Kootenai County commissioners extend interim ordinance on minimum lot size in Coeur d'Alene tribal reservation

Kootenai County Community Development commissioners voted 3-0 on March 27 to continue an interim ordinance (ORA 2044) maintaining current minimum-lot-size and family-exemption rules within the Coeur d'Alene (CDA) tribal reservation.

The ordinance was continued to preserve the “status quo” while county staff and planning bodies complete proposed comp-plan and zoning changes, Community Development Director David Callahan said. Callahan told commissioners the item had been continued from the March 13 meeting because the meeting ID and passcode were incorrect for remote attendees, and the error has been corrected.

Callahan said the ordinance ties together three related provisions — the family subdivision exemption, zoning in the tribal area, and agricultural minimum-lot-size — so they are not in conflict while longer-term plan changes are pursued. “This just keeps that status quo for another year,” Callahan said.

No members of the public spoke for or against the ordinance during the public hearing. The board first voted to end public testimony and enter deliberations; the motion passed by voice vote with all three commissioners voting aye. The board then approved ORA 2044, described in the meeting materials as an interim minimum-lot-size ordinance for the CDA tribal reservation. The motion to approve was seconded and carried by a 3-0 voice vote: Commissioner Eberlein — aye; Commissioner Duncan — aye; Chair Metoyer — aye.

Callahan told the board the intent is for the plan commission and comprehensive-plan amendments to be brought back before the commissioners within the year so the temporary measures can be made permanent or adjusted based on those broader changes.

The meeting convened at 10:00 a.m. and the board moved on to other business after the vote.