Project 7B hosts workshop on how BoCo code impacts properties

By Reader Staff

Land use nonprofit Project 7B will host an educational workshop on how local code — such as the Bonner County comprehensive plan — affects the area’s landscape and future developments. The free workshop runs from 4:30-6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Sandpoint branch of the East Bonner County Library (1407 Cedar St.).

Attend in person or online via Zoom at bit.ly/47gNap2 using the password “123.”

“Why won’t officials necessarily listen when people say the community doesn’t want a specific development? Because officials have to apply the law,” stated Project 7B Executive Director Katie Botkin. “If there’s no code to prevent a hazardous development going in next to your land, it’s probably going to go through. That’s why underlying code is important.”

The Thursday workshop will be led by planning consultant Rachel Granrath, of the Spokane-based Kimley-Horn, who will explain how a county’s comprehensive plan leads to development regulations, which in turn lead to site-specific developments. Her insights will cover how to make effective public comments on land use decisions, as well as current work on the Bonner County Comprehensive Plan and future changes to the county zoning code.

For more information, or to watch a recording of the workshop after the fact, visit project7b.org/land-use-toolkit.