Moorhead's Planning Commission voiced fewer concerns on Tuesday than developers have raised when it reviewed proposed new zoning rules for gateways to the city.
City officials have proposed the new zoning district as a way to improve the appearance of corridors that serve as the entrances to Moorhead.
The gateway overlay district would set additional zoning regulations that would include more stringent building standards, landscaping and lighting requirements, and setbacks.
At a meeting last month, a handful of major developers said they are worried the new zoning rules could hamper development on Moorhead's burgeoning south side.
Planning commissioners offered their feedback on the proposal Tuesday, the bulk of which dealt with the proposed design standards.
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All walls visible from the gateway streets would need to incorporate at least three architectural elements. That figure would rise to five or seven elements for larger buildings. The ordinance lists examples of architectural elements, such as windows, art, accent materials, canopies and roof overhangs.
As written, the architectural elements would need to be approved by the Planning Commission.
Requiring the board to approve those details for each project would amount to micro-managing, Commissioner Mike McCarthy said.
McCarthy said he thinks the rules on architectural elements are too restrictive and he expects developers will feel the same.
Commissioner Liz Stabenow said she backs the focus on architectural elements.
"I think it's very important," she said. "Some of the buildings we have now are not attractive."
McCarthy suggested allowing City Planner Deb Martzahn to judge what constitutes an architectural element and allow applicants to appeal to the Planning Commission.
Martzahn said she has no problems with that, but is leery of becoming a "one-person jury."
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City officials will seek additional input from developers and others at a public meeting planned later this month.
Martzahn hopes the Planning Commission will make a recommendation on the proposal, which must be approved by the City Council, at its February meeting.
In other business, commissioners approved the final plat for a 20-acre commercial complex between 37th and 40th avenues along Eighth Street South.
Approval was contingent on developer Kevin Christianson and city staff agreeing on how many entrances the complex will have along 40th Avenue South.
Christianson said the as-yet unnamed national grocery chain expected to serve as the complex's anchor wants three entries along 40th Avenue.
Assistant City Engineer Tom Trowbridge said the 800- foot stretch of road does not allow enough room for three entrances.
"There isn't sufficient room to put in turning lanes," he said.
Christianson and the city hope to have a configuration both can agree on by the time the City Council considers final approval of the plat later this month.
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Readers can reach Forum reporter Dave Roepke at (701) 241-5535
