[{"_1":2,"_96":-5,"_97":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6568943,"mediaKeyId","3193093-bb9fe17f94151194ed2fe0aafa14627d","parentId",3193093,"title","West Fargo commission sends short-term rental ordinance back for March-version rewrite after split vote","audioSeconds",2600,"startMs",250000,"endMs",2850000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193093-bb9fe17f94151194ed2fe0aafa14627d&start=250&end=2850","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193093-bb9fe17f94151194ed2fe0aafa14627d/thumbnail_250000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6568943/West-Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/West-Fargo-commission-sends-short-term-rental-ordinance-back-for-March-version-rewrite-after-split-vote","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568943-e2dd7d756d19c1fc23333caafa896025/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189205&Signature=PvxB9PzHEBPu~jspoRjjvA-QrTBnn1zSfbIgjPVLCOX4lXe3cp7jCCpn0aij-QfNkQePQcXeH1Cbw6mamvDC1TdzYjswAUiuSFjBU6SaQ46ESILlRXHKhpfPgMlbwIuGP2lLJ-mrrDvxtPCONEpidSt7pMwM3XhZL1l7bJYIRxhIYy7VNOH3Sv1LLrWfZU39DY0XDJHscyeEBXAxfRPF3wHDl61hCk2RklN3TBBI52RBK1pO4x1FbfMluNdOt-RiUedn41F6VcoEGoveNq-5-PMtv7fuxwVgyvF4lGkRFgNihbXBynk2CJiS0g51rx9g8B4E5wm37oB2MeHzeHcMiA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of West Fargo, ND","date","2025-05-05T23:57:24.437Z","article","The West Fargo City Commission on a split vote directed staff to return for another first reading the March 2025 version of a proposed short‑term rental (STR) ordinance, after a public hearing and more than an hour of questions from commissioners.

The commission’s action, passed 3–2, instructed staff to bring back the March 2025 draft with two clarifications the commission asked to keep: (1) a 12‑month rolling window for counting repeat violations and (2) a requirement that city staff mail a notice to property owners within 150 feet after a license is issued. The motion did not adopt the current Planning & Zoning Commission version; an earlier motion to approve that version on first reading failed for lack of a second.

The proposed ordinance would require annual city licensing for any short‑term rental of a residential dwelling and set minimum operational standards. Aaron Nelson, the city’s director of planning and zoning, told the commission the licensing application would require verification of ownership, proof of liability insurance, confirmation of compliance with state and local lodging and sales taxes, designation of a local contact who can respond within two hours, an on‑site safety inspection and notification of neighboring property owners. Standard city nuisance, noise, snow‑removal and property‑maintenance rules would apply, and violations would be treated as infractions with escalating fines on a rolling 12‑month basis and possible suspension or revocation of the license; denials and revocations would be appealable to the City Commission.

Nelson said the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the current (April) draft by a 6–1 vote after removing an earlier primary‑residence requirement; that earlier requirement would have limited STRs to dwellings occupied as the owner’s primary residence for more than half the year. Nelson told the commission staff still intends to set licensing fees by resolution and recommended a delayed effective date of at least four months after final adoption so staff can establish internal processes.

Public commenters urged opposite outcomes. Tyler Erickson, a West Fargo resident who addressed the commission during the public hearing, supported the March 2025 draft that included the primary‑residence limitation. Erickson argued that limiting STRs to owners’ primary residences helps preserve the residential character of neighborhoods, prevents “incompatible commercial use of a residential property” and aligns STR regulation with how the city treats other accessory, incidental home uses such as home daycares and home occupations. Another resident, who identified himself as living at 2421 Cloud Drive East, opposed the March version on the grounds that converting residential neighborhoods to commercial use would harm local residents.

Commissioners debated enforcement and scope. Commissioner Zundel asked how neighbor notification would work; Nelson said staff would mail notices to property owners within a 150‑foot radius after a license is issued and would use media outreach if the commission adopts the ordinance to notify the public about the licensing timeline. Commissioner Olson raised enforcement questions about operators who do not obtain a license; Nelson said the ordinance contemplates a 30‑day compliance period after discovery and notice, after which staff would treat continued operation without a license as a violation subject to the staged fines. The dollar amounts discussed on screen during the meeting were $250 for a first offense, $500 for a second and $1,000 for a third, measured using the rolling 12‑month window. Nelson deferred legal recourse beyond fines to the city attorney for specifics.

Commissioners also discussed grandfathering options for existing operators, noise monitoring as a potential license condition and the practical difficulty of identifying unlicensed operators until they are reported or otherwise discovered. Nelson said staff can identify applicants who voluntarily apply for a license; otherwise discovery depends on complaints or investigation.

