Morton County extends two-year moratorium on habitable construction in Harmon Lake inundation zone
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Summary
The Morton County Commission unanimously approved Resolution PZ25-04 on April 22 to extend a moratorium through April 30, 2027, barring construction of habitable structures in Zone 1 of the Harmon Lake Dam Breach Inundation Overlay District; commissioners called for continued coordination with state water authorities.
The Morton County Commission on April 22 approved a two-year extension of a moratorium on the construction of habitable structures and buildings with living quarters within Zone 1 of the Harmon Lake Dam Breach Inundation Overlay District.
Commissioner Zachmeier moved to adopt Resolution PZ25-04 and Commissioner Morrell seconded; the motion passed with all voting aye. Chairman Nathan Boehm opened the public hearing for the second reading at 6:00 p.m. and called for public comment three times; no members of the public spoke.
The resolution continues the moratorium until April 30, 2027, citing compliance with North Dakota Century Code 11-33-03 and 11-33.2-03. The commission’s statement says the moratorium is intended to guide development in nonurban areas, support emergency management planning, conserve natural resources, and limit potential government expenditures while the North Dakota Department of Water Resources and the State Engineer update dam hazard classifications. The resolution also references North Dakota State Engineer Construction Permit #1092 and explicitly states the moratorium does not prohibit farming or normal incidents of farming.
The commission gave no further public testimony during the hearing. The motion to continue the moratorium was made by Commissioner Zachmeier and seconded by Commissioner Morrell and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m.