Idaho developer can request zoning change

A Seattle company proposing a large golf retreat and luxury home development near Harrison is free to request a zone change on nearly 2,000 acres after a recent Idaho Supreme Court decision.

The high court last week dismissed an appeal by Neighbors for Responsible Growth, the Kootenai Environmental Alliance and four families living near Powderhorn Bay, meaning that the county’s decision in October 2006 to amend the growth plan to allow rural development stands. The neighborhood and environmental groups argued that the project doesn’t fit with the area’s pastoral nature.

Now the state Supreme Court must decide, likely this fall, if the groups must pay the attorney’s fees for the property owners.

Powderhorn Ranch LLC Vice President Rand Wichman said the group’s appeal was frivolous and meant only to inflict delays. He said the company is “pressing forward” with plans to build as many as three golf courses and up to 1,300 homes and condos.

Meanwhile, Powderhorn Ranch continues to negotiate with nearby Harrison to include the property in city limits, making it unnecessary for the company to get approval from Kootenai County. If the annexation is approved, it could become the largest in the county’s history and potentially boost the waterfront town’s population of 270 by 10 times.