Sandpoint approves city code changes

SANDPOINT — With the exception of adding tree houses and play structures to the definition of "accessory building," several City Code amendments were approved by the City Council last week.

The amendments to City Codes 6, 9 and 10, proposed by Aaron Qualls, city planning and economic development director, added the definition of a building footprint, established changes in lot line adjustment procedures, allows NAVD88 to establish high water mark, added clarification of residential house number signs, established off-street bicycle parking requirements, eliminated maximum surface parking in industrial zones, updated the business district section with current zoning, established fence height in residential zones and established libraries as "conditional use" within residential and mixed-use residential zones.

"Most of these tweaks are fairly minor, identified over the course of the last year or two," Qualls said.

Some of the recommendations were made by Sterling Codifiers to update old zoning references, and the Sandpoint Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee made suggestions as well.

Councilwoman Shannon Williamson was the first to agree with suggestions made by the advisory committee, which amended the code to nonresidential parking facilities to provide four bicycle space for every 20 parking spaces. The code only applies to nonresidential parking facilities with more than 20 spaces. Also added to that section of code, bike racks must have a minimum of 32 inches of space between the bicycle spots, be permanently anchored to a hard surface and must be located within 50 feet of the building entrance and well lit.

Councilman Thomas Eddy asked about the play structures and tree houses, wondering why it was included. As children grow up, he said, those structures are generally temporary. Qualls said there are examples in town of "not so temporary" structures.

"We do not have a really good way to address them in current code," Qualls said. "So the minor update is just to include them in language for our accessory buildings, which has setback standards, etcetera."

When pressed by council members about the examples around town, Qualls said there is one specific example that is "very visible," but the code amendment would not require it to be taken down. Play structures and tree houses under 200 feet are exempt from the building permit requirement, he said.

Councilman Bob Camp also disagreed with the need for the play structure and tree house code amendment.

"I just think we are trying to regulate a situation that is really not a critical item for anybody," Camp said.

"I agree with Bob," Williamson said. "I understand the rationale coming from staff, but I don't see that there is a problem that currently exists. If one develops in the future, that's something that we can look at."

The motion to remove the play structure and tree house language passed unanimously through a vote by council, as did the approval of the remaining changes. The changes to City Code will not go in effect until adoption of an ordinance at a future City Council meeting.