Minimum 2.5-acre parcels essential, expert says

By ROBERT JAMES

Managing Editor

A minimum parcel size of 2.5 acres is essential in areas with septic systems and wells, an environmental health expert told the Boundary County Commissioners last Thursday.

Speaking at an informational meeting regarding the proposed comprehensive plan, Ken Lustig explained that single-acre parcels are not acceptable if a subdivision does not have a water or sewer system installed.

State law requires minimum setback distances to separate septic systems from groundwater wells and a one-acre parcel simply does not give landowners enough flexibility to put the septic and well systems in properly, Lustig said.

Lustig worked for 32 years for Panhandle Health, including 20 years as the environmental health director.

The only way to reduce the parcel size below 2.5 acres is to install a central water and/or sewer system, he said.

Lustig's points are important for the county to consider because the proposed comprehensive plan sets different minimum parcel sizes, including some as small as one acre, for different zones within the county.

Parcel size was just one of many topics taken up at the meeting, which was a continuation of the special meeting held Oct. 5. That meeting lasted three hours and was continued to Oct. 12, when the commissioners listened to more concerned citizens as well as members of the committees responsible for crafting the proposed comprehensive plan. About 30 people attended the meeting.

There was discussion regarding the definition of "rural lifestyle." Matthew Cossalman wants it clear that people make a living off the land. Part of that means noisy machines in the forest, tractors in the fields and spray planes flying overhead.

"Peaceful and quiet doesn't reflect how this county has been," he told the commissioners.

Mary Peterson agreed, pointing out that the railroad has been a large part of this county and trains blow their whistles all the time.

Peterson went on to give the report for the economic development committee, and told the commissioners that the housing market is slowing down in Boundary County.

"The market is making a correction," she said. Housing prices are dropping, as well, she said. One reason for that is the increase in available housing.

Boundary County has had a huge increase in the number of subdivisions created in the alst three years, she said. That slows not only home sales but also new home construction.

"Development dollars will not come into the county until these existing lots are purchased," she said.

New Economic Development Coordinator Mike Sloan urged the commissioners to adopt specific industrial and commercial zones in the new plan.

After more than four hours of discussion, the commissioners took the matter under advisement. They will hold a workshop, which is open to the public but does not include public input, at 10 a.m. Nov. 14 in the Commission Chambers at the Boundary County Courthouse.

To review the proposed comprehensive plan, go online to http://www.boundarycountyid.org/planning/compplan/index.htm, visit the Boundary County Library or go to the Planning and Zoning office in Room 16 of the courthouse.