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Commissioners approve rezoning for Devils Lake fire‑training area
Summary
Commissioners approved a zoning change to legalize storage containers at the Devils Lake Fire Training Area, allowing the site’s training tower and containers to be used for fire training; staff said the change addresses unpermitted containers and is the first step toward resolving related property issues.
The Northport City Commission voted to approve a zone change for the area around the fire‑training tower on 14th Street NW, a site identified in staff materials as the Devils Lake Fire Training Area. Staff told the commission the change would legalize storage containers currently used for fire training and put the city on firmer footing to address container‑use issues before pursuing legal remedies.
"So this is just a recommendation for approval to change the zone for the area where the fire training tower is over there," a staff member told the commission, explaining the move is intended to allow the existing storage containers to be used for fire training services. No members of the public spoke during the hearing, and the commission moved and carried the recommendation.
Why it matters: zoning updates like this formalize where public‑safety training can occur and remove the risk of enforcement against equipment used by first responders. Commission discussion focused on process rather than substance; no conditions or amendments were added at the meeting. The item proceeded on a planning staff recommendation and passed by voice vote.
Next steps: the change was recorded as approved at first reading/decision level at the meeting; staff will apply the new zone designation administratively and monitor compliance with any new conditions required by the ordinance or site plan.
