[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6479884,"mediaKeyId","5692048-14cb6a4778297a5d85b707ca3acb1df0","parentId",5692048,"title","County staff flag conflict with fire district over hydrant requirement that could halt permitted construction","audioSeconds",389,"startMs",1738000,"endMs",2127000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692048-14cb6a4778297a5d85b707ca3acb1df0&start=1738&end=2127","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692048-14cb6a4778297a5d85b707ca3acb1df0/thumbnail_1738000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6479884/Kootenai-County/Idaho/County-staff-flag-conflict-with-fire-district-over-hydrant-requirement-that-could-halt-permitted-construction","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479884-bcc8db1986861c92a997ca449f767d20/orig.mp4?Expires=1770383461&Signature=KTaXltQ6mmYwWauGs2JnZSa5eGdO3-rBXGHafclT5-In~4Z~byYFQxdpBkE-ZLZ91BOZu7MpJzJSIuY0btRwbzIcXuLTyNdDPghXIPn7e1zforp8etaSH1qGOlaoElj7ZSJ2sW0qXawcbSdPPHQogWyTDrAogQlW2Kay0BnHfdimabkGImV4XKpjgwDnys3DNfdO8M8~J6Hb6q917Nmo6nTpPJUrXKRCvJi2~ZXDHQIoR6WQo5ee7U6Bn7Ree4LAGWiQ5qBKuRdT3Yjx5~h7FsE4veoPv2JivQLKE7~tqlMKMiOYybMHoRouKX-lu~zt7Wo~tUDuJPEKSAU88h0iiQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Kootenai County","date","2025-08-29T05:52:57Z","article","County building and planning staff told commissioners on Aug. 28 they are handling an emerging conflict with the local fire authority that could stop inspections and in‑progress construction on a permitted house.

Community Development Director David Callahan and Building Official Chris Garland described the issue: building permits and inspections were issued and a foundation was set under the county's process, but Kootenai County Fire Rescue (KCFR) informed staff that, under the fire code, hydrants must be installed, tested and flowing before any vertical construction (framing) begins. The fire district's position, staff said, differs from prior practice where conditions could be satisfied before certificate of occupancy (CO) to allow projects to proceed while outstanding non‑critical items were completed.

\"Based on the fire code, requirements from the ... Kootenai fire, it's based out of what the fire code official mandates. We don't make those requirements,\" Garland said.

Craig Davidson, building division, explained the county typically places conditions in the permit record and allows inspection and construction to proceed when the condition can be met later (for example, prior to final CO). In this case the fire official verbally insisted on earlier compliance. Staff said Joel Archer, the fire marshal, had recently returned from vacation and the change may reflect a misunderstanding or a stricter reading of the fire code; the county plans a face‑to‑face meeting with Archer to clarify the requirement.

County staff described three practical concerns: (1) the requirement appears to be imposed after issuance and while construction is underway; (2) if KCFR issues a stop‑work order, building inspections would be halted and the county could face exposure to claims from property owners who acted in good faith; and (3) it was unclear whether other similar parcels had been allowed to proceed without hydrants in the past.

Staff discussed possible mitigations, including asking the fire district for a hold‑harmless agreement if the county issues the permit despite the district's new requirement, but staff said they expected the fire district would be unlikely to agree. Commissioners asked staff to pursue a meeting with KCFR to seek a pragmatic resolution and to report back. No formal board action was taken; staff will follow up with KCFR and report findings to the board.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","8/28/2025 Board of County Commissioners: Community Development","oneSentenceSummary","Kootenai County building staff told commissioners they face a potential stop‑work order from the fire district after the district required fire hydrants be installed and flowing before any vertical construction, a requirement staff said differs from prior practice.","taxTitle","Kootenai County, Idaho","taxId",3567,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6479889,"Commissioners approve Poplar Estates at English Point subdivision with conditions after sewer and septic review",531,1035000,1566000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692048-14cb6a4778297a5d85b707ca3acb1df0&start=1035&end=1566","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692048-14cb6a4778297a5d85b707ca3acb1df0/thumbnail_1035000.jpg","/articles/6479889/Kootenai-County/Idaho/Commissioners-approve-Poplar-Estates-at-English-Point-subdivision-with-conditions-after-sewer-and-septic-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479889-1d60842381d1a0799bdfede289022efa/orig.mp4?Expires=1770383461&Signature=m7MW6Ag2zKAvSzRAgr4~iwNMbnApxUpH~CWxmKN5qeysQ8RKX~7tNq58-9oFQGsqrCMugPjPlgf6rlk6NBYAVBry2gSUtU~hiPuA8ftn-y21e8MPVOf8M1w3I6cgPE1jJdBISeJAjN6vktEY8Db2XPvEKWKJL0AlwsUyRffMDlvaxT~jv3PVgtpd5TKXgPbrsVvhDBfHvXPKngYmPtwyI-v~~uKsPZIiGGSYDWJwicHtZsruj8NGJizlrsX0sbo8QF-UaA6iFTfWDv-4xz0Y8aAVpw1o6hGGdmPyqP9LAaID8Se9RZE0-Qi8GL0UikFOjPx8GAyTtlaMcB-rVZ-nrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kootenai County commissioners on Aug. 28 approved a major subdivision application known as Poplar Estates at English Point (MSP24‑0003), a proposed eight‑lot development north of Hayden Lake, after county staff and the hearing examiner reviewed additional evidence about sewer and septic feasibility.

