Minutes, October 20, 2009

Joint P&Z, County Commission zone ordinance workshop

County Commissioners present: Ron Smith, Walt Kirby, Dan Dinning. P&Z Commissioners present: Rod Barcklay, Jake Negley, Jan Christenson, Matt Cossallman. Staff present: Phil Robinson, Mike Weland.

Members reviewed Section 5.1 and it was amended as follows:

PRIME FORESTRY

1. Objective: To retain the diversity of those large, sparsely developed tracts of primarily forested land in the public domain; to engender their continued productivity and to retain accessibility to the natural resources these lands provide by promoting compatible and complementary land uses. To preserve the vital resources these lands provide, including timber, mineral resources, grazing, recreation, and critical watersheds. While development may be possible within these lands, in most cases such development will be hampered by lack of adequate public services and by generally steep slopes. It is the objective of this zone district to preserve these lands for multiple use.

2. Standard Net Residential Density: One hundred sixty (160) acres per primary structure.

3. Structure Setbacks: Conforming parcel: Front yard, 60-feet; Side yard, 50-feet; Back yard, 50 feet. Platted Lot or parcel of record: Front yard: 25-feet; Side yard, 20-feet; Back yard, 20-feet.

4. Uses not regulated by Boundary County: All activities specifically approved by the U.S. Forest Service or the State of Idaho, to include; but not be limited to:

   1. Forestry cultivation and harvest.

   2. Mining activities.

   3. Livestock grazing and production.

   4. Agricultural production and harvest.

   5. Outdoor private recreational areas, motorized and non-motorized trails.

   6. Stables, fences and livestock enclosures.

   7. Barns and other similar structures used for agriculture or forestry.

   8. Greenhouses, grain and silage storage structures.

   9. Backcountry cabins, camp huts and similar seasonal recreational structures.

   10. Water resource development.

5. Permitted Uses:

   1. One (1) single-family primary residential structure and associated residential accessory structures on a single conforming parcel or lot, or on a parcel of record.

6. Home-based businesses.

   5.1.5 Conversion of Lands: In the event that lands in the public domain should convert to private ownership, all lands so conveyed shall automatically, effective on the date conveyed, be rezoned from Prime Agriculture to Agriculture/Forestry. Conversely, and lands under private ownership conveyed into the public domain shall automatically, effective on the date conveyed, be rezoned from the zoning at the time of conversion to Prime Forestry.

Members reviewed Section 5.2 and it was amended as follows:

PRIME AGRICULTURE

Objective: To retain the diversity of Boundary County’s prime agricultural lands, located primarily within the Kootenai River Valley, and to engender the continued production of the resources they provide by promoting land uses that are compatible and complementary to agricultural production and harvest and to discourage continued fragmentation. While these lands may be suited for residential and other types of development, much of this zone lies within Kootenai River flood plain, and it is deemed that retaining these lands as open farmland to the extent possible is necessary and desired. It is recognized that agriculture is prevalent throughout the county, and if you buy next to a hog farm and build a home, you can expect the breeze will be a little less than sweet when it blows your way. Farmers work around the clock, and the dust and noise can certainly disrupt peace and quiet. Because the farms were there first, you'll have no room to complain if you build nearby.

Standard Net Residential Density: Ten (10) acres per primary structure.

Structure Setbacks: Front yard, 25-feet; Side yard, 20-feet; Back yard, 20-feet.

Uses not regulated by Boundary County:

Uses requiring a county permit:

1. Establishment of farmsteads, to include one (1) primary residential structure and other agricultural structures and improvements directly associated with farming, ranching or silviculture, to include group or multi-family residential structures specifically for housing seasonal or year-around farm or ranch workers, equipment storage and maintenance structures, barns, silos and like structures on a single conforming parcel or lot or on a parcel of record.
2. Construction or conversion of roads or driveways for the establishment of residential, conditional or special uses.
3. Retail greenhouses or wholesale greenhouses, silos, barns and other similar agricultural or silvicultural structures exceeding eighteen (18) feet in height above ground surface when within the airport overlay.
4. Water channeling and impoundment improvements and flood control structures.
5. One (1) single-family primary residential structure and associated residential accessory structures on a single conforming parcel or lot, or on a parcel of record.
6. Kennels, animal boarding facilities, riding or equestrian training facilities, veterinary clinics.
7. Churches and community halls with primary structures not exceeding 2,500 square feet of surface area.
8. Site preparation activities including non-exempt road building, excavation, grading, fill and other soil disturbing activities.
9. Non-commercial junk yards.

The next workshop will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 27, in commission chambers.