Kootenai County commissioners approve vacation of 30-foot easement at Pulos Lots

The Kootenai County Board of County Commissioners voted March 26 to approve VAC25-0001, a request to vacate a 30-foot road and utility easement across Lots 1 and 2 of the Pulos Lots along Molkins Slough near Hayden Lake.

Joseph Foughty, Planner II with Kootenai County Community Development, told the board the easement was created when the 2004 plat prevented direct driveway access to East Hayden Lake Road and that a 2024 boundary line adjustment resulted in the easement traversing both lots. "Staff recommends approval of the vacation request," Foughty said, adding that Kootenai Electric confirmed there are no utilities in the easement area.

Foughty and applicant representative Marcus Johnson said the property now has duplicate access routes. Johnson, speaking for the applicant, described Lakewood Drive as a private road that loops around the lots and said the recorded easement functions as a secondary access. "I really have nothing to add. I think Mr. Fouty did a very thorough job with his staff report on this matter," Johnson said.

No members of the public offered testimony at the hearing. Foughty summarized that two supportive comments and one opposing comment were received during the formal comment period, and staff later received additional comments including a March 23 opposition entered into the record as B1001; staff said the opposing submissions provided no additional clarification of the objectors' positions.

Commissioners deliberated that the Lakes Highway District has already approved a singular approach for Lot 1 and that a private driveway now serves the site, making the easement unnecessary for access. The board voted to approve the vacation; the vote was recorded as three ayes.

The board approved VAC25-0001; the action will be implemented according to county recording procedures and any building-permit requirements will be enforced at the permit stage.