Sandpoint Comprehensive Plan Update Existing Conditions Summary Draft: June 12, 2020
Introduction This report presents a series of existing conditions that provide the background and historic trends that were used to inform the direction of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan update. This document highlights issues and needs and illustrates data trends and land uses. In providing this overview of baseline conditions, we can start to understand how these conditions influence the policies and actions for Sandpoint’s Comprehensive Plan update. This report is not an exhaustive inventory, but instead focuses on relevant data to inform the Comprehensive Plan. Each section tells Sandpoint’s story – from where we’ve been to where we are headed in the future. Using the best available data from the City of Sandpoint, Bonner County, the State of Idaho, the U.S. Census Bureau, and other sources, data and trends were researched and synthesized into the seven planning topics below. Introduction ...... 1 Community Profile ...... 2 Community Character & Design ...... 9 Land Use & Growth ...... 16 Housing & Neighborhoods ...... 20 Jobs & Economic Development ...... 23 Public Facilities, Services & Utilities ...... 29 Natural Resources & Hazardous Areas ...... 35 Sandpoint Airport ...... 42
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Community Profile Sandpoint and Its History Nestled in the northern panhandle of Idaho, Sandpoint’s history and access to natural resources and railroad transportation have shaped the city’s character and development over the last century. Situated in Bonner County about 60 miles south of the Canadian border on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille, the City of Sandpoint officially became a village in 1901 and a city in 1907. The area where Sandpoint is today was part of the home of the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Their ancestral lands extended across all of Priest and Pend Oreille Lakes, up the Pend Oreille River into Canada and as far east as Montana. Northwest Company fur trader David Thompson was one of the first settlers to establish a relationship with tribes in the area, including the Kalispel, and helped establish fur trading in the area in 1809. Historic Aerial Map of Sandpoint 19381 Northern Pacific Railroad surveyors arrived in the area in 1880, attracting a few permanent settlers. That same year, Robert Weeks opened a general store in what was then called Pend Oreille, the little settlement that sprouted up on the east side of Sand Creek on a narrow spit of land lined with buildings on both sides. By 1882, Northern Pacific began building a stretch of railroad that connected the community to Montana. A number of fires in the 1890s, coupled with limited room to grow on the spit, started a gradual move across the creek to a new townsite. The settlement grew slowly over the next decade, during which time its name was changed to Sandpoint. In 1892, Great Northern Railroad arrived in what is now Bonner County. Its first agents were L.D. Farmin and his wife Ella Mae. The Farmins bought rights to 160 acres along the west edge of Sand Creek, and after “proving up”
1 Sandpoint, Idaho and Lake Pend Oreille shore, vertical aerial 1938 (P 832-33), Archival Idaho Photograph Collection, Digital Initiatives, University of Idaho Library https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/archivalidaho/items/archivalidaho791.html
Existing Conditions Report | Page 2 on homestead property, platted the city of Sandpoint in 1898. To this day, most commercial sites in Sandpoint still border Sand Creek and the edge of Lake Pend Oreille. The forests and rich mineral deposits in the Pend Oreille region attracted settlers to small communities forming throughout the area. Timber became the main industry in Sandpoint and Kootenai and mills like the Humbird Lumber Company thrived in Sandpoint into the late 1920s. Farming was also becoming a popular activity on the cleared forest land. These farms, called “stump ranches,” primarily grew hay because the short growing season in Northern Idaho made it difficult to grow other crops. The hay was used to feed the horses lumber companies used to harvest and process the wood. On February 2, 1907, a portion of Kootenai County was partitioned to become present day Bonner County. By mid-1908, work had begun on the bridge connecting Sandpoint and Sagle. It was completed in 1910, and was just under two miles in length. The bridge was replaced and dedicated in 1934, and replaced again in 1956. The first two versions of the bridge span aligned with Sandpoint’s First Avenue—unlike today’s alignment with Superior Street. The Long Bridge that Sandpoint residents and visitors use today was built in 1981. The 1940s brought Farragut Naval Training Station to the area and about 300,000 new servicemen. In 1963, Schweitzer Basin ski area opened, which brought more people to the area for skiing and recreation. North Idaho’s unpopulated areas and rich and diverse recreational opportunities began to attract many more residents to the region in the 1970s. From the 1980s through today, Sandpoint has transitioned from a resource-based economy to a more balanced diversified one with manufacturing and recreation amenities.
1809 1980s - 2010 1981 Fur trading Diversified route Long Bridge economy with established was built manufacturing and recreation
1898 1880 Farmins 1907 Northern bought 160 1963 2010 - 2020 Pacific Railroad acres and Sandpoint Schweitzer Added more surveyors platted officially Basin tech and arrived Sandpoint became a city opened aerospace industry
1890 1892 1910 Fires 1940s Bridge prompted Great Northern Farragut Naval completed move across Railroad arrived Training between Sand Creek Station Sandpoint and Opened Sagle
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Environmental Characteristics Sandpoint is surrounded by Lake Pend Oreille to the southeast and forested mountains to the northwest. Formed by glacial activity, Lake Pend Oreille is the largest lake in Idaho and the fifth deepest lake in the United States. Lake Pend Oreille’s historic glacial formation provides Sandpoint with a steady supply of drinking water into the foreseeable future. Sandpoint is the largest city along Lake Pend Oreille, providing positive opportunities for scenic and recreational engagement with the water. To the northwest of city limits and just south of Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, the City of Sandpoint is a significant landowner within the area commonly referred to as the “Little Sand Creek Watershed.” Land within this watershed is also partially owned and managed by the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, and the State of Idaho. Map 1. Little Sand Creek Watershed
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Mountains northwest of Sandpoint provide opportunities for outdoor recreation including hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and more. Schweitzer Mountain Resort attracts tourists for winter recreation from across the nation. While the natural features and recreation surrounding Sandpoint attract over 10,000 visitors a year2 as well as new residents, these features also influence the city’s ability to physically expand beyond its current boundary.
Sandpoint enjoys a temperate climate with average high temperatures reaching into the 80s during the summer, and below freezing during the winter. The annual average precipitation in Sandpoint is about 34 inches. The wettest months of the year are November and December. The consistent rain and snowfall create a lush environment still leaving plenty of sunny days in the summer months to attract visitors to outdoor recreation. Chart 1. Average Precipitation and Temperatures in Sandpoint3
6 100 80 4 60 2 40 20 0 0 Fahrenheit Temperature in Temperature April May June July January March August February October September November December Inches of Precipitation of Inches Average precipitation in inches Average high temperature in ºF Average low temperature in ºF
[To add: wind and snowfall data]
2 Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce: http://sandpointchamber.org/about-the-greater-sandpoint-chamber-of- commerce/statistics/ 3 U.S. Climate Data: usclimatedata.com
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Community Characteristics and Population Sandpoint is the Bonner County seat and provides Chart 1. Comparative Population Growth 2000-2018 several regional amenities and services to the smaller [To add: City of Kootenai] communities around Lake Pend Oreille and the surrounding mountains. Recent population growth has been led, in part, by retired residents looking for a relaxing beautiful place to enjoy their retirement years. This change in population demographic creates a demand for health and recreation facilities targeted towards a retired population. The increasing projections on school attendance also show that Sandpoint remains an attractive community for young families. The City estimated that in 2019 there were approximately 9,500 people living in Sandpoint4. This is more than a 28% population increase since 20105. Sandpoint’s population accounts for approximately 21% of Bonner County’s population (44,727) in 2018. After staying relatively flat in the early 2010s, the rate of population growth has seen recent spurts of population increase, particularly in 2017 with an annual increase of over 5% in population from the previous year. That year also saw a record number of in-migration of residents moving from outside Idaho, at almost double the rate of Idaho as a whole. Veterans make up about 7.2% of the population in Sandpoint, with the majority of which having served during the Vietnam War era. About 65% of Sandpoint veterans are still in the workforce, even though about the same percentage are above 65 years old. Changing alongside total population numbers are Sandpoint’s age demographics. The largest age demographic is currently persons between 50 to 65 years of age (23%), closely followed by residents over the age 65 (19%). This increasing older generation of residents, coupled with a declining population of young adults between 18 and 34 years old, has increased Sandpoint’s median age from 35.4 years old in 2010 to now 42.2 years old.6
4 Sandpoint Housing Assessment Presentation, November 15, 2019. Shows an estimate of 9,515 residents based on building permit data and adjusted vacancy rates. 5 US Census 2010 indicated 7,461 residents of Sandpoint. 6 ACS 2018 estimates
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Chart 2. Sandpoint Age Distribution 2010 and 2018
85+ years 80 to 84 years 75 to 79 years 70 to 74 years 65 to 69 years 60 to 64 years 55 to 59 years 50 to 54 years 45 to 49 years 40 to 44 years 35 to 39 years 30 to 34 years 25 to 29 years 20 to 24 years 15 to 19 years 10 to 14 years 5 to 9 years Under 5 years
10 5 0 5 10 Percent of Population
2010 2018
In terms of skills and education, the Sandpoint population is overall highly internet-literate and moderately educated, as compared to Idaho overall. The 2018 estimates show that of Sandpoint’s general population over 25 years old, 85% have graduated from high school and 28% obtained a bachelor’s degree or greater, comparable with Idaho’s state average of 27%. While this doesn’t reflect workforce training or trades, data shows that another 25% of the Sandpoint population has some college but no degree, and an additional 8% has an associate’s degree. There is a branch of the North Idaho College in Sandpoint which offers adult education and workforce training, as well as dual high school and college credit classes.
