The revocation of a transfer of township zoning authority.
Impact
The proposed changes through SB2317 are noteworthy in shifting regulatory power back to townships. The bill is seen as a crucial step in reinforcing local control over land use decisions, which many proponents argue is essential for addressing the unique needs and preferences of communities. However, some concerns have been raised about the complexity and administrative burden that may arise from implementing these changes, with critics fearing it could lead to inconsistencies in zoning regulations between different municipalities and counties.
Summary
Senate Bill 2317 focuses on amending the North Dakota Century Code to revise the processes regarding the revocation of township zoning authority. The bill allows a township that has previously transferred its zoning authority to the county to reacquire that authority under specific conditions. Requirements include the passage of a written resolution by the township's board of supervisors, an election to be held with the majority of qualified electors voting in favor of the return to township zoning, and the adoption of a comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance. This reestablishment of local zoning control is significant as it aims to facilitate localized governance and responsive land use policies.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around SB2317 appears to be mixed. Supporters encompass a variety of local governance advocates who believe that restoring zoning authority to townships allows for better reflection of community needs and interests. Conversely, opponents may view this measure with skepticism, cautioning against potential fragmentation of zoning laws that result in regulatory chaos, as different localities may adopt conflicting regulations that could complicate development efforts and property transactions.
Contention
A notable point of contention regarding SB2317 is how the balance of authority between local governments and counties will be navigated post-enactment. While it empowers townships to reclaim their zoning authority, there are implications for existing agreements and the administrative processes required to reinstate the zoning authority. Hence, the discussions around the bill highlight larger trends in land use governance, community representation in decision-making, and how best to manage the relationship between different levels of government.
Allocations to townships from the township highway aid fund and an allocation of motor vehicle excise tax collections to the township highway aid fund and the county highway aid fund; and to provide an effective date.
The transferability, revocation, and suspension of licenses for a mobile home park, small claims court jurisdiction, and required disclosures to tenants residing in a mobile home park; and to provide a penalty.
A transfer of Bank of North Dakota profits to a water infrastructure revolving loan fund; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide a report; to provide a penalty; to provide for application; to provide a retroactive effective date; to provide a contingent effective date; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
The flexible transportation fund, motor vehicle excise tax allocations, an appropriation for township roadway funding, and the appropriation of bond proceeds for transportation projects; to provide an exemption; to provide a report; to provide for a legislative management study; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
Fuel production facility loan guarantee reserve funding, the housing incentive fund, the powers of the North Dakota pipeline authority, definitions for the clean sustainable energy authority, a clean sustainable energy authority line of credit, and an appropriation from the state fiscal recovery fund; to provide a contingent appropriation; to provide for a transfer; to provide an exemption; to provide for a study; to provide for a report; to provide a statement of legislative intent; to provide an effective date; and to declare an emergency.
Rural ambulance service district formation, organization, board of director powers, levies, and dissolution and withdrawal procedures, ambulance operations areas, authorization and state financial assistance for emergency medical services, and county emergency medical service levies.