Rathdrum City Council reviews comprehensive plan and code updates for sustainable growth

During the Rathdrum City Council meeting on July 9, 2025, significant discussions centered around the ongoing update of the city's comprehensive plan and related code revisions. This review is mandated by city code every five years, with the last plan adopted in 2021. The council aims to finalize the updated plan by 2026, addressing community concerns about growth, infrastructure, and land use.

A key focus of the meeting was the need for sustainable growth and adequate city infrastructure, including water, sewer, and emergency services. Council members emphasized the importance of balancing residential and commercial development, ensuring that new residential projects offer a variety of lot sizes rather than just small lots. This reflects a shift in community sentiment, as many residents expressed a preference for larger lots.

The council also discussed the future land use map, which currently identifies more land than the designated area of impact. The plan is to align the future land use map with the area of impact to manage growth more effectively. This decision aims to slow down annexations and ensure that development aligns with the city's long-term vision. However, some council members raised concerns about the potential shortsightedness of limiting the future land use map to only the area of impact, suggesting that broader planning could better prepare the city for future growth.

In addition to the comprehensive plan update, the council is working on several code updates, including revisions to annexation and zoning regulations. These updates aim to streamline the development process and encourage commercial growth over residential projects. The council plans to phase out smaller lot designations to prevent the proliferation of subdivisions with only small lots, thereby promoting a more diverse housing market.

The meeting also highlighted the need for increased public engagement in the planning process. Council members acknowledged that community input is crucial for shaping the future of Rathdrum and expressed a commitment to holding workshops to gather feedback on the comprehensive plan and code updates.

In conclusion, the Rathdrum City Council is actively addressing growth and development challenges through a comprehensive plan update and code revisions. The discussions reflect a community-focused approach, aiming to balance development needs with sustainable practices and public input. As the council moves forward, the anticipated workshops will provide further opportunities for residents to engage in shaping the future of their city.