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Council approves temporary ordinance to let Brett's RV host evacuated residents after Spokane complex fires
Summary
The Liberty Lake City Council voted to approve Ordinance 317, temporarily suspending certain development rules so Brett's RV & Marine can host fire evacuees on a nearby parcel while staff negotiates operational guidelines including sanitation and services.
Liberty Lake's City Council on Aug. 4 approved Ordinance 317, a temporary suspension of selected development code provisions that allows Brett's RV & Marine to host people displaced by the Spokane complex fires on a large parcel for a limited period.
City Attorney Sean Shelton explained why an ordinance was used: "An ordinance has a force of law," and it allows the council to grant temporary relief to code requirements so staff and the business can negotiate operational details, Shelton said. City Administrator Mark said the ordinance does not itself set the operational guidelines; instead, the city and Brett's RV will draft rules for sanitation, parking layout, and services.
Zoning Administrator Amy told council the company has proposed on-site support: "They have, like, a, basically, a truck that would go around and pump everybody's tanks out," and staff will require sanitary and hygiene arrangements as part of the conditions. Susan Schuler, a former council member who is coordinating a separate 56-acre volunteer site, said her personal outreach generated thousands of offers to help; "We have over 4,000 people responded," she said, noting media interest that will help publicize available capacity.
Council voted to suspend the usual rules so a second reading could proceed the same night and then approved the ordinance. Council and staff said the suspension is time-limited and may be extended by council if needed. Staff also said it will coordinate a press release and partner outreach to ensure the site is advertised to evacuees and aid organizations.
