County approves rewrite of Bulletin 77 to clarify accessory living quarters

The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 12 approved an amendment to Bulletin 77 that clarifies when accessory living quarters — often called mother-in-law units — count as part of a single structure.

David Callahan, director of community development, told commissioners the rewrite removes the ambiguous phrase "common roof" and instead lists, by bullet, the specific conditions that qualify a dwelling. "We eliminated that term and then spelled out by bullets exactly what qualifies," Callahan said.

Commissioners asked whether hallways or covered walkways would meet the connectivity requirement. Callahan said the language is not limiting toward hallways but emphasized a covered connection is required: "You would need to have at least a covered roof connecting the 2," he said. The change was presented as broadening the policy to address past problems interpreting the phrase "common roof."

A motion to approve the Bulletin 77 changes was made, seconded and carried with unanimous aye votes from the commissioners present. The amendment takes effect as the county incorporates the revised language into its community development policy documents.

The board did not attach additional conditions or amendments during the discussion; staff will proceed with implementing the clarified bulletin.