County, cities finalize Area of Impact

Areas of Impact maps for Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls and Rathdrum are available on Kootenai County’s website.

In December, the Kootenai County commissioners approved the maps, which clarify planning and service coordination at the city-county boundary. Idaho law required cities and counties to review and establish Areas of Impact boundaries by the end of 2025, according to a county press release.

“The agreements do not annex property and do not change zoning or taxes,” said David Callahan, the county’s director of Community Development. “Instead, they define long-range planning areas to improve transparency, reduce conflicts between jurisdictions and ensure that future growth is planned in appropriate and logical locations.”

While the county has approved agreements for its four largest cities, Area of Impact agreements for the remaining cities are still in the drafting stage. Once the county and cities complete negotiations, draft ordinances and finalize maps, they will be available for public review and comment.

Info: www.keepingkootenai.com