Hydros receive panel approval

COEUR d'ALENE - Diamond Cup hydroplane race organizers could benefit from a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow administrative approval of brief, annual special events.

On Thursday, the Kootenai County Planning Commission voted 3-1 to recommend the amendment's approval to the county commissioners.

County Community Development Director David Callahan said Friday the amendment would allow him to administratively approve special events in an agricultural-suburban zoning district for Diamond Cup and others.

The rationale behind the amendment is to accommodate special events that really don't rise to the level of needing a conditional-use permit, in large part because of the short duration of the events, Callahan said.

He thought to bring the issue forward because of this summer's planned Diamond Cup in the Silver Beach area. He also said it's a code amendment he is willing to champion for anyone.

He would need to find certain standards are met, including compatibility with adjoining uses and natural characteristics of the area, before approving a special event. He said there also would need to be adequate mitigation for any environmental, social and economic effects from the event. And there would need to be provisions for services and facilities.

The county commissioners will consider the amendment at a public hearing at 6 p.m. July 10, Callahan said.