West Fargo commission approves short-term rental rules, temporary AT&T tower site and multiple neighborhood improvement districts

The West Fargo City Commission on Nov. 3 approved Ordinance 24-28, new rules and an annual licensing system for short-term rentals, granted a temporary site license to install an AT&T cell tower on the new Fire Hall property, and authorized multiple neighborhood pavement improvement districts.

Aaron Nelson, West Fargo director of planning and zoning, summarized the short-term rental ordinance during the meeting’s second reading, saying the measure “establishes regulations and annual licensing requirements for short term for the short term rental of residential dwellings and would become effective 07/01/2026.” Commissioner Olson moved approval and Commissioner Jorgensen seconded; the second reading and the accompanying fee resolution were approved by voice vote.

Dan Hansen, senior director of community and development, briefed the commission on a request from Terra Consulting Group and AT&T to install a temporary communications tower on the southwest corner of the Fire Hall site, followed later by a permanent tower slightly south of that location. Hansen said staff had negotiated a temporary lease for the site “in the amount of $1,500 per month,” had met with the fire department (which raised no objections), and confirmed the temporary installation meets current setback requirements. Commissioners asked staff to compare the proposed rate with other local leases, including the West Fargo High School arrangement; staff agreed to follow up.

City Engineer Jerry Wallace presented three separate improvement-district items. For the Brookwood Manufactured Home Park meter replacement project, Wallace said staff recommended creating an improvement district and directing the engineer to prepare an engineer’s report, following prior CIP guidance: the proposal would assess 30% of meter replacement costs to the district and cover the remaining 70% from city water revenues, in line with Century Code procedures. Wallace also presented an engineer’s report and task order for Improvement District 2296 (Shadowwood neighborhood) and Improvement District 2297 (South Pond neighborhood), both mill-and-overlay pavement rehabilitation projects; commissioners discussed whether work would be bid or done in-house and the potential to retain milling material for future use.

City Attorney Katie Schmidt presented the second reading of Ordinance 12-64 concerning use of city-owned parking ramps; there were no changes since the first reading and the ordinance was approved on its second reading.

All motions described above were moved, seconded and carried by voice vote during the meeting. The commission also received a staff update from City Administrator Dustin Scott on ongoing coordination with Fargo Transit and a planned RFP for a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance 24-28 (short-term rentals), second reading and resolution adopting fees: moved by Commissioner Olson, second by Commissioner Jorgensen, outcome approved (voice vote). - Temporary site license — AT&T/Terra Consulting Group (Fire Hall property): moved by Commissioner Olson, second by Commissioner Jorgensen, outcome approved (voice vote). - Improvement District — Brookwood meter pit replacement (create district, direct engineer report): moved by Commissioner Olson, second by Commissioner Anderson, outcome approved (voice vote). - Improvement District 2296 — Shadowwood pavement rehabilitation (engineer’s report, task order, plans/specs, resolution of necessity): moved, seconded and approved (voice vote). - Improvement District 2297 — South Pond pavement rehabilitation (engineer’s report, task order, plans/specs, resolution of necessity): moved by Commissioner Olson, second by Commissioner Zundell, outcome approved (voice vote). - Ordinance 12-64 (parking ramp), second reading: moved by Commissioner Zundell, second by Commissioner Anderson, outcome approved (voice vote).

What’s next Staff will follow up on the lease-rate comparison for the temporary tower and proceed with the permitting path described by staff for both the temporary and permanent tower installations. Engineers will prepare reports and plans/specifications as authorized for the improvement districts. The short-term rental ordinance will take effect July 1, 2026, as noted by planning staff.

(Reporter: content drawn from West Fargo City Commission meeting transcript of Nov. 3, 2025.)