Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission Approves Ordinance Change

(KNOX) – The Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission approved the removal of the 20% rule in residential districts.

Grand Forks City Planner Sierra Johnson says that the change would reduce side yard setback requirements.

“This specific ordinance change is for side yard setbacks requirements in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-M zoning districts,” Johnson said before the commission.

Johnson says were many yard setback variances over a decade.

“43 side yard setback variances were granted over ten years, starting 2013 to 2023, making it the third most granted variance over that time,” Johnson said.

This change will act to simplify and reduce side yard setback requirements in residential districts and will allow for maximum utilization of lots while still maintaining separation using the regulations already outlined in each district’s code.  The update to the code is meant to simplify side yard setbacks and increase utilization potential of residential lots.

The Planning and Zoning Commission approved the change which now goes before Grand Forks City Council for final approval.