Valley County approves variance to allow a fourth home on shared Costkella driveway

Valley County commissioners on June 1 approved Variance 26-002, allowing a shared driveway at three existing Costkella Road addresses to provide access to a fourth residence, county staff said.

Director Heric summarized the request, saying applicants Kenneth and Julia Kuskeella proposed using the existing shared driveway serving 12704, 12710 and 12714 Costkella Road and creating a new house on an adjusted parcel boundary. The planning and zoning commission had unanimously recommended approval on May 14, and several county reviewers raised no objections, Heric said.

Donley Fire Marshall Jerry Hollandbeck told commissioners the driveway configuration met fire-department turnaround and access requirements. Central District Health and the Idaho Department of Fish and Game submitted no objections on health or fish/wildlife grounds, staff said.

Commissioners approved the variance with two conditions: a shared-driveway maintenance agreement must be recorded and the planning and zoning commission's facts and conclusions must be adopted as the board's own. A motion to approve was moved and seconded on the record; commissioners voiced assent and the chair declared the motion carried.

The approval does not alter other required permits or agency clearances, and staff advised recording the maintenance agreement so future owners understand responsibilities for upkeep and access.

The county documented the public record and noted a recommended motion in the staff packet. No public testimony was taken on this specific variance at the June 1 meeting; the broader meeting later addressed other land-use matters.