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Commission recommends annexation of 20 acres on Prairie Avenue to R‑1 single‑family zoning
Summary
The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended Jan. 13 that City Council approve annexation ANX25-5 and assign R-1 single-family zoning to roughly 20 acres north of West Prairie Avenue; commissioners stressed buffering, right-of-way needs, and coordination on school-bus safety.
The Post Falls Planning and Zoning Commission voted Jan. 13 to recommend that City Council approve annexation file ANX25-5 and apply R-1 single-family zoning to approximately 20 acres north of West Prairie Avenue, roughly one-third of a mile east of Greens Ferry Road.
Justin Souder and applicant representatives explained the site is currently outside city limits and carries a 'transitional' future land-use designation. Drew Dittman of Lake City Engineering said this is the applicant’s third submittal after prior Planning & Zoning recommendations and Council denials; the current R-1 request followed Council direction. Dittman said utilities (water and sewer) are available and that no demonstrable adverse impacts were identified at this review stage.
A nearby resident, Barb Hitz, testified she frequently observes vehicles failing to stop for school buses between Lynn Street and Greens Ferry and expressed concern about pedestrian and student safety if more homes are added. Hitz said her backyard is unfenced and she has observed near-miss incidents involving children at bus stops. "I frequently see traffic not stopping when the buses are picking up the students," she said.
Applicant representatives and staff said the school district will have an opportunity to comment during subdivision and that mitigation—such as adjusting stops, signage, or crossing infrastructure—can be addressed during the subdivision and engineering review. Commissioners also emphasized that annexation would secure right-of-way for planned widening of Prairie Avenue and noted that buffer and landscaping standards would be applied where residential borders higher-intensity uses.
A motion to recommend approval of Annexation ANX25-5 with R-1 zoning passed on a roll-call vote. Staff will prepare the formal zoning recommendation and packet materials for City Council.
What’s next: The recommendation and required exhibits will be forwarded to City Council; subdivision-level review and coordination with the school district and engineering staff will determine final road and pedestrian improvements.
