Buffer zone hailed, jeered

SANDPOINT - The public remains split on what landowners in new developments should be allowed to do within the county's waterfront setback zones.

Bonner County commissioners conducted a public hearing Monday during which proposed shoreline vegetative buffers were hailed as a scientifically-proven method of protecting water quality or derided as a curtailment of property rights.

Commissioners are holding another public hearing on the county's land use code reforms and zoning map amendments on Thursday at Priest River Junior High School. That hearing starts at 6 p.m.

At Monday's hearing on those topics, the proposed vegetative buffer continued to dominate the discussion, with some passionately urging the county to adopt the new measures and others passionately recommending the county ditch them.

Jim Kelly, a waterfront landowner in Sagle, reminded commissioners he and other property owners pay a premium on their taxes and should be allowed to develop their land as they see fit.

"Now we're going to be told what we can and cannot do in the 40 feet," Kelly said, referring to the county's existing waterfront setback where the buffer rule would be applied.

But the proposed buffer, which could require landowners to retain native vegetation or plant beneficial non-native species, is being embraced by other landowners and resource groups. Proponents of the buffer argue it would protect water quality because fewer pesticides and fertilizers would migrate into public waters.

"The water is what makes this area what it is," said landowner Karen Lamb.

County commissioners have not yet decided which elements, if any, of the proposed buffer will be implemented.

Another prevalent theme which emerged on Monday involved proposed changes to the zoning map. A number of landowners testified they purchased their land with an eye toward subdividing down the line to defray the cost of educating their children, help a family member or turn a modest profit.

But some of the proposed changes would thwart their land from being subdivided as they had initially planned.

"I feel as though I'm being penalized for not developing my property sooner," said Don Morris, who expressed frustration with attending numerous public hearings over the years only to have concerns about his property ignored. "I just want the option of trying to protect my interests in the future."

Some landowners urged commissioners to create a grandfather clause to protect their right to subdivide, which would run for as long as they own the property.

Although some of the zoning map changes could restrict how deeply a parcel can be divided, county officials pointed out that proposed changes in the land use code provides alternatives they never had before, such as developing accessory dwelling units and cottage-style homes - either of which could be used to generate rental income or provide for a family member.

Know the code

Proposed changes to the land use regulations and a zoning map for Bonner County's 1.1 million acres can be viewed at the Planning Department or on its Web page (www.co.bonner.id.us).