SANDPOINT — In his debut meeting as Bonner County hearing examiner, Alan Songstad presided over a handful of land use files Thursday, Aug. 27, and recommended approval of an eight-parcel subdivision in Sandpoint off Wrenco Loop.  

The proposed subdivision was one of three files heard during the meeting and was recommended for approval by Songstad during the hearing, as opposed to within the allotted five business days after.  

Applicants of the file requested to plat a 78.17-acre parcel into eight lots, where the average lot will equal approximately 9.77 acres. As part of the approval, the applicants were granted a variance to the 10-acres-per-lot requirement.  

The subdivision, Meadow Ridge Estates, will be served by individual septic systems and wells, and will be accessible via a proposed private road, Meadowridge Drive.  

Only one public comment was shared during the hearing, with a neighbor who shared concerns about roadway access and livestock if the suggested subdivision concept was approved.  

Songstad noted that experts such as the Panhandle Health District and Department of Environmental Quality did not share concerns on the file and that he had to rely on those expert comments.  

The hearing marks the first in almost 10 months after previous hearing examiner Jacqueline Rucker resigned from the position after serving the county for approximately three years. Songstad was appointed to the position in late June by Bonner County commissioners, with an aim to alleviate the increase in applications placed on the zoning commission, which have often required the commission to review files late into the night.