Senator introduces bill to suspend Saipan zoning code for five years amid business complaints
March 02, 2025 | Senate, Northern Mariana Legislative Sessions, Northern Mariana Islands
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Senator Castro formally introduced Senate Bill 24‑23 on Feb. 28, a measure "to suspend the administration and implementation of the Commonwealth zoning code and the Saipan zoning law and its amendments for a period of 5 years and for other purposes," she said on the Senate floor.
Why it matters: Castro and other senators said the bill responds to widespread complaints from Saipan's business community and residents about onerous fees, unclear enforcement and regulatory conflicts that they say interfere with business starts and property rights. The sponsor framed the bill as a temporary moratorium to allow a committee review and public outreach rather than an immediate removal of zoning protections.
On the floor Castro said the zoning law "is a good law" but that over time challenges in its implementation have produced burdens on businesses and threats to landowners, including notices of liens. She said the bill is limited in geographic scope—applying to Saipan—and includes provisions to safeguard full‑time employees by building in a "safety net" for jobs while the moratorium and review are conducted.
Senator Magofna said his forthcoming bill will focus on nuisance abatement and blighted property issues, including signs and liens that he said could lead to foreclosure. He described both bills as complementary: Castro's moratorium for broader zoning review and Magofna's targeted approach to address signage, liens and blight.
What happens next: The bill was introduced and placed on the calendar for committee consideration; senators said the measure would proceed to committee where public outreach and deliberation would take place. No final passage vote is recorded in the session excerpt provided.
Clarifying details: SB24‑23 was introduced by Senator Castro and co‑sponsored by Senator Kurina; the bill text as introduced suspends zoning code implementation for five years and specifies that the pause applies to Saipan. Castro said the moratorium would not automatically terminate municipal employment and that a safety net would be included in the bill's language to protect full‑time positions while the review occurs.
Taper: Senators emphasized the need for careful committee work and public outreach before any permanent changes are made to zoning law.
Why it matters: Castro and other senators said the bill responds to widespread complaints from Saipan's business community and residents about onerous fees, unclear enforcement and regulatory conflicts that they say interfere with business starts and property rights. The sponsor framed the bill as a temporary moratorium to allow a committee review and public outreach rather than an immediate removal of zoning protections.
On the floor Castro said the zoning law "is a good law" but that over time challenges in its implementation have produced burdens on businesses and threats to landowners, including notices of liens. She said the bill is limited in geographic scope—applying to Saipan—and includes provisions to safeguard full‑time employees by building in a "safety net" for jobs while the moratorium and review are conducted.
Senator Magofna said his forthcoming bill will focus on nuisance abatement and blighted property issues, including signs and liens that he said could lead to foreclosure. He described both bills as complementary: Castro's moratorium for broader zoning review and Magofna's targeted approach to address signage, liens and blight.
What happens next: The bill was introduced and placed on the calendar for committee consideration; senators said the measure would proceed to committee where public outreach and deliberation would take place. No final passage vote is recorded in the session excerpt provided.
Clarifying details: SB24‑23 was introduced by Senator Castro and co‑sponsored by Senator Kurina; the bill text as introduced suspends zoning code implementation for five years and specifies that the pause applies to Saipan. Castro said the moratorium would not automatically terminate municipal employment and that a safety net would be included in the bill's language to protect full‑time positions while the review occurs.
Taper: Senators emphasized the need for careful committee work and public outreach before any permanent changes are made to zoning law.
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