Dickinson Planning Commission Calls for Review of Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Regulations

A significant discussion unfolded at the Dickinson Planning & Zoning Commission meeting on August 19, 2025, as members voiced strong concerns over the city’s current comprehensive plan and its implications for future development. The commission highlighted a pressing need to reassess the plan, which they believe does not align with Dickinson's unique demographics and needs.

Commission members expressed frustration over the push for increased density in housing, particularly on the East Side, arguing that the current plan is overly ambitious and not reflective of the community's reality. One member stated, “This comprehensive plan has to have spaces for large industrial firms that will never come to Dickinson,” emphasizing that the existing framework is misaligned with the city’s actual growth potential.

The conversation took a critical turn as members pointed out that the Urban Development Code (UDC) is being driven by a comprehensive plan that envisions a city much larger than Dickinson. They argued that the previous zoning practices, which allowed for sensible changes that benefited both the community and applicants, should be reinstated. “This whole thing is just completely out of scope,” one member remarked, calling for a return to a more practical approach that acknowledges the city’s current state.

In a bid to address these concerns, the commission proposed a joint meeting with the city council to discuss the comprehensive plan and zoning issues in a more cohesive manner. “We need to make sure that we sit down with council and say this is what we think,” one member suggested, highlighting the importance of aligning the commission’s goals with the council’s expectations.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the necessity of reevaluating the comprehensive plan to better fit Dickinson’s demographic and developmental needs, setting the stage for future discussions that could reshape the city’s planning and zoning landscape.