Land use code public hearings start this week

COEUR d'ALENE - The Kootenai County Planning Commission will start holding public hearings on the county's controversial new land use code this week.

Staring Monday the commission will hold hearings on each chapter of the Unified Land Use Code and take public input into consideration before it makes a decision on whether to recommend adoption.

The county has spent several years developing the new code and the final draft was released for review 60 days ago.

Copies of the proposed draft ULUC may be viewed:

* online at http://www.zoningplus.com/regs/kootenai/;

* at the front counter of Community Development; and/or

* at local area libraries. Paper copies of the proposal are also available for purchase for the cost of production upon request.

The planning commission is holding a series of public workshop meetings to discuss specific elements of the ULUC with the public. The meeting schedule is:

* June 17, 6 p.m., ULUC Chapters 1, 2 & 3

* June 18, 6 p.m., ULUC Chapters 4, 5 & 6

* June 19, 6 p.m., ULUC Chapters 7, 8 & 9

* June 20, 6 p.m., Zoning Map

The planning commission will deliberate on the public input it receives in a series of meetings. The deliberation schedule is below. The meetings will be held as needed. Deliberations may conclude sooner than June 28 depending on their necessity:

* June 24, 6 p.m.

* June 25, 1 to 5 p.m.

* June 26, 6 p.m.

* June 27, 6 p.m.

* June 28, 6 p.m.

All meetings will be held at the Kootenai County Administration Building, 451 Government Way, Room 1 in Coeur d'Alene.