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Population Forecast Population forecasting is an essential part of the comprehensive planning process as it provides a basis for estimating land needed for housing, employment, and other uses. Forecasts also help predict the amount of infrastructure the City will need to provide, ensuring that the City has sufficient capacity to accommodate projected growth while ensuring provision of services are commensurate with growth. Sandpoint’s population grew more quickly between 1990 and 2000 than did the rest of Idaho. During that timeframe, the statewide population rose by approximately 28.5% compared to Sandpoint’s 31.4%. Between 1970 and 2000, the City’s population grew by about 65%. The Comprehensive Plan is using an estimated 2019 population of 9,515 based on building permits and adjusted vacancy rates. Taking into consideration current development trends, including the anticipation of over 400 new housing units over the next few years, a 3.4% growth rate through 2025 is forecasted. An annual overall growth rate of 2.7% through 2040 is projected considering historic census data as well as recent development trends and is shown in the chart below. At this rate, Sandpoint could reach around 16,700 residents by 2040, nearly doubling in size. The City currently has an average household size of 2.3 people. If this household size continues into the future, this growth rate would result in demand for about 3,000 new housing units between 2020 and 2040.
Chart 3. Sandpoint Historic and Project Population
18,000 16,000 14,000 12,000 10,000 8,000 6,000 4,000 2,000 0 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012 2014 2016 2018 2020 2022 2024 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 2036 2038 2040
Historic Population Projected Population
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Community Character & Design Sandpoint is a destination for skiers, shoppers, and visitors seeking Highlights the peace and relaxation offered by Lake Pend Oreille and the • The Sandpoint Historic District forested hills surrounding the city. Sandpoint residents cherish their was officially recognized in 1984 community’s small town scale, pace of life, and rural identity. by the National Register of Historic Places, with a boundary Sandpoint’s recent popularity, reflected in its population growth, increase approved in 2018. demand for seasonal as well as long-term housing, and development • There are currently eight pressures, may challenge the existing character of the city. As a buildings in Sandpoint that are on result, additional measures may become important to proactively the National Register of Historic preserve and enhance the vibrant character of Sandpoint through Places. intentional design choices, programs, and tools, even as the city • Several City Boards and continues to grow and change. Such efforts may include historic Commissions work to preserve preservation, art districts, design guidelines, community partnerships, and enhance the city’s character, and new funding mechanisms. including the Sandpoint Historic Historic Places Preservation Commission, Sandpoint Arts Commission, and Sandpoint is known for its thriving logging and natural resources Tree Committee. economy of the 19th and 20th centuries. Many Downtown buildings, homes, and residential neighborhoods built during Sandpoint’s early days still exist, some of which are included in the National Register of Historic Places. Sites of local historic importance include the Panida Theater Downtown, Humbird Mill site east of Sand Creek, the Dry Press Brick Company site on West Pine Street, the old Farmin School site at Second and Main, and Lakeview Cemetery on South Division. The older established neighborhoods of Sandpoint have a distinctive charm that endears them to residents and visitors alike. Many Sandpoint residents wish to preserve this character and respect the history of the city as seen in the older neighborhoods. This character is represented in traditional housing types, the grid street pattern, landscaped sidewalk buffer, and large tree canopy. Sandpoint’s Downtown Historic District was recently expanded from the original 1984 one-block design. The district expansion added seven acres and thirty-two buildings to the Historic District, bringing the total to 10.6 acres and 47 buildings. The Historic District expansion was spearheaded by the Sandpoint Historic Preservation Commission, which facilitates the identification, evaluation, preservation, restoration, protection, and enhancement of local historical, cultural, and archaeological interests.
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Map 2. National Register Historic District and Places
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Arts and Culture Sandpoint celebrates a thriving culture supported by its rich history and strong arts council. The Sandpoint Arts Commission was established to act in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council to create and maintain an atmosphere conducive to the fullest expression of all art forms in order to enrich the lives of all Sandpoint citizens and visitors through public art. The Commission works collaboratively to enhance the public space of the City of Sandpoint with high quality works of art and promotes the City as a center for artistic and cultural excellence.
Examples of public art in Sandpoint Currently, the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency (SURA) is the primary source of funding for public art in Sandpoint. Between 2.5–5% of SURA’s funding has been dedicated to public art. This comes from the tax increment financing (TIF) tool used within the Urban Renewal Areas to leverage the increased property tax revenue for public improvements.
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The city is also home to several flourishing arts organizations and entertainment programs such as the Pend Oreille Arts Council (POAC), Panida Theater, The Bonner County Historical Society, the Festival at Sandpoint music fest, Lost in the 50’s, The Hive music venue, Sandpoint Renaissance Faire, the County Fairgrounds and Demo Derby, Winter Carnival, Sandpoint Creations Children’s museum, and several other concerts and art galleries. These events and programs are a huge draw to Sandpoint that continue to bring more visitors and new residents than ever before.
Examples of local festivals and event venues (Photo Source: Aaron Qualls and Jared Yost)
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The Granary Arts District, just west of Downtown, is now a thriving artistic and community space at the historic location of a granary and farming supply store. It is an area that cultivates local artisanal businesses, special community events, and provides space and opportunities for local musicians, artists and community organizations to gather and share ideas. This property, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is now a Sandpoint community and cultural cornerstone.
The Granary Arts District
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Urban Forest The “urban forest” of Sandpoint refers to all privately owned and public trees in the city, including those in parks, on government property, on private land, and along the public right of way. Having a diverse, healthy, safe and well-maintained urban forest is important to residents. The City of Sandpoint is committed to promoting urban forestry aesthetics downtown, providing opportunities to enjoy parks under tree shading, and planting new trees intentionally with cost, maintenance, and safety in mind. The City only has regulatory and supervisory authorities over publicly owned trees. In an effort to increase the City’s urban canopy, the “Neighborwoods” program was created to provide trees at no cost to property owners in exchange for their commitment to care for and nourish the new trees along the public right of way, benefiting the entire neighborhood. Map 3. Sandpoint Tree Canopy
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Design Guidelines Building design standards for all new commercial, mixed use, and industrial developments in the city are currently adopted within the City’s zoning regulations. They are intended to produce human scale design and ensure compatibility within the context of the surrounding area. These development standards generally include building setbacks, height, orientation, materials, storefront design, provision of civic space, and compatibility of size, massing and scale relative to surrounding buildings. The zoning code includes additional standards for buildings over a certain size, depending on the zoning district. These additional standards include guidance on circulation, facades, roofs, and adaptability for future reuse. In 2012, a distinct document of design guidelines for Downtown was established thanks to funding from SURA. The guidelines identify concepts for Downtown street design, First and Cedar streetscape concept, links to the lake, and gateway enhancements. Design guidelines layout a preference for wide, welcoming sidewalks that conform to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards with a red paver band to delineate the foot traffic from the curb with street trees and lighting. Flexible, optional guidance for more whimsical elements include benches, banners, bike racks, updated wayfinding signs, and trash cans. The plan also provides options for landscaping to capture stormwater to reduce flooding, and parklets to provide visitors and residents places to rest and recreate within the Downtown area, ways to integrate art into Downtown, and transit stop integration. Gateway design guidelines that encourage iconic elements, art, and landscaping were developed for Superior Street and Downtown water frontage along Sand Creek east of First Ave. and north of Bridge Street which has since been acquired by the City. In 2020, the first two phases of implementing the Downtown Streets Plan and Design Guide were completed which incorporated Cedar Street from Fifth Ave. to First Ave. and down First Ave. to Church Street.
