CODE: The right choice

I attended the public hearing March 19 on the adoption of the new building codes. I was really surprised by the fear mongering presented by some professional associations and even some Realtors. It was amazing to see most of the associations in favor of the government monopoly on building inspections while most of the rural landowners spoke out in favor of having an option.

I’ve been a Realtor in Kootenai County for more than 40 years and in that time I have sold many homes that were built before Kootenai County even had a building department. These homes have withstood the test of time and must be structurally sound or they wouldn’t have survived. I have also sold homes that were built with county building inspections only to have problems later. The quality of a home has more to do with the quality of the builder, not the decisions of the bureaucrats.

Making the county building inspection system optional for property owners in the unincorporated areas is a good idea because if the county makes an inspection mistake they have no liability and can’t be sued. Also, not having mandatory building inspections in the rural areas is a feature most who want a rural lifestyle desire because they want to enjoy country life without excessive “oversight.”

There are rumors the Realtor Association is considering suing to force mandatory county inspections. This is very short-sighted because not having mandatory building inspections in rural areas is a feature, not a liability. Most who want a rural lifestyle don’t want the government’s “protections.” One of the things I have learned in my years as a real estate professional is that people take their property rights very seriously.

SHARON CULBRETH

Coeur d’Alene