Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
Questioned why those cutting timber can't build with it
A Whitman County commissioner started the discussion about people being able to use timber they cut on their property for building.
COLFAX - Whitman County Commissioner Art Swannack asked why people cutting their timber aren't allowed to build a house with it.
Swannack started the discussion on Monday referencing an ordinance passed in Columbia County in February to allow privately milled lumber to be used by the owner to build a dwelling.
The matter came up at an April meeting of the Eastern Washington Council of Governments, attended by Swannack.
Previously, a private timberland owner was restricted from cutting their lumber to build their own house.
The issue relates to the current high lumber prices around the region.
"I think there is an incentive to try to find lumber that is affordable to use," said Swannack.
Commissioners Michael Largent and Tom Handy expressed support to look further into the matter.
The next step is for Largent and Handy to look over the Columbia County ordinance, then if commissioners still want to pursue it, to consult the county building inspector, county planner, and prosecutor.
A public hearing would be held before any ordinance would be voted on.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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