Commission Broadens View Spokane Planning Commissioners Oppose Development In Idaho

The Spokane County Planning Commission is poised to take the unusual step of opposing a development across the state line.

Commission members say a proposal for a 10-acre septic system to serve 400 homes on Idaho’s Rathdrum Prairie threatens drinking water for the entire region.

On Tuesday, they asked Spokane County commissioners to send a letter opposing the project to their counterparts in Kootenai County.

The three Spokane County commissioners said no.

“We’re not getting involved in another county’s business,” said Phil Harris, a planning commission member before he was elected county commissioner.

“I wish they were that concerned (about developments) here,” said county Commissioner John Roskelley, who cited subdivisions along the Little Spokane River as examples of projects without sewers that the planning commission didn’t oppose.

Don Moore, chairman of the planning commission, said it was proper protocol to ask county commissioners to send the letter. But the commissioners’ response doesn’t put the matter to bed.

“It’s my guess that we will send that letter from the planning commission directly to the Kootenai County commissioners,” said Moore, adding that his colleagues are unanimous in wanting the county to oppose the septic system.

Moore said the letter will be discussed at the planning commission’s Aug. 15 meeting. That’s a day after Kootenai County commissioners will consider developer Charlie Potts’ request for a conditional use permit allowing the septic system.

Normally, septic systems are only allowed on Rathdrum Prairie lots that are five acres or larger. Anything smaller cannot be developed without public sewers.

Cheri Howell, planning director for Kootenai County, said Potts is trying to find an alternative to the septic system, so he may change his proposal before the meeting. If the proposal isn’t changed, she said, it’s up to Kootenai County commissioners whether to accept letters and other comments after the hearing.

The Spokane County Planning Commission’s concern over the development is unusual.

“The planning commission is appointed by the Board of County Commissioners,” said county planner Stacy Bjordahl. “They don’t like to step on toes.”

The planning commission makes recommendations on land-use planning issues. The panel rarely takes an activist role on matters that aren’t on its agenda and doesn’t have authority to speak for county government.

“I’m not saying they’re wrong, it’s just highly unusual” for any planning commission to become involved in activities outside its own county, said Ron McConnell, a planning consultant in Kirkland, Wash.

But, McConnell said, the action by Spokane County’s panel would please many in his industry.

“There’s a school of thought that says we shouldn’t be planning (based) on political boundaries, we should be planning according to watersheds and other natural boundaries,” he said.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Map of Twin Lake Village area