Planning commission approves Brecke subdivision, two replats and a parking exception

The Fargo Planning Commission on April 1 approved multiple land-use items affecting housing density, property layout and parking in Fargo neighborhoods.

Decisions at a glance - Brecke (60 Fourth Avenue addition): Commission approved staff recommendation to accept the revised plat and planned unit development, including a sidewalk connection to the nearby shared-use path. The proposed zoning change is from SR2 to SR4 to allow smaller lots; the commission voted in favor (roll call approved; unanimous at time of vote). - Simonson Company Fourth Addition (minor subdivision): Commissioners approved a two-lot replat (no zone change) at addresses including 3971 50 Third Avenue South and adjacent parcels; staff recommended approval and the commission unanimously approved. - Golden Valley Sixth Addition (rezoning): The commission approved a zone change from SR4 to SR5 for a 0.9-acre lot near Davies High School, which would allow a maximum of 13 units per the SR5 density standard; the applicant’s preliminary plan proposes 11 units. Staff recommended approval and the commission voted to accept staff findings. - Goodman Subdivision (conditional-use permit): Approved a CUP in the GC (General Commercial) zone to allow an alternative access plan with shared parking and a reduction in required spaces. Staff’s parking-demand analysis showed a peak-week demand of 90 spaces but the applicant proposed 19 new spaces and retained 109 existing spaces; the LDC-required total for the listed uses was 48 spaces, so the proposal reduces required parking by 29 spaces (from 48 required to 19 proposed on new construction). Staff recommended approval with conditions and the commission approved.

Why it matters The actions change lot sizes and allowable residential density on several infill parcels and allow a shared-parking approach to support redevelopment along Main Avenue. Approvals affect future housing capacity in near‑downtown neighborhoods and alter local traffic and pedestrian access patterns.

Selected details and discussion Brecke 60 Fourth Avenue addition: Planning staff described a revised plat that narrows the private street slightly to provide a continuous 4.5-foot sidewalk around the private drive and a connection to the municipal shared-use path; the sidewalk across city-owned land will require a separate easement negotiated with the city and maintained by the subdivision. Applicant representative Brian Pattengale (Houston Engineering) said the adjustments shortened three eastern lots by about two feet and lengthened one western lot by about six feet to make room for the sidewalk while preserving a 20-foot setback so vehicles can park in front of garage doors.

Simonson Company minor subdivision: Chelsea (Planning staff) summarized the site near 50 Second Avenue South and 30 Eighth Street South, noting the property remains LC (limited commercial) with a conditional overlay that carries through. Commissioners asked whether a traffic signal was planned for the busy intersection near Walmart; staff said there was no current warrant for a signal but traffic counts are monitored and a signal could be considered if warrants are met in the future.

Golden Valley Sixth Addition rezoning: The applicant’s preliminary plan proposes 11 units on a 0.9-acre parcel; Chelsea said the proposal is similar to a nearby SR5 project and staff received one inquiry in response to the application. The commission accepted staff findings and approved the rezoning to SR5.

Goodman Subdivision CUP (alternative access/shared parking): Luke (Planning staff) explained the parking study and that, with the proposed arrangement, peak demand for all uses was estimated to be 90 spaces while the applicant plans to retain 109 existing spaces and add 10 new spaces, and proposed 19 spaces for a new building — which the staff parking table produced as a net reduction of 29 spaces compared to the LDC’s numeric requirement of 48. Commissioners noted the project will add landscaping and parking‑lot buffers where there is currently mostly pavement, which several commissioners said will “soften” the corridor and was welcomed.

Votes and next steps All four actions were approved by the Planning Commission at the meeting. The approvals for plats and zone changes permit applicants to proceed with the next steps in the city’s land‑use and permitting process. Appeals of Planning Commission decisions, where applicable, must follow the LDC process and be filed within the statutory 10‑day window.

Clarifying details and sources - Brecke: sidewalk alignment adjusted; sidewalk connection across city property will require a separate easement (applicant and staff presentations). - Simonson subdivision: no zone change; conditional overlay maintained (staff report). - Golden Valley rezoning: 0.9-acre lot; SR5 allows up to 14.5 units per acre (staff presentation); applicant proposed 11 units. - Goodman CUP parking: LDC-required parking for the listed uses shown as 48 spaces; applicant proposes 19 spaces for the new/changed uses, a reduction of 29 spaces from the LDC requirement (staff parking table).