Moyie River rezone proposal draws concern

March 8, 2012

A proposal to rezone a number of properties along the Moyie River from agriculture/forestry to suburban that's going to be heard at a Boundary County Planning and Zoning hearing next week has sparked considerable comment and concern, but for most, it's not going to mean much of anything. The majority of the lots involved are still well below the new "minimum" parcel size; the ones above will likely need a public hearing process to develop. "There were a number of subidivions platted in the 1970s, before the county ever had a zoning ordinance, and every one of those lots has to be considered a "buildable" lot by county law,"said zoning administrator Mike Weland. "They are grandfathered. For them, nothing will change." While the county would allow development, whether zone ag/forestry or suburban, in most cases the land itself precludes development; it won't perk, the land is too close to the river to allow a septic system, you can't drill a well and get good water. The land is what it is; zoning won't change that. Likewise, the new zoning, if adopted, won't change tax assessments; in Idaho, assessments are based on the use of the land, not the underlying zoning. Unless the use of the land changes, assessments will not change. "In developing the Comprehensive Plan, those who were involved noted that a number of lots were platted along the Moyie River in the 1970s, one and two acre parcels on ground zoned for 10 acres," said zoning adminstraor Mike Weland. "We looked at creating a 'recreation' zone, but that would have restricted those properties suitable for building a house from being able to do so." The nearest zoning that would allow a range of uses that were grandfathered in already was suburban; which allows increased residential density,was suburban, and that's what was reflected on the Comp Plan Map. Instead of asking that each property owner make application, pay the fee and go through the public hearing process, they chose to initiate the process themselves, thus saving the many property owners the expense and time. The proposal doesn't give carte blanch ... those few who have enough property to subdivide will in most cases have to go through a public hearing process to do so; all it does is give them the opportunity. For the owners of lots platted in the 1970s, the amendment means nothing ... it will not change taxes, it will not restrict what you can do on your property. All it will do is bring the county zoning map more in line with what is already, and has been for years, on the ground. If it does anything, the proposed zone change might actually increase property value should you offer it for sale ... Realtors do consider zoning when setting the asking price, even if, in effect, it means little or nothing.