By Soncirey Mitchell
Reader Staff
The Bonner County Zoning Commission held a public hearing June 26 to discuss the preliminary plat for the proposed Deerfield Subdivision, which would create 24 lots on approximately 32.67 acres off of Baldy Mountain Road. The commissioners unanimously voted to recommend approval to the Bonner County Board of Commissioners, subject to standard conditions that must be met before the county can consider approving a final plat.
The vote now goes to the BOCC and will be considered in an upcoming Tuesday business meeting. The county had not yet added the vote to any public agenda as of press time.
“Tonight is not a final decision,” said Bonner County Planning Director Jake Gabell at the hearing. “Even when it goes to the board, it’s not a final decision. It’s a decision on the preliminary plat.”
The Deerfield Subdivision (in turquoise), located on approximately 32.67 acres off of Baldy Mountain Road. Courtesy image
Should the BOCC vote to approve the preliminary plat, developers will work with area institutions, such as the Panhandle Health District, to craft a comprehensive proposal that addresses the conditions of approval set forth by the Zoning Commission. Conditions include a fire risk assessment approved by North Side Fire, a road design approved by Bonner County Road and Bridge, and a stormwater runoff and erosion control plan approved by a Bonner County engineer, among other stipulations.
With the conditions met, the proposed plat would return to the Zoning Commission and BOCC for additional votes.
The Coeur d’Alene-based HMH Engineering, representing Deerfield, LLC, have begun working with PHD on lifting sanitary restrictions — as is required for all subdivisions — and with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to map the wetlands present on portions of the property, in addition to other actions. Though Deerfield falls within Sandpoint’s area of impact, should the development be approved, Syringa Heights Water District will supply water, and the lots will utilize individual septic systems.
