County releases Good Neighbors Guide

COEUR d’ALENE — The Good Neighbors Guide, developed by Kootenai County’s Planning and Zoning Commission, aims to reduce conflict between homeowners, developers, farmers, and forest owners.

“If you are considering moving near or next to undeveloped land, it is important to realize that land is likely managed to provide a living for those who own and manage it,” said Community Development Director David Callahan. “Many of those management practices are part of a proud heritage deeply rooted in this region’s agricultural and forest product industries that have been handed down for several generations.”

Callahan said potential buyers should familiarize themselves with the land management practices and the state’s Right to Farm and Right to Conduct Forest Practices laws, which support and protect farm and forestry interests.

Protected practices include timber harvesting, road construction, animal breeding, application of chemicals like herbicides and pesticides, and work that can produce noise, dust, odors, light and animal waste.

“Farming and forestry practices are not considered a nuisance,” Callahan said. “A housing development springing up close to a farm or forest operation does not change a protected practice from acceptable to unacceptable.”

The Good Neighbors Guide is one of several guides the Planning and Zoning Commission has released to fulfill goals and policies of the county’s 2020 Comprehensive Plan Update. The Good Neighbors Guide addresses the county’s goal of supporting and encouraging agriculture and forestry land use within the county.

The document outlines laws and practices that may minimize disputes and conflicts between neighbors.

The Planning and Zoning Commission previously released guides to conservation easements, shoreline management areas and growth management.

Information: www.KeepingKootenai.com and 208-446-1070