'Remove a barrier for homeowners'

COEUR d’ALENE — A local nonprofit is asking architects, draftsman and designers to submit plans for Accessory Dwelling Units to help ease the county’s housing crunch.

Connect Kootenai is working to provide the community with free Accessory Dwelling Unit plans that comply with local building codes.

“This solution aims to remove a barrier for homeowners wishing to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit on their property and, in the process, provide more affordable housing options for our community,” said Greta Gissel, executive director of Connect Kootenai.

According to the updated, "Next Steps: The Updated Housing Availability and Affordability Study for Kootenai County," the area continues to have a housing crisis with rising costs.

According to the report, the lack of affordable housing has resulted in a loss of 5,340 jobs in the local economy; a reduction of $535 million in gross regional product; a loss of $435 million in local payroll and $28 million in total lost taxes.

It said that about 45% of Kootenai County households can’t afford the July average market rent of $1,580.

To meet the region’s projected population growth during the next 20 years, about 2,000 to 3,000 new housing units will be needed annually, the report said.

The construction industry is strong, the report found, and a building boom of ADUs could boost it even more.

"The construction industry ranks 5th in Kootenai County in terms of total employment with 8,313 workers in 2022," the report said. "The average annual salary package is $64,801. Construction job growth in Kootenai County has increased 98% from 2012 to 2022."

ADUs are small residences that share a single-family lot with a larger, primary dwelling. In general, ADUs can be detached from the primary residence, attached, located in the upper level or basement of an existing home, or located within or above a garage.

Connect Kootenai is seeking ADU designs that provide up to 800 square feet of living space, detached from the main home, that comply with local building and construction codes. The deadline to submit plans is Nov. 20.

Plans will be judged by past presidents of the North Idaho Building Contractors Association and winners will be announced in mid-December.

“Winning proposals will help provide housing solutions for local workers, seniors, college students and provide multigenerational housing options and income opportunities for county residents,” Gissel said.

Info: www.connectkootenai.org.