11-55.1, 40-22-01.3, 57-15-41
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 11-11-55.1, 40-22-01.3, 57-15-41