Rural Living Information for Residents

NOTICE TO STARK COUNTY RESIDENT

Road Maintenance & Seasonal Operations

The Stark County Road Department would like to provide updated information for residents living outside city limits regarding snow removal, gravel road maintenance, and right‑of‑way requirements.

SNOW REMOVAL
Weather conditions in rural areas can differ greatly from conditions within Dickinson or other cities. Even when weather appears mild in town, county roads may experience drifting, zero visibility, or hazardous travel.

Stark County maintains approximately 1,300 miles of roadway and 72 subdivisions. Snow removal timelines will vary depending on the severity of the storm:

• Typical snowfall: 3–4 days to clear
• Major storm: Up to 7 days
• Extreme weather: Travel may be unsafe or impossible

Residents should remain patient and be prepared for delays. If severe weather is predicted and you must report to work, have medical needs, or require reliable travel, please consider making arrangements to stay in town.

GRAVEL ROAD CONDITIONS
Gravel roads experience seasonal changes:

• Spring thaw / wet weather: Roads may become soft, rutted, and difficult to travel.
• Extended dry periods: Roads may become washboarded and dusty.
• Conditions vary based on traffic and gravel type.

Please drive cautiously and report unsafe road conditions or any downed/damaged road signs immediately. Prompt reporting helps prevent accidents and keeps the roadway system safe.

REPORTING ROAD ISSUES
• Stark County Road Department: (701) 456‑7662
• Stark County Sheriff (non‑emergency, urgent concerns): (701) 456‑7610
• Emergencies: 911

WEED CUTTING & RIGHT‑OF‑WAY MAINTENANCE
Landowners with property adjacent to county roads must complete weed cutting and remove hay bales from county right‑of‑way by October 1st.

Requirements include:

• Maximum stubble height: 5 inches
• Minimum cut width: 6 feet from roadway edge
• No windrows of cut grass or weeds left in the right‑of‑way
• Any windrow produced by a swather must be removed from the roadway surface

SNOW REMOVAL POLICY (PRIVATE PROPERTY)
Residents must not place snow from private driveways onto public roads. This includes snow that is plowed, pushed, blown, or shoveled. Depositing snow onto county roads creates serious hazards for motorists and snowplow operators.

Under Stark County Resolution (November 4, 1997):

• Property owners have 24 hours to remove snow placed on a roadway.
• If not removed, owners may be charged under applicable ND Century Code.

MAILBOX GUIDELINES
Winter conditions are tough on mailboxes. Residents are encouraged to follow U.S. Postal Service and ND Department of Transportation recommendations for mailbox placement and support to help reduce damage.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to keeping Stark County’s roads safe.

Stark County Road Department