The City of Bonners Ferry is updating its zoning code and zoning map April 17 at the Boundary County Annex, with an open house at 4 p.m. and a public hearing at 6 p.m.

The updated code and map reflect the city's goals and policies of its recently adopted comprehensive plan.

The Planning and Zoning Commission has been working on the zoning code and zoning map update for the past year. The draft code retains portions of the current zoning code, provides updates to some standards, and provides new opportunities for housing and commercial uses

Notably, the update will include a proposed new mixed-use zone west of the fairgrounds that would allow a variety of housing options and a blend of commercial and public uses. 

The 80-acre vacant lot behind the county fairgrounds is one of the few county properties with adequate utilities for a full industrial zone, with water and sewer hookups provided by the city of Bonners Ferry. 

The lot may not realize its full industrial potential if rezoned for mixed commercial-residential use, but it will open the door for possibly becoming the site for the new North Idaho Classical Academy, as well as new development of riverside housing and retail.

Other notable draft changes in the city code include a new city-wide zoning map that reflects the comprehensive plan mapping, as well as a light industrial zone that transitions some of the heavier industrial allowed uses – such as slaughterhouses, chemical plants, or rendering plants – to lighter uses such as wholesale bakeries or bottling companies. 

The draft also retains allowed historic uses such as lumber mills and grain processing and storage; offers new housing opportunities for townhomes, cottage housing, and multi-family housing; updates the sign code to recognize newer electronic messaging centers; and confirms “grandfathered” rights to land uses.

The city invites public comment on the draft code and map update.