The North Dakota Senate Industry and Business Committee convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss a bill concerning floodplain management and zoning authority, which has been under consideration since 2017. The meeting featured testimony from various stakeholders, including representatives from the North Dakota Planning Association.

The session began with a review of the bill's provisions, which aim to clarify the roles of floodplain management and zoning authorities. Natalie Pierce, a certified floodplain manager and spokesperson for the North Dakota Planning Association, expressed appreciation for the inclusion of many concerns raised over the years. However, she highlighted potential issues with conflating zoning authority with floodplain management authority, warning that such a merger could hinder effective management of floodplain issues.

Pierce emphasized that elevating structures does not automatically remove them from flood zones, urging the committee to consider making the bill inapplicable to properties within statutory flood zones to avoid complications with repetitive loss properties. She also raised concerns about the bill's wording, suggesting that it might unintentionally restrict local governments from addressing unique community needs.

Committee members engaged in a dialogue with Pierce, seeking clarity on how the bill would impact local subdivisions. Pierce noted that while the nature of zoning ordinances is constantly evolving, the challenges faced by communities remain consistent. She advocated for local jurisdictions to retain the authority to manage their zoning and floodplain issues according to their specific circumstances.

The meeting concluded with a recognition of the complexities involved in zoning and floodplain management, underscoring the need for careful consideration of the bill's implications for local governance. The committee is expected to deliberate further on the proposed legislation, weighing the benefits of standardized regulations against the autonomy of local authorities.