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Planning commission gives preliminary approval to add Air Force base ex‑officio member
Summary
The Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission gave preliminary approval to a text amendment that would add the Grand Forks Air Force Base wing commander or a designee as a nonvoting, ex‑officio member of the commission. Commissioners asked staff to confirm base support and clarify appointment language before final action next month.
The Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission on March 5 gave preliminary approval to an amendment to City of Grand Forks land‑development code language that would add the Grand Forks Air Force Base wing commander — or the commander’s designee — as a nonvoting ex‑officio member of the commission.
Staff said the request grew out of a North Dakota legislative proposal (Senate Bill 2398) aimed at increasing military input on developments that could affect base operations. Planning staff presented the draft text amendment and recommended the commission move it forward for final consideration after confirming details with the base.
Commissioners questioned whether the Air Force had been notified and who would appoint the designee. Commissioner Eichert said he wanted confirmation that the wing commander was aware of the request before final action; staff replied they would contact the base before the final vote. Commissioner Budke pressed whether the language should say “commander or their designee” rather than a gendered term; staff agreed to amend the draft to use gender‑neutral language.
Commissioners also discussed the legislative background and whether the proposed state bill, as drafted, could alter the scope of local control. Planning staff said the Senate bill’s original language was broader and could have covered a 25‑mile radius around some installations; the version discussed locally had been amended. Staff emphasized the amendment before the commission is limited to adding an ex‑officio seat and does not grant the base veto power over city development decisions.
The commission voted to give preliminary approval and directed staff to confirm the base’s awareness and to refine appointment language with the city attorney. The item will return to the commission next month for final reading and vote.
The amendment references City of Grand Forks Chapter 18 (Land Development Code, section 18‑0101) and was discussed in the context of Senate Bill 2398.
