Planning commission in favor of extensions

COEUR d'ALENE - Development projects struggling to finish because of the economy could get some extra time.

After a hearing on Thursday, the Kootenai County Planning Commission voted to recommend the county commissioners approve an ordinance that would extend deadlines on land use approvals and financial guarantees.

"It's absolutely undeniable that we're in tough times," said Paul Matthews, planning commission member who voted in favor of the measure. "It would be understandable if some were having trouble coming through with completion with the economic environment as it is."

The extension would apply to myriad projects, including various sized subdivisions and permitted activities. The ordinance is intended to help those who have struggled to meet county deadlines on approved construction work due to the constraints of the recession.

The planning commission, which voted 3 in favor with one abstaining, also recommended three conditions, Matthews said: To limit the extension on everything but variances, to add a provision for appeals, and to add a sunset clause of January 1, 2013.

"Otherwise, you could actually have a major development that had expired in 2010, and it could be 15 years from now and they apply for the extension," Matthews said.

Two members of the six-member group were not present at the hearing.

The county commissioners will hold a hearing on the ordinance at 10 a.m. on Oct. 7 in the Kootenai County Administration Building.

The Planning Department has estimated that only about 20 projects would qualify for an extension, Matthews said.