The debate is heating up
Many of you heeded our call to attend the June 4, Tuesday morning meeting regarding the Uniform Land Use Code which makes changes to local zoning ordinances. The County's claim that their intent to make the codes easier to interpret has fallen on deaf ears if participants at recent hearings are any indication.
We have begun to receive comments in protest from a number of citizens who aren't exactly sure what the changes mean, but are darn sure they can't be good for them, or for you. A person attending a recent meeting was certain that the proposed lower density in some rural areas meant that his property would be out of compliance, even though it existed before adoption of the new code.
Another was convinced that he would be hobbled in the use of his land if game trails were discovered anywhere on his property. Both were convinced they would be prohibited from selling their property at market value due to the new restrictions the code will impose.
These conceptions and whatever other rumors may permeate the county can be confirmed or deflated when you become involved. There are still several hearings this month:
Public Hearing Schedule GENERAL Meeting Focus:
Monday, June 17, 6 p.m. ULUC Chapters 1, 2 & 3
Tuesday, June 18, 6 p.m. ULUC Chapters 4, 5 & 6
Wednesday, June 19, 6 p.m. ULUC Chapters 7, 8 & 9
Thursday, June 20, 6 p.m. Zoning Map
When you attend you will be able to learn the facts and impacts of the code and participate in discussion by commenting. By attending a hearing, at least you will learn what others, including the County, feel the code should accomplish. If you choose to submit your own comments, they need to be in writing by commenting online at kccode.com, or you can hand deliver your comments to the Community Development Office at the County Courthouse. Either way, your comments must be received by noon tomorrow to be considered for the hearing.
We also heard from individuals who took exception to our hosting the June 4 event. Our intent was to inform and stimulate discussion within the community but some stayed away because "special interest groups" (the North Idaho building Contractors Association, the Coeur d'Alene Association of Realtors and the Coeur d'Alene Chamber of Commerce) were hosting. We suppose they are right. As Realtors at least, our special interest is in protecting and preserving private property rights. True, when subdivisions are created we have inventory to sell to our growing population of folks who want to own homes. Those homes are built, often by members of the North Idaho Building Contractors Association and served by businesses, some of whom are members of the Chamber.
Each of us does have a special interest; an interest in serving the members of our community who want and need housing and businesses to buy things for those houses from. Those people deserve and in many cases want our involvement in issues that affect their property rights.
If you are interested in preserving your own rights and want to be proactive, make a comment or attend at least one meeting regarding the code that will change all our lives. Then you too, will have a special interest. You can bet you will see members of all the "special interest groups" at these meetings.
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