Resident asks Coeur d'Alene council to allow homeowners to stay in motorhomes after house fires

Coeur d'Alene — During public comment on Feb. 17, Shirley Freeman described losing her house to fire and asked the City Council to change local rules so property owners can stay in motorhomes on their lots while rebuilding.

Freeman said she bought a house at Third and Hazel in 2005 and later suffered a fire after a squatter occupied the basement. She said she was not permitted to remain on her property in a motorhome during reconstruction and that staying on the street forced her into unsafe circumstances; she described an injury and other hardships. "I would like the rules changed so that people who own property are able to stay in their motor home especially when something like their house burns down," Freeman said.

Freeman also alleged a contractor named Neil Foster took $100,000 from her and did not complete the house. She asked the council to allow property owners to remain on-site in motorhomes so they can observe rebuilding and protect their property.

Councilmembers acknowledged her comments and the presiding official said staff would follow up to obtain her contact information. No council action or ordinance was proposed at the meeting; Freeman's comments were submitted as part of the public-comment record.