SANDPOINT — City councilors voted to delay the implementation of the city’s new development impact fees to Jan. 1, 2026.

The decision on amending the ordinance to change the date was split 4-2 with councilors Rick Howarth and Justin Dick dissenting. The vote came after a split public hearing, which saw several Sandpoint residents urge the council to implement the fees as soon as possible.

"If this new fee schedule is what the city assesses will be needed to build for the future, then why would we give a break on a project that carries so much impact?” Sandpoint resident Jace Bordenave said.

The Jan. 1 date was selected after Council President Deb Ruehle asked Community Planning and Development Director Jason Welker if the city staff needed more time to properly implement the fee changes

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