City Council reviews comprehensive plan update to address growth and zoning concerns

Rathdrum officials are set to embark on a significant update to the city’s comprehensive plan, addressing community concerns about growth and land use. During the Planning and Zoning Meeting held on June 18, 2025, city representatives discussed the necessity of revising the current comprehensive plan, which was last adopted in 2021. This update is mandated every five years and aims to align the plan with the city’s area of impact and current zoning codes.

Key issues identified include outdated elements within the existing plan and a disconnect between the plan and current city regulations. Officials emphasized the importance of removing irrelevant objectives and updating the future land use map, which will focus on realistic growth projections for the next five years. This approach aims to limit expansion to areas that are likely to be annexed into the city, ensuring that planning efforts are both practical and sustainable.

The updated plan will also incorporate sound planning principles, such as promoting commercial development along arterial streets while maintaining a balance with residential areas. Officials noted the need to control higher density residential growth, allowing it only in designated areas to prevent overdevelopment.

Additionally, the city plans to revise its annexation code and zoning designations to better reflect community needs and ensure compatibility with emergency services and local school districts. These changes are intended to enhance the city’s planning framework and address the frustrations expressed by residents regarding the non-binding nature of the comprehensive plan.

As Rathdrum moves forward with these updates, city officials are committed to creating a more effective guidance document that reflects the community's vision for future growth and development. The next steps will involve further discussions and public input to refine the comprehensive plan and ensure it meets the needs of all stakeholders.