Mitzimberg plans return to Main Street location

Formal application to return Mitz’s Cabinet Shop to Main Street has been started by Craig Mitzimberg of Colfax. The city Monday initiated a permit process under the state’s Shoreline Management Act because the new structure, which will be on the site were the shop was destroyed by fire Nov. 30, is along the flood control channel of the South Fork of the Palouse River.

City Building Inspector Andy Burgard said the city follows the state’s required shoreline permit process because state regulators have never clarified whether a site along a flood control channel would be exempt from the shoreline permit requirements. The building that was destroyed by the fire was constructed in 1892, about 73 years before the flood control channel was constructed.

The city Tuesday also issued a notice of non-significance under the states SEPA rules. The ruling meant the city has ruled the project will not require an environmental impact statement.

Mitzimberg has submitted preliminary plans for building on the site which will have a gable style roof. The plan calls for the building to have a back wall which would parallel the flood control channel wall and produce more square footage.

Mitzimberg has temporarily located his shop in the former Inland Electric site on Highway 195 just north of Colfax.

Both notices allow for a comment period. After that, Mitzimberg is expected to apply for a building permit to get the project underway.

City Administrator Carl Thompson told the city council Monday night the city welcomed the news that the business would remain part of the Main Street scene in Colfax.