Kootenai County approves variance to move Hayden Lake garage out of public right of way

The Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners on March 13 approved VAR24-13, allowing Integra 1 LLC to demolish an existing garage that sits in the public right of way and build a new garage with a 0-foot front-yard setback at a Hayden Lake shoreline property.

Justin MacGeorge, identified in the record as the planner presenting the application, described the site as a restricted-residential parcel where the existing garage sits partly in the public right of way and the house dates to 1973. He said the application seeks a 25-foot variance to establish a 0-foot setback and move the garage fully off the right of way.

MacGeorge told the board that the City of Hayden (the property is within the city's area of impact), Hayden Lake Sewer District and North Kootenai Water District had approved the proposal. Panhandle Health District deferred to the sewer district, Lakes Highway and Northern Lakes Fire approved, and county building staff approved with standard building requirements. The planner said there was one public comment in support and that staff had found an undue hardship because of the narrow and shallow lot and slope conditions. He also said a similar approval had been granted in 2013 but had expired for lack of follow-up.

A commissioner asked for clarification that approval would remove the structure from the right of way; the planner confirmed that would be the effect. A motion to approve VAR24-13 was made and seconded; the board recorded aye votes from Commissioner Eberline, Commissioner Duncan and Chair Matari and the motion carried.

The approval follows county staff and the hearing examiner recommendations and the recorded approvals from affected utilities and agencies. The variance applies only to the front-yard setback for the garage; the presenter said other house expansion shown on the site plan met setback requirements and was not part of the variance request.