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Sandpoint staff: lot-coverage change in effect; state bills could erase local STR rules
Summary
City staff told the Planning and Zoning Commission the recent lot-coverage amendment is now in effect and that pending state legislation (including H0583) could force Sandpoint to repeal most local short-term rental controls, leaving only minimal life-safety requirements.
City planning staff updated the Sandpoint Planning and Zoning Commission on two near-term regulatory changes at the March 3 meeting.
Staff reported a recently adopted lot-coverage amendment took effect the prior Wednesday; building-permit activity under the new rules has already begun. "It took effect last Wednesday... and we've had a flurry of activity at city hall," staff said.
On short-term rentals (STRs), the commission heard from Mandy, who administers Sandpoint's STR program. Mandy said application volume was steady but not surging: "We're back to about mid July numbers of STRs, so maybe 20 a month." Staff cautioned commissioners that multiple bills moving through the Idaho Legislature could preempt local STR licensing. Dean and other staff named House Bill H0583 (STR deregulation) and several related Senate bills; they said passage would require the city to repeal most local STR requirements and keep only limited safety measures (for example, CO/CO2 detectors and fire extinguishers).
Staff also highlighted other pending state measures that could affect local residential regulations, naming bills addressing accessory dwelling units and minimum lot sizes; if enacted, some Senate bills would require cities to align local residential density rules with state minima.
What the commission needs to know - Lot coverage: the recently adopted amendment is effective; permits have been issued under the new rules. - STRs: if H0583 (and related bills) becomes law, Sandpoint will likely need to repeal its STR permit/licensing regime and retain only minimal safety requirements; staff said they will return with code amendments to comply with state law if needed.
Next steps: staff told commissioners they will monitor the legislature closely and bring code amendments to the commission and council as necessary.
