The City's revised Comprehensive Plan is now available on the Comprehensive Plan web page.

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:

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

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• General Zoning Information
• Sandpoint City Code

• Download Application Forms

• Current Application Fees (Effective 10/1/08)

• 2009 Comprehensive Plan (PDF Format)

• Development Impact Fees

• Approved Street Tree List (PDF Format)

• Arboriculture Manual (PDF Format)

• 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 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 2001 after 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.

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THE SANDPOINT PLANNING COMMISSION

The Sandpoint Planning Commission makes decisions on land use requests such as rezones and conditional use permits.  Current members are: Cate Huisman, Rob Herrera (Vice Chair), Shelby Rognstad, Kathleen Hyde, John O'Hara, and Aaron Qualls.  The Planning Commission meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 pm in the City Council Chambers at City Hall.  (Click HERE for a list of our upcoming meetings and deadlines.)  All of our meetings are open to the public and we encourage everyone to attend.
 

The Planning Commission is currently working on several modifications to Commercial Zoning Districts as a result of the adoption of the 2009 Sandpoint Comprehensive Plan.  The Draft Commercial Codes were considered by the Planning Commission at the December 1, 2009, and February 2, 2010, Public Hearings.  The Commission deliberated on these proposed Codes on February 15 and 23, 2010, and will continue their deliberation on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 (see above).

Click below to see past Planning Commission meeting minutes:
Minutes for 2010
Minutes for 2009
Minutes for 2008
Minutes for 2007
Minutes for 2006