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Land Use & Growth The City of Sandpoint’s land use patterns are generally typical of a Highlights city its size and vintage. The City has a traditional downtown with • Medium density residential multi-story buildings including retail, restaurants, and civic/cultural development is the City’s most amenities. The Downtown is also home to marinas (on Sand Creek dominant land use and at City Beach) and a hospital. Currently, Downtown has very little • City limits encompasses housing when compared to historic conditions. approximately 4.2 square miles Outside of Downtown, Sandpoint has a cohesive residential feel with • Sandpoint’s Area of City Impact different architectural styles that are in harmony with the extends about 12.5 square miles surrounding landscape. Homes within the older neighborhoods to the west of city limits, where provide a sense of the historic character of northern Idaho with a certain types of development are subject to City review and traditional street grid layout. comment. The value of the parcel per acre graphic below illustrates how • Concentrating growth in specific businesses and properties adjacent to the shore and those in areas allows the City to increase Downtown tend to have a slightly higher value, but that there is a mix its population while preserving of parcel sizes and assessed values throughout the City. much of its small town character. Figure 1. Tax Value Per Acre 2019 Assessor
The 2009 Comprehensive plan identified land uses by Context Area to facilitate the development and evaluation of long-range, strategic growth patterns. Within the current Sandpoint City limits, the largest area is identified as Context Area 2, which is characterized by Sandpoint’s traditional historic single-family neighborhoods with small Accessory Dwelling Units. Context Area 3 supports a denser housing structure with smaller lots and shared open space with integrated single and multifamily housing options. Building off the housing diversity of Context Area 3, Context Area 3B incorporates mixed-use, neighborhood-compatible retail. Context Area 4 allows a higher density than Context Area 3, envisioning two and three story mixed-use townhome-style residences. Context
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Area 5 encourages multi-story integrated commercial, office, and multi-family housing units, which can support the highest level of density in the city. Outside the city limits, the City’s Area of City Impact (ACI) reflects a desire for low density, rural development, identified as Context Areas 1, 1.5, and 2. Map 4. Preexisting Future Land Use Map (Updated 2019)
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In South Sandpoint, an area generally lying south of U.S. Highway 2 and east of Olive Avenue, homes are older, are generally set on lots that range from approximately 4,000 to 7,000 square feet in size, and feature large, mature trees. At the very southwestern tip of city limits, residential development is somewhat less homogenous, with low-rise condos along the waterfront and newer development inland typified by single-family dwellings on 10,000 square foot lots. Newer single-family residences are prevalent along the Lincoln Street corridor to the intersection with Main Street, where the single-family pattern includes more duplexes, multifamily apartments and town homes. This housing mix generally continues through the northwestern and northern portions of the city south of Baldy Mountain Road. The north and northeastern corners of the City generally feature low-intensity residential development. Industrial development is mostly limited to the airport vicinity north of Walnut Street and west of Boyer. Some industrially designated lands beyond the airport are actively used. Still other areas designated industrial are still undeveloped. Some portions of the city’s industrial lands have been classified as “brownfields” and require mitigation and/or cleanup work in order to resume productive use or see redevelopment. Open space preservation is a value held by the community. City Beach—the centerpiece of Sandpoint’s parks system—is an important part of the overall Sandpoint experience. Existing parks and trails scattered throughout the city are also greatly appreciated, and facilitate active and passive recreation. Area of City Impact (ACI) Sandpoint’s Area of City Impact (ACI) is unincorporated land adjacent to the City that is designated by the City and County as land that may someday be considered for annexation into the City. As such, ACI lands are included in comprehensive planning to facilitate City goals and help coordinate development patterns between the City and the ACI. Certain types of development within the ACI, while technically in unincorporated Bonner County, are subject to review and comment by the City of Sandpoint. City boundaries currently include approximately 2,700 acres, and Sandpoint’s ACI extends to the west with approximately 8,000 acres. A sizable portion of the ACI, however, is not suitable for urban-level development due to steep slopes, ownership by the National Forest Service, or wetlands/watershed issues. The City of Sandpoint retains ownership of a significant portion of the ACI known as the Little Sand Creek Watershed. Existing development in the ACI is predominantly low-density and rural. Where developed, some lands are utilized for farming, though most are homes on characteristically large-sized rural lots. Residential development tapers away as the terrain gets steeper in the foothills that surround the city. Some isolated commercial uses exist in the ACI as well. The ACI is an environmentally sensitive area that would benefit from a collaboration with the County to promote ecological and community health. Urban Renewal Areas (URA) The Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency (SURA) was established in 2005 to fund critical infrastructure projects in Sandpoint which would stimulate economic development and arrest urban deterioration and obsolesce. Two Urban Renewal Areas have been established: the Downtown URA and the Northern Sandpoint URA. The plans for each were amended in 2010 and both districts are scheduled to sunset in 2029. Since there establishment, several projects have been funded within the districts through Tax Increment Financing including, but not necessarily limited to sidewalks, streetscapes, utilities, public art, fiber optics, recreation and park amenities as well as supporting planning and design documents. Tax Increment Financing provides that an increase of
Existing Conditions Report | Page 18 property values in the URA allows for any increased property tax assessments to be reinvested within the districts. Map 5. Urban Renewal Areas and Revenue Allocation Areas
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Housing & Neighborhoods Throughout the city, there are a variety of housing choices for Highlights Sandpoint residents, but among most neighborhoods—historic and • Sandpoint’s housing has stayed new—single-family homes are the most prevalent housing type. In relatively diverse over the past reaction to the decreasing supply of vacant residential land within thirty years, providing a mix of single-family and multifamily city limits, some developers are building multi-family housing units (condos, duplexes, and apartment complexes) and innovative multi- family housing to utilize land more efficiently. Locating housing of • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) those types close to Downtown creates additional potential for have been allowed since 2017 in alternative transportation options among the residents who may residential zones inhabit them. In appropriate areas of the City, there are opportunities • Median rent is estimated to have to add more units through infill or redevelopment, especially through increased by about 32% since the creation of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). 2010 in Sandpoint. Housing Stock • A significant number of households—renters and Sandpoint’s housing stock is relatively diverse, across housing type as owners—are considered cost- well as age. According to the 2018 American Community Survey burdened by HUD standards, estimates, Sandpoint had a total of 3,945 dwelling units, the majority indicating that incomes have not of which are single-family detached (61%). There is also a mix of kept pace with housing prices duplexes, triplexes, senior housing, and apartment buildings in Sandpoint. Multifamily apartment developments have added more units in the last decade, slightly shifting the ratio with single-family and duplexes. About 25% of the housing stock are considered apartments, but only 12% are in apartment buildings with 20 or more units, compared to 8% in 2010. Since 2011, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have been allowed by right in all residential zones and a total of 41 have been constructed since. This flexibility provides opportunity for additional residential density without significant changes to the neighborhood character. The City issued 64 building permits for single family homes in 2019, which is more than triple the number from just 5 years earlier. Multifamily housing building permits have a less consistent cycle, often dependent on the market and available land. Most years from 2009 to 2019 have zero to less than ten multifamily building permits issued, with spikes in 2012 (57 permits), 2016 (73 permits), and 2017 (21 permits).
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Housing Tenure In 2018, the ACS estimated that 51% of Sandpoint housing was owned by residents—a ratio that has held steady over the last decade. This is almost a quarter lower than Bonner County at 76%. Almost half of Sandpoint households are long term residents that have lived in their home or apartment for more than a decade, while just over 22% of households are newer residents in their homes and have moved within the last few years. Of the available housing in Sandpoint, around 10% is vacant. According to the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), a healthy vacancy rate is around 6%. Close to half of vacant housing is rented for seasonal, recreational or occasional use. In comparison, Bonner County has close to 30% vacancy rate, with over three quarters used for seasonal, recreation or occasional use. Chart 4. Short Term Rental Permits in Sandpoint7
60
50
40
30
20
10
0 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019
Affordability A growing concern for Sandpoint residents is the affordability of housing as measured against local wages. The city’s reputation as an outdoors, high quality of life community has made it a more desirable place for the purchase of second and/or seasonal residences, contributing to high housing costs and low year-round availability. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) indicates that expenditures of more than 30% of a household’s income to shelter means they are cost-burdened by such expenses, and have reduced ability to afford other necessities. Using HUD’s metric, 57% of Sandpoint renter households across all income levels are cost-burdened, which is 15% higher than renters in Bonner County. For homeowners in Sandpoint, 36% are cost-burdened to pay off their mortgage, about 8% more than Bonner County home owners. The estimated median monthly rent has increased by about 32% since 2010, from $738 to $974. The 2018 ACS estimated the median housing value at $220,700, but more recent analysis
7 City of Sandpoint
Existing Conditions Report | Page 21 shows that median sales prices are closer to $290,000.8 With HUD’s 30% metric, analysis shows that with Sandpoint’s median household income of $41,385 according to ACS, homeownership is out of reach for many without becoming cost-burdened. While Sandpoint has seven subsidized housing complexes, six low-income housing complexes, and four low-income senior housing complexes, there is currently little to no vacancy. In addition, several of the subsidized housing complexes are reaching the end of the 20-year mandate to limit rent increases and will soon match market rates.9 The number of housing units currently being used as short-term or seasonal rentals are seen as a contributing factor to increasing rents and constrained housing availability.
8 Housing Assessment Presentation, November 2019. Source: Selkirk Association of Realtors 7/11/2019 9 Housing Assessment Presentation, November 2019.
