News Story - Idaho State Journal

POCATELLO - For the first time since 1995, Bannock County is updating its comprehensive plan.

The public will be able to see the preliminary draft of the plan and provide feedback to county officials from 6-8 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Inkom Skyline Community Park.

A 15-member citizens advisory board has met six times since November to help draft the plan. The plan will guide investment decisions and development patterns in the county for the next 20 years.

''One of the big issues (of the plan) has to do with how growth is to be directed,'' said Bannock County Planner Steve Ernst. ''Is growth going to be directed more toward cities, or be allowed to sprawl into agricultural areas?''

Other issues discussed in the comprehensive plan include land use and development, cost-effective county services and utilities, how to maintain a healthy natural environment and protection of the aquifer.

Ernst said the open house, where free ice cream will be served, provides a forum for county citizens to make comments on what they believe is necessary to be included in the plan. He said the following evening there will be a citizen's advisory board meeting at 6:30 p.m. at Marsh Valley High School that is open for public comment.

The plan will affect areas that border city limits, and Ernst believes that's a good reason for people from each city to get involved.

''The regulations, zoning and subdivision ordinances will only control lands outside of the cities, but that means up to cities' borders in many cases,'' Ernst said. ''Pocatello and Chubbuck will have areas impacted by the county plan.''

After a final draft of the plan is ready, it will be given to the county's Planning and Development Council. Once it is presented to that council, there will be a formal public hearing around November, as well as another public comment opportunity.

Once the draft has been through those procedures, a formal recommendation will be made to the county commissioners. Ernst hopes the recomendation will be given before the end of the year.

By Adam Chambers

achambers@journalnet.com

This document was originally published online on Tuesday, September 11, 2007

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