Mandan Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting Summary - May 27, 2026

The Mandan Planning and Zoning Commission met on May 27, 2026, at 5:30 PM to consider three agenda items: a special use permit for propane storage, a special use permit for an event venue, and a preliminary plat and zone change for a subdivision. The meeting included public hearings on all items, and the commission approved two permits and approved the plat with conditions.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes Approval: The minutes from the April 27, 2026 meeting were approved unanimously by roll call vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 2 (Event Venue): Multiple residents spoke in opposition, citing concerns about parking, noise, odors, and traffic in the residential area. Speakers included Kevin (lives within 300 feet), Heather Hoover, Donna Frelick, and others. The applicant, Cassandra (owner of a similar venue), spoke in support, emphasizing family-friendly events and plans to manage parking.
• Item 3 (Subdivision): Several residents and a real estate agent spoke. Renee Lafferty (resident at 222 Cobblestone Loop) questioned the need for connectivity and financial impact. Justin Gloser supported the developer. The developer, Mike Liffrig (board member of Montessori nonprofit), argued against the connectivity requirement, stating it would harm the project's feasibility.

Discussion Items

• Item 1: Special Use Permit for Propane Storage (Lot 1, Block 1, Vic Flex Subdivision, 2264 Sunny Road South)

  • Rachel presented the request for two 30,000-gallon propane tanks at an existing truck yard. The site is zoned CB (business commercial) and designated as rural residential in the future land use plan, but staff noted downzoning is unlikely. No public comment was received. Staff recommended approval.
  • Motion to approve passed unanimously.

• Item 2: Special Use Permit for Event Venue (Lot 12, Block 18, Mandan Proper, 210 Fifth Avenue Northwest)

  • Rachel presented the request to use a former church as a wedding and event venue. The property is zoned Downtown Fringe. Concerns about parking were addressed by city engineering (Dustin Sins and Riley Macurazer) who provided data from a parking utilization study showing low usage on nearby streets. The applicant (Cassandra) stated hours of operation would end by midnight and alcohol might be served. Two opposition letters were received.
  • Discussion: Commissioners acknowledged the history of event venues in the area (Elks Club, Eagles Club) and the need to avoid having an empty building. Commissioner Huber expressed concern about occupancy of 150 in a residential area but eventually supported the motion.
  • Motion to approve passed 10-1 (Commissioner Renner voted no).

• Item 3: Preliminary Plat and Zone Change for Keitel's South Heart Terrace Fifth Edition (tabled from April 27)

  • Rachel recapped the issue: city staff requested preservation of a right-of-way for eastward connectivity to a potential future subdivision, citing fire response and long-term planning. The applicant proposed alternative with Fourth Avenue access south.
  • Debate: City staff (Mitch, Riley) explained that preserving the right-of-way is necessary for future development and fire safety. The applicant (Mike Liffrig) argued that the road would destroy the best view lots and cost $1-1.5 million, which donors would not fund. He proposed extending Fourth Avenue south instead. Residents (Renee Lafferty, Justin Gloser) opposed the easement, citing potential special assessments and lack of need.
  • After extensive discussion, Commissioner Smith moved to approve the plat contingent on an amendment to provide access to the south off of Fourth Avenue. The motion passed 9-2 (Mayor Frelick and Commissioner Hammond voted no).

Key Outcomes

• Item 1: Approved unanimously.
• Item 2: Approved 10-1.
• Item 3: Approved with condition to amend plat to include south access via Fourth Avenue. The amended plat will go to the City Commission.