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Jobs & Economic Development The population growth that Sandpoint has seen in the past and Highlights anticipates in the future requires a focus on growing year-round and • About half of Sandpoint’s resident higher paying jobs, creating businesses, and expanding economic workforce are employed in opportunity within the community. Land use polices can encourage Sandpoint. The other half work as close as Ponderay and as far economic growth, as well as retention and expansion of existing Coeur D’Alene or even Spokane. business in locations that provide optimal benefits to the community. The Comprehensive Plan lays the blueprint for directing new growth • The median household income and redevelopment into key areas where job centers and retail has remained relatively development will be most successful, and where the community can unchanged since 2010. realize its full potential while maintaining character. • The seasonal fluctuation in jobs is a regional reality for residents in The proximity to Schweitzer and access to Lake Pend Oreille the area. combined with Sandpoint’s community character makes it a great place to live, work, and visit. Sandpoint’s quality of life offers an • The largest industry in Sandpoint additional incentive in attracting new businesses and is important to remains health care and social expanding the city’s economy. services, followed by retail, hospitality, and food service. There is a strong spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in • Three out of four jobs in Sandpoint, with a number of successful, locally started companies Sandpoint are held by residents including Kodiak Aircraft Co., Tamarak Aerospace, Biomedical outside of Sandpoint, making it an Innovations, Kochava Mobile Analytics, and Litehouse Foods. economic hub for the region. According to the Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce there are has been a growing number of businesses in recent years. In addition, companies such as Kochava and others have noted that many of their employees appreciate the strong sense of place and a desire to stay in Sandpoint due to the work/life balance and opportunities that come with having a position at national or international company based in a small town. Compared to adjacent communities, Sandpoint has a great diversity of employment sectors from manufacturing to timber to tourism, to technology, aerospace and even several new breweries. This depth of industry provides resiliency to economic hardship and also creates opportunity during times of growth. This can be seen even as large companies, such as Coldwater Creek, have left Sandpoint or gone bankrupt over the last decade. A major effort to expand broadband within the city limits started by increasing the City’s fiber backbone with subsequent rollouts to neighborhoods and business by various internet service providers. This increased internet infrastructure and access supports a broad base of users including online education, small business commerce, and remote workers. This has proven to be particularly important during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis of 2020, when many industries and educational institutions had to pivot to online and remote functions. Economic expansion may also increase the need for workforce housing. As housing prices and availability continue to tighten in Sandpoint, people earning a moderate wage are finding it difficult to find affordable housing within city limits. As a result, workers live in outlying areas and commute into town, impacting Sandpoint’s traffic and infrastructure.
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Labor Force In terms of skills and education, the Sandpoint population is overall highly internet-literate and moderately educated. Almost nine out of ten Sandpoint households have a computer and three quarters of households have a broadband internet subscription. Highly tech-literate households support the almost 7% of the labor force that work from home. For the other 93% of the Sandpoint labor force that has a work commute, the average travel time to work is 15 minutes with almost half of workers living within a 10 minute commute of their employment. One in ten Sandpoint workers even choose to walk or bike to work. Comparatively, the average commute time in Bonner County is about 25 minutes and less than 4% of workers bike or walk to work.10 Following national trends, most Sandpoint commuters travel by driving alone and most households have two cars.11 With a regional reliance on tourism, the number of jobs fluctuates between the seasons. This often means that full-time residents may not work year-round, or may have to pick up more than one job depending on the season. Moreover, the data shows that many of the seasonal jobs do not necessarily offer fulltime employment, even during the peak season. Chart 5. Employment Fluctuations in Bonner County
10 American Community Survey 2014-2018 11 ACS 2018: 66% of Sandpoint workers drive alone and 68.6% have 2 or more cars available.
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Household Income Sandpoint households generally have a lower income than Bonner County households. While city residents saw about a 27% increase in the median household income between 2000 and 2010, the median income remained largely flat since 2010. In Sandpoint, the median household income was estimated at $41,385 in 2018. This median household income is approximately $7,000 lower than Bonner County, and about $12,000 lower than the state median household income. Both Dover and Kootenai residents report higher household incomes. In terms of distribution, about 13% of Sandpoint’s households earns an annual income less than $10,000 and 15% of households earn an annual income of $100,000 or above. Just over 20% of the population and 15% of families live at or below the poverty level in 2018 compared to 17% of families at or below the poverty level in 2010.12 [add as feasible: senior income data] Higher income households have increased since 2010 and 2000, but the biggest increase proportionally of households was in the annual income category of $15k-$25k, now encompassing 22% of Sandpoint households, compared to 10% in 2010. This income group is significantly larger proportionally than both Bonner County and the state of Idaho. Sandpoint has fewer households in the $50k-$100k income category range than both the county and state. Mirroring the in-migration and aging demographic trends, the number of households living on Social Security and retirement incomes have increased significantly since 2010. These ratios now closely match the state percentages. However, as a proportion of residents, this population is still smaller than in Bonner County overall. Between 2000 and 2010, Sandpoint saw a significant increase of households relying on public assistance programs like Food Stamps/SNAP. This number has decreased since 2010, but the percentage of households is still slightly higher than both Bonner County and the State averages. [to add: additional data]
12 American Community Survey 2014-2018 and 2010 Census
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Industry While timber production in the area has seen a decline, it is still a major employer for the region. Sandpoint has remained economically resilient by bringing other industries such as manufacturing, aerospace technology, tech, and healthcare opportunities to the area. Many residents feel that a strengthened and diversified economy should be a focus moving forward by continuing to bring more industries that provide a living wage for residents. The top industry, providing almost 35% of jobs in Sandpoint in 2017 was the Health Care & Social Assistance industry. Tying in second place, Accommodation & Food Service and Retail Trade together provide another 33% of jobs in Sandpoint. Not surprisingly, Retail Trade also produces the largest source of revenue ($171,927 in 2017), followed by the Health Care & Social Assistance industry ($139,374). Sandpoint is also home to the Lake Pend Oreille School District—the largest public employer in Bonner County, as well as Bonner County’s administrative offices. [To add: data or indicators for construction & Independent contractors] Tourism continues to be a prime component of Sandpoint’s economy. Each year, visitors travel to Sandpoint to shop, recreate on the lake, ski at the Schweitzer Mountain Resort, or take part in a variety of other activities including concerts at the popular Festival at Sandpoint. Many events and activities in Sandpoint are designed to attract visitors who enjoy music, art, and food. While this industry offers a wide range of job opportunities, the number of jobs fluctuates between the seasons and does not consistently pay a living wage. The seasonal fluctuations in jobs is a regional reality for residents in the area. Chart 6. Employees of Sandpoint Businesses by Industry (2017)13
Wholesale Trade Arts, entertainment and recreation Other services Transportation and warehousing Real estate and rental leasing Finance and Insurance Information Professional, scientific, and technical services Administrative and support Retail Trade Accommodation and food services Health care and social assistance
0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800
American Community Survey 2014-2018 a
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Economic Tools and Partnerships There are a number of partner organizations and incentives and financing tools that help support Sandpoint’s economic development. Included among Sandpoint’s partner agencies are the Sandpoint Urban Renewal Agency, Bonner County Economic Development Corporation, Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, Idaho Department of Commerce, Panhandle Area Council (PAC), and the Idaho Department of Labor. These organizations provide resources, educational and workforce training programs, and incentives and financing tools. The City also has a state certified Opportunity Zone that encompasses much of Sandpoint’s core—Downtown and the surrounding commercial, industrial, and residential areas. This is a federal community development program that provides tax incentives through the capital gains tax for investors. Economic Growth Prospects Sandpoint is part of a larger economic region including Bonner, Kootenai and Boundary counties, and northeastern Washington. Actions that occur and affect the larger region affect Sandpoint. This is likely to continue into the future as the communities in northern Idaho become increasingly interdependent. Sandpoint has a number of attributes that make it a favorable location for businesses, including its infrastructure, educational and health care providers, and access to recreational opportunities. However, in order for Sandpoint to remain regionally competitive, it will be important to leverage available tools and partnerships, as well as anticipate changes in national and regional trends. One example is to develop transitional spaces that can be used by retail or light industrial businesses. The City’s new fiber-optic services provide high speed internet that is superior to the surrounding areas. This supports and attracts employers, including the potential for more satellite offices that support larger firms across the country. Sandpoint’s physical location, connected by Highways 2 and 95, provide regional access to Interstate 90. However, the distance from the interstate (45 miles) and the relatively small labor pool hinder economic growth in some industries. Businesses that need direct access to an interstate highway, such as distribution centers, or need more labor than is available locally may not be attracted to Sandpoint. Sandpoint is close to many outdoor recreation opportunities, including Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Lake Pend Oreille and the Pend Oreille River, parks, national forests, and campgrounds. These beautiful surroundings also play a large part in making Sandpoint a desirable place to live and work. Majestic foothills and the clear water of Lake Pend Oreille add to Sandpoint’s charm and desirability. The following are examples of business industries more likely to locate in Sandpoint: • Professional service businesses: These types of firms will be attracted to Sandpoint’s high quality of life and workforce. Businesses of this type include corporate headquarters, software design, engineering, research, call centers, and other professional services. • Small and medium-scale manufacturing firms (20 to 150 employees): These types of firms will be attracted to the Sandpoint’s high quality of life and proximity to natural resources. Businesses of this type include aerospace related businesses, food processors, recreational equipment, furniture manufacturing, specialty apparel, and other specialty manufacturing.
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• Residents and tourist service providers: Firms providing services like lodging, restaurants, specialty retail, financial services, and other services will be attracted to Sandpoint’s location along Highways 2 and 95, proximity to small cities and rural areas, and growing population. • Retirement services: Such providers will find Sandpoint’s health care services, access to recreational opportunities, rural setting and beauty, and Sandpoint’s aging population appealing. The growing numbers of retirees will continue to provide business opportunity. • Remote Workers: The number of remote workers has stayed strong in recent years and is anticipated to increase. The recent investment in broadband internet supports remote working and provides workers a desirable live/work balance. Working remotely is a growing national trend that disproportionally impact smaller, quality-of-life towns as these workers have the flexibility to choose place over job opportunities.
