As Rathdrum’s population continues to grow, the City Council is considering adopting an “emergency moratorium” related to water system pressure concerns amid the city’s growth.

Advocating against adopting the moratorium is the North Idaho Building Contractors Association, arguing that the water pressure and city growth issues are not an emergency.

“Isolated water pressure issues or generalized rapid growth anxieties do not meet this strict legal definition,” NIBCA President Jessica Cargile said in a letter addressed to the Rathdrum City Council and City Planning Department. “The city has not produced city-wide engineering data proving the municipal water system is facing systemic collapse.”

The argument will ultimately rest on whether the City Council determines that the water pressure and city growth issues constitute imminent peril. Under Idaho Code § 67-6523, governing boards such as Rathdrum’s City Council can adopt ordinances or moratoriums if they find there is “imminent peril to the public health, safety, or welfare.” 

“A moratorium would mean no labor, no roofing, no concrete, no siding, no finished carpentry, etc.,” NIBCA Executive Officer Amie Pace wrote in an email to The Press. “And this also means that these workers are not purchasing goods and services in the community if the moratorium impacts their income.”

The code states that an emergency ordinance or moratorium cannot last longer than 182 days. Should those jobs disappear because of the moratorium, those workers could potentially be out of a job for up to half a year. The stalled projects could also affect local small businesses who are reliant on the building industry.

Rathdrum has grown from a population of 9,289 in the 2020 census to an estimate of 14,058 according to the World Population Review, an increase of over 50%. According to NIBCA’s website, over 70% of jobs in Kootenai County are tied in some way to the home building industry. The moratorium would impact the housing supply available to those looking to relocate to Rathdrum.

“Housing affordability is already an issue in our area, and by restricting supply, you will see continuous price increases,” Pace said. 

The NIBCA also encouraged its members to email letters to the city asking not to adopt the moratorium. The Rathdrum City Council will meet Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 5:30 p.m. to address the moratorium and other issues.