Fargo Planning Commission Meeting - March 5, 2024

The Fargo Planning Commission met on March 5, 2024, at 9:00 AM to consider several subdivision plats and a zoning change. All agenda items were approved unanimously, with no public testimony offered. The meeting included a discussion about the renaming of a previously approved plat due to a naming conflict and a zoning density adjustment to permit an additional townhome unit.

Consent Calendar

• Order of Agenda: Approved by voice vote. A motion was made and seconded, and the agenda was adopted unanimously.
• Minutes from February 6, 2024: Approved by voice vote without discussion.

Discussion Items

• Item 3B – Brecky's Edition (Minor Subdivision): Presented by Elena Espose. The property, owned by Habitat for Humanity, was originally proposed with a zone change but that was withdrawn after discovering it was already zoned SR4. The request was for a replat of lots 8 and 9, block 11, and the south half of the vacated alley into a three-lot subdivision. Staff received no public concerns. A commissioner asked about the rarity of zoning map errors; staff noted such errors are extremely rare. The motion to approve staff findings passed unanimously (7-0).
• Item 4 – Alex's First Edition (Major Subdivision): Presented by Donald Cress. This was the same plat previously approved as "CC's First Edition," but the Cass County Recorder's Office rejected that name because it already existed. The only change was the name to "Alex's First Edition." No zone change was proposed. The applicant, Chris Mack of Christiansen Companies, thanked the commission for cooperation. Approved unanimously (7-0).
• Item 5 – Golden Valley Fourth Edition (Zoning Change): Presented by Donald Cress. The property, a vacant lot zoned SR4, was proposed for SR5 to increase density from 10 to 11 townhome units. The lot is slightly under one acre; under SR4 the allowable density rounded down to 10 units, while SR5 would permit 11. Staff received a comment letter from an adjacent owner and several calls asking about the project, but no opposition was expressed. A commissioner asked about the density calculation. The motion to approve staff findings passed unanimously (7-0).
• Item 6 – Pines at the District Sixth Edition (Minor Subdivision): Presented by Elena Espose. The property at 5461 38th Street South is zoned Limited Commercial and no zone change was proposed. The replat would create two lots. Staff received one inquiry with no concern. A commissioner commented on the irony of naming a flat, treeless area "Pines." Motion to approve staff findings passed unanimously (7-0).
• Item 7 – NDSU Research and Technology Park 3rd Edition (Minor Subdivision): Presented by Elena Espose. The property includes several addresses near NDSU. A rugby field on site will be relocated to an undetermined location. A commissioner asked whether the property falls under city jurisdiction; staff confirmed it is not part of NDSU's institutional master plan and is subject to Fargo's zoning ordinance. Motion to approve staff findings passed unanimously (7-0).

General Discussion

• After item 5, Commissioner John (likely the chair) noted that homeowners sometimes purchase property without full knowledge of adjacent development plans. He advised prospective buyers to consult the planning department and review zoning maps and property ownership records. This was in response to a comment letter received for that item.

Key Outcomes

• All agenda items approved: Items 3B, 4, 5, 6, and 7 were each approved by unanimous roll-call votes (7-0). No items were denied or tabled. The meeting was adjourned.