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Highlights Public Facilities, Services & Utilities • Lake Pend Oreille and Little Sand As Sandpoint grows, the public services that keep the City running Creek serve as the supply for the also need to grow. Sandpoint must have appropriate facilities to Sandpoint public water system— serve its dynamic population and maintain quality and level of which both meet drinking water service. standards Providing high levels of service doesn’t always mean just increasing • Sandpoint residents and capacity of existing services or adding new services. Arrangement of businesses enjoy curbside trash and recycling pickup land uses, creative approaches to stormwater, and efficient use of existing services are some of the ways Sandpoint can address • The aging demographics and population growth and the increased need for public services. influx of seasonal tourists put pressure on fire/EMS and police Innovation and planning are essential to keep Sandpoint on top of services and resources public service demand. Continued updates to capital facilities plans, • monitoring of fire/EMS and police services, and reduction of need Anticipated growth forecasts are predicted to put additional strain through education, decreased waste, increased efficiency, and on existing infrastructure protecting the environment. Transportation Transportation infrastructure within City limits, includes approximately: 50 miles of sidewalks, 10 miles of shared pathways, 800 ADA ramps, and 60 linear (centerline) miles of roadway (6 miles of Minor Arterials, 10 miles of Collectors, and 44 miles of Local). The greater urban area includes the three adjacent cities of Dover, Ponderay and Kootenai. U.S. Highway 95 and U.S. Highway 2 both serve as regional connectors through town. Known to the railroad industry as “The Funnel” Sandpoint accommodates a substantial amount of rail traffic via three rail lines including BNSF, Union Pacific and Montana Rail LinkAll current Major Arterials are state-owned and maintained highways.
Over ten years ago, the City participated in the development and completion of an Urban Area Transportation Plan (UATP) – a multi-jurisdictional effort that included the neighboring communities of Dover, Ponderay, Kootenai, and the Independent Highway District. The UATP was adopted by City Council in 2009 with various provisions and it continues to serve as an informative resource today.
Since adoption of the UATP, several planning efforts relating to specific transportation challenges and/or objectives have been generated. Additionally, the City and the Independent Highway District (IHD) recently entered into a renewed agreement; IHD owns the roadways within the city and the City is responsible for maintenance. In 2017, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) transferred ownership of several streets within the downtown core to the city, enabling a reversion from one-way streets to two-way streets and subsequent revitalization projects.
The City of Sandpoint adopted its first ordinance formally prioritizing the need to improve sidewalks in 1919. For the past hundred years, the community has recognized the value in providing safe access for pedestrians and
Existing Conditions Report | Page 29 has worked collaboratively to establish the network that exists today. Currently, the network includes approximately 50 miles of sidewalk and 10 miles of multiuse pathways. Additionally, the City has established bike routes throughout town.
The Selkirks-Pend Oreille Transit (SPOT) Authority [to add]
Over many years, substantial efforts and investments have successfully improved safety, connectivity, accessibility, and mobility throughout the City; however, numerous challenges remain and a comprehensive, 2020 Multimodal Transportation Plan is intended to provide a strategy for improvements in responding to community-driven goals, aging infrastructure, and growth.
Water The City’s water system serves all of Sandpoint’s residents as well as Ponderay, Kootenai, and unincorporated areas of Bonner County surrounding Sandpoint. The estimated total existing population served is 13,430. The City operates and maintains over 98 miles of water pipe, two water treatment plants (WTPs), two water storage facilities, one supply pump station, two booster stations (one is currently offline), and one altitude valve. The City provides water to two different water utilities (Syringa Heights Water District and Northside Water Users Association) and two other cities (Kootenai and Ponderay). The City owns and operates two drinking water treatment plant: a conventional WTP on Little Sand Creek (Sand Creek WTP) with a nominal capacity of 3.2 million gallons per day (mgd), and a pressure membrane filtration plant that draws supply from Lake Pend Oreille (Lake WTP) with a nominal 10.0 mgd capacity. The combined nominal capacity of both plants is approximately 13.2 mgd. Both sources of supply are high-quality; however, the Little Sand Creek supply water quality can degrade rapidly during runoff periods with higher levels of suspended solids. The City’s water system currently has one main pressure zone and one small boosted pressure zone. Pressure zone boundaries are defined by elevation served to control the range of service pressures within established limits. As the City Water Service Area grows, it is anticipated that additional pressure zones will be created to serve the higher elevation areas to the north and west of the existing City Water Service Area. The City’s water system has two steel water storage reservoirs, Woodland Reservoir and Syringa Reservoir. Total storage is 3.77 MG. The existing City’s water system is comprised of over 94 miles of pipelines ranging in diameter from 2- to 36- inches, with most pipes 6- to 8-inches in diameter. Pipe materials include cast iron (CI), ductile iron (DI), PVC, and coal tar coated steel (CTS) with sixty-six percent of the pipe within the system PVC. The City serves approximately 4,900 customer accounts. Based on the past five years of data the majority of the water accounts are residential at approximately 82 percent and the remaining 18 percent of customers are a mix of commercial, industrial, and wholesale accounts. For the same period, the residential customers used approximately 49 percent of billed demand and non-residential customers used 51 percent of billed demand. The City’s non-revenue water is high compared to industry standards and measures are being taken to reduce non-revenue water to 15 percent by 2040.
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Waste Water The City’s sanitary sewer system serves Sandpoint’s residents, including approximately 3,800 service connections. The City operates and maintains over 45 miles of gravity sewer pipelines, one wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and 16 lift stations. The City of Sandpoint's current wastewater treatment plant was originally built with components purchased from the Farragut Naval Station in 1955. Portions of the original plant are still in use today over 60 years later. The typical planned life of a wastewater facility is 20 years. Sandpoint's plant is now at the end of its useful life span and in 2018, the City Council adopted a facility plan to replace and reconstruct the facility at its current location by 2026. The replacement project will ensure the City remains in compliance with future permit conditions and state and federal laws. Since the implementation of the Clean Water Act and subsequent creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) in the early 1970s, industrial, institutional and commercial entities have been required to continually improve the quality of their process wastewater effluent discharges. Influent is sewer that enters the facility (untreated). Effluent is treated sewer that leaves the facility and discharges into the river. The City of Sandpoint collects and discharges treated and disinfected effluent to the Pend Oreille River in accordance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. The average dry weather flow at Sandpoint’s wastewater treatment plant is around 1.2 million gallons per day (MGD). During rain on snow events the flow can increase to over 10.0 MGD. Facility records indicate peak day flows have exceeded 10 mgd on eight separate occasions between 1998 and 2017, with a maximum daily flow estimated at 14.65 mgd in 2006. The seasonal fluctuations in flows is the result of inflow and infiltration (I&I) into the sanitary sewer collection system. Inflow and infiltration (I&I) present significant challenges for the City of Sandpoint. Inflow is water flowing overland that finds its way into manholes and other openings in the wastewater collection system. Infiltration is underground water that flows into openings in the wastewater collection system piping. Sandpoint is located on soil that drains poorly. As a result, any large amount of precipitation will raise the ground water level quickly. This ground water flows into the Sandpoint wastewater collection system through cracks in the mains, cracks in laterals, and through sump pumps that are connected to the collection system rather than pumping to the storm water system. Sandpoint has aggressively targeted I&I reduction. To date over 90% of recognized problem mains have been lined or replaced to reduce I&I. The sewer lateral inspection program (SLIP) has aided in the replacement of lateral service lines from houses to the main. Around one third of the laterals in the city have been inspected through SLIP, and around one third of the laterals inspected have needed replacement. Reducing I&I will have a major impact on the capacity requirement of Sandpoint’s future treatment plant and reducing the size of the plant needed will have a substantial effect on the rates users will pay in the future. Stormwater [to add]
