Fargo staff introduces draft Land Development Code and proposes combining incentive bodies

Planning staff introduced the first public draft of Fargo's Land Development Code (LDC), describing a line-by-line staff and stakeholder review to 'right-size' code changes for local climate, economy and development patterns.

The planner said the draft is intentionally broad—drawing on national best practices—and that the next steps include public feedback, focus groups and detailed staff edits. "We're rolling up our sleeves to dive in deep from the history of application, whether it's Special Assessments, TIFs, pilots," the planner said, noting incentive policy work will follow the LDC timeline.

During the discussion staff proposed combining the Renaissance Zone Authority and the Economic Development Incentive Committee to reduce duplication and provide applicants one consolidated forum. Commissioners discussed membership, timing, and whether other boards such as the Special Assessment Commission (which state statute governs) could be included. One commissioner said combining the groups would reduce duplicate review and help applicants; another asked staff to return with a list of committees and a plan for consolidation.

Why it matters: merging the committees could streamline review for applicants seeking tax incentives or development assistance and improve staff coordination across finance, planning and assessment functions. Staff cautioned the change would be iterative, with public outreach and possible member adjustments.

What’s next: staff will continue stakeholder engagement on the LDC, hold focus groups in May, and return with recommendations for committee consolidation and membership details. Commissioners gave informal support for staff to proceed with more detailed proposals.

Ending: staff said they will present more detailed drafts and recommended organizational changes in future meetings once public feedback and internal reviews are complete.