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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Eye On Boise

Don’t bar the gate

This just in: One of the ritziest towns in the state is looking into banning gated communities.

In Ketchum, the Planning and Zoning Commission has voted unanimously to make it illegal to install a gate on any paved road or driveway that leads to more than one residence.

The resort town near Sun Valley hasn’t given the final word yet; that’s up to the City Council. But according to the Associated Press, P&Z Commission Chairman Greg Strong said Ketchum shouldn’t go the way of other western resort areas that have been filling up with gated communities that restrict public access. “I just went to Palm Springs, and after being there I don’t want to see another gate in my life,” he said.

The city attorney advised P&Z commissioners that they can, in fact, do this. That’s because the city has the authority to act “in the interest of public health, safety and welfare.”

Eye On Boise

News, happenings and more from the Idaho Legislature and the state capital.