Vlad Finkel, project planner, told the board the applicant, Lakeland Lendings LLC, proposes eight lots: seven roughly one acre in size and one larger lot that the applicant said could be further divided if domestic water becomes available from North Kootenai Water District. Finkel said the property is zoned Restricted Residential; the restricted residential zone has a minimum lot size of 8,250 square feet, while the Hayden Lake area of city impact places a maximum of one dwelling per acre.

The project initially faced a recommendation of denial from the hearing examiner primarily because Hayden Lake Sewer District issued a will‑serve letter stating the district had capacity and willingness to serve but would not guarantee future connections (connections are granted at building permit application and the district does not accept prepayments to reserve capacity). That uncertainty led staff and the hearing examiner to question six of the required findings, including reasonable utility service and feasibility.

Finkel said the applicant pursued alternatives. They sought amendment of sewer district rules (unsuccessful) and then obtained Panhandle Health District approval for standard subsurface septic systems with pretreatment designed for the area's high water table. With that new evidence, the hearing examiner recommended approval and the board approved the subdivision with the staff‑recommended conditions.

Finkel summarized: \"The applicant is currently proposing a total of 8 lots, 7 of which will be approximately an acre in size, and the remaining large lot will potentially be further divided should the applicant be able to get domestic water from North Kootenai Water District.\" He also told commissioners that Hayden Lake Sewer District's new language about not guaranteeing future connections was unexpected and affected the original feasibility analysis.

Commissioners discussed timing and capacity. One commissioner noted connections are first‑come, first‑served and that roughly 400 connections remain available prior to planned plant upgrades; if the applicant secures building permits promptly, they may obtain sewer connections. The board approved MSP24‑0003 with stated conditions; the record shows aye votes from Commissioners Eberline, Duncan and Chair Metari.

Staff listed conditions and agency recommendations in the record; the county will require compliance with Hayden Lake Sewer District rules if connections are sought and with Panhandle Health District conditions for subsurface systems if the applicant pursues that option. The record indicates the applicant and staff will coordinate required utility permits and building permits as the project moves forward.","Kootenai County commissioners approved Poplar Estates at English Point (MSP24‑0003) on Aug. 28 after the applicant submitted additional evidence showing sewer or Panhandle Health‑approved septic options.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6479893,"Kootenai County denies appeal seeking to bind property to 5-acre covenant; affirms minor subdivision approval",372,284000,656000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692048-14cb6a4778297a5d85b707ca3acb1df0&start=284&end=656","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692048-14cb6a4778297a5d85b707ca3acb1df0/thumbnail_284000.jpg","/articles/6479893/Kootenai-County/Idaho/Kootenai-County-denies-appeal-seeking-to-bind-property-to-5-acre-covenant-affirms-minor-subdivision-approval","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479893-a384d5d733c20049180ec0ea5cbf9164/orig.mp4?Expires=1770383461&Signature=VWMygpMi5lxOUMiRQCOMOydkY~IvGVyPsGP-PDxumsVxN3zHxqCXx2zTnWG72xLDygziUoX~HQZ9xVoT-JjQXkBEIYnDCcRurs~X4itsRVIt9A6KOxkpm5IMVphfdY4RAZU4ApY9BTDNIzBj9wASdNeq6391tEombUAwEhOy5uLGT36csirFzcU7~RZLIDJiEgU2k~2OvtH5lyd7E~JUd3STEj3UKEIJAYt34e2UbHqS6mRM5klXah9I2S-~cjBBZ7wwAlfNUodCiuCmK89TisWeUumOZhpCypIGADel-lWcPoqPuado3JK94nRA3z3mIg2hwSeyu8dumm6nhXOPdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kootenai County commissioners on Aug. 28 denied an appeal seeking to overturn a minor subdivision approval for a parcel near Cougar Gulch, affirming the director's decision to permit three lots.

Staff and the hearing examiner concluded there is no documentary evidence that the subject parcel is bound by 1983 protective covenants that would impose a five‑acre minimum lot size, so the parcel may be subdivided to the minimum lot size allowed in its Agriculture Suburban zoning.

Planner Blake Sutter told the board the three‑lot minor subdivision (APP24‑0001) had been approved on Nov. 1, 2024, and that community development received a notice of appeal on Nov. 27. The appellant argued the property was subject to CC&Rs that require lots of no less than five acres; the appellant's legal representative, Scott Poorman, submitted analysis for the hearing examiner. Sutter said staff found the subject parcel lies outside the geographic area described in the 1983 covenants and that no document had been produced showing the Smiths (current owners) had agreed to those 1983 covenants.

