Jan. 12--A plan to allow overflow parking on a half-acre section at the southeast side of the Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport got the green light from Lewiston planners Wednesday.

The Lewiston Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously passed two actions Wednesday night changing zoning for the parcel directly behind 428 Burrell Ave., and amending the comprehensive plan to allow the parking lot.

A relatively recent airport acquisition, the property was previously zoned as low-density residential.

Planning commissioners approved both the zone change and a change to the city's comprehensive plan by votes of 4-0. Commission Chairwoman Susan Brown recused herself from the discussion for business purposes. Commissioner Gerald Bateman was absent.

A plan submitted to the city estimated the parcel could accommodate approximately 56 parking spaces, Jacqui Gilbert with the city's community development department told city planners.

Airport Manager Robin Turner said after the meeting the number of spaces had not been decided, but said the airport was looking to utilize the property for both rental car overflow and equipment storage.

Improvements, including the building of a chain-link fence around the property, would have to be made.

Rental cars are now among the closest parking spots on the south side of the terminal building, and airport authority members have talked in the past about freeing up some of that parking to make room for short-term airport users.

"It would make a good satellite parking lot area," Turner said of the southeast property, noting the additional parking would not be utilized directly by the public.

Turner said the plans to build the parking lot are in the works but are not immediate. He noted the proposal also has to go before the city council before it can be implemented.

A third action approved unanimously by the commission Wednesday could also help the airport, but Turner said he has not yet read changes to the city code that will now allow gravel, grass or other permeable surfaces for overflow parking.

City planner Joel Plaskon said the changes are designed to alleviate costs and the effects of stormwater for those who utilize overflow parking for temporary special events. Grass or gravel overflow parking would be allowed in addition to any other paved parking now required for businesses, schools and other places of assembly within the city.

Also Wednesday, commissioners re-elected Brown as chairwoman and Robert Arleth as vice-chairman for the coming year.

Gary may be contacted at

[email protected] or (208) 848-2262.

Copyright 2012 - Lewiston Tribune, Idaho