County approves Panhandle Bike Ranch development in Sagle

By Ben Olson
Reader Staff

The Bonner County Hearing Examiner approved a conditional use permit on April 22, sought by Scott and Jennifer Kalbach to build a downhill mountain bike recreational facility in Sagle.

A public hearing held on April 17 drew dozens of Sagle residents, who testified both in support of and in opposition to the development on two contiguous 85.33-acre parcels off Jumpline Landing in Sagle, currently zoned Rural 10. Access to the proposed facility is from East Dufort Road to Five Lakes Road, through the Five Lakes residential development approximately 3.5 miles east of Highway 95. 

Members of the public testify at the conditional use permit hearing for Panhandle Bike Ranch April 17. Photo by Ben Olson.

The Panhandle Bike Ranch will feature downhill mountain biking trails, campsites for trail users and shuttle trucks to take mountain bikers up the 1,300-foot elevation gain to trailheads. The Kalbachs plan to break ground May 1, building approximately half of the trails in 2024 and the other half in 2025, with a goal to open operations to the public by spring 2025. 

After hearing extensive testimony from the community, Hearing Examiner Jacqueline Rucker approved the proposal, finding that it was in accord with the Bonner County Comprehensive Plan and Bonner County Revised Code. Further, Rucker stated the proposed use would not create a hazard or be dangerous to persons on or adjacent to the property.

Examiner Rucker’s approval came with some conditions for the developers. All county setbacks shall be met, and the conditional use permit shall expire if the use has not commenced within two calendar years from the date of issuance. 

Also, Rucker stated that camping shall only be subordinate to the proposed bike park, not offered as a separate use. Campsites will be limited to a maximum of 10 sites, with quiet hours of 8:30 p.m.-7 a.m. posted by the landowner. No fireworks, firearms, hunting or shooting will be allowed in conjunction with tent camping. 

Any structures planned for the facility will require a building location permit, and any wastewater or sewage disposal methods shall have written approval from Panhandle Health District and/or the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality. The helipad shall only be used for emergency services, not for personal or recreation purposes. 

Biking shall be limited to only downhill and cross-country non-motorized mountain biking-related activities. The commercial use shall be limited to May through September operations, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday with the addition of Memorial and Labor days. There is a maximum of 65 bike riders per day during regular operations — not applicable to special events. Two special race events will be allowed per calendar year, limited to 150 people, including employees.

Developers were asked to submit a site plan detailing the campsite layout, parking plan, proposed structures, bike trail system and shuttle routes. A fire risk assessment and mitigation plan is also required, as well as stormwater, grading and erosion control plans.

Those seeking to appeal the decision must submit their request to the Bonner County Planning Department no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, May 20.