Bonner County OKs 63-602W developer discount for three parcels after mapping check

The Bonner County Board of Commissioners approved a developer inventory tax exemption under Idaho Code section 63-602W for three parcels after staff confirmed a prior mapping error and recommended approval.

The exemption, commonly called a developer discount, reduces taxable value on qualifying land held for development; county staff said the board applies a 75 percent reduction under the statute rather than a full exemption. Assessor's Office staff (Corey Gable) told commissioners, “we still do put a value on it. It's not a complete…exemption. It's 75%.”

County counsel and staff described why the application required additional review. A mapping display used in the department’s initial review had implied a house straddled a property line, which would have made neither lot eligible. Staff asked GIS to re-check and found the mapping error; the house sits entirely on a single lot, and the related parcels otherwise match the facts reviewed when the exemption was granted last year, staff said. Based on that review, staff recommended approval.

The board approved the developer discount for the parcels listed in the meeting record as RP0611600002B0A; RP06116000002C0A; and RPS39370050010A. A commissioner moved to approve “based on the information before us” and another commissioner seconded; the motion passed by roll call with the commissioners recorded as voting in favor.

County staff said the 63-602W provision originated after the 2008–09 downturn to ease tax burdens on in-progress development and that the exemption must be applied annually for properties still held as inventory. Staff also clarified that qualifying property is taxed at 25 percent of assessed value under the discount (a 75 percent reduction).

No appeals or further conditions were recorded at the time of the vote. The board moved on to its next agenda items after the approval.