Comprehensive Land Use Plan Being Updated - Some Changes Concerning! 

 Planning Commissioners have spent many hours working hard dedicating their time to updating the Bonner County Comprehensive Land Use Plan. 

They are requesting input from the community for the changes made. 

Last chance to see this updated at the open house is as follows:

FEBRUARY 11TH at Bonner County Admin Building 1500 US-2 Sandpoint from 3pm to 7pm. 

Please write to them your concerns by February 12th, email address at bottom.

The latest draft of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan raises serious concerns, particularly the decision to alter land use designations to accommodate nonconforming uses. A strong land use plan should offer a long-term vision for responsible growth, not be changed on a case-by-case basis to fit existing, nonconforming properties. This approach sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the plan’s purpose.

We hope you will join us in encouraging the Planning Commission to take a step back and reconsider these changes. Certain land use designations should be restored to their appropriate categories to ensure consistency and fairness. When zoning decisions benefit only select landowners without consideration for the broader community, it erodes trust in local government and weakens the county’s long-term planning efforts.

Concerning Land Use Changes

Some proposed modifications stand out as particularly problematic:

            •           Waterfront Misclassifications: Designating properties near Priest Lake, the east shore of Lake Pend Oreille, Cape Horn, and Cocolalla Lake as “Recreational Resort Communities” is misleading. Unlike areas such as Bottle Bay or Garfield Bay—where there are public and commercial recreational facilities—these locations do not meet the criteria for such a designation. Lakes and rivers are natural features, not recreational facilities, and classifying them as such opens the door to inappropriate high-density or commercial development.
            •           Industrial Expansion in Residential Areas: The Linscott Sagle Gravel Pit’s proposed rezoning to “Mixed Use” would allow for heavy industrial activities, including an asphalt plant, in close proximity to residential neighborhoods. Expanding the designation from 30 acres to 221 acres seems to serve the Linscott family’s interests rather than the public’s, raising serious concerns about conflicts of interest. Similar concerns apply to changes in the Woods Crushing and Hauling properties, which would significantly alter land use in Selle Valley.
            •           Inappropriate Commercial Zoning in Remote Areas: A 19-acre parcel near Packsaddle Mountain, owned by Go Moto Adventures LLC, is set to be changed from Agricultural Forest to Neighborhood Commercial, despite its remote and undeveloped surroundings. If a commercial designation is needed for specific business activities, the property owner should go through the proper application process instead of receiving a blanket change in a countywide plan.

Necessary Revisions to the Land Use Component

Beyond the map itself, the language of the Land Use Component also needs to be strengthened to ensure responsible planning. The effort to simplify the plan has, in some cases, removed key protections and guidance. We strongly recommend the following revisions:

            •           Protecting Water Resources: The phrase “adequate water and sewer services” is too vague and should be replaced with clear requirements. Regulatory oversight from Idaho DEQ or the local health district should be mandatory before approving new subdivisions or higher-density development.
            •           Restoring Public Health Review: Several years ago, the requirement for Panhandle Health District site reviews before zoning changes and subdivision approvals was removed to reduce costs. This change has led to uninformed buyers facing significant expenses when their properties lack adequate wastewater treatment. Restoring this requirement would prevent future issues.
            •           Preserving Farmland and Open Space: The plan should actively encourage conservation through voluntary measures such as conservation easements and land trusts. Many Idaho counties have adopted similar language, and Bonner County should do the same to protect agricultural and forest lands from unnecessary development.
            •           Revising the Resource Extraction Section: The current language appears biased in favor of mining interests and even includes misleading references to eminent domain. This section should be rewritten to reflect a balanced approach that also considers environmental protections and community concerns.
            •           Ensuring Responsible Alpine Development: High-density development at elevations above 3,000 feet requires engineering standards to mitigate risks like landslides and erosion. The current draft removes these protections, which should be reinstated.
            •           Restricting Frequent Land Use Map Amendments: The Comprehensive Plan should not be subject to frequent changes for the benefit of individual property owners. Many counties limit amendments to every six months—Bonner County should consider doing the same to maintain the integrity of the plan.
            •           Reevaluating Mixed-Use Designations: The current draft appears to group too many disparate areas under “Mixed Use,” including industrial zones near residential areas. Industrial zoning should either be removed from the Mixed-Use category or be subject to stricter conditions to prevent conflicts with residential properties.

Take Action – Make Your Voice Heard

The future of our county depends on careful, responsible planning. The Planning Commission needs to hear from residents who care about preserving our natural resources, maintaining our rural character, and ensuring fairness in zoning decisions.

If these issues concern you, we encourage you to speak up. Submit comments, attend public meetings, and advocate for a Comprehensive Plan that serves the entire community—not just a select few.

Together, we can protect the future of Bonner County.

For more information and see the maps of current and proposed maps go here

Please write all letters to planning@bonnercountyid.gov

also you can cc the County Commissioners 

Asia.Williams@bonnercountyid.gov

Brian.Domke@bonnercountyid.gov

Ron.Korn@bonnercountyid.gov

When writing your concerns about the Comp Plan Proposed Changes - make sure that is in the subject line.

Credit for deeper dive and information goes to those who spent time to dissect the information and give their opinions and special thanks to Susan Drumheller who took different opinions and is presenting to help all of us in Bonner County.