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MCKENZIE COUNTY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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MCKENZIE COUNTY
COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................1
Purpose of a Comprehensive Plan .................................................................1
McKenzie County Comprehensive Plan .........................................................1
Definitions ........................................................................................................2
Goal. ..................................................................................................................2
Vision ................................................................................................................3
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ..............................................................................4
Goal. ..................................................................................................................4
Objectives .........................................................................................................4
Implementation Strategies ..............................................................................4
GOVERNMENTAL ................................................................................................6
Goal. ..................................................................................................................6
Objectives .........................................................................................................6
Implementation Strategies ..............................................................................6
NATURAL RESOURCES .....................................................................................8
Goal. ..................................................................................................................8
Objectives .........................................................................................................8
Implementation Strategies ..............................................................................8
LAND USE ............................................................................................................9
Goal. ..................................................................................................................9
Objectives .........................................................................................................9
Implementation Strategies ..............................................................................9
PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES ............................................................... 11
Goal. ................................................................................................................ 11
Objectives: ...................................................................................................... 11
Implementation Strategies: ........................................................................... 11
TRANSPORTATION ........................................................................................... 13
Goal.............................................................................................................................. 13
Objectives ....................................................................................................... 13
Implementation Strategies ............................................................................ 13
RECREATION .................................................................................................... 15
Goal . ............................................................................................................... 15
Objectives ....................................................................................................... 15
Implementation Strategies ............................................................................ 15
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HOUSING ........................................................................................................... 16
Goal ................................................................................................................. 16
Objectives ....................................................................................................... 16
Implementation Strategies ............................................................................ 16
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INTRODUCTION
McKenzie County, as never before, is confronted with growth and development issues
in the agriculture and energy sectors. The increased scrutiny of the cost of public
services, changing economic trends, growing concern about the effects of land
consumption, and energy development has resulted in a decision to adopt a
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
Purpose of a Comprehensive Plan
Typically, everything that is addressed in a comprehensive plan is meant to guide
policy-makers in their decisions-making process with respect to the physical nature of
the land in their jurisdiction, and the manner in which those decisions affect public
services. Times change. The issues and values that once drove certain land use
decisions may no longer be valid and new issues and community values become more
prominent. When county leaders make a decision to adopt a comprehensive plan, they
are acknowledging these changes and are laying the groundwork to take advantage of
new opportunities to guide the future of their county. The reasons for adopting the
McKenzie County Comprehensive Plan have been identified as follows:
• Effectively plan for and manage growth
• Efficient use of public lands
• Retain the viability of agricultural activities
• Promote economic vitality and growth
• Identify, preserve, and promote the wise use of natural resources
• Protect and enhance the environment
• Promote recreational opportunities throughout the county
• Ensure consistency with other planning processes
• Ensure adequate provision of public facilities and services
• Preserve historic, cultural, and archaeological resources
• Promote fiscal responsibility
McKenzie County Comprehensive Plan
A comprehensive plan serves as a basis for making decisions on long-range
development. It indicates in a general way the thoughts the people and local decision-
makers have about their county and its communities and the way they want to develop
over the next years. It is not a binding document, but rather an ongoing process
designed to be flexible and dynamic – subject to periodic updating and changes as
needs dictate.
The plan consist of two parts: Part I contains background information on the human,
economic, and natural resources and land characteristics of the county; Part II presents
the plan itself through a series of Goals, Objectives, and Implementation Strategies as
recommended by the McKenzie County Planning Commission based on input received
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from the public and the conclusions of the various characteristics and problems as
determined through an analysis of the background information and as subsequently
adopted by the Board of County Commissioners.
Definitions
Goal: Broad general concept that an individual, a community, or a society wishes to
attain in the future.
Objective: A more specific, measurable step to be taken toward achieving a goal.
Implementation Strategies: (Policies) A particular and coordinated action which is
designed to achieve the goal and objectives.
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Vision
McKenzie County is located on the far west central border of North Dakota. It is the
largest county in the state (in terms of acreage). The county is bordered on the West by
the State of Montana; to the north by Williams and Mountrail Counties; and the south
and east by Dunn, Billings, and Golden Valley Counties. The County was settled by
ranchers, farmers, and tradesmen in the 1890’s and early 1900’s. Agriculture
traditionally has been the backbone of the local economy.
The goal is to maintain the quality of place currently enjoyed by the residents;
maintaining the agrarian ideal; protecting the integrity of the rural communities; and
continuing the stewardship of the land, all while reaping the benefits of development.
