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48‑unit downtown studio proposal sparks parking and bike‑access discussion
Summary
Committee members were briefed on a site‑plan review for a proposed 48‑unit studio apartment on Church Street and discussed parking expectations downtown and opportunities for bike parking and walkable access.
City staff informed the committee about a site‑plan review application for a 48‑unit studio apartment building on Church Street, near the Sandpoint Center, and committee members discussed parking, bike parking and how the building fits a walkable downtown model.
Brandon Steglen said the application (referred to as Farm and Flats in the planning portal) is under staff review and that the downtown land‑use rules do not require off‑street parking in the central commercial core. "Our current code does not require, off street parking, within the commercial the basically, the downtown area. So you're not required to pave a giant parking lot and provide a mandated number of parking spaces like in a lot of other communities," Steglen said. Staff also noted roughly 30 public comments had been posted on the city's planning portal, most raising concerns about parking.
Committee members suggested the development review subcommittee examine what will make the project succeed as a walkable, bike‑friendly housing option: secure, covered bike parking, ground‑floor access from sidewalks, and features that reduce the need for car trips. No formal recommendation was made at this meeting; staff encouraged committee members to review the application materials and submit comments during the public comment period if desired.
