SANDPOINT — In a Tuesday land use hearing, county officials approved a lot outside of Sandpoint city limits for a zone change of Rural 10 to Rural 5 so that a local family could build their home on a relative’s property.  

The decision came after a 2-0 vote, in which commissioners Brian Domke and Ron Korn agreed that the proposed application was not in conflict with the policies of the Bonner County Comprehensive Plan, it was in compliance with Title 12 of Bonner County revised code and that it was in accord with the purpose of the Rural 5 zoning district, as noted by BCRC.  

A request to rezone the property came from applicants Thomas and Janice Cropper, parents to son Joel and daughter-in-law Kylee Cropper, where they asked county officials to rezone the property to allow for their kids “to live on site and take care of them, including grandkids.” A zone change application indicates that the applicants encourage a community where families live close and help each other.  

Kylee Cropper expressed her sentiments on the zone change request during Tuesday’s meeting, specifying the simplicity of their request.  

“There are many reasons people request zoning changes. To start a small farm, launch a business or subdivided land for profit,” said Cropper. “For us, it's something simpler. Joel's parents want to share a piece of their land with their children and grandchildren so new memories can grow where old ones were rooted. We're not seeking to change the spirit of the land. We're asking for a chance to remain part of it.” 

In support of the applicant’s request were 11 letters from neighboring properties owners, several of which attended the hearing and gave public comments on the Croppers’ character and attitude toward responsible homeownership.  

The application first came before the Zoning Commission in April, where they agreed in a 3-0 vote to recommend approval of the zone change to county commissioners after determining that the parcel was not characterized by 30% slopes, as required by Rural 10 code.  

County commissioners agreed with findings suggested by both the Zoning Commission and Planning Department, noting that the parcel was more in line with Rural 5 zone as opposed to Rural 10. The parcel was not characterized by 30% slopes, and mostly only showed slopes along a creek that runs through the property.  

Additionally, the parcel didn’t contain prime agricultural soil, as standardized in Rural 10 zoning standards. It was noted by the Planning Department that the parcel in question would complement several other surrounding parcels, as those also were developed with one dwelling unit per 5-acre (or below 10-acre).