SANDPOINT — A conditional use permit for a gravel pit located off Curtis Creek Road in Priest River has been remanded back to the Bonner County Zoning Commission following an appeal of a hearing examiner’s approval of the file.  

The decision to remand the conditional use permit followed an hourlong debate by Bonner County commissioners, who noted that new evidence was submitted on behalf of the CUP applicants after the hearing examiner’s decision. While applicants are allowed to revise their applications, it became unclear on what information could be considered when ruling on the appeal.  

To create clarity and ensure compliance with legal standards, commissioners approved to remand the file back to the zoning commission. The file is slated to be heard Jan. 22.  

County commissioners can remand a file back to the applicable commissioning board if a file or decision needs to be reviewed or modified.  

Approval of the Hegge Gravel Pit was originally granted in October by former hearing examiner Jacqueline Rucker. The decision was made after a handful of community members shared their concerns with the proposed gravel pit, citing concerns of worsening air quality with dust and damage to the roads due to the potential of excessive gravel trucks.  

An appeal of the hearing examiner’s approval was later filed Nov. 3 by community members, stating that the decision was not supported by substantial evidence and was “made upon unlawful procedure, failing to meet the findings required by law.” The appeal also indicates that the hearing examiner’s reason statement does not appropriately analyze public testimony that was given during the hearing.  

The proposed gravel pit would be located on a 38.48-acre parcel that is zoned Agricultural/Forestry 10. According to a standard review and staff report, the parcel allows for the use of a gravel pit under a conditional use permit. 

While a gravel pit can be approved under a conditional use permit, proposed uses, according to the county, must be consistent with the Bonner County Comprehensive Plan, compatible with the applicable neighborhood and cannot create a hazard.   

Applicants of the proposed gravel pit currently operate a different gravel pit in the area, Curtis Creek Sand and Gravel.