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Daniels County adopts growth policy aiming to protect rural character while planning for housing and infrastructure
Summary
The county approved a new growth policy after a presentation by the planning consultant, emphasizing rural character, 'missing middle' housing, improved emergency services and updated zoning to support modest growth and grant eligibility.
Daniels County commissioners voted Feb. 18 to adopt a county growth policy that aims to preserve the area's rural character while creating a framework for modest housing, infrastructure and economic development.
Rachel, the planning consultant, told the board the draft reflects resident feedback from a fall survey and planning-commission input, noting residents “deeply valued the area's rural character, emphasizing its safety, strong sense of community, and suitability as a great place to raise a family.” The document packages priorities under improved infrastructure, modernized emergency services, community groups and economic development and includes recommended tools such as updated subdivision and zoning codes and pilot programs to stabilize housing for seniors and young families.
The consultant walked commissioners through key policy areas, including housing strategies to preserve and revitalize existing stock, incentives for accessory dwelling units and concepts for ‘‘missing middle’’ housing such as duplexes and triplexes to increase affordability. On land use, planners recommended revising the county zoning code (currently restrictive, the consultant said) so it accommodates modern housing types and development scales less than the current 40-acre minimum for new lot creation.
Commissioners asked practical questions about tax mechanisms and state DEQ requirements linked to subdivision thresholds and whether a local option sales tax or other revenue tools would be realistic. The planner said those finance options and grant opportunities (including Department of Commerce reimbursement) would be part of implementation and offered to provide contact details for the county’s funding specialist.
After discussion, Commissioner (S7) moved to accept the policy and Commissioner (S6) seconded the motion; the board approved the document and directed staff to submit it to the Department of Commerce and begin reimbursement and next-step grant applications. The county will now consider a capital improvements plan and prioritized implementation tasks drawn from the policy.
