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Fargo Planning Commission approves Covey Ranch subdivision, annexation tied to stormwater and road work
Summary
The Planning Commission approved the Covey Ranch Third Edition major subdivision and a related owner-initiated annexation covering roughly 153 acres south of 64th Avenue. The vote (10–1) followed staff presentations about zoning changes, a park, stormwater conveyance and future roadway connections.
The Fargo Planning Commission on Jan. 6 approved the Covey Ranch Third Edition major subdivision and a related owner-initiated annexation, clearing the way for a multi-phased development south of 64th Avenue between 45th Street South and I‑29.
Planner Megan told commissioners the application covers roughly 153 acres and proposes rezoning from agricultural to a mix of single‑dwelling (SR4), multi‑dwelling (MR3) with a conditional overlay, limited commercial (LC) with a conditional overlay, and public & institutional (PI). The master plan includes a 6‑acre park the Fargo Park District is expected to own; stormwater conveyance channels the city would own; and a collector network including 64th Ave, 45th St S, 66th Ave and 40th St S. Megan said MR3 areas are intended for higher‑density multi‑dwelling development at about 50 units per acre when developed.
Staff and the applicant noted several infrastructure elements intended to guide future development: right‑of‑way dedications for neighborhood and collector roads; a roundabout proposed at 40th St S and 65th Ave S; negative access easements to limit driveway access on arterials; a temporary turnaround on 65th Ave S until adjacent parcels dedicate the remainder of Sports Drive South; and language in the amenities plan and developer agreement addressing roadway construction, utilities, access management, stormwater and special assessments.
Assistant city engineer Nathan Borboom described street cross sections: a 74‑foot right‑of‑way on residential streets to provide boulevard snow storage (roughly 11–12 feet), a 32‑foot travelway to allow parking on both sides, and a 4.5‑foot sidewalk located about 2 feet off the property line.
Commissioners asked about pedestrian connections and student safety near Capstone Classical Academy. Megan said staff and engineering expect a single crossing on the south side of 66th Ave S, tying to a 10‑foot shared‑use path and the city’s Safe Routes to School planning; she added crossing locations can be refined in the amenities plan and later engineering design.
Developer representatives (including Jay Selman for Dabbert Custom Homes) said smaller lot footprints in the plat can help lower house footprints and support affordability, while noting the project is primarily single‑family home ownership rather than a ‘missing middle’ housing type.
Public comment was opened and closed with no speakers. Commissioner (speaker 2) reiterated prior concerns about small‑lot subdivisions and stated they would vote no. The roll call recorded 10 ayes and 1 no, and the motion carried.
The annexation item (D1) was presented as owner‑initiated under the North Dakota Century Code and described as consistent with the city’s Growth Plan; staff noted the city is acquiring some property to complete stormwater infrastructure. That annexation was approved on a separate roll call later in the meeting.
Next steps: the subdivision approvals include right‑of‑way dedications and developer agreement terms that will be implemented during platting and future development reviews; the I‑29 interchange ramps that affect Sports Drive access are currently programmed for 2028, which staff noted could affect timing for some roadwork.
