CODE: A lender's view

After reading Andy Smith’s Jan. 26 opinion piece, I feel he has a good handle on the issue. My own perspective is from a lending standpoint.

I spent 25+ years in Kootenai County as a bank lender for residential construction projects for both individuals and for volume contractors. Loans for new construction residential properties, whether government insured or conventional loans, require county or city building department inspections and certificates of occupancy. This is for the safety and health of the occupant, either now or for a future occupant. Many of our loans were for homes in the county on at least 5 acres.

By bypassing the inspection process, the availability for a loan is radically reduced. Not many prospective homeowners have the funds for the project without a home loan. And even if they do, the resale for the home is jeopardized without a county-issued certificate of occupancy.

This attempt to limit government intrusion is misplaced, poorly conceived and does much more harm than good for the citizens of Kootenai County.

DENNIS KEIM

Post Falls