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Commission approves rezone for Metro Flood Diversion Authority maintenance facility in southern Fargo
Summary
The Fargo City Commission approved rezoning an agricultural parcel to Public and Institutional to allow the Metro Flood Diversion Authority to locate an office and maintenance facility in a remote annexed area.
The Fargo City Commission approved a zoning change that reclassifies a portion of land in the city’s southern annexation from agricultural to Public and Institutional to accommodate an office and maintenance facility for the Metro Flood Diversion Authority.
Donald Kress of the Department of Planning and Development presented the AAB addition subdivision and rezoning, noting the property is within Fargo city limits due to a prior strip annexation. He said the proposed zoning is appropriate for government-owned facilities and the plat creates one lot with access from a dedicated 40 Fifth Street right-of-way.
Why it matters: The Metro Flood Diversion Authority will use the site for offices and maintenance tied to diversion infrastructure; the Public and Institutional zoning allows government utilities and facilities that are not commercial or residential.
During discussion Commissioner Strand asked whether the city would be allowing “leapfrog development” if the city itself places a facility beyond the growth plan’s preferred edges. Planning staff and the applicant said the parcel qualifies as a basic utility and that current land-development code provisions allow limited exceptions for utilities. Staff said the City’s growth plan and a forthcoming land development code rewrite will address thresholds and regulating plans for future development.
No public speakers addressed the commission at the hearing. The Planning Commission had recommended approval by a 10-0 vote. The City Commission moved, seconded and approved the ordinance and rezoning on first reading by roll call (votes: aye votes recorded for Strand, Thunberg, Kolpak, Mahoney and others; Strand recorded a “No” on final roll call for a later tally).
