(A) It shall be the policy of the county to limit development to the density appropriate for the site and the area’s rural character, and to encourage a development pattern that discourages conversion of productive crop land to other uses, respects environmental limitations, and provides open space. The county will encourage a pattern of development that concentrates on suitable sites that avoid areas with limited or restricted access to public facilities and services and environmentally sensitive areas. A lower density of development may be required in areas where there is a potential hazard of ground water contamination, or potential aquifer depletion or contamination as determined by countywide water availability research. All development must pay for itself. County tax dollars shall not be used for the development of residential, commercial, or industrial developments.
(B) The county is unable to subsidize or provide infrastructure for new, expanded, or changed use developments. To protect the general taxpayer and future occupants of developments in the county, developers will be required to provide safe adequate roads and other essential facilities. The county will implement this policy using the following strategies.
(1) Provision of state-approved central water systems, including water systems that produce adequate fire flows, are encouraged. Where reliance on individual wells is proposed, the county may require evidence that a sufficient potable water supply is available.
(2) On-site sewage disposal systems are required to comply with all applicable state standards.
(3) Power, telephone, and other private utilities must be provided in all developments, with the exception of recreational properties.
(4) All uses must provide the off-street parking and loading areas needed to help prevent local traffic congestion.
(5) Access to public lands and waters is an important part of the recreational experience available to the residents of the county. New developments must not block historically existing access roads or trails. The code will also encourage the provision of new or improved public access by developers.
(6) In addition to encouraging the provision of water supplies adequate for firefighting purposes, building heights must be restricted to that which can be effectively protected by the Franklin County Fire Protection District.
(7) State law (Idaho Code §§ 67-6508(c), 67-6511(a), and 67-6513) specifically requires that the county consider the potential impacts of proposed developments on local schools. This requirement will be implemented by referring all applications for permits to the County School Districts for review and comment.
(Ord. 2007-8-13B, passed 8-13-2007; Ord. 2022-2-28, passed 2-28-2022)