BIA Advocacy Update

Recap: Building Industry Connect with city planners

We were glad to be joined by Robin Huston, Moorhead; Aaron Nelson, West Fargo; Nathaniel McHaffie, Horace and Nicole Crutchfield and Mark Williams, Fargo, for our final BIC of 2025. 

Our communities are currently updating zoning ordinances, land development codes, growth plans, and more. This made it a great opportunity to hear the latest developments.

Below is the group of city staff and BIA members who participated. 

Information from Moorhead

The new guidance** is on their Building Codes webpage and addresses many of the questions their department receives.

The following pages cover the detailed plans for new construction which include but are not limited to:

• Commercial Project Submittal Requirements
• Residential Project Submittal Requirements
• Storm water permit application
• Sidewalk installation acknowledgement
• Lot grading and drainage acknowledgement
• Deck Plan/Handout (Fillable form)
• Pool Plan/Handout (Fillable form)
• Easement Policy (For Reference) **
• Pavement Expansion Policy (For Reference)**

Due to the varied zoning map and code changes since last year and pending for next year, please contact planning@moorheadmn.gov or call (218) 299-5374 with questions. 

NAHB weighs in on new WOTUS rule

As part of an effort to hear feedback on the proposed rule, the Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosted public feedback sessions, one being in Bismarck, N.D. on Dec. 12. 

BIA-RRV member, Don Dabbert, Jr., Senior Life Delegate, National Area Chairman from Dabbert Custom Homes, provided comments on jurisdictional exclusions. 

The session can be viewed here.

More information from NAHB is provided here.

House Financial Services Committee approves major housing package

The House Financial Services Committee has advanced the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act, giving momentum to major housing legislation expected in early 2026. The bill focuses on expanding housing supply through land‑use and zoning reforms, reducing regulatory barriers and improving financing tools.

They also approved the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2026, which would extend the NFIP’s financing and program through Sept. 30, 2026, and applies this extension retroactively to Sept. 30, 2025.

The Housing for the 21st Century Act is the House's response to the ROAD to Housing Act, legislation passed by the Senate that includes provisions aimed at zoning and land-use policies, and rural and multifamily housing.

More information can be found here.