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Solid Waste Disposal Sandpoint residents and businesses have garbage and recycling curbside pickup under contract between the City of Sandpoint and the private firm, Waste Management. Non-recyclable solid waste is deposited in the Bonner County Landfill and recycled solid waste is sent to the Spokane Materials and Recycling Technology (SMaRT) Center. It is increasingly important to manage contamination of recycling, due to national solid waste disposal policies. This is generally a best practice, as it facilitates the percentage of solid waste that can ultimately be recycled. Power Plants Bonner County has two dams that provide power to communities across the northwest. Avista Utilities owns the Cabinet Gorge Dam, which is on the Clark Fork River near Cabinet, Idaho. The dam has two substations; one is operated by Avista and the other by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). The licensed generating capacity for the Cabinet Gorge Dam is 23 0 megawatts. The second dam in Bonner County is the Albeni Falls Dam located on the Pend Oreille River at Albeni Falls near Oldtown. Albeni is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and provides power to BPA. According to the Bonner County Comprehensive Plan, the plant has three generators producing 54 megawatts each. The current plant capacity is 14.3 megawatts per unit at 100 percent load. Utility Transmission Corridors Two electrical transmission lines comprise the Spokane Regional Transmission Corridor. One of these lines runs from Albeni Falls Dam, through Sandpoint, then north to Bonner’s Ferry. The other line does not run through Sandpoint. Neither of these corridors has been identified as National Interest Corridors, relating to Idaho Statue 67-6508. Sandpoint also hosts a Pacific Gas and Electric natural gas pipeline which runs through the Sandpoint Airport and crosses U.S. 95 running northeast to Elmira and through Boundary County. Avista Utilities provides gas and electric services to Sandpoint. According to the Bonner County Comprehensive Plan, Avista serves 13,001 customers in the county. Additionally, Northern Lights, Inc., a member-owned cooperative based in nearby Sagle, provides electric service to approximately 40 subscribers within Sandpoint. Public Safety All public safety activities are located in City Hall at 1123 Lake Street. Emergency Dispatch is provided through the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office. The Selkirk Fire Rescue & EMS Service was created in 2017 under a joint agreement with the City of Sandpoint, Sagle Fire District, and Westside Fire District. Selkirk Fire Rescue and EMS is a combination emergency services provider utilizing both paid call and career firefighters. Most volunteer and all career fighters are EMT’s with the majority of EMT’s certified at the Advanced EMT level. As with most fire departments across the United States, by far the majority of the department’s call volume is in response to medical emergencies. In addition to structural firefighting staff are also trained in Hazardous Materials, Wildland Firefighting, High/Low Angle Rope Rescue, Confined Space Rescue, Trench Rescue, Marine Firefighting/Rescue, and Vehicle Extrication. The City of Sandpoint Police Department is led by a full time police chief. The department serves Sandpoint’s full time residents but is also impacted by the fact that Sandpoint is the county seat and a resort destination. In addition, the City of Sandpoint maintains a contract with the City of Kootenai to provide law enforcement response and Lake Pend Oreille School District for school resource officers. These factors significantly increase the number of people the Police Department serves, particularly on a seasonal basis. The department has
Existing Conditions Report | Page 32 developed many programs for crime prevention and outreach for our community, including a Bike Patrol Unit, a K-9 Unit, Community Resource Officers, School Resource Officers, Refuse to be a Victim Program, Bicycle Rodeos, and a Sandpoint High School Criminology Class. Population growth and new development within the city may necessitate the need for additional personnel facilities and equipment for both Fire and Polices departments. Health and Welfare Many health care facilities are located in Sandpoint, making Sandpoint one of the primary healthcare centers in Northern Idaho. The city is home to a hospital, clinics, many private doctor offices, nursing and retirement homes, and even a “Healing Garden.” Health care related jobs are a major industry for Sandpoint residents and continue to increase. Since 1949, Bonner General Hospital has served the greater community’s health needs along with Kaniksu Community Health Center which provides outpatient services. The Bonner County Coalition for Health is another community resource whose goal is to decrease chronic disease in the region, in part by increasing access to healthy foods and physical activity. Some of their programs include Change for Change which partners with local grocery stores to provide discounted prices for certain healthy foods, and a Healthy Living RX program that works with healthcare providers to encourage healthy living programs such as fitness facilities, diet and nutrition centers, and mental health facilities. [Photo of Healing Garden]
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Education and Literacy Lake Pend Oreille School District #84 has two elementary schools, a middle school, a high school, and an alternative high school within the city limits. There are also a number of local private schools and Northern Idaho College, a comprehensive community college, is also located in Sandpoint. From 2015 to 2019, the school district saw a 10% increase in student enrollment and anticipates similar increases in enrollments into the future. The impact of schools on neighborhoods and the community are taken into account in city planning and transportation decisions. Chart 7. Land Pend Oreille School District Enrollment Forecasts to 202814
5,000
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
- 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028
Reported Enrollment Forecasted Enrollment
The East Bonner County Library District was formed in 1974 with their headquarters in Sandpoint. This district replaced the library previously operated by the City of Sandpoint. The current Sandpoint library branch serves city and county residents east of Laclede to the Montana border. The library is generally viewed as a valued community resource and gathering place, with several programs and facilities for residents including a community garden and greenhouse, seed library, homebound services, life-long learning classes, event spaces, computer equipment and a children’s story walk to promote reading and outdoor activities.
nd 2010 Census ille School District Ten Year Student Population Projections by Residence (SY2019-2018)
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Natural Resources & Hazardous Areas Sandpoint was founded upon and remains framed by its natural Highlights resources. The desire to protect natural resources and preserve open • The picturesque hills and lake space will be served by primarily focusing development in the existing surrounding the city provide clean City limits; this helps ensure scenic and natural attributes valued drinking water, important wildlife habitat, and valued recreation for today will be preserved into the future. Sandpoint and the region Both residents and city officials recognize the potential of natural • Sandpoint is most vulnerable to disasters and hazardous spills and the importance of protecting wildfire, winter storms, and surface water quality and air quality. flooding hazards Surface and Ground Water Resources • Sandpoint is currently within a The City of Sandpoint is located on the northern shores of Lake Pend nonattainment area for Oreille and lies within the Clark Fork/Pend Oreille Watershed. This particulate matter in the air watershed extends as far southwest as Butte, Montana and as far northeast as Metaline Falls, Washington. It drains approximately 25,000 square miles of Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Lake Pend Oreille is the largest natural lake in Idaho, with a surface area of 128 square miles. It includes 112 miles of shoreline, and reaches depths of approximately 1,200 feet. Lake Pend Oreille and Little Sand Creek serve as the supply for the Sandpoint public water system. The water supply from both bodies is considered “high-quality” and meets all rules and regulations governing drinking water. Maintaining high quality drinking water remains a moderate to high priority of Sandpoint residents according to the 2016 Greenprint report as well as more recent community surveys. Water Access and Shorelines In addition to views of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint residents value public access to both the lake and Sand Creek. The City operates two boat launches along the shorelines, two marinas, swimming areas, and some passive viewing opportunities in parks on the water. Boat launches and other lake viewing opportunities are available at City Beach Park, 3rd Avenue Pier, Lakeview Park and War Memorial Field. Much of the Lake Pend Oreille shoreline is occupied by private residences, especially along the south end of Sandpoint. Through recent park planning efforts, residents have indicated a desire to increase and enhance access to the lake and continued access to Sand Creek. Soils and Groundcover Sandpoint has several wetlands located within the city limits, as well as to the west and north of the city. The two main types of wetlands are freshwater emergent and freshwater forested/shrub wetlands. Some of these wetland areas present significant development challenges. Soils in the city consists of silt loams with slopes ranging from zero to two percent in the valley and up to 12 percent moving outwards from the City. As topography rises off the valley floor, soils become sandy loams overlain and interlaid with bedrock and rock outcrops.
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Map 6. Wetlands
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Wildlife and Forests The city and the surrounding region provide valuable habitat for a variety of plant and animal species. Game animals most commonly found in the surrounding area include white-tailed deer, moose, elk, mountain goat, bear, mountain lion, and wolves. Other common game species include snowshoe hare and ruffed grouse, which are abundant year-round. Bald eagles, osprey, great blue herons, western grebes, pied-billed grebes, eared and horned grebes, and loons are also found in the area. Shorebirds, other residential and migrating birds, small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians reflect the diverse habitat of the region. The coldwater fish in local and nearby lakes and rivers include westslope cutthroat, rainbow, and bull trout, as well as tiger muskie, lake trout, kokanee, chinook, and bass.15 Vegetation in the Pend Oreille Key Watershed is mainly coniferous forest, with stands of western red cedar, hemlock, Douglas fir, ponderosa pine, lodgepole pine, and western pine. There are no designated open lands within the City of Sandpoint. However, there are a number of large city parks and a natural wildlife corridor along Sand Creek. Agriculture In Bonner County, only 6% of soils studied as part of the Natural Resources Component of the Bonner County Comprehensive Plan met the requirement for prime farmland, as defined by the Natural Resource Conservation Service. The City of Sandpoint does not contain a significant source of farmland, as it is located in a narrow valley on a lakeshore, is surrounded by highland forest, and is largely developed to urban-level standards. The closest farmland is north of Kootenai.16 Significant Viewsheds A viewshed illustrates access to scenic vistas from multiple points throughout the city. Sandpoint residents deeply value views of the surrounding foothills, Sand Creek, and Lake Pend Oreille. Residents frequently identified Baldy Mountain as an important view to preserve and enhance over time. Water views are also critical to residents, many who enjoy walks at City Beach, activities at War Memorial Field, visits to Lakeview Park or simple views of Sand Creek and abutting shoreline areas. Opportunities to preserve and enhance such views are a priority and should remain so in future planning efforts. The map below illustrates visible areas from six viewpoints. Areas that are only visible from one of the six viewpoint locations is light blue, and areas that are visible from all six locations are shown in red. The visible frequency in the legend indicates the number of locations that can see the area.
