413 Church St, Sandpoint, ID 83864

Commercial A Zone

The purpose of these zones is to foster and strengthen economic vitality in Sandpoint's commercial areas while respecting and enhancing the special character of the existing development in the downtown core area. The downtown is a compact assembly of storefront buildings, short walkable blocks, mixed uses, pedestrian amenities, and consolidated on and off street parking. The community's commercial character is especially vulnerable to intrusion from incompatible uses and physical development practices which are inconsistent with the historical fabric. The purpose of these zones is to establish requirements for building and site design for new development and for the significant modification of existing developments within the commercial areas. The city's downtown, designated as commercial A is so important and significant to the city, that it justifies a special set of regulations designed to protect and enhance its character in light of new development. Considerable opportunity for new infill development adjacent to existing neighborhoods lies north of this area and is designated as the commercial B zone. The commercial C zone represents a lower intensity commercial area serving adjacent neighborhoods and residents and preserving the scale of the built environment by restricting height limits. The following principles serve as the foundation for the commercial A, B and C zones: Efficient use of land and services.; A mix of land uses which strengthen opportunities for economic vitality and support pedestrian activity as well as housing opportunities.; Provide for community gathering places and pedestrian/visitor amenities.; Establish a distinct storefront character associated with the downtown core area.; Provide transitions to adjacent neighborhoods and commercial areas.; Maintain and enhance the area's character through design guidelines.; Encourage residential development above ground floor.; Encourage structured parking in commercial areas.