County staff backs rezoning to allow larger roadside sign near Highway 95

A Kootenai County hearing examiner heard a staff recommendation to rezone three parcels off Ohio Road and Highway 95 North Lane from rural to light-industrial so the property owner can erect a larger roadside sign.

The county planner told the hearing that the parcels are currently rural but are surrounded by light-industrial, commercial and mining uses and that a 2022 conditional-use permit already authorized a mini-storage facility on part of the site. "Staff's position is that the proposed zone change is compatible," the planner said, concluding that rezoning would align zoning with existing uses and bring the parcels into compliance with prior permits. Staff reported that reviewing agencies raised no objections and that one public comment had been filed in support.

Scott MacArthur, representing North Haven Holdings and the current landowners, said the sign is sized to be legible to drivers on U.S. Highway 95 and described it as consistent with the site's intended commercial use. "Blake did a great job with his staff report and I'll stay for any questions," MacArthur said. He also described elements of the proposed sign, saying it "will have an electronic reader board below it" and will include directional information for drivers to reach the property.

During a short question-and-answer exchange, MacArthur confirmed the applicant plans to apply for a sign permit and to proceed with construction only after occupancy rates on the site warrant building the larger sign. The planner noted the property sits within an aquifer overlay (described in the staff presentation) but indicated the change would remain compatible with the county's comprehensive plan and allowed mixed uses in the suburban-designated area.

The hearing examiner closed the public record for the rezoning application after noting the single supporting public comment and after asking whether any phone participants wished to speak; none did. The hearing examiner will prepare a written recommendation to county commissioners; the commissioners will make the final decision at a later deliberation meeting.