Board of Appeals finds error in building official's interpretation, clears path for Explorer Academy locks pending design submittal

The Fargo Board of Appeals voted to find an error in the building official's interpretation of code and signaled that Fargo Public Schools may move forward with a request to add three magnetized exterior door locks at the Explorer Academy, contingent on a full alternative-design submittal. The board's voice vote followed presentations by the district, the project architects and city staff.

Corey Stanton, superintendent for Fargo Public Schools, told the board the Explorer Academy serves kindergarten through eighth grade students with intensive one-to-one staffing and that "last year, we did have a couple of elopements out of that area," describing the unsecured gym area as "a really dangerous thing." Architect Mark (YHR Partners Architects) said the proposed magnet locks are tied to the fire-alarm and sprinkler systems and mirror prior approvals under Minnesota guidance used in 2020.

City staff said they had denied the current request because the city had no formal permit application on file and could not find complete documentation for the earlier allowance; staff recommended the district either bring the space up to current code or submit a comprehensive alternative-design package aligned to the newer Minnesota provisions. Assistant City Attorney Alyssa Farrell Chepeski advised the board that bylaws allow the board to review errors of interpretation and alternative methods but do not permit the board to grant variances to the code; she noted policy or code changes would require City Commission action.

After discussion, a motion was made and seconded to find that the building official's interpretation was in error and to allow the school district to proceed with obtaining an approved alternative design. The motion carried by voice vote. The board asked the school district to work with city staff on a complete submittal so the building official could review the specific alternative methods and the board could render a formal recommendation if appropriate.