Owen Benjamin finds what he’s looking for

By  Mike Weland

After trying since 2021 to find a way to make use of his 10-acre property on the banks of the Moyie River off Earl Lane Road, comic Owen “Big Bear” Benjamin, Sandpoint, may have at last stumbled on a way to use the property legally and again give audiences a chance to laugh and love him, though neighbors who’ve opposed his wild and varied plans since he bought the property, including the man who sold it to him, will likely not be much impressed.

In recent podcasts Benjamin, working alone at Ursa Rio, shows off his progress on a 150-seat amphitheater, a concrete slab stage at the base of a small meadow, arced rows of bench seating going in up the side of a naturally clear small bowl affording great views of the stage.

He speaks of no shows booked or confirmed as yet, but talks of comedy shows, live music and more, with several available dry cabins and plenty of primitive camping .

And as long as no event attracts more than 500 guests at one time or last more than seven consecutive days, the use is unregulated in Boundary County for guests staying  over.

It requires no permit, no notification of neighbors, law enforcement, road and bridge or any other agency that might be affected. And as each event is singular, he can run a new event every day of the year provided the guest list to each numbers 500 people or fewer.

“Events such as yard sales, reunions, flea markets, festivals or other such gatherings that do not exceed seven consecutive days in duration and at which fewer than 500 people will attend at any one time,” Boundary County Planning & Zoning Land Use Ordinance 9B18LOv2 reads at section 15.2., unrestricted use item 16.

Unrestricted uses are defined as “uses not regulated by Boundary County in any zone district. The intent of this class is to characterize property rights from Boundary County’s point of view. Article 1, Section 1 of the Idaho State Constitution defines the inalienable rights of man, stating, ‘All men are by nature free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing and protecting property; pursuing happiness and securing safety.’ While these uses are not regulated by Boundary County, these uses may be subject to state and federal regulation.”

Congratulations, Big Bear.