Burleigh County Planning and Zoning Commission - 2026-02-11
Meeting Intelligence Preview
Meeting Summary
The Burleigh County Planning and Zoning Commission approved the Cooma Ranch Subdivision final plat for a 5-acre lot at 8305 Pleasant View Road, contingent on stormwater and paving waivers being obtained. The commission denied proposed amendments that would have adopted City of Bismarck zoning ordinances for properties transitioning out of the Extraterritorial Area (ETA), instead directing staff to develop targeted changes to county ordinances addressing home occupation, accessory building size, accessory dwelling units, and accessory uses.
Key Decisions (3)
Cooma Ranch Subdivision Final Plat
Patrick and Gail Leggenfelder's request to create a single 5-acre lot from a 40-acre property at 8305 Pleasant View Road in Apple Creek Township was approved with conditions. The property will remain zoned agricultural.
ETA Zoning Ordinance Amendments
The commission denied proposed amendments from the January 14 meeting that would have adopted City of Bismarck zoning ordinances for approximately 4,529 parcels transitioning from city ETA jurisdiction to county jurisdiction on March 1. The commission instead directed staff to develop targeted county ordinance changes.
Consent Agenda Items for Public Hearing
Four items including All American Subdivision and two lot combinations were moved to public hearing at the next meeting.
Development Activity (1)
Cooma Ranch Subdivision
5-acre single lot subdivision from 40-acre parcel, agricultural zoning retained
Market Signals (4)
Sentiment
Strong public opposition to regulatory overreach, with multiple residents expressing frustration over permit delays and restrictions on home-based businesses and accessory structures.
Housing Demand
Commission acknowledged need for more lenient home occupation rules, with city recently adopting provisions allowing 3 external employees, 50% of primary home use, and 100% of accessory building for business use.
Infrastructure
Approximately 4,529 parcels (95% of ETA population, estimated 12,000-14,000 residents) transitioning from city to county jurisdiction on March 1, 2026, creating regulatory uncertainty.
Commercial Demand
Multiple small business owners operating landscaping, construction, and service businesses from rural residential properties expressed need for equipment storage allowances.