Planning Commission - April 1, 2025 Minutes
The Regular Meeting of the Board of Planning Commissioners of the City of Fargo, North Dakota, was held in the Commission Chambers at City Hall at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
The Planning Commissioners present or absent were as follows:
Present: Maranda Tasa, Art Rosenberg, Brett Shewey, Joseph Cecil, Amy Hass, Tyler Mohs, Paul Gleye, Michael Betlock, Tracy Jordre
Absent: Scott Stofferahn, Thomas Schmidt
Chair Tasa called the meeting to order.
Business Items
Item A: Approve Order of Agenda
Chair Tasa noted that Items 1a, 1b, and 1c have been withdrawn. She also noted that a Planning Commission Brown Bag meeting will be held on either April 15 or 16 on the topic of overview staff application process review.
Member Gleye moved the Order of Agenda be approved as presented. Second by Member Mohs. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item B: Minutes: Regular Meeting of March 4, 2025
Member Gleye moved the minutes of the March 4, 2025 Planning Commission meeting be approved. Second by Member Rosenberg. All Members present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.
Item C: Public Hearing Items
Item 1: Broadway Commons Addition
1a. Continued hearing on an application requesting a Zoning Change from MR-3, Multi-Dwelling Residential to MR-3, Multi-Dwelling Residential with a PUD, Planned Unit Development Overlay on the proposed Broadway Commons Addition. (Located at 1004, 1014, and 1024 Broadway North; 1013 and 1017 7th Street North) (Silver Leaf Properties/MBN Engineering, Inc/Gleason Companies): WITHDRAWN
1b. Continued hearing on an application requesting a PUD, Planned Unit Development Master Land Use Plan on the proposed Broadway Commons Addition. (Located at 1004, 1014, and 1024 Broadway North; 1013 and 1017 7th Street North) (Silver Leaf Properties/MBN Engineering, Inc/Gleason Companies): WITHDRAWN
1c. Continued hearing on an application requesting a Plat of Broadway Commons Addition (Minor Subdivision) a replat of all of Lot 1, all of Auditor’s Lots A, B, E, F, and G and a portion of Lot 6 of Marelius’ Subdivision of Block 18 of Chapin’s Addition and part of Auditor’s Lot C of Block 17 of Chapin’s Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota. (Located at 1004, 1014, and 1024 Broadway North; 1013 and 1017 7th Street North) (Silver Leaf Properties/MBN Engineering, Inc/Gleason Companies): WITHDRAWN
A Hearing had been set for November 5, 2024. At the November 5, 2024 meeting, the Hearing was continued to December 3, 2024. At the December 3, 2024 meeting, the Hearing was continued to this February 4, 2025. At the February 4, 2025 meeting, the Hearing was continued to this date and time, however the applicant has requested this application be withdrawn.
Item 2: Brekke’s 64th Avenue Addition
2a. Continued hearing on an application requesting a Zoning Change from SR-2, Single-Dwelling Residential to SR-4, Single-Dwelling Residential on the proposed Brekke’s 64th Avenue Addition. (Located at 1606 and 1648 64th Avenue South) (Brekke Custom Homes/Houston Engineering, Inc.): APPROVED
2b. Continued hearing on an application requesting a Plat of Brekke’s 64th Avenue Addition (Major Subdivision) a plat of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 12, Township 138 North, Range 49 West, of the Fifth Principal Meridian, to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota. (Located at 1606 and 1648 64th Avenue South) (Brekke Custom Homes/Houston Engineering, Inc.): APPROVED
A Hearing had been set for March 4, 2025. At the March 4, 2025 meeting, the Hearing was continued to this date and time.
Planning Coordinator Donald Kress presented the staff report stating all approval criteria have been met and staff is recommending approval. He noted an updated plat was provided for the Board.
Applicant representative Brian Pattengale, Houston Engineering, spoke on behalf of the application.
Discussion was held on the sidewalk layout.
Member Gleye moved the findings and recommendations of staff be accepted and approval be recommended to the City Commission of the proposed 1) Zoning Change from SR-2, Single-Dwelling Residential to SR-4, Single-Dwelling Residential, and 2) Subdivision Plat Brekke’s 64th Avenue Addition, as outlined within the staff report, as the proposal complies with the Standards of Article 20-06, Sections 20-0906.F (1-4) and 20-0907.C of the Land Development Code, and all other applicable requirements of the Land Development Code and the 2024 Growth Plan. Second by Member Shewey. On call of the roll Members Jordre, Hass, Mohs, Shewey, Gleye, Cecil, Betlock, Rosenberg, and Tasa voted aye. Absent and not voting: Members Schmidt and Stofferahn. The motion was declared carried.
