[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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",[32,75,87,99],{"_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",6165810,"mediaKeyId","5417797-e5ba5b67d5ebb2cd7778a2b5cfdccccb","parentId",5417797,"title","Commission renews conditional‑use permit for fertilizer facility after staff notes prior permit lapse","audioSeconds",323,"startMs",3543000,"endMs",3866000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417797-e5ba5b67d5ebb2cd7778a2b5cfdccccb&start=3543&end=3866","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417797-e5ba5b67d5ebb2cd7778a2b5cfdccccb/thumbnail_3543000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6165810/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Commission-renews-conditionaluse-permit-for-fertilizer-facility-after-staff-notes-prior-permit-lapse","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165810-ab82ac7e1934314a0730f2913d4dedc0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771005711&Signature=Jr~G4cfT2zasiSw00BpXfnM4eYI2Kp168a9Xpw8iObW8dWMHIYSaB6SoUeqOYIhwOiezj72lSoVD2otbCnpO0Vh2IdDXeGcpXN~lIMgMQ3jSK0634VQmp2ayvfUZgSr-XqH8iP5UfW7Btl7BM9m-2uM45HgSmVpObPcQo7QB8ayXGfCjmfxw-P8vQNhM97zPF1cBHNJ0NJ1go~y56MEwcSEJCZZhpShCk4~ASaqo3nN-cduiH7w4xdajuG9nYQV89AJylHz0mXvkVyHyjfgyvyyx7ftoZdotaAEGdfsAcRjH2Gbk4hxQD18BcXOoImBm67a1S-qxU0oYx1vQ48OQHQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Grand Forks, ND","date","2025-07-09T00:00:00Z","article","The Planning and Zoning Commission on July 9 approved a 10‑year conditional‑use permit allowing Nutrien Ag Solutions (formerly Crop Production Services) to operate a fertilizer and chemical storage facility at 5301 North Washington Street in the I‑2 heavy‑industrial district.

Planning staff explained the facility stores materials listed in the city’s draft conditional‑use permit and that the heavy‑industrial district requires a conditional‑use permit for hazardous and non‑hazardous material storage under the uniform fire code. Staff said the company had previously held a conditional‑use permit for an earlier location; the prior permit expired in January after the operation moved, and staff and departments have been working with the company to regularize approvals at the new site.

Commissioners asked staff why the permit had lapsed and how the city monitors conditional‑use activity. Staff acknowledged the lapse, noting that site moves and an out‑of‑service elevator at the prior location complicated operations and that the city tries to review permits annually but sometimes lags. Commissioner Klava and others pressed staff on enforcement: what would stop the company from resuming storage at the old site without a permit? Staff said such activity would require a separate conditional‑use permit for that location and that enforcement would typically rely on interdepartmental reporting and neighborhood notification.

Staff described the draft permit conditions, including a 10‑year term and a limitation to the materials listed in an attachment, and said no documented complaints or violations had been recorded since the last permit. The commission opened the public hearing; no speakers asked to address the item. Commissioner Klava moved approval and Commissioner Reichert seconded; the commission approved the permit unanimously.

