# 10/15/26 Hearing Examiner - Marcus Johnson

The Kootenai County Hearing Examiner held a public hearing on October 15, 2026, on Abel and Stephanie Del Rosa’s request for a side-yard setback variance for a 0.5-acre waterfront parcel. County staff said the proposal would place a house closer than the required side setback and could not support the request, noting that the proposed 8,400-square-foot structure is substantially larger than the prior 2,700-square-foot residence and that the resulting hardship may be self-imposed. Staff also identified shoreline and road setbacks as site constraints and noted that the septic system already exists from the former residence.

The applicants’ representative argued that the shoreline management area and road encroachment substantially limit the buildable area, and that the applicants had already reduced and repositioned the house design. The applicant also described costs and delays during plan review. Several neighbors submitted supportive comments. The examiner closed the evidentiary portion without making a final decision and said a written recommendation would be issued within about a week for later deliberation by the County Commissioners. No procurement or spending action was identified.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Published:** October 15, 2026

### Sources
- [10/15/26 Hearing Examiner - Marcus Johnson](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKs_QsmtOb0) - Kootenai County Idaho