Sandpoint commission defers proposal to allow sidewalk in-lieu fees for short plats to pedestrian committee

The Sandpoint Planning and Zoning Commission on June 17 deferred consideration of a proposed amendment to City Code Section 7-3-10-h that would allow short plats and lot line adjustments to use the city—s sidewalk "in-lieu" fee program rather than constructing required frontage sidewalk immediately.

City Engineer Brandon Stagland told commissioners the change would let applicants pay an in-lieu fee for short plats and lot line adjustments, expanding use of a program that previously applied primarily to sidewalks required as a condition of building permits. "What this code amendment is is a change to chapter 7-3-10-h in regard to using the sidewalk in lieu fee program for short plats and lot line adjustments," Stagland said. He said the fee is deposited into a fund that must be spent within the same quarter section on sidewalks in locations that make more sense than isolated infill segments.

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