OPT-OUT: Two-thirds right

Kootenai County has at least 50 items in its regulations that require a special permit for construction. If a builder, owner or tenant can opt out of community development requirements, where does it end? Are the requirements justified in the first place? Should they be revised or deleted? If the requirement is justified, OPT OUT IS A COP OUT. Will the title company opt out of including those provisions in the report of title to a prospective owner?

FACT: Eventually all real property changes ownership. Even the most thorough inspection by a registered engineer can miss items in location, construction or materials.

The exercise of the opt-out provision by an owner or builder should be a red flag to any prospective buyer to question the necessity for the deviation from accepted procedure in the first place.

Community development needs an immunization for opt-out fever. Thankfully, it is apparent that at least two of our three commissioners have already been inoculated.

ROBERT A. COSTIGAN

Spirit Lake East