Battle erupts over land use law in Idaho
Tuesday, July 22, 2008 10:08 AM PDT
DRIGGS (AP) — Disagreements in eastern Idaho’s Teton County among residents with different visions of how growth should take place will likely develop into a full showdown in August when commissioners decide on a plan intended to overhaul the current strategy.
On one side are those who fear the area is becoming overdeveloped, reducing the quality of life and straining existing infrastructure.
On the other side are those who say limiting growth goes against private property rights and could harm the county’s economy.
The planned-unit development ordinance is expected to pass the county’s planning and zoning commission and then be taken up by county commissioners next month.
The new ordinance would replace an ordinance passed in 2005. If approved, the new ordinance would reduce the number of lots that could be developed on agricultural land from 60 lots per 100 acres to 15 lots per 100 acres.
Also, developers would be required to build houses close together to leave more open space.
‘‘It sounds good when you read the words,’’ Teton County Commissioner Mark Trupp told the Post Register. ‘‘Then you take a map and put the words to it and see how far-reaching it is. Land-use regulations are there to keep some sense of order and to keep public safety and health. That’s all been lost here.’’
But those who back the ordinance say it will protect the county’s rural feel and wildlife populations.
And Zahan Billimoria, political director of Tetons for Tomorrow, said the area’s recent growth has outpaced county services without providing an equal economic benefit.
‘‘For us, managing growth means that we are making sure growth is actually benefiting the citizens of Teton County instead of draining the county’s resources,’’ Billimoria said.
