P&Z rejects permit extension request

SANDPOINT — Before returning to their work revising the residential zoning provisions, planning commission members decided to enforce their recently adopted commercial zoning system.

In a 4-1 vote, they determined to not grant an extension to Garden Pavilion Condos’ conditional use permit. Originally acquired in 2006, developers planned to construct the luxury lakeside condos on Lake Street just east of First Avenue. However, market difficulties forced property owners to delay their plans, and they received three extensions since gaining approval. 

“They identified challenges posed by the economic crisis as the major reason for the delay,” Planning Director Jeremy Grimm said.

With commercial zoning regulations retooled with Sandpoint’s long-term plan in mind, however, Garden Pavilion Condos’ original design no longer complied with city code.

Commission members debated whether or not to grant another extension or ask developers to reapply with revisions to accommodate zoning changes. 

“It’s clear that this development has been planned for a long time and was a great idea back then, and our hope is that it will be again,” Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency member Steve Lockwood said. “But I would encourage you not to grant the extension and have the property conform to new codes.”

Commission members also worried that granting the extension would establish a precedent that could lead to trouble in future applications.

Project representative Stan Hatch said that even with an extension, developers probably couldn’t begin construction within two years.

“Diligently pursuing this would mean pre-selling at least a couple units,” he said.

Commissioner Kathleen Hyde felt that the extension should be granted based on the location’s undesirable positioning for business operation and contributed the sole nay in the decision to deny the extension. Other commission members felt it necessary to uphold the new zoning.

“I think we need to set the standard that all upcoming projects need to comply to current regulations,” Commissioner Shelby Rognstad said.