The Grand Forks Planning and Zoning Commission voted July 9 to amend the zoning map and rezone a vacant parcel at 2920 Fifth Avenue North from University District (UD) to R‑4 (multifamily, high density) to permit construction of a five‑unit residential building.

Planning staff explained the property is currently zoned to allow university‑related uses and duplexes; the developer requested R‑4 to build a fiveplex. Staff said the proposed fiveplex would be allowed only with rezoning and that, without rezoning, the lot could fit three duplexes (six units) under current UD rules.

Several nearby residents opposed the rezoning at the hearing. Jennifer Tarlan, a long‑time Fifth Avenue North resident, told the commission the neighborhood has transitioned from family homes to student rentals and urged the commission not to recommend rezoning. She said higher density would “lead to loss of green space, greater congestion, more demand for parking” and “the erosion of community.” Other neighbors cited concerns about parking, green space and building materials.

Commission discussion referenced a prior preliminary review, in which the commission had weighed alternatives and concluded the fiveplex could be a less‑dense outcome than three duplexes at the site. Planning staff said the site’s permitted lot coverage would be 55 percent with 45 percent green space and that no detailed site plan had yet been submitted for final building‑permit review.

Commissioner Sandy, who spoke at length about rental property management in the city, said many neighborhood problems stem from property management rather than a single new building. Commissioner Eichert noted the developer could build three duplexes without seeking the commission’s approval, and commissioners said the rezoning request was intended to limit density compared with that by‑right option.

After public comment and discussion, Commissioner Eichert moved approval and Commissioner Sandy seconded. The motion carried on voice vote.

Why this matters: The decision authorizes a change from UD to high‑density residential zoning that will allow a five‑unit building on a lot residents said has been used as green space and a neighborhood buffer adjacent to UND. Opponents said the change accelerates the conversion of older single‑family blocks into student rental housing and raises parking and public‑safety concerns; supporters and staff said the rezoning reduces the number of dwellings that could be built by right on the parcel and proposed design standards will be reviewed during permitting.