Code reform workshops set

SANDPOINT — Bonner County is looking for input on proposed revisions to its land use codes.

The code reforms are the subject of workshops on Monday at Sandpoint Community Hall and on Tuesday at Priest River Junior High School's annex. Both workshops start at 6 p.m.

The county commission and planning and zoning commission are conducting the special meetings, which are being held to update residents on code reform progress, get feedback on some of the proposed changes and allow people to offer their suggestions.

Bonner County's current land use regulations, many of which were cribbed from other counties' codes, were put in place more than 25 years ago.

The county has implemented code updates over the last 10 years, a major re-write of the code is needed to implement the goals and policies of recently updated comprehensive land use plan.

Some of the proposed changes, which were the product of prior workshops and public comment, include:

? Adopting new zoning districts to correspond with the updated comprehensive plan

? Reducing commercial setbacks and increasing setbacks in rural and agricultural areas

? Expanding home-based business opportunities

? Allowing "cottage subdivisions," housing in commercial districts and accessory housing opportunities in some zoning districts to address affordable housing needs

? Establishing landscape standards for commercial and industrial uses

? Creating a "conservation" subdivision opportunity to allow clustered housing without requiring a separate planned unit development process

? Allowing spas, resorts and art studios in certain settings

? Setting new standards for development in higher-elevation areas such as Schweitzer Mountain to address parking, snow storage and setbacks

Daytime workshops will be conducted on Tuesday at Sandpoint Community Hall. Design professionals and developers are meeting from 10 a.m. to noon. Environmental issues such as hillside development, wetlands and waterfront setbacks will be discussed from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Standards for commercial and industrial development will be considered from 2:30-3:30 p.m.

? Information about Bonner County's land use codes, including the comprehensive plan, can be found in the planning department section of the county's Web site (www.co.bonner.id.us). Written comments on code reform can be mailed to the Bonner County Planning Department, 127 South First Ave., Sandpoint, ID. 83864. Comments can also be e-mailed to planning@co.bonner.id.us