Areas of Impact maps for Coeur d’Alene, Hayden, Post Falls and Rathdrum are now available on Kootenai County’s website.
Kootenai County Commissioners in December approved the maps which clarify planning and service coordination in areas where city and county boundaries meet. Idaho law required cities and counties to review and establish Areas of Impact boundaries by the end of 2025.
“The agreements do not annex property and do not change zoning or taxes,” said David Callahan, the county’s director of Community Development. “Instead, they define long-range planning areas to improve transparency, reduce conflicts between jurisdictions and ensure that future growth is planned in appropriate and logical locations.”
While the county has approved agreements for the county’s four largest cities, Areas of Impact agreements for the remaining cities are still being drafted. Once the county and cities wrap negotiations, complete maps and draft ordinances, they will be released for public review and comment.
The county will issue public notices in advance of any hearings on the additional Areas of Impact maps and agreements.
“Residents are encouraged to review materials and participate when proposals affecting their area are brought forward,” Callahan said.
More information on the proposed Areas of Impact agreements, including links to maps and answers to frequently asked questions, is available at www.keepingkootenai.com or by contacting the Community Development Department at (208) 446-1070.