Commission recommends future land use map updates to align with new code; low-density net density set to 3.65

The Rathdrum Planning & Zoning Commission voted to recommend updates to the comprehensive plan’s future land use map and land use designation components so the map aligns with recent zoning and code updates. The commission’s recommendation includes a condition to change the low-density residential (LDR) net density target from 3.8 to 3.65 net units per acre.

Staff explained the proposed map removes an older “rural/agricultural transition” designation that provided little planning guidance, tightens the “established residential” designation to include existing developed residential parcels, and clarifies medium-density (MDR) and low-density (LDR) categories so they work with the updated zoning code and lot-size standards (staff said R1A is now a 12,000 sq ft minimum lot).

Commission discussion focused on balancing housing variety and affordability against preserving green space and avoiding sprawl. Commissioners debated whether the net density figure should be set at 3.8 (staff recommendation) or 3.65 (which some commissioners said more closely aligns with 12,000-sq-ft lots when easements and required green space are included). A motion to recommend approval with the 3.65 net-density condition passed on a roll call.

Staff said the future land use map is a planning tool intended to guide future rezonings and site plans; it does not itself rezone property. The commission and staff noted that applications submitted before any code change are evaluated under the standards that existed when the application was made.

The commission forwarded the recommended map and draft language to the City Council for final consideration.