\"In short, staff recommends that the appeal of the subdivision or of the the appeal of this decision be denied and that the decision to approve the minor subdivision be affirmed,\" Sutter said.

County Attorney Pat Braden provided an analysis to the hearing examiner concluding the 1985 road declaration and the 1983 protective covenants do not expressly reference one another; Braden told the board that signature on a road maintenance agreement did not, in staff's view, prove the owners had assented to the separate 1983 covenants.

Commissioners discussed the choice before them: overturn the hearing examiner, which would bind the owner to the 5‑acre restriction, or deny the appeal because staff could not find documentary proof. One commissioner noted the zoning allows lots down to two acres in the Agriculture Suburban zone and that, lacking evidence tying the parcel to the 1983 covenants, the county could not legally impose the restriction.

A motion to deny the appeal (thereby affirming the director's approval of the three‑lot minor subdivision) carried unanimously. The board recorded aye votes from Commissioners Eberline, Duncan and Chair Metari.

The board and staff noted the decision does not prevent the appellant from pursuing further legal remedies in district court.","The Kootenai County Community Development Board voted to deny an appeal that sought to reverse approval of a three‑lot minor subdivision, concluding staff and the hearing examiner found no evidence the subject parcel was bound by 1983 protective covenants that set a five‑acre minimum.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6479878,"Dalton Gardens approves bond allowing Carlson home to complete road improvements; county to issue final CO",231,2758000,2989000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5692048-14cb6a4778297a5d85b707ca3acb1df0&start=2758&end=2989","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5692048-14cb6a4778297a5d85b707ca3acb1df0/thumbnail_2758000.jpg","/articles/6479878/Kootenai-County/Idaho/Dalton-Gardens-approves-bond-allowing-Carlson-home-to-complete-road-improvements-county-to-issue-final-CO","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6479878-9421c447e363ab96e2f58b5f29e2ce7e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770383461&Signature=DT8zJFicsSxf51mvmDBozLc5tl1j7anRMR8VVOkyi8BVfKcyIciZybEi1VzGRDi59~F2uQyTqyvxHzsCcGKmOYgO-zkVsfQ57CoongYe8ShB9v~7NbszlBR4VoeIEs890uE7~AccTF27FAfrAH73pm2xIefDMjIx1DAWh7oVbqvRj3PBQjqOgV90xOx8PAHq6kyP76u0YdJVkVyBNlMaEzSi3erjg7TFkOxSxIgKuoomukPRL89gwZpmqG1q683gUXwKsON9hVOuSGrPaeZy8XeZL8Y3GF9B-8THimoslUBg1ljYtk7mvREkAwt2M5tWfuZwNZHwlMw1z2V-mqzYYw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kootenai County staff told the board on Aug. 28 that Dalton Gardens City Council approved a bond agreement with the Carlsons to allow the owners to bond for required improvements and obtain an access permit on the city's road, clearing the way for the county to issue a final certificate of occupancy (CO) for the Carlson home.

Community Development Director David Callahan summarized the history: the building permit for the Carlson house on the side of Canfield Mountain was issued about two years and eight months ago; inspections were completed and staff withheld the final CO while the county and city resolved whether the permit should have been referred to the city of Dalton Gardens under an older area‑of‑city‑impact (ACI) interpretation. Callahan said the older ACI guidance did not always treat building permits as triggering development referrals, and that the earlier VIN director had stated building permits were not intended to trigger such referrals. The result was staff did not notify Dalton Gardens when the permit was processed.

Callahan said he met with the Dalton Gardens mayor and that the bond agreement approved by the city council last night allows the Carlsons to bond for the improvements required by the city to obtain the access permit. \"Dalton Gardens council last night approved a bond agreement with the Carlsons to allow the Carlsons to bond for the improvements to allow an access permit to the city's road,\" Callahan said. With that action, county staff said they expect to issue the final CO and close the matter.

Callahan noted the Carlsons have been using a temporary CO for the last eight months and that failure to issue a final CO risked the conversion of the family's construction loan to a permanent mortgage; staff said the delay could have exposed the county or city to damage claims from the property owners. Callahan told commissioners he expects to receive confirmation from the Dalton Gardens mayor by email and then proceed with issuing the final CO.

The board had earlier voted to add the Dalton Gardens/Carlson resolution to the meeting agenda as a discussion item; commissioners approved that agenda addition by unanimous vote. No further county action was recorded at the meeting after Callahan's update.","Following a complaint from the Dalton Gardens mayor, county staff reported the city council approved a bond agreement with the Carlsons enabling the county to issue a final certificate of occupancy for a prominent house on Canfield Mountain after an administrative referral oversight.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County staff flag conflict with fire district over hydrant requirement that could halt permitted construction

Commissioners approve Poplar Estates at English Point subdivision with conditions after sewer and septic review

Kootenai County denies appeal seeking to bind property to 5-acre covenant; affirms minor subdivision approval

Dalton Gardens approves bond allowing Carlson home to complete road improvements; county to issue final CO