Commissioners grant 15-foot front-yard variance for Larson property at Hayden Lake

Kootenai County commissioners on July 24 approved VAR25-0001, a request from the Larson property owner for a 15-foot variance to the front-yard setback for a parcel on the east side of Hayden Lake.

Planner Blake Sutter of Community Development told the board the restricted-residential zone typically requires a 25-foot front setback and that the applicant was seeking a 15-foot variance to build on a flatter portion of the lot. Sutter said site photos and contour maps show a steep slope toward the water that leaves a small developable area within the standard setback; a geotechnical report by Brian Wharton supported development in the proposed location. "The applicant is requesting a 15 foot variance to that front yard setback to construct a residence upon the flatter portion," Sutter said.

Agency and public comment: County staff said they solicited comments from agencies and that the fire district raised no objection to emergency access. One public comment expressed concern about emergency-vehicle access on the dead-end road; staff said the fire district reported no concerns.

Board discussion and outcome: Commissioners said the area routinely requires variances because of steep lot conditions and that an overlay could address recurring needs in the future. The board voted to approve VAR25-0001; Commissioners Eberlein, Duncan and Chair Metari voted "aye." The motion was recorded as approving the Larson variance.

Implementation notes: Approval is conditioned on the standard permitting and site-specific reviews; staff noted off-street parking remains available with the reduced setback and that geotechnical and drainage measures will be required through building and site-disturbance permits.