Kootenai Fire District demands fire hydrants halt construction on residential project

The Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners convened on August 28, 2025, to address pressing issues in community development, particularly concerning a construction project that has encountered unexpected regulatory hurdles. The meeting focused on the requirement for fire hydrants imposed by the Kootenai Fire District, which has raised concerns among commissioners and stakeholders.

The discussion began with a presentation from Chris Garland, the building official, who outlined the fire district's mandate that a fire hydrant must be installed and operational before any vertical construction can proceed. This requirement has created a dilemma for the county, as the project had already received initial approval and construction had commenced with the foundation laid.

Commissioner Duncan raised questions about the timing and necessity of the hydrant installation, noting that the project had been approved without this stipulation initially. Garland confirmed that the fire department had previously issued the permit, and the only change since then has been the foundation work, which was anticipated and planned. The fire district's sudden insistence on the hydrant has been perceived as arbitrary, especially since no significant changes to the project have occurred.

The commissioners expressed concern over the implications of the fire district's actions, particularly regarding potential liability for the county if the project is halted due to these new requirements. There was a consensus that a face-to-face meeting with the fire district's official, Joel Archer, is necessary to clarify the situation and address any misunderstandings that may have arisen during his recent absence.

The board discussed the possibility of establishing a hold harmless agreement to protect the county from liability should the fire district's requirements change unexpectedly. However, there is skepticism about whether the fire district would agree to such terms.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners emphasized the need for proactive communication with the fire district to prevent similar issues in the future. They acknowledged the importance of resolving this matter swiftly to avoid further delays in the construction project and to ensure that the county's interests are safeguarded. The board plans to follow up with the fire district and continue discussions to reach a resolution.