MUR zoning scaled back

SANDPOINT — The City Council began work with the Planning and Zoning Commission Wednesday to scale back more controversial aspects of proposed mixed-use residential zoning.

Throughout a three-hour workshop, members of the two government bodies parsed through the proposed regulations, which are intended to allow light business in select residential areas. The work required a precise balance between providing sufficient flexibility for permitted businesses while keeping larger commercial projects relegated to the appropriate zones.

“One of my guiding principles is: As a property owner, am I willing to have this kind of activity occurring near my house?” Mayor Carrie Logan said.

Following those guidelines, Logan checked off a number of items she found a bit too intense for local use. She recommended striking athletic clubs from consideration, saying the businesses were too large and there were already many options in town. She also suggested reducing the maximum square footage for neighborhood corner stores, restaurants and office space and eliminating animal hospitals from the zone. Finally, she suggested restricting alcohol sales on Division Avenue as much as possible due to proximity with schools.