Item 3: Simonson Companies Fourth Addition
Hearing on an application requesting a Plat of Simonson Companies Fourth Addition (Minor Subdivision) a replat of Lot 2, Block 1, Simonson Companies Third Addition and Lot 1, Block 1, Simonson Companies Second Addition to the City of Fargo, Cass County, North Dakota. (Located at 3971 53rd Avenue South and 5237 38th Street South) (Simonson Companies, LLC/Lowry Engineering): APPROVED
Planner Chelsea Levorsen presented the staff report stating all approval criteria have been met and staff is recommending approval.
Discussion was held on if a traffic light would be going in on 53rd Avenue and 38th Street South.
Assistant City Engineer Nathan Boerboom, spoke on behalf of the Engineering Department, noting no current plans at this time for a traffic light at that location.
Further discussion was held on access and traffic.
Member Hass moved the findings and recommendations of staff be accepted and approval be recommended to the City Commission of the proposed Subdivision Plat Simonson Companies Fourth Addition, as outlined within the staff report, as the proposal complies with the adopted 2024 Fargo Growth Plan, the Standards of Article 20-06, Section 20-0907. B and C of the Land Development Code, and all other applicable requirements of the Land Development Code. Second by Member Mohs. On call of the roll Members Rosenberg, Betlock, Hass, Cecil, Shewey, Mohs, Gleye, Jordre, and Tasa voted aye. Absent and not voting: Members Schmidt and Stofferahn. The motion was declared carried.
Item 4: Golden Valley Sixth Addition
Hearing on an application requesting a Zoning Change from SR-4, Single-Dwelling residential to SR-5, Single-Dwelling Residential on Lot 11, Block 1, Golden Valley Sixth Addition. (Located at 6788 27th Street South) (Jordahl Custom Homes/Houston Engineering): APPROVED
Ms. Levorsen presented the staff report stating all approval criteria have been met and staff is recommending approval.
Discussion was held on density in a single-family neighborhood.
Member Shewey moved the findings and recommendations of staff be accepted and approval be recommended to the City Commission of the proposed Zoning Change from SR-4, Single-Dwelling Residential to SR-5, Single-Dwelling Residential, as outlined within the staff report, as the proposal complies with the 2024 Growth Plan, Section 20-0906.F (1-4) of the Land Development Code, and all other applicable requirements of the Land Development Code. Second by Member Rosenberg. On call of the roll Members Betlock, Jordre, Cecil, Mohs, Rosenberg, Gleye, Shewey, Hass, and Tasa voted aye. Absent and not voting: Members Stofferahn and Schmidt. The motion was declared carried.
Item 5: Goodman’s Subdivision
Hearing on an application requesting a Conditional Use Permit for an Alternative Access Plan to allow shared parking and reduced parking in the GC, General Commercial zoning district on Lots 15-17, Goodman’s Subdivision. (Located at 3501 and 3511 Main Avenue) (3222, LLC/Century Builders): APPROVED
Planner Luke Morman presented the staff report stating all approval criteria have been met and staff is recommending approval.
Discussion was held on landscaping.
Member Gleye moved the findings and recommendations of staff be accepted and the Conditional Use Permit for an Alternative Access Pan to allow shared parking and reduced parking in the GC, General Commercial zoning district on Lots 15-17, Goodman’s Subdivision be approved, as outlined in the staff report, as the proposal complies with the 2024 Growth Plan, the Standards of Section 20-0909.D of the Land Development Code, and all other applicable requirements of the Land Development code, with the following conditions:
1. A minimum of 119 parking spots shall be provided on the subject properties.
2. Future permits are generally consistent with the site plan provided in the April 1, 2025 Planning Commission packet. Changes may require review by the Planning Commission as determined by Planning staff.
3. If the uses of their hours of operation change from what is outlined in the provided parking narrative, then the updated information will be required to be reviewed and approved by the City of Fargo Traffic Engineer and Planning Commission as determined by Planning staff.
Second by Member Betlock. On call of the roll Members Gleye, Hass, Mohs, Jordre, Rosenberg, Betlock, Cecil, Shewey, and Tasa voted aye. Absent and not voting: Members Stofferahn and Schmidt. The motion was declared carried.
Mr. Kress presented an overview of Items 6, 7, and 8.
Item 6: Mickelson Fields Addition
Hearing on an application requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Telecommunications Support Structure (TSS) to exceed the maximum height requirements in the P/I, Public and Institutional zoning district on Lot 2, Block 1, Mickelson Fields Addition. (Located at 875, 901, and 925 Oak Street North) (Fargo Park District/Terra Consulting for AT&T): APPROVED
Mr. Kress presented the staff report stating all approval criteria have been met and staff is recommending approval. He noted an updated site plan and elevation drawing was provided to the Board.
Discussion was held on landscaping, design standards, and fencing.
Hugh Bealka, Terra Consulting, spoke on behalf of the application.
Additional discussion was held on the location of the tower, the aesthetic look of the tower, lighting for the sledding hill located on the tower, and look of the fencing around the tower.
