Kootenai County commissioners approve update defining "sleeping unit" in building code (ORA24-0010)

Kootenai County commissioners on Jan. 9 approved ORA24-0010, a building code ordinance update that adds a definition of “sleeping unit” and clarifies related egress and smoke-alarm requirements.

The update, discussed during deliberations at the Community Development meeting, defines a sleeping unit to distinguish rooms meant for sleeping from other rooms such as recreation rooms or offices. Christina Garland, chief building official for Kootenai County Community Development, told commissioners the definition ties a sleeping room to whether the space is used for sleeping and whether the dwelling area includes a full kitchen and full sanitary facilities (a bathroom with a shower or tub). Garland said that rooms classified as sleeping rooms are required to have an egress window and a smoke detector in the room and a smoke detector outside the room; such rooms also typically have a second means of egress and fire-alarm coverage.

Commissioners asked for clarification about spaces where people sleep incidentally — for example, sleeping on a couch in a living room — and Garland said the code language is intended to identify rooms designed and used for sleeping rather than incidental sleeping. Commissioners discussed that the second egress and smoke-detection requirements are typically associated with sleeping rooms.

Commissioner Metairie moved to approve ORA24-0010. The motion was seconded by Bill Brooks. In a roll-call-style confirmation, Brooks voted “Aye,” Metairie voted “Aye,” and Chair Kyle Duncan voted “Aye.” The motion passed (3-0). The meeting record does not specify any abstentions or recusals.

The commissioners concluded deliberations on ORA24-0010 and moved on to other business.