The recent passage of several housing bills led to members of the Coeur d’Alene City Council and Planning Commission voicing frustration during a workshop Monday.

“Things will be changing,” said Hillary Patterson, city planning director.

At different points of the two-hour meeting in the Coeur d'Alene Public Library Community Room, the bills were referred to as “dumb” and “not very clever."

Senate Bill 1354, overrides city law and HOA ordinances across Idaho and allows properties to house accessory dwelling units, also known as mother-in-law suites. There are exceptions in place for recognized historic buildings and districts.

Coeur d’Alene law has provisions covering ADUs and limits them to be up to 800 square feet in size. The changes require them to accept ADUs that measure up to 1,000 square feet. 

The new law also stops cities from prohibiting a height limit that is less than the height of the single-family home that rests upon the property.  

Concerns were brought up about how the city would be able to combat the construction of ADUs. It was highlighted how quickly the council believed such structures could get out of hand. 

“We have limited control,” Patterson said.

Council and commission members discussed SB 1352, which would override city laws and allow “Stater Home Subdivisions” on land at least 4 acres in size, with exceptions for historic districts and buildings.

"We don’t have a lot of 4-acre parcels," Patterson said. “So I don’t see this one happening too often.”

They discussed HB 800, which adds that the term “manufactured home” includes a multi-dwelling unit manufactured home and that single-family manufactured homes must be allowed to be sited where single-family dwellings are allowed.

HB 583 prohibits local regulation on short-term rentals except for those that are “necessary to safeguard the public health and safety”.

The law also specifies regulations that safeguard public health, safety cannot be different than regulations on single-family dwellings or similar structures and that cities cannot require owner occupation. 

The Legislature is expected to revisit this bill during its next session after it receives feedback from city administrators. 

While some expressed negativities toward the bills, Councilmember Dan Sheckler said there was a “silver lining."

“I am optimistic about it,” said Sheckler, “I think that the density it allows and the flexibility it gives to small lot owners to build an ADU. I think you are going to see some construction around this and I think ultimately it will increase supply and that’s what drives affordability.”

Mayor Dan Gookin agreed, but had reservations about the state wrestling local control away. 

“I cannot argue that,” said Gookin, “I can argue the source. That would be a better decision made locally as opposed to a one-size-fits-all for the entire state.”