Bonner County commissioners voted Nov. 25 to grant a two-year extension for the River Ranch preliminary plat (file S0003-23). Interim Planning Director Alex Fann said the applicant requested an extension to meet site-improvement conditions; the preliminary plat was originally approved 03/06/2024 and would otherwise expire 03/06/2026.

Project details: River Ranch divides 51.87 acres into 19 residential lots, mostly 2.5 to 2.8 acres, with suburban zoning. Planning staff confirmed it is the applicant's first extension request and that statute allows a single one-time extension. Engineer Travis Haller said administrative approvals (including ITD commercial approach) have been obtained; applicant Nathan Hester reported clearing and explained funding difficulties that delayed road construction, adding, "I'm selling my house so I can build this road." The applicant requested additional time to complete off-site improvements and stormwater work.

Board action: a commissioner moved to extend the approval to 03/06/2028, corrected a memo typo referencing a different subdivision name, and the board approved the extension on roll call.

Implication: the extension preserves the developer's ability to complete required improvements within the extended timeline; staff will continue to monitor progress and enforce conditions in the original decision letter.