Council approves small rezone for downtown Main Street parcel

The Rathdrum City Council voted to approve a zoning map amendment requested by Around the Lake LLC to change roughly 0.27 acres at the end of Main Street (15291 North Coeur D’Alene Street) from R-3 (medium-density residential) to C-1 (general commercial).

City staff and the applicant said the parcel is essentially surrounded by downtown commercial uses, is within the expanded downtown commercial district boundaries and is well served by sidewalks and utilities. The applicant, represented by Merle (Murrell) Van Houten of Van Houten Consulting and Design, and Around the Lake LLC’s owner described the parcel as appropriate for commercial storefronts compatible with downtown’s walkable character.

A short public hearing yielded one written comment in favor and brief oral support from nearby residents and the applicant. Council members said the change was consistent with the city’s future land use map and recent downtown revitalization efforts. The council approved the rezone by voice vote.

Staff noted that water, sewer and public services are available at the site, and the property was incorporated into the city long ago; the downtown revitalization committee recently expanded the downtown commercial district in the area. City staff emphasized that the grant awarded for downtown revitalization is not tied to this specific parcel.

The council’s approval allows the owner to pursue future development in the C-1 zone; any specific building or frontage work will come back to the city through permitting and design review.