Action: The commission voted to direct staff to return the March 2025 version of the STR ordinance for first reading with two additions (12‑month rolling violation window and mailed neighbor notification within 150 feet). The motion passed 3–2. The commission did not adopt the Planning & Zoning‑recommended version on first reading; an earlier motion to approve that version failed for lack of a second.

Why it matters: The commission’s choice between the March and April drafts determines whether STRs may be operated year‑round as commercial investments in residential zones or are limited to owners’ primary residences. The decision affects neighborhood character, enforcement needs and which properties will be eligible for city licensing and related tax collection.

What’s next: Staff will return the March 2025 draft, amended to include the rolling violation window and neighbor‑notification language, for another first reading and public hearing before the commission takes final action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","City of West Fargo City Commission Meeting - Monday, May 5, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The West Fargo City Commission on a split vote directed staff to return for another first reading the March 2025 version of a proposed short‑term rental ordinance with added language on repeat violations and mailed neighbor notice.","taxTitle","West Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota","taxId",50876,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568933,"West Fargo Public Library reports rising use, circulation and outreach in 2024",0,3211000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193093-bb9fe17f94151194ed2fe0aafa14627d&start=3211&end=3211","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193093-bb9fe17f94151194ed2fe0aafa14627d/thumbnail_3211000.jpg","/articles/6568933/West-Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/West-Fargo-Public-Library-reports-rising-use-circulation-and-outreach-in-2024","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568933-ebd4aee2c5b938f55fc2827d95ac9ce4/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189205&Signature=NoFYf8yxZgSRdVXXhp~2pgcPP7YnqAGm78bqgVPjCXkCO-ENML-X6pLN1StVz5vHFij9Nf6TNGK319Jjd-GG8UgZapPXJ8U-qP3z5UctzxGrwK7TAFdNOZkqpkImu8bpbz9j59MTyzOWyMhwZ3uM0thJQdTAaQP3Q5omVz3p8Jo6W68yIFn1CtG1hpuwIGUOPMEpCEcf2lCPAQGVh9OwgrOz7ikoq1bCi8W~zg-V~-kUgcPDfLNd9uNPQf~vCxhj0RdmvHI3ch8diNAy3kVtESIWsoLH3xadtP0uErexdjKVokWR4TK7Y5vfuhdeW56XnkNgHmBRSEgPc9Sp-djOgw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The West Fargo Public Library reported steep increases in both circulation and program attendance in 2024 during an annual presentation to the City Commission.

Library director Jenna Kaley told the commission the library circulated 36,000 more items in 2024 than in 2023 and that physical items remain the most‑checked category. Staff estimated library users saved more than $3.5 million in 2024 by borrowing materials rather than purchasing them, which the presentation translated to $87 per West Fargo resident and $193 per active library card.

Program attendance also rose: youth services recorded nearly 9,000 attendees across children’s programs, and adult programs drew more than 2,400 participants. Storytimes remain the library’s most popular youth offering; Kaley said toddler storytimes sometimes reach 65–75 attendees and noted the library has added sessions and space as demand grows.

The presentation described expanded outreach: the library retired the Little Red Reading Bus after securing funding (with assistance from local partners) to purchase a year‑round “Library on Wheels” vehicle for outreach to parks, daycares and senior living facilities. In 2024 the library delivered 2,565 books to senior homes and day‑care centers and visited five parks weekly during the summer, recording more than 1,600 visits at those stops.

Kaley also said the library received notice of a large federal grant award under the Digital Equity Act — roughly $1.3 million to expand technology tutoring and hire digital navigators — but that the federal program has been paused and hiring is on hold pending federal action.

Why it matters: The figures show rising demand for library services in a growing city and identify both ongoing program needs (additional toddler storytimes, outreach capacity) and potential service expansion if federal grant funding is restored.

What’s next: Library staff will continue to expand programming and outreach; if the federal pause on Digital Equity Act funding ends, the library expects to hire digital navigators to scale technology tutoring.","Library staff told the commission circulation and program attendance increased in 2024, outreach expanded with a new mobile vehicle, and the library saved residents an estimated $3.5 million by lending materials.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":78,"_43":89,"_45":89,"_47":90,"_49":91,"_51":92,"_53":93,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":94,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":95,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6568938,"West Fargo commission actions: agenda, permits, TIF closeout, contracts and approvals",80000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3193093-bb9fe17f94151194ed2fe0aafa14627d&start=80&end=80","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3193093-bb9fe17f94151194ed2fe0aafa14627d/thumbnail_80000.jpg","/articles/6568938/West-Fargo/Cass-County/North-Dakota/West-Fargo-commission-actions-agenda-permits-TIF-closeout-contracts-and-approvals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6568938-c5ee833febde1379079496213caa2c91/orig.mp4?Expires=1771189205&Signature=V~O-oSOu~ugpHcA8LIvEBwLUdpJ2tXLV4Aa7AcYnCKJvNS7YMMX8HXhilmAb~CaO2~pKN1ZxihB0yf8167VTC5FkJuF4b6xRhyRfdJFUTdNOTEl~~bIUZ19Jwq6bE4EnhlFGL5WMbVtSrLxL11o79PCKtBudkiHxgQAbU5qi4cZHcK9-HNSdQVdzj5kacn6wJOeuC2y1x507iH0eIQ1L0vJPqCjVO607C-qfZVF03prMFfhrQnxkksf24z-Lrltfcc4r~8jubi3fbLRsmoW9Uim~-qsJUk54B42QIbDkpW7Ax6VO29Zxb-nSFCdscZg0T0Nr9aKz5RiAQyM7KfNKkA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Below are formal actions the West Fargo City Commission recorded during the meeting. Where the transcript named movers and seconders, those attributions are included. Vote tallies are shown when recorded.

