Williston City Commission Will Hold A Public Hearing Tomorrow

The City Commission of Williston, North Dakota, is set to convene a significant public hearing on Tuesday, August 22nd, 2023, at 6:00 PM Central Time (C.T.) to discuss and consider proposed amendments to the city's existing zoning ordinances. This event marks an important opportunity for community members to voice their opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding these proposed changes. The hearing will be held in the Commission room of City Hall, located at 22 E Broadway, Williston.

Purpose of the Public Hearing

The primary purpose of this public hearing is to deliberate on two distinct ordinances: Ordinance 1149 and Ordinance 1150. These ordinances are intended to amend specific sections of the existing Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 613) of the City of Williston. The proposed amendments aim to address two main issues: the recreational use of off-highway or off-road vehicles on private property and the penalties for violations related to the zoning ordinance.

Ordinance 1149: Restricting Recreational Use of Off-Highway Vehicles

The first ordinance, Ordinance 1149, seeks to amend various sections of the Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 613) to prohibit the recreational use of off-highway or off-road vehicles on private lots or parcels of property. The amendments would encompass sections 7 F-H, 8 N, 9 R-1E, 10 R-1A, 11 R-1, 12 R-2, 13 R-3, 14 R-4, 15 R-5, 16 R-6, 16a R-7, 17 P, 18a P-2, 19 C-1, 20 C-2, 21 C-3, 21a HCC, 21b, 22 M-1, 23 M-2, 24 M-3, and 24a MA of the existing Zoning Ordinance. The proposed changes aim to curtail the recreational use of such vehicles on private properties, promoting safety and community harmony.

Ordinance 1150: Strengthening Penalties for Violations

The second ordinance, Ordinance 1150, focuses on enhancing penalties for violations related to the Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 613). Specifically, this ordinance aims to amend section 26F of the existing ordinance to introduce a civil penalty framework and an administrative enforcement mechanism for violations. This amendment aims to deter non-compliance with zoning regulations and ensure their effective enforcement, fostering orderly and planned urban development.

Participating in the Public Hearing

The City Commission encourages all interested individuals and stakeholders to actively participate in the public hearing. The hearing will be conducted via GoToMeeting to ensure accessibility to a wider audience. Participants can join the meeting through the following link: https://meet.goto.com/860477741. Alternatively, participants can dial in using their phones by calling +1 (224) 501-3412 and using the Access Code: 860-477-741. The public hearing is scheduled for the 22nd day of August 2023 at 6:00 p.m. Central Time.

Making Your Voice Heard

The public hearing on August 22nd provides an opportunity for community members to express their opinions, raise concerns, and provide feedback regarding the proposed amendments. This is a chance to actively engage with local governance and contribute to the development of policies that impact the city's zoning regulations. Citizens, property owners, and other stakeholders are encouraged to join the meeting, either virtually or by phone, and share your thoughts.

As the City Commission of Williston, North Dakota, prepares to convene this public hearing, all eyes will be on the outcome of the deliberations and the potential implications for development and zoning regulations.