🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - West Fargo, ND
Primary Residence Rule Sparks STR Debate in West Fargo
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Primary Residence Rule Sparks STR Debate in West Fargo
In West Fargo, the short-term rental saga is heating up—again. And at the heart of it? A single requirement that’s sparked the most debate: whether STRs must be the host’s primary residence.
This hot-button issue took center stage as the city’s newly formed Short Term Rental Committee held its inaugural meeting on June 30. Appointed by Mayor Bernie Dardis, the group includes city commissioners Rory Jorgensen and Roben Anderson, plus representatives from fire, police, planning and zoning, and city administration.
The residency rule has been on a rollercoaster. Originally in the draft ordinance, it was pulled by the Planning and Zoning Commission back in May—only to be reinserted by the City Commission, who approved the first reading of the updated ordinance in a close 3-2 vote on June 2. Commissioners Brad Olson and Jorgensen opposed it, while Dardis, Amy Zundel, and Anderson voted in favor.
“It was in there, then it was out, and now it’s back again,” Jorgensen said. “That’s the number one thing we need to sort out.”
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Committee members didn’t just talk legal language. They also heard from those thinking practically. Planning Commissioner Kathi Schwan urged the group to consider the area’s healthcare needs. Traveling nurses, out-of-town medical staff, and even transplant patients rely heavily on STRs for temporary housing close to hospitals.
“These aren't just vacation rentals,” Schwan said. “They serve a critical role for people seeking medical care or providing it.”
As the committee digs deeper, they’re also exploring how other cities like Moorhead, MN, and Sioux Falls, SD—approach STR rules, especially regarding occupancy limits and enforcement. Assistant Fire Chief Dell Sprecher summed up the spirit of the work ahead:
“We’re not trying to over-regulate or ban these rentals. We just want to use common sense and make sure we’re doing what’s best for the city.”
Next steps? City staff will prepare a survey and gather more data. The committee is set to meet again at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 28, at City Hall. Expect the agenda to go live by Friday, July 25 on the city’s website.
For now, West Fargo’s STR policy remains a work in progress and all eyes are on whether that primary residence clause stays or goes.
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