The mission of the City of Sandpoint Planning Department is to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations. We do this by:

Please Note:  The Planning Department Offices will be closed on Thursday, May 8, and Friday, May 9, 2008, for our move to our new Offices on the second floor.

There are number of helpful services the Planning Department provides to the public. Take a look at what we offer.

"Contact Us"

• General Zoning Information
• Sandpoint City Code

• Download Application Forms

• Review Application Fees (Effective 10/18/06)

• Current Comprehensive Plan (PDF Format)

• Development Impact Fees

• Approved Street Tree List (PDF Format)

• Arboriculture Manual (PDF Format)

• New:  Housing Needs Assessment, Bonner County, Greater Sandpoint Area

Q. Does my property fall within limits of the City of Sandpoint? Property that lies generally east of Chuck Slough and the Union Pacific Railroad, south of the Bonner County Fairgrounds, west of Sand Creek and Lake Pend Oreille and north of the Pend Oreille River are likely within the City's boundaries.  The Planning Department can only provide zoning information for properties within our boundaries. Property outside of the City falls under the authority of Bonner County. County zoning information can be obtained by calling 265-1458.

Still not sure if your property is located within the City? Give us a call or contact us by e-mail and we would be happy to help.

Q. Does the City have zoning requirements? Yes. The City is divided up into many different zoning categories, each with its own set of requirements. Whether you are remodeling a structure, building a new one or adding on to an existing structure you should check in with us to make sure you meet requirements. When you contact us be sure to have either a legal description of the property, tax parcel number or address. This will help us find the property quickly and give you the information you need.  You'll find a link to City Code in the left-hand menu.  See above for some general zoning information.

Q. Does the City require building permits? Yes. The City requires building permits for most types of construction within our boundaries. The City has a fully functioning building department with a full-time building inspector. For more information, contact the Building Department at 263-3407.

Q. Do I need a permit for a commercial sign? A sign permit is required anytime you want to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, paint, or repair or change the use of any sign. Review of permit requests are done by administrative staff and usually can be issued in a week or less. You can contact us if you need a permit or have questions about what types of signs are allowed.

Q. Does the City require business licenses? The City requires registration of all businesses.  Please click on "Business Registration" under the Business tab in the left-hand menu for a copy of the  registration form.  Annual registration fee is $10.  Additional licenses are also required for pawn shops, taxi cab operations, tourist homes, and for any business selling beer, wine or alcohol.  For information regarding these licenses, please call the City Clerk's office at 263-3317.

Q. How do I find my property line? The best way to determine the location of your property lines is to have the property professionally surveyed. However, before hiring a surveyor check around property corners to see if any stakes or pins are in the ground. If you find pins or stakes they most often delineate the corners of your property. If no pins exist and you haven't hired a surveyor, you can visit the Bonner County Assessors office which maintains copies of property maps including the size of property and surrounding lots.

Do not assume that fence lines and street curbs follow property lines.

MEET THE STAFF

The Planning Department currently has four full time employees. Here is little bit of information about each of us.

Melissa Bethel, Planning Assistant - Melissa has been the City since 2005.  She received her Bachelor's Degree in political studies from Whitworth College, and a law degree from Gonzaga University.

Joan Bramblee, A.I.C.P., Senior Planner:  Joan has made a career of working in the public service sector, working for a school and fire department before moving into the planning field.  She spent 10 years with Kootenai County's Planning Department before coming to Sandpoint in 1998.  She first began her employment with the City as Planning Assistant, and was promoted to a Planner position in June 2001after taking on additional planner-related duties.

Stephen Drinkard, Project Coordinator: Stephen has been the City's grant officer since 1998, coming from writing grants for the Bonner County Improvement Council for two years. His work consists of writing and administering grants, coordinating special projects, and developing and coordinating the community forestry program.

Jeremy Grimm, Planning Director:  Jeremy has come to Sandpoint from Buffalo, Wyoming where he was Planning Director and Project Manager. In his former position Jeremy was responsible for all aspects of management and procurement of State and Federal grants and loans, analysis of financial, statistical, budget and other data associated with the administration of $24.5 million dollars of sewer and water plant expansion and modification, City development and planning activity.  Jeremy received a BA in Geomorphology from the University of Denver in 1995 and MA in Community Planning and Development from the Muskie School of Public Service, Portland Maine, in 2004.

"Contact Us"

 Any person needing special accommodations to participate in the above noticed meeting should contact the City of Sandpoint seven days prior to the meeting at 263-3370 or at City Hall, 1123 Lake Street.

Posted   5/7/08 JRB

Click below to see past Planning Commission meeting minutes:
Minutes for 2008
Minutes for 2007
Minutes for 2006