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Banner commissioners direct staff to gather consultant estimates for comprehensive plan and zoning work
Summary
After discussing the moratorium and the planning commission's work, commissioners asked staff to collect consultant bids and propose budget lines for a comprehensive‑plan update; estimated consultant costs discussed ranged widely (roughly $5,000 to $10,000–$30,000 depending on scope).
Commissioners discussed whether Banner County should update its comprehensive plan before pursuing zoning and conditional‑use regulations, and they directed staff to collect consultant estimates and recommend budget lines.
Planning‑commission representatives and county staff explained the moratorium's purpose and urged a professionally prepared comprehensive plan as the appropriate foundation for any zoning. A planning‑commission member summarized the technical requirements for zoning work: "Your comprehensive plan has to have goals, policies, maps, future land use," and said a correct update should last 10–20 years. Commissioners discussed funding and suggested separate budget lines for travel/education and for consultant work.
Estimates discussed in public comments varied: one planning representative recounted a recent local contract near $5,000 for limited amendments; others warned a full rewrite could cost $10,000–$30,000 depending on scope. The board asked staff to solicit proposals from local consultants (JEO, PAD and others mentioned in the packet) and return with recommended budget amounts prior to formal budget hearings.
Why it matters: The comprehensive plan will determine whether Banner pursues formal zoning and conditional‑use permit rules (the county currently has no zoning). Commissioners emphasized communication between the planning commission and the board and asked the planning commission to present firm recommendations once it has scope and cost estimates.
Next step: Staff and the planning commission will gather consultant proposals and proposed budget line items and return to the commissioners for approval.