- Approve order of the agenda: Motion by Commissioner Jorgensen; second by Commissioner Anderson. Outcome: carried (voice vote).

- Approve minutes of April 21: Motion by Commissioner Olsen; second by Commissioner Zundel. Outcome: carried (voice vote).

- Approve building permits: Motion by Commissioner Anderson; second by Commissioner Jorgensen. Outcome: carried (voice vote).

- Approve consent agenda items A–M: Motion by Commissioner Zundel; second by Commissioner Olsen. Outcome: carried (voice vote).

- Short‑term rental ordinance (Public Hearing A24‑28): The commission did not adopt the Planning & Zoning‑recommended (April) draft on first reading (an initial motion to approve lacked a second). The commission later voted 3–2 to direct staff to return the March 2025 draft with additions (12‑month rolling violation window and mailed neighbor notification within 150 feet) for a first reading.

- Abatement hearing for 1280 Goldenwood Drive (2024 valuation): Motion by Commissioner Zundel to retain the assessed 2024 value as presented by the assessor (Paul Fercasse); second by Commissioner Olsen. Outcome: carried (voice vote) — commission upheld the valuation.

- Subdivision approval — R & R Addition (1042 and 1050 7th Ave NE): Motion by Commissioner Olson to approve subdivision and associated dedication agreement; second by Commissioner Anderson. Outcome: carried (voice vote).

- Arbor Day proclamation (May 16 proclamation): Motion to confirm the proclamation; outcome: carried (voice vote).

- West Fargo Public Library annual report: presentation accepted; no formal vote required beyond acknowledgement and thanks.

- Finance budget amendment and contract approval for lease accounting software (Debtb ook): Motion to amend the 2025 finance budget and authorize the director of finance to execute the contract with Debtbook; mover Commissioner Gondell (Willie Galindo presented); second Commissioner Olsen. Outcome: carried (voice vote).

- Resolution approving termination/closeout of the West Fargo Office Park (Charleswood) TIF District: Motion by Commissioner Olsen; second by Commissioner Anderson. Outcome: carried (voice vote). Staff said approximately $2,057,069 will be returned to local entities (schools, park districts) upon closeout, per the staff summary.

- Charleswood TIF impact summary: Non‑actionable presentation by economic development staff summarizing development, property value growth and job creation in the district.

- Agreement with KLJ for basement exemption structural design: Motion to approve agreement in the amount of $55,100; mover Commissioner Anderson; second (recorded). Outcome: carried (voice vote).

- First reading of ordinance to create and enact Chapter 2‑6 (routine street maintenance plan): Motion by Commissioner Olsen to approve first reading; second by Commissioner Jorgensen. Outcome: carried (voice vote).

- Policy: Authorization and delegation of policy approval (policy of policies): Motion by Commissioner Anderson to approve; second by Commissioner Olsen. Outcome: carried (voice vote).

- City administrator and utility billing software update: staff reported the utility billing portal conversion to a new vendor (Koozie) is underway; no vote required. During transition, ACH accepted and residents may pay in person or by phone.

- Adjournment: Motion by Commissioner Zundel; second by Commissioner Jorgensen. Outcome: meeting adjourned.

Why it matters: The record above captures the commission’s formal decisions and their immediate fiscal and administrative effects: a TIF district closeout returns funds to taxing entities, a contract engages consultants for flood/basement work and the finance amendment enables GASB‑compliance software. The STR ordinance remains unresolved and will return to the commission for additional public review.","At the meeting the commission approved routine items, several contracts and resolutions and voted to return a different draft of the short‑term rental ordinance for further consideration.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

West Fargo commission sends short-term rental ordinance back for March-version rewrite after split vote

West Fargo Public Library reports rising use, circulation and outreach in 2024

West Fargo commission actions: agenda, permits, TIF closeout, contracts and approvals