Grand Forks CIty Council Approves a Change to an Ordinance

((KNOX) – Grand Forks City Council approved a change to a setback ordinance at their meeting Monday evening.

Grand Forks Planner Sierra Johnson says the modification removes the 20% rule for side yard setbacks in all relevant residential zoning districts.

“This is the final approval to eliminate the 20 percent rule for side yard setbacks in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and R-M residential zoning districts,” Johnson says.
“Removing the 20 percent rule in residential districts requirements, is consistent with the goal that the City of Grand Forks cannot constrain the housing supply with unnecessary regulation.

It would also allow housing types that families that can buy or rent. Johnson says that the 20 percent rule was also unclear on its purpose.

“This rule often leads to additional side yard setbacks requirements that can be confusing, and also inconvenient. Preventing maximum utilization of residential lots,” says Johnson says.

The change will act to simplify and reduce side yard setback requirements in residential district, and will allow for maximum utilization of lots while still maintaining separation using the regulations already outlined in each district’s code.