Realtors stay on top of issues
Thanks to the North Idaho Building Contractors, the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors has been made aware of a request by Panhandle Health to increase fees for septic permit applications. The Panhandle Health District recently presented their proposed fee increases to the NIBCA and it was brought to our attention. Noting that the district recently increased fees, we issued the following letter of position on the proposed fee increases to Dale Peck, PHD's Administrator:
"SUBJECT: FY 2013 Building Permit Fee Adjustment Proposal
Dear Mr. Peck:
"First, we would like to commend you for sharing the Proposed Building Permit Fee Adjustment. This demonstrates a higher level of early disclosure concerning changes that impact the community which we sincerely appreciate.
"Second, we would like to give you feedback from our Realtor membership stating our strong opposition to such a severe change in fees. An increase of five times the fee currently in place for an office review and doubling the fee for a field visit are hardly defensible in these tough economic times. This comes on the heels of a recent increase in FY 2011.
"Nearly 60 percent of home sales through our multiple listing service (MLS) have been under $150,000 which reflects the hardship experienced in our local market. The argument that these costs will be readily absorbed by homeowners and new home buyers given these uncertain economic times are cumbersome at best. The size of the increase doesn't seem appropriate, especially at this point in time.
"We stand against this proposed fee adjustment and strongly encourage a second look. Recognizing your vital role in protecting the environment, we would argue that your use of one health district in the state as a standard to justify increases flies against the logic that all districts have the same issues. Five districts in the state have not seen the need to make similar adjustments. Given the limited real estate activity in our current environment it would seem that incentives are in order to get back on track. Instead, we appear to be penalizing the producers. Please reconsider your proposed increases and choose to play a positive role in the development of our Panhandle."
We all believe that control of our environmental issues is important to our quality of life and believe that our area's waterways and aquifer should be protected. This increase in fees however is difficult for us to justify. Therefore, we felt it appropriate to come to the defense of all property owners who face increasing costs and regulation when attempting to build. A public hearing on the proposed fee increases will be held on April 26 at 12:30 p.m. at the Board of Health meeting at Panhandle's Hayden office.
The County's Comprehensive Plan also may create some challenges to building and could create new obstacles to land development. Your Realtors are monitoring these proposed changes to the Uniform Land Use Code being proposed now by Kootenai County staff. We will be meeting with them regarding those changes early next month and will be reporting on that outcome as well. As an association, our members from throughout the panhandle are dedicated to protecting your private property rights and your right to do as you please with your property as long as it does not interfere with your neighbors right to enjoy theirs. Anything damaging to our environment and the lifestyle we enjoy here certainly needs to be prevented. We are not in favor of over developing or harming the place we live, but are in favor of the right to utilize our individual properties in ways that benefit their owners.
We are about far more than buying and selling real estate.
Trust an expert... call a Realtor. Call your Realtor or visit www.cdarealtors.com to search properties on the Multiple Listing Service or to find a Realtor member who will represent your best interests.
Kim Cooper is a real estate broker and the spokesman for the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors. Kim and the association invite your feedback and input for this column. You may contact them by writing to the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors, 409 W. Neider, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 or by calling (208) 667-0664.