The county is focused on building new opportunities for the future.
The vision of McKenzie County is to be a place where agriculture remains the primary
use of land, but will coexist with alternate uses which complement agriculture. This
vision will be realized by initiatives in several areas including:
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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Health, schools, traffic, the environment, public service, and economic growth are all
affected by development decisions. Growth presents a tremendous opportunity for
progress in McKenzie County. At the same time growth creates a challenge to maintain
farmland or natural landscapes, small town traditions, and rural character while still
benefitting from development. Economic development focuses on:
1) Governmental policies and programs directed at elements of the economy
expanding the economic base;
2) Policies and programs designed to provide high quality transportation
systems, public safety, housing, health, and work-force training; and
3) Policies and programs directed at job creation and retention, higher wage
levels, and real estate development.
4) Use of federally owned lands to maintain the local economy.
Goal: Enhance and diversify McKenzie County’s economy.
Objectives:
A. Strive for a well-rounded, stable economic foundation for the county.
B. Maintain a viable workforce for economic growth.
C. Preserve the importance of the agriculture sector in the county.
D. Ensure an adequate supply of industrial and commercial land in appropriate
locations.
E. Cooperate with NRCS and the McKenzie County Grazing Association to
strive for a diversified and stable economy for the County.
Implementation Strategies:
With respect to economic development, McKenzie County adopts the following policies:
1) McKenzie County supports and promotes the ideal of the family farm/ranch
as an economically viable way of life.
2) McKenzie County supports efforts made toward sustainable economic
development that results in good stewardship of natural resources.
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3) McKenzie County supports economic development efforts that result in a
majority of living wage jobs.
4)
McKenzie County supports the land use and zoning designation of an
adequate supply of commercial and industrial land as needed to attract
quality business and industrial development within the County.
5) McKenzie County supports efforts to promote tourism and the County’s
recreational potential.
6) McKenzie County supports research, processing and utilization of
agricultural products and by-products.
7) McKenzie County encourages workforce development and training efforts.
8) McKenzie County supports economic development through the
development of community amenities which make the County an attractive
place to live, work, and play.
9) McKenzie County supports and promotes working in close cooperation with
the Federal Government and the McKenzie County Grazing Association to
help stabilize the local economy.
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GOVERNMENTAL
While philosophies over time differ as to the role of government or the size of
governmental administrative agencies, government on the county and local level, at a
minimum, is charged with the task of providing for the health, safety, and welfare of the
general public. As county government attempts reasonable management of beneficial
growth, it must find a balance between the interest of industry, commerce, and the
general public, while at the same time maintaining and protecting the rural character of
the county.
McKenzie County should establish governmental policies, practices, and priorities that
protect the public health and welfare and balance the needs of both the public and
growth interests.
Goal: Ensure efficient administration of county government for the betterment of
McKenzie County and its residents.
Objectives:
A. Strive for improved levels of communication and coordination between the
county, the cities within McKenzie County, and organized political entities
and subdivisions as appropriate.
B. Promote public involvement in the decision-making process.
C. Provide for a cost-effective and efficient method of governmental
administration and services.
Implementation Strategies:
With respect to governmental administration, McKenzie County adopts the following
policies:
1) McKenzie County supports coordination with state, federal and regional
agencies, companies, and associations involved in ensuring appropriate
planning.
2) McKenzie County supports working for the development of consistent and
complementary zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, annexation
procedures, and extraterritorial jurisdictions between McKenzie County and
the cities within the county.
3) McKenzie County supports proportionate and equitable increases in
distribution of state oil/gas and coal severance taxes relative to the energy
producing counties.
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4) McKenzie County supports the cooperation, interaction, and communication
on a regular basis with the neighboring county commissions.
5) McKenzie County supports the periodic review of county codes and
ordinances to ensure their current relevancy.
6) McKenzie County supports the solicitation, consideration, and utilization of
citizen input and suggestions when making public decisions.
7) McKenzie County supports the use of Geographic Information System (GIS)
technology and data analysis in the decision-making process where
appropriate.
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NATURAL RESOURCES
McKenzie County is blessed with abundant natural resources with current development
and the potential for future development. It also has a delicate watershed system and
soils subject to erosion. The stewardship of natural resources often results in polarized
opinions. All acknowledge the need to protect our natural resources. Technologies need
to be developed that meet human population and economic needs is such a manner
that allows the environment to sustain and regenerate its resources.
Goal: Encourage the wise and proper use or development of the county’s natural
resources.
