Council recommends replat request be denied

SANDPOINT — Planned development for the Michael’s Heights region may go on hold with a council recommendation that the replat request be denied.

Landowners requested that the city divide their five-acre property into a two-acre and a three-acre lot to support future residential development. However, city officials had some hesitance about opening up the region to that level of population density. Late last month, the Sandpoint Planning Commission recommended the City Council rule against the request, and members followed suit by suggesting in turn that the planning department follow through with a denial.

“The comprehensive plan is in conflict with this proposal due to the fact that its proposed for a very rural area of our ACI,” City Planner Jeremy Grimm said.

City officials identified several reasons for the action. For one thing, the request is counter to the city’s long-term plan, which calls for a small footprint and low density in Michael’s Heights.

Furthermore, an increase of residents in the area could mean increased costs to provide services to the area.

Although the area receives fire protection services from Westside Fire District, automatic aid agreements mean that Sandpoint fire personnel would be called out, city officials said. That was one cited example, but other services would likely incur greater costs as well since higher populations demand higher service by default, they noted.

City council members were also concerned construction in the Michael’s Heights area would impact the regional “viewshed.”

 One major concern of the city’s long-term plan, the preservation of vistas, according to city officials, was key to maintaining the qualities that made Sandpoint special.

“The Planning Commission felt that the view shed from the city to the foot of the hill here is a special area of sight,” Grimm said.   

Other considerations for the decision included the potentiality for blocking access to recreational activities and a possible impact on natural resources.

Nevertheless, council members provided some guidelines just in case the planning department decided to approve the request. First, each house resulting from the development should be addressed with numbers at least four inches in height and contrast against the background color. The developer would also have to meet International Fire Code standards and provide adequate fire hydrants. Access and egress slopes must not feature less than 10 percent of grade, and dark sky lighting should be encouraged.