A mediation option is provided as part of the planning and zoning public hearing process of the city in accordance with Section 67-6510 of the Idaho Code. The cost of the first mediation session is paid by the city; if additional meetings are necessary, the parties agree to fee division. Mediation may be requested by Boise City Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, the applicant, or other affected person and is voluntary unless it is initiated by the City, in which case, one session is mandatory. Hearings associated with appeal and ap.. Read More

To protect the ability to view the night sky and conserve resources, the city of Ketchum passed a law known as the “Dark Sky Ordinance” in June of 1999. The ordinance regulates exterior lighting by requiring lights to shine downward only and reduce glare. Dr. Stephen Pauley, a local retired physician, was the visionary behind the ordinance. The town focused its efforts on an aggressive awareness campaign for businesses and residents, and provided inexpensive ways to change current fixtures. .. Read More

Although Blaine County, Idaho, has a small population (the largest city is Hailey, pop. 6000), its municipal code includes several environmental protections, including two overlay districts. The wildlife overlay district is designed to protect migratory routes of the major species in the county, particularly elk, deer, and antelope, by restricting residential development and requiring residents to work closely with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. The scenic highway overlay district was written in part to prevent wildlife from being tra.. Read More

The shoreline and river environs overlay district is designed to protect the water quality of Payette Lake and the North Fork of the Payette River, as well as the aesthetic views. McCall is known for its natural scenic beauty, which generates tourism and recreation in the area. One reason for the ordinance was to protect this economic resource by protecting viewsheds and fish and wildlife habitat. The most significant part of the ordinance establishes a 50-ft development setback from the lake and river, which helps protect the water resource.. Read More

The Foothills Planned Unit Development (PUD) ordinance is a subsection of the PUD ordinance, the purpose of which is to implement the residential subdivision density aspects of the city’s Foothills Policy Plan. It defines the type of subdivision and zoning allowed in the Foothills Planning Area by enabling a “density bonus” technique that allows the trade of density for open space, as long as the trading land is less than 25% slope and greater than 1 acre. The density trade element also provides for sensitive areas such as wildlife corridors,.. Read More

Mediation is provided in the administration process of zoning issues, creating the opportunity for a stay in the hearing proceedings for parties who wish to engage in mediation. The first session is paid for by the city, thereafter, by the parties. .. Read More

Blaine County, Idaho has created a number of zoning regulations in its county code. As part of its regulations, Blaine County has dedicated a chapter specifically for solar utilities facilities. These regulations include how collector system panels and mounts are to be installed; height restrictions of BIPB and roof collected mounted panels; and the way in which ground and pole mounted solar collectors are to be anchored. Blaine County has also created additional standards for solar energy systems located within the county’s overlay districts. .. Read More

Within its Subdivision and Development Provisions Chapter, the City of McCall in Idaho makes a slight mention of solar heat and light. The City requires that within a subdivision plan, the applicant orient streets in a way to take advantage of the solar heat and light provided by the sun during the winter months. Other this one sub-section, this Chapter makes no other mention of solar energy systems. This could possibly create a barrier to their implementation since property owners would likely not be aware of the benefits or possibilities of i.. Read More

The City of Ketchum incorporates solar access throughout its zoning regulations. One way in which the city integrated solar access is in the context of parks. According to its regulations, parks will be designed to have open space for solar access during the colder months. Another example is within the city’s Design Review District. One of Ketchum’s purposes for that District is to “provide for and protect existing light, air, solar access and orientation, privacy, views, and vistas by the proper and efficient location of building sites and des.. Read More