Opinion ID: 2610900
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: estoppel (laches) on the part of vanderham

Text: The Holloways have asserted that Vanderham is estopped from challenging the Jerome County Planning and Zoning Ordinance, as amended, by having applied for a special use permit pursuant to that ordinance. That issue was raised by the pleadings, and the trial court's memorandum opinion held that the record shows no facts upon which the estoppel defense could be based, and accordingly it did not address that issue in its declaratory judgment. The factual determination of whether or not an applicant for a special use permit is entitled to receive that permit is a factual determination which, in the first instance, must be brought before the local planning and zoning authorities pursuant to the Local Planning Act, I.C. § 67-6501 et seq. Original jurisdiction to decide such issues does not rest in the district court. Palmer v. Board of County Com'rs, 117 Idaho 562, 790 P.2d 343 (1990). Accordingly, we affirm the trial court's declaratory judgment declaring the amendments to the Jerome County Zoning Ordinance, adopted in March, 1985, to be invalid. We vacate that portion of the trial court's memorandum opinion holding that Vanderham's proposed dairy operation was not prohibited by the pre-amended zoning ordinance, and the finding that there were no facts to support the estoppel defense, both of which issues must first be resolved by the zoning authorities in Jerome County. Review of any such determination is to be conducted by the district court pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act, I.C. § 67-5215. Costs to appellant. No attorney fees allowed. BAKES, C.J., and BISTLINE, JOHNSON and BOYLE, JJ., concur.