Rezoning request not endorsed

A Kootenai County hearing examiner has recommended denial of a rezoning request that would clear the way for a large, high-density subdivision on the Rathdrum Prairie.

Examiner Lisa Key ruled after a July 5 public hearing where representatives of developer Hayden LLC asked that 280 acres just outside Post Falls be rezoned from agricultural to restricted residential.

The area is sparsely populated, predominantly farm and pasture land. Key found the zoning change would adversely alter the area’s rural complexion and would be inconsistent with the city’s law and the county’s comprehensive plan.

In her July 15 report she also wrote: “The proposed zoning amendment … does not appear to be ‘reasonably necessary or appropriate.’ “

Should the zoning be changed, up to five houses per acre could be built in the Foxtail housing development.

Under its current classification, the region can have no more than one house per five acres.

The proposed housing development is outside Post Falls city limits.

Post Falls has rejected annexation requests by developers four times, prompting Hayden LLC to file suit against the city.

Key’s decision is advisory.

It will be considered by the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners at a second public hearing set for 6 p.m. Sept. 13 in the Kootenai County Administration Building in Coeur d’Alene.