Inside My Turn: County, put clamps on growth

A nearly universal sentiment in this area is the need to slow and control our growth. I have advocated for an ordinance similar to that of Boulder City, Nevada, approved by their voters in 1979. From the Boulder City Community Alliance. “The purpose of this Growth Ordinance is to control the rate and distribution of residential and hotel development in any designated construction year (July thru June).

"Essentially, this Growth Ordinance limits building permits and growth to less than 3% per year. This is accomplished by establishing a limit to the number of allotments for annual development to 120 homes for residential and 35 hotel rooms. Additionally, developers are limited to 50% of allotments or 60 units for two years. Further, in any given construction year, the number of low- income dwellings or dwellings for seniors are not to exceed 50 dwellings in a five-year period. These are to be exempted from the process. The Growth Ordinance does not have specific limits on industrial or commercial development.”

This was done 40 years ago by the residents of Boulder City and I see no VALID reason we cannot do the same in Kootenai County today.

I have been in contact with Bill Brooks and Chris Fillios regarding this ordinance. Mr. Brooks was quite receptive and I believe he truly wants to do something. Mr. Fillios responded positively but passed it to someone else.

For anyone interested, an internet search of “Boulder City Growth Ordinance” will give you the broad strokes, a portion of which appears above, but if you really want to do your homework (county commissioners) go to:

1) https://bit.ly/3kC04Uf

2) “how do I”

3) “view city codes”

4) 11-41-1.

This has been in place for 40 years and any court challenges have already been dealt with. If the people of Boulder City were smart enough and capable enough to determine what kind of city in which they want to live 40 years ago, we can do it now. I am not talking about an “advisory” vote. I mean get it on the next election ballot and let the citizens decide the type of place in which we are to live.

Jim Cook is a Post Falls resident.