Commission recommends annexation of Banco Ranch with R‑3 single‑family restriction; public raises growth, water and traffic concerns

The Rathdrum Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Banco Ranch 2025 annexation and a concurrent zoning designation of R‑3 limited to single‑family residences. The proposal covers roughly 30 acres adjacent to Bagel Road, east of Wright Street and west of Silverado; staff and the applicant said municipal utilities are available for the two existing homes on the parcel and that future subdivisions would be required to submit project‑level studies and infrastructure improvements.

Applicant representative Steve Circle of Tri State Consulting Engineers told commissioners the annexation would allow infill development of land largely surrounded by city limits and that his clients (owners identified in staff material as Susan Moore) accept conditions that would deed the overhead‑easement area to the city for pathway and future uses. Staff’s analysis said the parcel’s future‑land‑use designation is medium‑density residential and that R‑3 is an enabling zoning district for that designation; staff and the city engineer reported water and sewer mains on Bagel Road have capacity to serve the two existing houses at annexation. Staff also proposed conditions including dedication of Bagel Road right‑of‑way and dedication of a…