Learning about growth just got one step easier through a seven-page FAQ sheet on the city of Post Falls website.

Answering growth-related questions are part of the Post Falls’ staff and council’s daily routine, city administrator Shelly Enderud said. 

To help answer those questions with accurate information, Enderud, city legal services director Warren Wilson, public works director Jon Beacham and community development director Bob Seale crafted the FAQ page for public use. 

Responding to topics from infrastructure to open space and taxes, Enderud said the city hopes to develop a better understanding with residents about how Post Falls can — and can’t — manage growth. 

“We want to have positive conversations about growth, and also, I think most citizens want to understand,” Enderud said. “Most of the time when we receive an email from a citizen about growth, we get a response back that they appreciate us giving them the right information about what is going on.”

Staff collected questions in the FAQ page in part from citizen inquiries gathered by The Press and the city of Post Falls. The information attributed within the responses, Enderud said, is based on thoroughly researched Idaho, county, and city law.

A copy of the FAQ was distributed to not only Post Falls employees, Enderud said, but to the neighboring cities of Rathdrum and Hayden, who are experiencing similar growth issues. 

Some topics in the FAQ, specifically those related to limiting building permits, moratoriums, and zoning regulations, have been a hot topic in Post Falls after comments posted and a citizen initiative highlighted citizens' desire for action.

Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson hopes residents will see what growth management avenues the city is limited to under the Idaho Code through the document responses.

“I don’t believe many of the residents understand what state law allows cities to do,” Jacobson said. “There have been several suggestions/recommendations to enact local laws that are not allowed by state statute.” 

Frequently in city council meetings and discussions with the public, Jacobson hears from people who want to stop the growth and keep Post Falls’ small-town feel. While he empathizes, he’s unsure if there is a solution to these “growing pains.”

“Our area has been discovered. We can’t build a wall or shut the door on those wanting to move here,” Jacobson said. “What we can do is plan for projected growth, review future annexation requests, and make sure our level of service remains strong.” 

The mayor anticipates Post Falls will continue to see requests for developments and building permits, which will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

Citizens can find Post Falls’ FAQ document at: https://www.postfallsidaho.org/online/