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Commissioners ask staff to clarify definitions in abandoned‑vessel ordinance amendment
Summary
The board reviewed a proposed amendment to the abandoned vessel prohibition ordinance (Resolution 2026‑58) and asked staff to add clearer definitions and cost‑recoup mechanisms before returning with revisions.
Kootenai County staff presented a proposed amendment to the abandoned vessel prohibition ordinance (recorded as Resolution 2026‑58). Commissioners raised multiple questions about the draft’s definitions and enforcement provisions and asked staff to return with clearer language.
A staff member explained the goal of the amendment is to improve the county’s ability to recoup removal costs and to clarify enforcement on waterways. Commissioners requested that the ordinance include a definitional section (what constitutes an “abandoned vessel”), noted situations with existing abandoned vessels already present on waterways, and asked how the county would charge owners or previous owners for removal costs. Staff said they were still working on details and requested additional time to add the definitions and come back to a future business meeting for approval.
The commission did not adopt the amendment at the May 19 meeting; commissioners instructed staff to refine the draft ordinance and return with clearer definitions and cost‑recoup language.
