County prepares to revisit building code verdict

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

COEUR d'ALENE — Kootenai County's commissioners are opting for a public hearing on the controversial building permit opt-out adopted last year.

Commissioners on Thursday unanimously directed staff to nail down a public hearing date this spring that could lead to tossing the opt-out option, reinstating the building permit process as it was or tweaking it.

The move, which was expected, came during the second week of office for the new-look board that includes newcomers Bill Brooks and Leslie Duncan and returner Chris Fillios.

The public hearing is tentatively being set for March 28 at 6 p.m. at the Kroc Center. The date is expected to be finalized at the commissioners' business meeting on Tuesday.

Nancy Jones, communications manager in the commissioners' office, said the off-site venue is being booked to handle an expected overflow crowd.

"The Kroc Center's capacity is 400 and every seat was filled during the last public hearing," Jones said. "We're trying to be proactive and book a venue that will allow anyone to participate in the hearing. There has been a lot of controversy and questions regarding the opt-out option."

She said about 25 folks watched the hearing last March outside the Kroc auditorium on TV screens. Jones said the new hearing will again be broadcast via live stream for those who can't attend.

The county's largest meeting space — rooms on the first floor of the Administration building — holds up to 150. The Kroc Center rental cost is estimated at $700.

Former commissioners Marc Eberlein and Bob Bingham supported the opt-out option on building codes last spring. However, both men were defeated during the primary in May. Brooks and Duncan took office last week.

Fillios did not support the opt-out plan. Brooks has said he doesn't support that option either, while Duncan has said it deserves more of a chance.

Opt-out proponents believe the option cuts bureaucracy, while opponents say it opens the door to substandard construction.

Property owners who apply to opt out still are required to meet state requirements for electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits. Panhandle Health District and fire district requirements still apply as well.

The opt-out program does not impact the building permit processes within city limits.

Jones said commissioners will hammer out building permit options in the next few weeks to present to citizens. She said there will be a 30-day public comment period on those options before the public hearing.

"It is possible that, as before, multiple options will be put before the board for consideration," Jones said.