N.D. Cent. Code § 40-48-03
The governing body of any city may create, by ordinance, a planning commission to consist of not more than ten members to be appointed by the executive officer of the city with the approval of its governing body. In addition to the members appointed by the city, the planning commission shall include at least one person residing outside of the corporate limits of a city having a population of less than five thousand, two persons residing outside the corporate limits of a city having a population of five thousand or more, but less than twenty-five thousand, or three persons residing outside the corporate limits of a city having a population of twenty-five thousand or more if zoning authority is exercised pursuant to section 40-47-01.1. Such persons shall be appointed by the board or boards of county commissioners of the county or counties within which such subdivision authority is to be exercised and shall reside within the territorial limits of the subdivision regulation authority exercised by the city, if such persons are available and will serve on the planning commission. Of the members of the commission appointed by a board or boards of county commissioners pursuant to this section, the first member appointed shall hold office for five years, the second member appointed shall hold office for three years, and the third member appointed shall hold office for one year. Thereafter, the members shall be appointed for terms of five years. The executive officer, the engineer, and the attorney of the city shall be ex officio members of the commission.
N.D.C.C. § 40-48-03