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Post Falls council annexes Painted Rock site for starter-home subdivision with single-family restriction
Summary
The Post Falls City Council on Aug. 19 approved the Painted Rock annexation (ANNX 25-3), adding about 4.67 acres and assigning R-2 medium-density zoning with a development-agreement condition limiting lots to single-family detached homes and requiring a crosswalk at Maguire and Midway.
The Post Falls City Council voted Aug. 19 to annex roughly 4.67 acres on the northwest corner of West Midway and Maguire Road and assign the R-2 (medium-density) zone, with a development agreement limiting new building to single-family detached homes and requiring a crosswalk as part of future road improvements. The annexation was presented as ANNX 25-3 and was forwarded with the R-2 recommendation from the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Planning Manager John Manley told the council the site is within a transitional pocket of the West Prairie focus area in the Post Falls comprehensive plan and that East Green Acres can provide water service. Manley said existing septic systems on site would be required to be abandoned at the time of development and properties would connect to sanitary sewer.
Ray Kimball, representing Rhino Land LLC and the applicant, told the council the proposal envisions a subdivision of 50-foot-wide lots similar to the adjacent Montrose neighborhood and described the housing product as “starter homes” intended to increase homeownership opportunities. Kimball and applicant representatives argued the annexation would capture right-of-way and utility easements now, allowing future road and pedestrian improvements to be built by developers rather than acquired later at higher cost to taxpayers.
Several residents spoke during the public hearing. Supporters including local real-estate professionals urged the council to approve the annexation to deliver smaller, more-affordable detached homes. In opposition, nearby residents Debbie Baca and Justin Stuckey asked the council to preserve the area’s rural character, raised concerns about traffic and lighting, and said they would prefer R-1 zoning to limit density adjacent to a neighborhood church.
Council discussion focused on balancing the city’s interest in securing right-of-way and infrastructure with neighbors’ concerns about character and traffic. Multiple council members noted the applicants signaled willingness to restrict the subdivision to single-family detached homes and to address pedestrian safety measures. Following debate, the council approved annexation and zoning with the stated conditions.
Votes at the meeting were recorded by roll call; the motion to annex ANNX 25-3 and assign R-2 with a development agreement limiting uses to single-family detached homes and assuring a crosswalk passed. The council also directed staff to prepare a development agreement implementing the single-family restriction and crosswalk requirement for final approval.
What happens next: staff will prepare the development agreement and subdivision application materials. Any future subdivision or development approvals will require the owner to abandon existing septic, connect to sanitary sewer, and meet construction-improvement requirements for roads and utilities.
(Reporting note: all direct quotations and attributions are taken from speakers who testified at the Aug. 19 Post Falls City Council meeting.)