15 Wastewater Facility Plan 2018 16 Wastewater Facility Plan 2018
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Map 7. Viewsheds
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Air Quality The City of Sandpoint is in an area of historic non-attainment for particulate matter. This is largely due to the topography of the area which traps particulate matter in the City’s service area. In recent years, however, air quality has improved and Bonner County has not been listed as “nonattaining” since 2013. There is a single DEQ air quality monitor in the City’s service area. This station measures particulate matter less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter (PM2.5) and particulate matter between 2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter (PM10). Particles less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter are referred to as fine particles while particles between 2.5 and 10 micrometers in diameter are called coarse particles.
In general, the City’s current air quality is good throughout the year (Air Quality Index Value, AQI, less than 50), with some instances of moderate air quality in the late fall and winter months. The cause of a rise in the AQI index during those months could be due to smoke from nearby fires, or the smoke from wood burning stoves.
Noise High noise levels in the City’s service area are typically associated with Highway 95, US Highway 2, or the passing of trains through the city.
Hazardous Areas Hazards are evaluated based on frequency, cost of infrastructure and building repair, and vulnerable populations that could be impacted. The top hazards for Sandpoint identified in the 2010 Bonner County Hazard Mitigation Plan are wildfire, winter storms, and flooding. Wildfire is due to the common occurrence of fires in the adjacent forest owned by Idaho Department of Lands, Bureau of Land Management, and private land owners. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines a wildland-urban interface (WUI) as “an area where human made structures and infrastructure (e.g., cell towers, schools, water supply facilities, etc.) are in or adjacent to areas prone to wildfire.” The wildland- urban interface shown in yellow in the map below is an area identified by the US forest service as the developed area that would be impacted by a wildland fire. As illustrated, most of Sandpoint falls within this impacted interface area. This developed area may not have as much natural vegetation as the forested hillside west of Sandpoint, however studies show that these areas are still vulnerable to wildfire and potentially have a higher risk to property damage and loss of life. On the other hand, the intermix area shown in orange on the map refers to the zone of transition from forest to developed areas, where houses and wildland vegetation directly intermingle. These two WUI zones generally experience the majority of losses during wildfire events, which indicates a need to consider finer-grained fuel reduction plans that could address wood piles, propane tanks and even cars. This will continue to be an important consideration as Sandpoint feels development pressures and considers annexing and expanding development into the Area of City Impact to the west and north. Major flooding has occurred in the past, such as the January 1974 and May 1998 floods that caused significant damage. The main sources of flooding for the city are Sand Creek and Lake Pend Oreille. Lake Pend Oreille’s elevation is controlled by Albeni Falls Dam. The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) have determined that portions of the residential area south of the Downtown and City Beach are the primary flood prone areas.17 Sand Creek and Chuck Slough also pose flood
17 Bonner County All Hazard Mitigation Plan 2010
Existing Conditions Report | Page 39 dangers as each are located along current municipal boundaries. These areas are designated with the FEMA 100- year flood boundary that represents a 1 percent chance of flooding. Earthquakes in Bonner County and the Sandpoint area are infrequent and relatively weak. While there are no active faults in Bonner County and past earthquakes felt in the county originated in other cities, Sandpoint is built mostly on Quaternary lake deposits, which may amplify shaking relative to bedrock under certain conditions.18 Sandpoint is in the “2b” earthquake zone specifying a “moderate earthquake threat,” with a probability of a future earthquake causing significant damage rated as “infrequent.”19 Map 8. Wildland-Urban Interface Areas and Floodplains
18 Bonner County All Hazard Mitigation Plan 2010 19 Uniform Building Code Seismic Zone 1991
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Highway 95, the major north-south route through Idaho, bisects Sandpoint and heavily used railroad lines operate on both the east and west boundaries. These transportation routes open the potential for toxic waste or hazardous material spills in and adjacent to the city. Various commercial activities generate hazardous waste which must be appropriately disposed of in a safe manner for employees and the surrounding population. Additionally, the airport fueling station and other gas stations in the city present a small but real risk for fuel tank leakage fouling Sandpoint waterways. Radon is a carcinogenic gas emitted from the ground that may become trapped in houses. Sandpoint is considered to be in a high radon-potential zone and high levels have been reported in the Bonner County area. However, each house should be tested individually, as source origin and ventilation characteristics vary from house to house. A 2005 Historic Sites and Potential Hazardous Materials report, prepared by IDEQ, listed a number of sites in various stages of identification and remediation. Within the City of Sandpoint, 61 sites were identified. Fourteen of the sites listed are classed as “brownfields.” Brownfields are lands previously used for industrial or certain commercial uses (like service stations) contaminated by low concentrations of pollution or hazardous waste and must be cleaned up to be occupied by other land uses. These sites are located throughout Sandpoint.
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Sandpoint Airport Sandpoint Airport (SZT) is classified as a general aviation airport that Highlights supports economic development in and around the Sandpoint • The City adopted three land use community, as well as emergency response services, tourism, and compatibility zones in Dec. 2019: recreational users. While it is located within the city limits of Runway Protection Zone, Lateral Safety Zone, and Inner Critical Sandpoint, it is owned and operated by Bonner County. This report Zone identifies the major regulatory and geographic constraints that currently influence the Airport and surrounding area. For more • The Airport is zoned Industrial but information on existing conditions and technical descriptions of the there are a mix of other land uses airport facilities, operations and regulations please refer to the 2015 surrounding the Airport. Airport Master Plan. • The Airport property is in Flood Zone C and is an area of minimal The requirement for cities, and other “political subdivisions,” to flood potential (500-plus year address airports in their comprehensive plans is included in Idaho flood) code §67-6508, effective as of July 2014. This is referred to as section “q” (Figure 1) in the comprehensive plan and is aimed at requiring more proactive land use compatibility planning around Idaho airports by cities and counties. In addition, Idaho Code §67-6511 requires cities to also have zoning regulations that align with the policies established in the adopted comprehensive plans. The Sandpoint Comprehensive Plan, as adopted in 2009, does not meet the section “q” requirement, however there was an airport-specific goal and associated policies within Chapter 6: Transportation. The FAA also requires all public-use airports to have an airport master plan as a condition of receiving federal grant funds. These master plans are expected to be updated at least every 10 years. The current Sandpoint Airport Master Plan was adopted in 2015. Technical Requirements Within the Airport property, the facilities, infrastructure, and Public Airport Facilities — An operations are regulated by state and federal standards. This also analysis prepared with assistance extends to a series of safety zones surrounding the runways, requiring from the Idaho Transportation additional height and clearance standards outside of the Airport Department Division of property. Aeronautics, if requested by the 14 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Part 77 requires the protection of Planning and Zoning Commission, airport airspace including safe, efficient use, and preservation of the and the manager or person in navigable airspace, which is required for all public-use airports. It charge of the local public airport provides the basis for airspace protection requirements at public-use identifying, but not limited to, airports at the federal level by identifying and defining critical airspace facility locations, the scope and surfaces around airports. Airspace requirements are determined by the type of airport operations, weight of the aircraft that predominantly operate at an airport and the existing and future planned type of instrument approach, existing or planned. The following airport development and requirements are highlighted in CFR Part 77: infrastructure needs, and the economic impact to the • Anyone proposing development at a certain height above the community. ground or within a certain proximity to the airport is required to submit a notification to the FAA (Form 7460-1) for Figure 1 - ID Code §67-6508 Section (q)
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determination that such development will not adversely impact airspace or the safety of aircraft operators. • A required aviation easement and/or disclosure notification for the new or substantial redevelopment of lots, buildings, structures and activities near the airport. The easement and disclosure should notify that the property is both near an airport and may experience low overhead flights, noise, and other aviation impacts. • Airspace surfaces defined in the approved ALP identifies in ordinance or code and requires that no object penetrate these airspace surfaces as a result of development. • Anyone proposing development at a certain height above the ground or within a certain proximity to the airport is required to submit FAA Form 7460-1 to the FAA for determination that such development will not adversely impact airspace or the safety of aircraft operators.
