Planning

Welcome to Kootenai County’s Planning Division

Community Development is dedicated to responsible land use planning in an effort to guide growth and prepare for a healthy future. 

Since 1973, the County has used zoning and land use regulations to ensure that development contributes to the well-being of residents, neighborhoods, and our shared community.

Board of Commissioners Passes Emergency Septic Ordinance

Keeping Kootenai Opens in new window

Kootenai County’s Board of Commissioners passed an emergency ordinance on March 29, 2022, to protect the county’s groundwater in preparation for the expiration of a rule that restricts septic density over the Rathdrum Prairie to one dwelling per every 5 acres. The emergency ordinance amends the minimum lots sizes of the county’s zoning districts that coincide with the boundaries of the Rathdrum Prairie aquifer. Kootenai County’s Community Development Department is drafting an amendment to the Land Use and Development Code that would make the 5-acre rule a permanent County code. The full text of the emergency ordinance is available at www.keepingkootenai.com. Once drafted, the proposed Land Use amendment will be made available to the public. It will be reviewed by the County Planning and Zoning Commission and scheduled for public hearings in front of the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of County Commissioners.

For more information, please go to the Keeping Kootenai website.

GOOD NEIGHBORS GUIDE: Reducing conflict between homeowners, developers, farmers and forest owners

Good Neighbor The character of Kootenai County is changing as residential development moves closer and closer to established agricultural, timber and mixed ag-timber operations. With forethought, consideration and understanding of existing law, there need not be conflict between new residential owners and existing farmers or forest owners.

Read the Good Neighbor's Guide

CommunityDevelopmentKCEarth Opens in new window

Are you looking for the zoning designation of a parcel? The KC Web Map tool can give you access to zoning, addresses, ownership, and many other informational fields by following the below link:

KCEarth (Planning)


Keeping Kootenai Facebook Page:

The Keeping Kootenai Facebook page provides weekly to monthly updates on ongoing amendments and any other relevant land use news, such as recently approved zoning cases. Citizens are encouraged to participate in the meetings remotely.

Land Use & Development Code Available

A copy of the Kootenai County Land Use and Development Code may be found here.

Permitting

Permits are required from the Planning Division of the Community Development Department prior to engaging in site disturbance activities such as grading, excavating, and storm drainage or runoff control, if planned within a subdivision. 

Water Quality

In addition, water quality issues are of concern. If a septic system is involved, inquiries are directed to:
Panhandle Health
8500 N Atlas Road
Hayden, ID 83835
Phone: 208-415-5100

If a community water system is affected by the site disturbance, inquiries are addressed to:
Department of Environmental Quality
2110 Ironwood Parkway
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
Phone: 208-769-1422