Planning Commission approves setback variance for small lot at 313 6th Avenue NW

The Minot Planning Commission voted unanimously Feb. 10 to approve a variance that reduces the front and rear yard setbacks for a property at 313 6th Avenue Northwest to allow construction of a modest single‑family home.

City staff told the commission the lot (East Half Lot 11, Block 4, North Minot addition) is unusually shallow and would not otherwise accommodate the proposed dwelling. Staff said the request reduces the front setback to 13 feet and the rear setback to 15 feet — a 5‑foot reduction from the typical 20‑foot yard requirement after using an 18‑foot neighborhood averaging — and recommended approval, citing the city's comprehensive plan and a housing study that identified a shortfall of starter homes in Minot.

Commissioners asked whether utilities are available; staff said water and sewer are available in the street and that the builder will connect during construction. The public hearing was opened and, with no attendees wishing to speak for or against the variance, was closed.

Commissioner Ziegler moved to approve the variance; Commissioner Kibler seconded. A roll call recorded unanimous yes votes from Bauman, Kibler, Menom, Afordel, Fontanilla, Amick, Doctor, Ziegler and Reich, and the motion carried.

The variance reduces required setbacks specifically to accommodate construction on a very small lot and is intended, according to staff, to support construction of 'starter' single‑family homes described in the city's housing study. No conditions beyond the standard permitting and utility connection requirements were listed during the hearing.

The commission did not receive public opposition at the hearing and did not add conditions beyond staff recommendations. The approved setback reductions will be applied as described in staff exhibit materials for this lot; the owner listed in the public notice is Derek Depa.