The City Code Title 9, Chapter 12, Airport Overlay Zone District (Airport Overlay) regulates height restrictions according to zone, which mirrors the Federal Aviation Regulation Part 77. This was enacted in 1976 by Bonner County and, after the airport’s annexation in 1988, it was established by the City of Sandpoint in 2000. It addresses aircraft noise disturbances, hazards to air navigation, and the risks to the health, safety, and welfare of those in the air and on the ground. Land Use Compatibility According to Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), the City is expected to restrict the use of land adjacent to or in the immediate vicinity of the airport to activities and purposes compatible with normal airport operations, to the extent reasonable. Land use regulations around public airports are typically under the exclusive authority of the local jurisdiction, regardless of whether that jurisdiction is the public airport sponsor. However, certain federal requirements apply, and different states contain varying guidelines and requirements. The objective of zoning land on and around the airport is to assure that future uses of the land are compatible with airport operations to protect and preserve the long-term sustainability of the airport, ability to evolve with the community, support airport related businesses and industries, and the public investment in the airport. According to the FAA, incompatible uses generally include the following: • Residential and other noise-sensitive uses • Congregations of people in approach and departure areas to protect people and property on the ground adjacent to the airport • Man-made and natural structures that can interfere with flight • Uses which may be affected by vibration or fumes from aircraft operations • Uses of land on the airport that interfere with areas needed for aviation-related activities
ITD also suggests establishing land use compatibility zones around the airport. These are not mandated by either the FAA or ITD Aero, with the exception of the Runway Protection Zones, but are considered best practices addressing compatibility and safety. The City has discretion on the need, size, and composition of these additional compatibility zones, taking into consideration the local land use planning needs and the size and capability of the airport. ITD recommends the following land use compatibility zones: • Runway Protection Zones (RPZ) – these dimensions and configuration is defined and mandated for protection by FAA and ITD Aero. • Lateral (or side) Safety Zone (LSZ) • Critical Zone(s)
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• Airport Traffic Pattern Area (TPA) • Airport Influence Area (AIA) • Impact Coordination Zone (ICZ)
ITD also provides a clear process for future development beginning with validation of compatibility with the airspace and existing/future land uses. This process continues with the evaluation of heights, FAA requirements, Aviation Easements and other assurances with CFRs, FAA, ITD, Idaho Code and the Airport Master Plan. Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) FAA and ITD Aero define these zones at ground level beyond the runway end that “are maintained clear of incompatible objects and activity in order to enhance the safety and protection of people and property on the ground.” Generally, airport sponsors are recommended to control the RPZs through acquisition to keep the area clear of roads and structures of any kind. The RPZ for Sandpoint Airport is already in place and referenced in the 2015 Airport Master Plan.20 Lateral Safety Zone (LSZ) This zone can vary in size, but generally extends a certain distance from either side of the runway centerline and no more than 200’ past the end of the runway. ITD recommends this zone to “enhance the protection of people and property on the ground adjacent to the sides of the runway. The City should consider the location of existing airport facilities and land use around the airport in determining the dimensions of the LSZ.21 Critical Zone(s) Critical zones are designed to encompass areas where, statistically, most aircraft accidents and incidents occur during landing and takeoff. Generally, they are located off the ends of the runway beyond the RPZ. By defining one or two Critical Zones, the City can limit incompatible uses in these flight corridors and thus ensure additional protection to both aircraft operators and people on the ground. For airports with instrument approach procedures, such as Sandpoint Airport, a second Critical Zone is recommended. While no specific width of the primary Critical Zone is recommended by ITD, the second Critical Zone is recommended to be no less than 1,000’ in width and between 3,000-5,000’ long from the end of the first Critical Zone.22 Traffic Pattern Area (TPA) The Traffic Pattern Area generally represents an area where aircraft are commonly landing and taking off. The standard airfield traffic pattern is rectangular in shape and typically uses left-hand turns. In determining this area, the City needs to coordinate closely with the airport and its pilots to understand the typical flight paths, and may consider using roads or geographic boundaries to define this area.23 Airport Influence Area (AIA) The ITD indicates that this area is an important land use planning tool, especially to help coordinate between jurisdictions if the airport is not owned and operated by the city it is located. The dimensions of this area can vary significantly based on the airport size, traffic patterns, and whether it’s an instrument approach or visual approach airport.24
20 Idaho Airport Land Use Guidelines, ITD Aero, July 2016, pg 43 21 Idaho Airport Land Use Guidelines, ITD Aero, July 2016, pg 45 22 Idaho Airport Land Use Guidelines, ITD Aero, July 2016, pg 46 23 Idaho Airport Land Use Guidelines, ITD Aero, July 2016, pg 48 24 Idaho Airport Land Use Guidelines, ITD Aero, July 2016, pg 49
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Impact Coordination Zone (ICZ) This zone is not considered a required land use zone. Its use and need are dependent on location conditions and intergovernmental agreements with the Area of City Impacts and neighboring jurisdictions. The recommended dimensions of the Impact Coordination Zone will depend on the airport location, however, ITD suggests that this zone would align at some level with the outer boundary of the Traffic Pattern Area and Critical Zones. This zone can establish additional land use restrictions in order to protect people and property on the ground.25
25 Idaho Airport Land Use Guidelines, ITD Aero, July 2016, pg 51
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Surrounding land uses and development The City of Sandpoint has zoned the Airport property as General Industrial. Zoning classifications for land surrounding the Airport are Industrial Technology Park east of the Airport and west of Boyer Avenue. Single Family Residential zoning is generally applied between Boyer Avenue and the city limits to the east. South of the Airport, south of Baldy Mountain Road is Industrial Business Park and Multi-Family Residential zoning. North of the Airport, a mixture of Single Family Residential, Rural Residential, Multi-Family Residential, and Professional Office zoning is applied. The Airport Overlay Zone District, described previously, overlays the entire Airport and the surrounding area within the Sandpoint City Limits and the unincorporated areas of Bonner County. Long-term compatibility issues with the surrounding allowed land use potentially exist with the zoning of residential uses in close proximity to Runway 19. There is residential development adjacent to the Runway End 19 Approach RPZ; however no residential structures are currently located inside the RPZ. The RPZ overlays the backyard of one residential property and satellite imagery shows storage sheds and vehicles within the RPZ. There are no inhabited residential structures within the Runway End 19 Approach RPZ. The City of Ponderay is located north of the Airport. While the City of Ponderay does not have jurisdiction over properties immediately adjacent to the Airport, it does sit beneath the flight path for departures from Runway End 1 and approaches on Runway End 19. The City of Ponderay has not adopted an airport overlay zoning district. Bonner County has adopted land use zoning regulations and districts for the unincorporated areas of the County. Suburban zoning is applied to the land west of the Airport, west of the Sandpoint City Limits to promote the development of residential uses. Key existing developments and proposed zoning are not in alignment with ITD guidance and poses potential conflict with key zones such as the lateral safety zones and critical safety zones. Continued residential and other non-compatible development in this area has the potential to impede airport-related employment uses and increase airport conflicts. The continuation of key land uses that are not compatible with existing and future airport operations will exacerbate conflicts. Site plans and design criteria will help reduce these issues. Existing Runway End 1 Approach RPZ Condition Land uses within the Runway End 1 Approach RPZ include a right-of-way for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, a right-of-way owned by the City of Sandpoint for an extension of Ebbett Way and an undeveloped area of land covered in trees. A storage unit facility intersects the RPZs southeast corner. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad right-of-way is a limiting factor in this RPZ, as the relocation of this feature would be prohibitively expensive and impact a far larger area than the RPZ itself. The right-of-way for Ebbett Way extends through the RPZ, theoretically to connect the east and west sides of the Airport at some point in the future. The tree-covered area south of Runway End 1 is not controlled by the Airport. Existing Runway End 19 Approach RPZ Condition Land uses within the existing Runway End 19 Approach RPZ include the existing right of ways for Schweitzer Cutoff Road and North Boyer Avenue. Seven acres in the Runway End 19 Approach RPZ are not controlled by the Airport. The eastern edge of the RPZ encompasses flood plains associated with Sand Creek. There is a bike lane along the east side of North Boyer Avenue. The westside bike lane runs from the Schweitzer Cutoff Road into Downtown Sandpoint. The eastside bike lane stops 1,300 feet short of the intersection of North Boyer Avenue and the Schweitzer Cutoff Road.
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Schweitzer Cutoff Road Schweitzer Cutoff Road is a two-lane road that connects the Airport to US Highway 2/95 to the east. It intersects North Boyer Road at the Bonner County Fairgrounds and US Highway 2/95 which provide access to airport facilities and businesses. The Schweitzer Cutoff Road cuts across the northernmost corner of the RPZ in its existing alignment. North Boyer Avenue North Boyer Avenue is a minor arterial that runs parallel to the northern third of Runway 1/19, then turns south through residential and business development. North Boyer Avenue provides primary access to the Airport via Airport Way and runs through the RPZ beyond the approach end of Runway 19. Schweitzer Cutoff Road and North Boyer Avenue Intersection The existing Schweitzer Cutoff Road and North Boyer Avenue intersection is a roundabout-controlled intersection located just north of the RPZ. There are existing pedestrian and bicycle facilities on Schweitzer Cutoff and North Boyer Avenue. Geographic and Cultural Constraints Surface water and wetland features and floodplains or floodways Sand Creek, a perennial watercourse, is located 0.5 mile to the east of the Airport and flows parallel to the airport property approximately. Portions of the stormwater system at the Airport drain to Sand Creek. A field survey to study environmental conditions in and around the Airport identified 3.4 acres of PEM1C (palustrine, emergent, persistent, seasonally flooded) and PSS1C (palustrine, scrub-shrub, broad-leaved deciduous, seasonally flooded) wetlands on or near airport property. These wetlands are primarily associated with Sand Creek. Changes to the airport layout may impact the wetlands and require mitigation. The Airport property is in Flood Zone C and is an area of minimal flood potential (500-plus year flood) per FIRM produced through the NFIP for Bonner County. Cultural resources The one potentially eligible historic site has been identified near the northeastern limits of the airport property. An archaeological monitor should be utilized for any proposed future developments within 100 feet of the site’s boundary to ensure that no buried historic archaeological features are damaged or destroyed without professional documentation.
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