COEUR d'ALENE — Will the opt-out option of Kootenai County's building permit process be thrown out?

Commissioners will hold a much-anticipated public hearing on Thursday at 6 p.m. at North Idaho College's Boswell Hall, 880 W. Garden Ave., Coeur d'Alene, to consider repealing the opt-out option on building permits for residential buildings or improvement projects.

"It has been the most contentious topic at the county over the past year," said Commission Chairman Chris Fillios, who cast the lone vote last year in opposing the implementation of the opt-out option.

The two commissioners who voted in favor of the opt-out option, Bob Bingham and Marc Eberlein, did not win re-election bids.

The two new commissioners varied during their campaigns on their views of the subject. Bill Brooks wanted to do away with the opt-out option, while Leslie Duncan wanted to give it more of a chance.

Setting up the public hearing was one of the first items of business for the new-look board in January.

A hearing on the same subject drew an overflow crowd at the 400-seat Kroc Center last year.

Another large crowd is expected Thursday, although the Gonzaga game and spring break may limit attendance somewhat, Fillios said.

David Callahan, the county's community development director, said it remains a passionate subject, however.

"I fully expect a long hearing again," he said.

Fillios said the comments on Thursday will be monitored to ensure they’re respectable, pertain to the subject and are within time constraints.

Individuals will be given three minutes to comment. A spokesperson for groups of 10 or more will be given 10 minutes at the podium. All members of groups will be asked to stand to ensure that they’re physically present.

"I will alternate the spectrum of views between 'for,' 'against,' and 'neutral' so the audience doesn't have to sit through one side entirely," Fillios said. "This should provide more balance as we go along."

Commissioners have the option of postponing a decision until another meeting.

Comments in favor of the proposal mean you support nixing the opt-out option.

Callahan said that as of Tuesday morning, there have been 262 regular single-family residential permits issued and 243 opt-out projects since the opt-out option was implemented in April last year.

As of Tuesday morning, the county had received 23 written comments in favor of keeping the opt-out program and 89 in favor of eliminating it.

Opt-out proponents believe the option cuts bureaucracy, while opponents say it opens the door to substandard construction.

Property owners who apply to opt out still are required to meet state requirements for electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits. Panhandle Health District and fire district requirements still apply as well.

The opt-out program does not impact the building permit processes within city limits.

Written public comments will also be accepted until Thursday via mail or email.

Comments should be be sent to: Community Development, Ref: ORA19-0001, P.O. Box 9000, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83816. Comments can be emailed: tokcbuilding@kcgov.us

The hearing will also be available live on the Kootenai County YouTube channel. The channel can be accessed at: www.kcgov.us