Sewer Moratorium Sewer Moratorium

Sewer Moratorium Updates 

Please check back, we will update this section as the project progresses.


October 2026 - 

The City’s moratorium on the sale of new sewer connections remains in effect. Our wastewater treatment facility uses a land-application system, meaning treated effluent is applied to land through irrigation. Our capacity is therefore limited by the amount of land available for that purpose. The existing facility is located north of town in Bonner County.

Recognizing the capacity limitations, in 2017 the City pursued the purchase of 158 acres of nearby Forest Service land. After a lengthy acquisition process, the purchase was finalized in 2023. Since then, the City has been planning the expansion and is currently updating its Sewer Facilities Plan.

As part of the planning process, the City also applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) through Bonner County to use the additional land for irrigation of treated effluent. On February 26, 2026, the Bonner County Zoning Commission denied the CUP application.  The City then appealed that decision to the Bonner County Commissioners. After one postponement, the appeal hearing is now scheduled for November 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

The expansion cannot proceed until the necessary land-use approval is obtained. Our current best-case estimate is a minimum of three years from CUP approval to project completion. Funding will also affect the schedule. The City anticipates using a combination of funding options, and additional delays may occur depending on when funds become available. For these reasons, we cannot provide a firm date for the availability of new sewer connections.

------------------

February 2024  -  City Engineers estimate 3-5 years to project completion and moratorium ending.