PZ: No limits on seasonal businesses

SANDPOINT — Seasonal businesses will not be treated any differently than year-round enterprises, Sandpoint Planning and Zoning commissioners agreed Tuesday.

Cate Huisman asked fellow commissioners at Tuesday’s planning meeting if the city’s commercial code should address where seasonal businesses could operate, and in what state business owners leave their storefronts during the off-season .

Fellow commissioners, however, decided against any limitations or regulations regarding seasonal businesses.

“I have no intention of making business owners stay open for 12 months, so they can lose money for nine months,” Commissioner John O’Hara said. “That is out of the scope of this planning commission.”

Kathleen Hyde agreed.

“It’s better to have seasonal businesses, then no businesses,” Hyde said.

The economy dictates business practices, commissioners said.

“If there is a demand, they would be open,” Hyde said.

Once businesses close for the season, are they required to keep a tidy presence, Huisman asked.

“Is this an enforceable issue?” she asked.

Ordinances requiring snow removal and keeping sidewalks free of garbage are already in place, Planning Director Jeremy Grimm said. But city ordinances do not address superficial aspects unless they are severe.

“We do not have a dirty window ordinance, or dusty window enforcement,” Grimm said.

Chairman Shelby Rognstad said seasonal business owners might consider taking down old banners and flyers as a courtesy.

“If that is even a significant problem,” Rognstad said. “I could see how someone might call that unsightly, but it isn’t a problem for me.

“I don’t know if that is even enforceable.”

Commissioners decided against adding language to the latest commercial zone recommendations.

“If I was going to open in the business district and was told I had to be open so many days per year, that would be a real detraction for me,” Commissioner Aaron Qualls said.