Zoning rules to be decided

The Kootenai County Commission wants to make sure its new rules for classifying and dividing land don’t allow developers to get around requirements for stormwater collection, erosion, flood damage prevention and grading.

After nearly three years of work and lengthy debate, the commission will make a final decision next Wednesday on the new rules for subdividing and zoning county land.

The commission also is expected to make a decision on a proposal to expand Camp MiVoden on Hayden Lake.

It’s unlikely the new subdivision and zoning rules will include all the recommendations of a compromised agreement recently reached by a rare combination of local environmentalists, builders and land developers.

“There’s just some little things in there I have concerns about,” Commissioner Gus Johnson said Wednesday after the commission had a public hearing on the drafts.

Johnson said he is uncomfortable with the rules for planned unit developments, which allow developers flexibility in how a subdivision is laid out and often allows them to ask for variances to certain county requirements.

The proposed PUD language would allow developers to not just vary requirements such as stormwater controls but entirely waive the rules, which Johnson said isn’t acceptable.

“That’s like a blank check when you waive something,” he said. “Those standards were put in place for a reason.”

County Planning Director Rand Wichman said staff will meet individually with the commissioners next week to come up with a final version of both laws.

“We want to make sure there aren’t any unintended consequences,” Wichman said.

A 12-member advisory committee, reluctantly appointed by the commission, recently presented its recommendations. The suggestions include providing rules for building on steep hillsides, protections for waterfronts and a rule that would allow up to four property owners to share a common driveway.

The commission appointed the committee out of frustration after the groups of environmentalists, builders, land developers and real estate agents accused the county of not involving the public in the drafting of the two laws.

Committee members hope the commission will turn to these advisory groups as future rules are revised such as the comprehensive plan, which is the foundation of all land use decisions.

The commission also will take up Camp MiVoden on Wednesday.

The Seventh-Day Adventist camp near Mokins Bay on Hayden Lake is proposing to expand its capacity to house 440 people, an increase of 170 beds.

The camp reduced its request, which was initially for 600 people, after a county hearing examiner recommended denial of the proposal saying the expansion is too large and that the camp needs to specifically address concerns such as the lake’s water quality, boat usage and potential aquatic weed problems.

The commission had a public hearing Dec. 9, which drew about 250 people. More than 1,300 people have either written or called the county with comments on the controversial proposal.

Wichman said it appears about half of the people support the expansion while the other half oppose it.

Camp Manager Bruce Christensen said he feels the camp has addressed all of the commission’s concerns.

The $10 million expansion over the next 20 years would include new cabins, a new cafeteria, gym and eventually another lodge.

The 10 a.m. meeting is at the Kootenai County Administration Building. For more information, call 446-1070.