Commissioners ask staff to draft maritime operations interim ordinance to address marine services and waterfront uses

Kootenai County commissioners on Jan. 9 discussed the need to update county code to address marine service businesses and other waterfront commercial uses and asked staff to prepare a draft interim ordinance. The item was discussed as a business item following approval of the building-code update; commissioners did not record a formal vote on an ordinance at that meeting.

Community Development staff members David and Ben explained that the current code does not address several waterfront commercial uses, including marine service business operations, marinas and recreational boat-launch facilities. Staff said adding these uses to the code would be prudent planning and would avoid returning later for multiple separate ordinances. Staff said they were not yet ready with an official draft.

Commissioners expressed that the marine service-business piece seemed the most urgent because business owners are seeking to make changes that the current code does not clearly permit. Chair Kyle Duncan and other commissioners asked staff to present an overarching approach that shows how the proposed uses would fit together and to focus initially on the marine-service element so the public and businesses can review that item separately.

Staff indicated they could present a draft of the maritime service provisions at the next Community Development meeting and that, if warranted, an interim ordinance could be used for expediency on the urgent marine-service matter. Commissioners requested the draft include both the broader framework and a clear focus on the first piece staff will bring forward. The transcript does not record a motion, second or formal vote; the record shows staff agreement to prepare the draft and return for further discussion.