Lewiston planning commission recommends Bear River Association of Governments for general plan update

The Lewiston Planning and Zoning Commission voted May 7 to recommend that the Bear River Association of Governments assist the city in updating its general plan.

The recommendation came after commissioners discussed options for completing the update, costs and timelines for private consultants, and recent state changes that could affect the plan. The commission approved a motion to send the recommendation to the Lewiston City Council; the motion was seconded and adopted by unanimous voice vote.

Commissioners and staff said the city must update the general plan on a regular schedule. The commission noted the existing plan is about 10 years old and that state guidance and recent legislation should inform the revision. The commission cited a recently passed measure referred to in the meeting as "House Bill 368," and said members should review LUDMA guidelines as they begin the update process.

City staff described two main options for conducting the update: work with the Bear River Association of Governments (BRAG) or hire a private planning firm. Staff said BRAG receives legislative funding and does not charge a direct fee to small communities, while private firms typically require paid contracts or grant-funded work. "They don't have to go out and get grants for us. But if we go with a private firm, they have to find funding for us because it's extremely expensive," city staff member Abel said.

Staff gave cost and timeline estimates discussed at the meeting: private firms presented an estimated starting cost of about $50,000, rising to as much as $110,000 if the scope includes ordinance updates. Staff said BRAG estimates the process typically takes about a year, while a private consulting process could take around two years. Staff noted that even if grants cover consultant costs, application cycles mean acquiring funding could require roughly a year before work begins.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to recommend Bear River Association of Governments to the city council; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

In other business, the commission reviewed building permits issued in April. Staff reported several mechanical permits for furnace replacements, an electrical permit, and a couple of home additions. There were no new permits for single-family dwellings or new commercial buildings; one commercial remodel listed in the permit report was identified as a church in the Second Ward.

The commission also said it will hold a public hearing in June on a rezoning application that was submitted to the city. Staff said the city will notify adjacent property owners by letter and that the public hearing notification must be published at least 10 days before the hearing. Planning and zoning members emphasized that their June vote would be a recommendation to the Lewiston City Council; the city council will make the final decision on rezoning.

Commissioners also noted they completed approximately one hour of training with the city attorney to review planning and zoning requirements.

Next steps noted at the meeting: staff will follow up with BRAG to begin the planning process and will prepare public-notification materials and hearings for the rezoning item scheduled for the June meeting.