Burleigh County Planning and Zoning Commission 2026-07-08

The Burleigh County Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on July 8, 2026, focused extensively on several public hearings regarding variances and zoning changes. Key procurement-related discussions included variance requests for accessory buildings encroaching on setback requirements, with motions to approve or deny based on compliance with county ordinances. The commission denied a variance for a pole barn at 4731 Lookout Trail due to lack of a permit and setback violations, and also denied a variance request on Outlook Road. They approved a variance for Nature View Drive and recommended approval of the Island Park Estates second subdivision combining two lots. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a zoning change and subdivision request for the Clotty property to allow a nonprofit nature-based preschool, which generated extensive public comment both in support and opposition, focusing on concerns about traffic, property values, liability, and rural character. The commission ultimately approved the subdivision and zoning change with a due pass recommendation to the county commission. Additionally, the commission discussed a proposed moratorium on data centers under 50 megawatts, ultimately voting to deny the moratorium and instead pursue ordinance amendments. They also moved forward with a resolution to amend Burleigh County zoning ordinances, sending it to the county commission for approval. The meeting concluded with plans to bring pending subdivision and planned unit development (PUD) items back from the table for future hearings.