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Township zoning bill draws split testimony over local control, capacity and business risk
Summary
Senate Bill 2317 would allow townships that previously relinquished zoning authority to regain it if they complete a defined set of steps, prompting sharply split testimony over local control, administrative capacity and risks to large projects.
Senate Bill 2317, sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Jeff Magram, would allow townships that unilaterally transferred zoning authority to counties to reacquire that authority after following a series of specified steps: a board resolution, a vote by qualified electors, a comprehensive plan, adoption of zoning ordinances and appointment of a zoning administrator.
Township officers, advocates and several townships' representatives testified in favor, saying local residents want a stronger voice in how adjacent rural land is used and alleging some counties have been resistant to returning zoning control. Larry Severson of the North Dakota Township Officers Association told the committee that in some…
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