Objectives:
A. Recognize the potentials and capabilities of the land and its uses,
particularly in regard to natural resource development.
B. Maintain and/or restore McKenzie County’s clean and favorable
environment.
C. Promote the appropriate use of productive agricultural land.
D. Preserve adequate quantities and quality of ground and surface water
supplies.
Implementation Strategies:
With respect to natural resource development and conservation, McKenzie County
adopts the following policies:
1) McKenzie County supports the establishment and maintenance of county
natural, recreational or historical preservation areas.
2) McKenzie County supports proper planning for impacts resulting from coal,
oil, natural gas, wind, or other natural resource development.
3) McKenzie County supports proper planning of mining activities throughout
the county.
4) McKenzie County supports the identification of and protection of available
and potential sources of surface and groundwater.
5) McKenzie County supports coordination with the McKenzie County Water
Resources District with respect to drainage issues and new development.
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LAND USE
Communities strive to find the best and most efficient use of land. This goal is tempered
by competing use values. McKenzie County has a diversified economy. Agriculture has
historically played a primary role in the local economy. Multiple generations of families
have owned and operated the land. Any land use plan must take into account this rural
heritage and the rural values it has fostered over the years. Cultural and historical
resources as well as competing industrial and commercial demands must be considered
in the development of any land use plan.
Goal: Assure that the use of land is properly planned and compatible with adjacent
land uses.
Objectives:
A. Encourage the wise use of land.
B. Strive to protect the agricultural integrity of rural areas.
C. Ensure orderly and desirable energy development.
D. Foster proper growth management practices.
E. Avoid conflicts between land uses.
Implementation Strategies:
With respect to land uses, McKenzie County adopts the following policies:
1) McKenzie County supports limiting structural development in floodplain
areas.
2) McKenzie County supports uniform land use regulations.
3) McKenzie County supports the establishment of rural subdivisions in
accessible, easy-to-service areas.
4) McKenzie County supports the utilization of defined growth management
sectors and procedures within the county for planning and decision-making
purposes.
5) McKenzie County supports the limiting of residential or commercial
subdivisions on problem soils areas.
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6) McKenzie County supports the use of existing utility corridors and
discouraging developments that are not readily accessible to utility services.
7) McKenzie County supports subdivision designs that are compatible with the
environmental characteristics of the site, as well as complement the
location.
8) McKenzie County supports evaluating the need for providing separate areas
for mixed housing types.
9) McKenzie County supports ensuring that adequate water and waste
disposal is available prior to subdivision approval.
10) McKenzie County supports avoiding strip development or activities that
encourage strip developments.
11) McKenzie County supports the limitation of uses that depreciate land values
of adjacent properties.
12) McKenzie County supports the development of standards for the
construction of and maintenance of roads in subdivision developments.
13) McKenzie County supports and encourages housing developments on sites
in or adjoining the County’s existing cities.
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PUBLIC FACILITIES AND SERVICES
County government is charged with the task of providing services and facilities for public
use. These benefits are designed to protect the general health and welfare of the
citizenry and to improve the general quality of life. McKenzie County may not be able to
meet the new demands associated with development. The cost of providing services
often exceed the revenue generated from taxes and fees in these areas. Public services
and facilities as a minimum involve law enforcement, ambulance services, fire
protection services and road maintenance.
Goal: Plan, develop, provide and maintain adequate and efficient public facilities and
services.
Objectives:
A. Keep abreast of needs as they change throughout the county.
B. Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of county operations and services.
C. Ensure safe and healthy living conditions for the residents of the county.
D. Provide a means by which the county and its cities can direct future growth
and development.
E. Ensure that land is available to provide for economical and efficient
construction, operation, and maintenance of the public facilities and services
in both existing and future developments.
Implementation Strategies:
With respect to the county’s needs for public facilities and service, McKenzie County
adopts the following policies:
1)
McKenzie County supports examining the feasibility of combining city and
county governmental services and facilities through intergovernmental
cooperation and joint-exercise-of-powers agreements for cooperative
ventures, thus avoiding duplication of services and facilities and
minimizing tax expenditures.
2)
McKenzie County supports ensuring that the costs of additional services
and facilities are equitably distributed among actual users, developers,
and beneficiaries without undue stress upon general taxpayers.
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3)
McKenzie County supports the continual update of departmental
manpower and equipment needs assessments, priorities, fiscal impact
analysis and capital improvement programs.
4)
McKenzie County supports providing adequate law enforcement services
and equipment throughout the county.
