Hauser hearing set on Area of City Impact changes

A public hearing to amend Hauser’s Area of City Impact agreement and address changes in the Hauser Outreach Project is scheduled at 6 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Hauser Lake Fire Station.

“This proposed amendment will result in a more efficient and an easier to understand development review process for all of the property owners within the ACI boundary,” said David Callahan, Kootenai County community development director.

He said Hauser’s ACI has problematic features which make it more difficult for the county to review and enforce zoning districts.

Under the current agreement, properties within the ACI are subject to zoning and developmental processes that deviate from other unincorporated areas within Kootenai County. Hauser’s ACI also creates different rules for issuing building permits.

One issue in the city of Hauser zoning process is its definition by topographic features and not property lines. As a result, many properties are split into multiple zoning districts. The new ACI agreement intends to define practical zoning boundaries without dividing properties.

The proposed ACI would include areas “for potential delivery of public services and areas reasonably expected to be annexed into the city of Hauser.”

Callahan said the new agreement would eliminate the joint planning commission and city permit review procedures.

“The agreement will also revert to county zoning districts and follows existing property lines,” he said.

Callahan said property owners in the area helped develop the proposed zoning changes and the project has their support.

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