Why this matters: The permit allows continued storage of agricultural fertilizer and chemical products at a new site in Grand Forks’ industrial area. The hearing highlighted an administrative issue — an expired permit after the operator moved sites — and prompted commissioners to ask staff about monitoring, enforcement and interagency coordination to ensure hazardous‑materials storage complies with zoning and fire regulations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Grand Forks City Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting July 9, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Planning and Zoning Commission granted a 10‑year conditional‑use permit to Nutrien Ag Solutions to operate a fertilizer and chemical storage facility at 5301 North Washington Street and discussed an administrative lapse while the operation moved sites.","taxTitle","Grand Forks, Grand Forks County, North Dakota","taxId",3815,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165817,"Commission OKs PUD amendment advancing plan for up to 160 residential units at Meadowview Ridge",449,2033000,2482000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417797-e5ba5b67d5ebb2cd7778a2b5cfdccccb&start=2033&end=2482","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417797-e5ba5b67d5ebb2cd7778a2b5cfdccccb/thumbnail_2033000.jpg","/articles/6165817/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Commission-OKs-PUD-amendment-advancing-plan-for-up-to-160-residential-units-at-Meadowview-Ridge","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165817-148e5a38b5716b9b54aec70943fe5aaf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771005711&Signature=ali~Bu0m2fekQQ0wyFIdo-4WjQk~FCrSYzxsgeYrnxoDicerWuerOYB4fyezyNC1u7-JPOv4rtgrrom4FrOUwKyNyYcNbQ0urZPtZAL-04~9tWbm3L0NnxdA9BhpIG8TQQvHEQVi1NuQ8D0nbAoT4gZeBzy~BgvVRfiP4LcPU4etCUjfMJPzcCc~X7wl3HaGFviLu3ikl2ee619FyyioOvfh5b1St8PHgNMvLfiEgkCuVAUt~-MYSoKW1zhsZXkb6ztioGP2MPV~N8jNCRrKH7Ey5XUguYmzE6kMguZw5StQOQYyFhWjJzcyRtJjcRFW7oumYpZrPR-PmV4XrbuhDA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning and Zoning Commission on July 9 approved an amendment to the Meadowview Ridge planned unit development that would allow increased residential density and permit additional building height at a site near Seventh Avenue South.

Planning staff and the applicant described the site’s history: the area had been platted and used for green space until commercial development arrived, and earlier approvals included limits on mixed‑use density and a 72‑unit cap on the property. The current amendment request asks to increase density, allow up to five stories in parts of the development and to permit roughly 150–160 residential units under the revised plan; staff noted the applicant was still refining plans and that the final unit count could be lower.

Multiple neighbors and other attendees spoke at the public hearing in opposition. Speakers raised concerns about traffic on 40th and Seventh avenues, the adequacy of existing intersections and signals, potential shading and loss of sunlight for nearby townhomes and single‑family homes, and the scale of a five‑story building adjacent to lower structures. Kevin Koontz and Mary Ascom Loveseth were among those who described the likely traffic impacts and the change to neighborhood character.

Planning staff told the commission the applicant must meet the city’s zoning requirements for parking, impervious‑surface limits and other standards; the plan would be reviewed for those elements and any final approvals would require demonstration of compliance. Staff noted prior limits on units that were placed when the property was rezoned in earlier years and said the current request reflects an updated plan and market interest.

Commissioners asked staff and the applicant about parking, ingress/egress and the project’s compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. The applicant indicated they had been in outreach and that concepts for commercial space and amenity areas were still under discussion.

After public comment and short deliberation, Commissioner Eichert moved approval and Commissioner Mattson seconded; the motion passed on voice vote with one recorded opposition.

Why this matters: The amendment would enable a sizable increase in housing supply on a large site at the south end of the city, but it prompted immediate concerns from nearby residents about traffic, building height and shading that staff said will be handled in subsequent site‑plan review and by technical compliance with parking and impervious‑surface standards.","The Planning and Zoning Commission gave final approval to an amendment allowing higher density and additional stories at Meadowview Ridge, which applicants said could yield up to about 150–160 residential units; neighbors raised traffic, height and sunlight concerns.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165821,"Commission approves rezoning for five‑unit building at 2920 Fifth Ave. N amid neighborhood objections",339,777000,1116000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417797-e5ba5b67d5ebb2cd7778a2b5cfdccccb&start=777&end=1116","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417797-e5ba5b67d5ebb2cd7778a2b5cfdccccb/thumbnail_777000.jpg","/articles/6165821/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Commission-approves-rezoning-for-fiveunit-building-at-2920-Fifth-Ave-N-amid-neighborhood-objections","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165821-ec896509efe8bec5dbf630cc483ce043/orig.mp4?Expires=1771005711&Signature=ZdWH1dA0IgLebZqwCXdIGx2L61xb8XE4eU6Kqv1BJupqAI1BdFYKxx-suBH1XYT52YAhokq2ATbLsnkCZO-WuY2zBQu4GezjXILBPb3Hgkei-knrM5HtdNOfixIx9JIpJXWsJ4Q~3iVZLYmBml95AlMOM4Yy0e~jWYD3JSurYkdGN2ZOPoc8XuAwK~Bfv6I-5Y7velOeb4fL3qzsG1xSiAHS5DlJtMvLmdkmvhJcx0Jbjhy7sVhCaTnyMGyJrNi3ZBNMCtiLB6Yk7etuBxpfRbM0NKsLcKbUMSt19VusosjfPReE2lCvsb5mbnk8RNWpzwWPCTFzwRJi1iOb6-rI0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission voted July 9 to amend the zoning map and rezone a vacant parcel at 2920 Fifth Avenue North from University District (UD) to R‑4 (multifamily, high density) to permit construction of a five‑unit residential building.

