Opinion ID: 1198856
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The District Court Properly Denied Butters' Petition for Writ of Mandamus.

Text: Butters argues that if this Court agrees that she has standing to challenge the ordinance amendment, then a writ of mandamus should be issued requiring the Board to abate a nonconforming use. The district court held, and we agree, that Butters' request for a writ of mandamus is premature because Butters has alternative remedies available to her. The existence of an adequate remedy in the course of legal procedure, either legal or equitable in nature, will prevent the issuance of a writ of mandamus. Edwards v. Industrial Com'n of State, 130 Idaho 457, 459-60, 943 P.2d 47, 49-50 (1997). The burden of proving the absence of an adequate or speedy remedy in the ordinary course of law rests upon the party seeking the writ of mandamus. Id. at 60, 943 P.2d at 50. Here, the Board's decision to affirm the issuance of conditional use permit No. 495 is presently under appeal in Latah County Case No. CV94-00374. Alternative remedies at law are not only available to Butters, but are presently being pursued by her. Thus, Butters' action for a writ of mandamus is premature and cannot lie.