Latest news with #HB1500
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Grand Forks moving ahead with first changes to nonconformity property rules since 1980s
Jun. 1—GRAND FORKS — The city of Grand Forks is moving forward with the first overhaul of its nonconformity code in nearly 40 years. The changes received their first approval from the Grand Forks City Council on May 19, but have been discussed for several months. This will be the first time the city has changed rules governing nonconforming lots, structures and zoning uses since the current land development code was created in 1987. The current code has been described as punitive, heavy-handed and unclear. "Particularly with our small lots, our residential small lots, we had quite a few in our older neighborhoods — small, affordable homes," Grand Forks planning manager Andrea Edwardson told the council. "They're getting caught in the financial transactions, because if you have a nonconforming status, typically you cannot receive financing." The changes also align city code with changes in North Dakota Century Code. A law passed by the Legislature that goes into effect later this year, HB 1500, will allow many noncomforming property owners — who previously had issues — to more easily rebuild or repair their homes. The new law and the new city code don't allow all nonconformities to rebuild. The changes allow for rebuilding to match a current structure and format if it meets the uses laid out in zoning, doesn't encroach on public rights of way or neighbors, and meets building codes. Grand Forks' change goes one step further and would allow for most property owners to rebuild, both residential and commercial. Again, owners will have to still meet structural and encroachment rules, but would clear many of the hurdles of needing to go through the city variance process. The nonconformities affected by the change fall into three categories: * A nonconforming land use: The property's activity is not allowed by the designated zoning of a property, like residential homes in an industrial area or commercial in a residential zone. Nonconformities often occur when the city changes the land use. * A nonconforming lot: The property's dimensions no longer meet the requirements of the code. This is common in older parts of Grand Forks, where lots are on average smaller and minimum dimensions have increased over time. * A nonconforming structure: The use is permitted, but the structure doesn't meet land use requirements for setbacks, impervious surfaces or some other requirement of code. Nonconforming lots and structures can go through a variance process through the city's Board of Adjustments, but it's a process that can take several weeks from initial application to final approval. Nonconforming land uses require zoning map ordinance changes, which also take several weeks between the Grand Forks City Council and the Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission. The changes to code will likely make the processes clearer, if not easier for many. "We're essentially saying those north-end properties that existed before our current zoning code, if you're allowed within your district in terms of activity, we want to make it a little bit easier should anything happen," Edwardson told the Herald. "We want to make this easier for you to have housing financing options and open that door up a little bit more." Additionally, the city is reaching out to several property owners on the north end of Grand Forks that have been identified as being eligible for rezoning so they're no longer nonconformities. Forty-three properties that are along commercial corridors, but don't face the corresponding thoroughfares tied with the commercial zoning, have had letters sent saying they could apply to be rezoned from commercial to residential. The Planning and Zoning Commission will review applications in July.
Axios
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Illinois Republicans endorse Indiana's move to annex counties
The Indiana Legislature has Illinois in its crosshairs, renewing a storied state rivalry. Why it matters: The political maneuvering could reimagine how both states look — or might just poke at your civic pride. The latest: The Indiana House has passed two bills in recent weeks, one targeting downstate counties and another targeting Chicago sports teams. But these measures may be designed more for political posturing than reality. The big picture: The majority Republican state seems to be emboldened, aiming for Gov. JB Pritzker and the majority Democratic state of Illinois. In Illinois, Democrats hold all statewide elected offices and a supermajority in the House and Senate. In Indiana, the GOP holds all statewide elected offices and supermajorities in both of its chambers. Zoom in: One bill would annex several downstate Illinois counties that approved ballot measures to separate from the state. Reality check: Indiana can't just grab counties, especially since most of the ballot measures weren't about leaving Illinois, but splitting with Cook County. Plus, Illinois would need to play along and OK the deal — which, in 2025, under Democratic control, is not happening. What they're saying: Illinois Republicans are seizing on the move to emphasize their frustrations with Democrats, pointing out their own bill to split the state. "The frustration in rural Illinois is real, and it is growing by the day, and so it is good to see Indiana continuing its efforts to support the liberation of Illinois counties," state Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) tells Axios. "I hope Illinois considers following Indiana's lead. HB 1500 deserves a hearing in Illinois." HB 1500 would require Pritzker to appoint a commission to study adjusting the state boundaries if Indiana passes its bill. Yes, but: If Indiana did annex the 33 conservative-leaning downstate counties, Illinois Republicans would lose those voters. The intrigue: Indiana also seems to want to lure a Chicago sports franchise across the border. The House passed a bill to establish a task force to explore building a stadium for a sports franchise like the Bears. Zoom out: The Bears are pushing for the state of Illinois to invest billions for a new stadium on the Museum Campus or in Arlington Heights, but the governor and the legislature haven't shown much interest in making that happen on the state's dime. Even if the Bears, who haven't shown interest in relocating to Indiana, entertain the notion of building across the state line, it's highly unlikely the state of Indiana has billions of dollars to spend to make a new stadium a reality. Plus, Indiana already has an NFL team — the Indianapolis Colts. Between the lines: Indiana has made it clear that any sports franchise looking for a new stadium would be welcome, which could include other franchises in need of a new home — namely, the Chicago White Sox. That could be more appealing since Indiana does not have an MLB team. The bottom line: These latest moves may heat up an ideological fight between the two states, but the reality is that it may be more bluster than beef. What's next: The Indiana Senate would have to approve the two bills for either to be passed into law.
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Indiana House passes bill to consider ‘adopting' Illinois counties that wish to secede
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTVO) — The Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would study the possibility of adopting 33 Illinois counties that have expressed their desire to secede. The bill, or the 'Indiana-Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission,' now heads to the Indiana Senate for consideration. Illinois Rep. Brad Halbrook introduced a companion bill in Illinois, , which would supply Illinois representatives to a bi-state commission. It is currently held up in the Rules Committee of the Illinois House. To date, passed non-binding referendums calling for separation from Cook County and the state. Illinois voters who support the referendums argue that Chicago and Cook County voters hold an oversized sway in policies enacted by the state legislature, and do not align with the priorities of rural voters. But, the process to annex those counties into Indiana would have to go through both Illinois and Indiana statehouses and Washington D.C. Redrawing state borders would ultimately take an act of Congress. Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston (R), who authored HB1008, said the economy of downstate Illinois would flourish under his state's 'low taxes, low regulatory environment, a ton of economic development already taking place.' Legislators feel moving a state line may be more palatable than creating a separate state to the US Congress, which would have the final say. 'It's a stunt. It's not going to happen,' Pritzker said in January. 'I don't think that's attractive for anyone in Illinois, where wages are higher and the standard of living is higher, and we do provide health care for people in need.' HB1500 passed with a vote of 69-25. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