Planning staff explained the property is currently zoned to allow university‑related uses and duplexes; the developer requested R‑4 to build a fiveplex. Staff said the proposed fiveplex would be allowed only with rezoning and that, without rezoning, the lot could fit three duplexes (six units) under current UD rules.

Several nearby residents opposed the rezoning at the hearing. Jennifer Tarlan, a long‑time Fifth Avenue North resident, told the commission the neighborhood has transitioned from family homes to student rentals and urged the commission not to recommend rezoning. She said higher density would “lead to loss of green space, greater congestion, more demand for parking” and “the erosion of community.” Other neighbors cited concerns about parking, green space and building materials.

Commission discussion referenced a prior preliminary review, in which the commission had weighed alternatives and concluded the fiveplex could be a less‑dense outcome than three duplexes at the site. Planning staff said the site’s permitted lot coverage would be 55 percent with 45 percent green space and that no detailed site plan had yet been submitted for final building‑permit review.

Commissioner Sandy, who spoke at length about rental property management in the city, said many neighborhood problems stem from property management rather than a single new building. Commissioner Eichert noted the developer could build three duplexes without seeking the commission’s approval, and commissioners said the rezoning request was intended to limit density compared with that by‑right option.

After public comment and discussion, Commissioner Eichert moved approval and Commissioner Sandy seconded. The motion carried on voice vote.

Why this matters: The decision authorizes a change from UD to high‑density residential zoning that will allow a five‑unit building on a lot residents said has been used as green space and a neighborhood buffer adjacent to UND. Opponents said the change accelerates the conversion of older single‑family blocks into student rental housing and raises parking and public‑safety concerns; supporters and staff said the rezoning reduces the number of dwellings that could be built by right on the parcel and proposed design standards will be reviewed during permitting.","The Planning and Zoning Commission granted final approval to rezone a vacant parcel near UND from university district to R‑4 for construction of a five‑unit building after public commenters said the move would accelerate conversion of single‑family neighborhoods into student housing.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6165825,"Planning commission orders removal of mural on North Dakota Vision Services building",4735,2364000,7099000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5417797-e5ba5b67d5ebb2cd7778a2b5cfdccccb&start=2364&end=7099","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5417797-e5ba5b67d5ebb2cd7778a2b5cfdccccb/thumbnail_2364000.jpg","/articles/6165825/Grand-Forks/Grand-Forks-County/North-Dakota/Planning-commission-orders-removal-of-mural-on-North-Dakota-Vision-Services-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6165825-5e037c830bd2997d72f1ff3271241356/orig.mp4?Expires=1771005711&Signature=bTS~WmBO1BIedI68Tb4kLw4GChOVc5O6ZqCUSLNPNObAH~x2PZ8kayoApBQ9dNi4hHni4mp7LSazLPktvSH1XS2goKBPfjnRJEZ4lp43jvrqgUFNQw61iQLJFp04OpkMWHJoZY6~i6elXYyrBqExrprZ01fNFXFURCSt66x60ACCQ2icxSACKkbfHO7SB2XlvGEqQNsL8q80GkWhCOeuM6-ZivIIGmtLK32Yzhml5Yt94gKsJeg-vGvrb583Ofbw-~5j9KXyw6iLunHOAt0x-6WYCvzrYvuVW5PZbECt0SZRtTj~rbwzkAlRlNHr~LzwP0kEFNa0jtYpbXkLwHu20w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission voted 6–2 on July 9 to require removal of a mural recently painted on the North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind at 500 Stanford Road, concluding the work was installed without the required approvals for a mural that abuts a public right-of-way.