5)
McKenzie County supports providing for the needs of the county’s senior
citizen population.
6)
McKenzie County supports providing adequate emergency services
throughout the county and training for emergency medical and para-
medical personnel.
7)
McKenzie County supports ensuring that social service programs are
available and managed in a cost-effective manner.
8)
McKenzie County supports the sustainability of adequate medical facilities
within the county.
9)
McKenzie County supports the use of a county-wide Geographic
Information System (GIS) incorporating all jurisdictions.
10) McKenzie County supports maintaining its website for the use and benefit
of the citizens of the county and to take advantage of technological
advances for information dissemination.
11) McKenzie County supports the development a public facilities and
services plan to determine land needs and location requirements for public
facilities.
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TRANSPORTATION
An adequate transportation system is essential to the continued economic growth and
development in McKenzie County. This is the case both for agricultural and commercial
interests. McKenzie County has vehicular, truck, public transport and air services.
Economic development impacts tend to stress the county’s transportation systems and
networks.
Goal: Provide and maintain an adequate transportation system within McKenzie
County.
Objectives:
A. Provide reliable routes for the transfer of goods and products to markets.
B. Integrate county road improvements with land use needs and public service
areas.
C. Ensure the viability of air, truck, and bus services in the county.
Implementation Strategies:
1) McKenzie County supports safe access by county residents to necessary
facilities, services, and public transportation systems.
2) McKenzie County supports road improvement and bridge replacement
program.
3) McKenzie County supports the establishment of a preferred heavy traffic
road network.
4) McKenzie County supports the use of low water crossings as an alternative
to over-designed bridges and structures where appropriate.
5) McKenzie County supports a regular assessment of the rural roads system
to determine maintenance scheduling and road access needs.
6) McKenzie County supports establishing and implementing right of way
needs for future roadway network improvements.
7) McKenzie County supports locating rural subdivisions in areas presently
serviced by arterial roads and which can accommodate the additional traffic
load.
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8) McKenzie County supports the limitation of residential subdivision
development from being placed in a location that does not have a paved
road or highway as its primary route of access to the development’s local
street system.
9) McKenzie County supports updating the county’s subdivision regulations to
establish requirements for developer financing of paving access roads
between the paved highway system and the local streets within the
development.
10) McKenzie County supports the expansion and improvement of airport
facilities.
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RECREATION
McKenzie County promotes a wide array of recreational opportunities throughout the
county. Hunting, fishing, water-based sports, golf, hiking, and rodeos represent but just
a few of the assets and activities available to the user. These activities also support a
growing tourism trade within the area. The reaches of the North Dakota Badlands
extend to the southern edge of the county and provide a scenic display of their rugged
nature.
Goal: Optimize the county’s recreational assets.
Objectives:
A. Recognize, develop, promote and maintain the quality of recreational assets
of the county.
B. Encourage tourism development through promotion of the county’s
recreational assets.
Implementation Strategies:
With respect to recreation, McKenzie County adopts the following policies:
1) McKenzie County supports the development and maintenance of parks and
recreational sites and activities for all county residents and visitors.
2) McKenzie County supports the expansion of facilities and services when
warranted by population densities and opportunities.
3) McKenzie County seeks to coordinate with city programs and facilities to
meet the needs of the county’s residents.
4) McKenzie County supports efforts to promote tourism and the county’s
recreational potential.
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HOUSING
Adequate housing is a concern in McKenzie County. A growing population increases
the pressure on existing housing developments and demands new solutions to the
problem.
Goal: Promote an adequate housing supply for the existing and future residents of
McKenzie County.
Objectives:
A.
Promote a wide range of housing options and desirable housing for all
socio-economic and age groups within McKenzie County.
B.
Encourage the improvement of the quality of the housing supply.
Implementation Strategies:
With respect to housing, McKenzie County adopts the following policies:
1)
McKenzie County encourages housing development in areas with
adequate infrastructure.
2)
McKenzie County supports rural housing development when it is located
within close proximity of the primary county road system, and is designed
and constructed in a manner which ensures utilities match those available
in existing cities.
3)
McKenzie County supports the development of a land use plan and zoning
districts that provide for a variety of housing styles.
4)
McKenzie County supports the creation and maintenance of aesthetically
pleasing neighborhoods.
5)
McKenzie County supports the requirements for buffer areas and
“transitional land uses” between residential districts and industrial and
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commercial developments to ensure land use compatibility in and around
neighborhoods.
6)
McKenzie County supports the development of housing facilities which
minimize negative impacts on the County.