The following residents spoke in opposition to the application stating the following concerns: Height of the tower, impacting the sledding hill for children, noise, degrading the park, decreasing home values, potential health risks from radio frequency, and affecting wildlife.
Dana Woodruff, 746 Elm Street North
Dawn Nygord 1102 Oak Street
Teresa Nightengale, 2 North Terrace North
Mr. Kress noted radio frequency is regulated federally.
Further discussion was held on managing land use versus benefit, reviewing the proposed height in the application, not the site plan, required distance by code from residential properties, the importance of maintaining and preserving park land, and alternative site options.
Planning and Development Director Nicole Crutchfield spoke on behalf of the Planning Department.
Discussion continued on the Planning Commission’s role in reviewing applications.
Mr. Bealka provided further information on the application.
Additional discussion continued on the tower height, aesthetic look, and alternative tower location options.
Member Rosenberg moved the findings and recommendations of staff be accepted and the Conditional Use Permit to allow a Telecommunications Support Structure (TSS) to exceed the maximum height requirements in the P/I, Public and Institutional zoning district on Lot 2, Block 1, Mickelson Fields Addition be approved, as outlined in the staff report, as the proposal complies with the Standards of Section 20-0909.D, and Section 20-0402.N.3.e.1-5 of the Land Development Code, and all other applicable requirements of the Land Development Code. Second by Member Shewey. On call of the roll Members Rosenberg, Shewey, Gleye, Hass, and Tasa voted aye. Members Cecil, Mohs, Betlock, and Jordre voted nay. Absent and not voting: Members Schmidt and Stofferahn. The motion was declared carried.
Item 7: Section 2, Township 140 North, Range 49 West
Hearing on an application requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Telecommunications Support Structure (TSS) to exceed the maximum height requirements in the P/I, Public and Institutional zoning district on the East Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 22, Township 140 North, Range 49 West. (Located at 4160 and 4350 40th Avenue North) (North Dakota State University/Terra Consulting for AT&T): APPROVED
Mr. Kress presented the staff report stating all approval criteria have been met and staff is recommending approval.
Discussion was held on location, ability to co-locate other companies on the tower, distance from residential area, height requirement, and distance to the next nearest tower.
Mr. Bealka, Terra Consulting, spoke on behalf of the application.
Discussion continued on the number of companies to be co-locatable on one pole.
Resident Dana Woodruff, 746 Elm Street North, spoke regarding the number of towers AT&T is applying for.
Ms. Crutchfield spoke regarding coverage, limited location options in the north part of Fargo, and the current code standards.
Member Rosenberg moved the findings and recommendations of staff be accepted and the Conditional Use Permit to allow a Telecommunications Support Structure (TSS) to exceed the maximum height requirements in the P/I, Public and Institutional zoning district in the East Half of the Northwest Quarter of Section 22, Township 140 North, Range 49 West, be approved, as outlined within the staff report, as the proposal complies with the Standards of Section 20-0909.D, and Section 20-0402.N.3.e.1-5 of the Land Development Code, and all other applicable requirements of the Land Development Code with the following condition:
1. The applicant must provide documentation of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval for the tower height prior to the installation of the temporary and permanent towers.
Second by Member Gleye. On call of the roll Members Mohs, Jordre, Shewey, Hass, Rosenberg, Cecil, Gleye, Betlock, and Tasa voted aye. Absent and not voting: Members Stofferahn and Schmidt. The motion was declared carried.
Item 8: Rose Creek Golf Course Annex Addition
Hearing on an application requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow a Telecommunications Support Structure (TSS) to exceed the maximum height requirements in the LI, Limited Industrial zoning district on Lot 3, Block 1, Rose Creek Golf Course Annex Addition. (Located at 4515 University Drive South) (Fargo Park District/Terra Consulting for AT&T): APPROVED
Mr. Kress presented the staff report stating all approval criteria have been met and staff is recommending approval.
Discussion was held on the height of the tower and if tower height affects coverage.
Mr. Bealka, Terra Consulting, spoke on behalf of the application.
Member Shewey moved the findings and recommendations of staff be accepted and the Conditional Use Permit to allow a Telecommunications Support Structure (TSS) to exceed the maximum height requirements in the LI, Limited Industrial zoning district on Lot 3, Block , Rose Creek Golf Course Annex Addition, be approved, as outlined within the staff report, as the proposal complies with the Standards of Section 20-0909.D, and Section 20-0402.N.3.b.1-3 of the Land Development Code, and all other applicable requirements of the Land Development Code, with the following condition:
1. Height of the Telecommunications Support Structure (TSS) not to exceed 150 feet above ground level.
Second by Member Rosenberg. On call of the roll Members Betlock, Hass, Cecil, Shewey, Rosenberg, Gleye, Mohs, Jordre, and Tasa voted aye. Absent and not voting: Members Stofferahn and Schmidt. The motion was declared carried.
The time at adjournment was 4:34 p.m.