Commissioners and members of the public spent more than two hours debating whether the mural should remain while the city’s ordinance and permitting practices were reviewed. The commission’s decision followed public comment both for and against the artwork and a staff presentation that described how the current code governs murals in residential/university districts.

The mural was painted this spring by a contracted artist. City planning staff told the commission the mural was not permitted under the version of the code that applied prior to a 2023 amendment; that amendment later allowed murals on some schools and churches but required Planning and Zoning and City Council review for murals that abut public right-of-way in residential districts. Planning staff said the project did not follow the ordinance’s approval process. Mr. Brooks, a planning staff member, told the commission the paint work was halted after staff became aware of it and that the mural was not yet finished.

Supporters, including North Dakota Vision Services Superintendent Paul Wilson and the mural artist Trey Everett, urged the commission to allow the mural to remain. Wilson said the mural was intended to raise public awareness of the agency’s services statewide and that the agency paid for the work using state funds. He told commissioners: “I am hoping as you folks discuss this and move forward that you’ll exercise some discretion.” Artist Trey Everett described the work as “designed so it won’t be a distraction,” and said he created large, simple forms so drivers could register the image without being unduly distracted.

Opponents and several commissioners said the case turned on process and on the ordinance’s specific limits. Commissioner Sandy, who made the motion to require removal, said the commission was not deciding whether the mural was attractive but whether it had been placed where the code does not permit a mural without formal approval. Commissioners who voted for removal cited concerns about precedent in residential areas and the text of the municipal ordinance.

The commission’s motion directed removal of the mural from the wall that faces the public right-of-way. The motion was moved by Commissioner Sandy, seconded by Commissioner Sorrell, and passed on a roll-call vote with six members voting yes and two voting no. Commissioners who voted in favor said staff should enforce the code and not create exceptions outside the public approval process. Commissioners who opposed the motion proposed alternatives, including fines and requiring removal only of identifying text, but those proposals did not carry.

The commission also debated whether the council should revisit the city mural ordinance; a motion to ask City Council to reconsider the 2023 amendment failed to pass the commission. Commissioners and several residents urged clearer guidance from the city so future public-art projects do not proceed without staff review. Planning staff noted the commission’s decision is a recommendation and that the matter could be appealed or taken up by City Council.

The commission’s decision will be reflected in follow‑up communication from staff to the property owner and to North Dakota Vision Services. The agency’s leadership said in public comment that, if ordered, the agency planned to comply but that removing the work would cost several thousand dollars.

Why this matters: The vote highlights tensions between public art, neighborhood concerns, and municipal permitting rules. Commissioners emphasized that their action is based on the city code’s current language and the circumstances of this installation rather than on the mural’s content.","The Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission voted to require removal of a mural painted this spring on the North Dakota Vision Services School for the Blind after concluding it was installed without required approvals for murals that abut a public right-of-way.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission renews conditional‑use permit for fertilizer facility after staff notes prior permit lapse

Commission OKs PUD amendment advancing plan for up to 160 residential units at Meadowview Ridge

Commission approves rezoning for five‑unit building at 2920 Fifth Ave. N amid neighborhood objections

Planning commission orders removal of mural on North Dakota Vision Services building