June 5, 2025

Dear Community Member,

How might the City of Spokane grow and develop through 2046?

Draft growth alternatives were presented to the Spokane Plan Commission at their May 28 workshop. The alternatives illustrate different strategies to be analyzed in the PlanSpokane 2046 Environmental Impact Statement, an informational document that provides City leaders, the public, Tribes, and agencies with environmental information to be considered in the decision-making process. Further refinement and analysis will occur before the growth alternatives are presented to the public later this year for feedback.

Watch the video to learn about potential growth patterns for the City of Spokane’s future. 

Presentation to Climate Board on Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment 

As part of the PlanSpokane 2046 Climate Planning efforts, the City of Spokane is working on a Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (CRVA) that helps identify Spokane’s risks to climate hazards. The CRVA is a foundational document that will inform future amendments to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, helping Spokane take further action to foster climate resilience, avoid worsening environmental health disparities, and build upon community priorities. 

A draft of the CRVA was presented before the Climate Resilience and Sustainability Board during a special meeting on May 22, 2025. 

Watch the recorded meeting or view the presentation for more information. 

A final version of the Climate Risk and Vulnerability Assessment will be available to the public by the end of June. 

Plan Commission Subcommittee Review of Comprehensive Plan

As we work to establish a clear vision for the City of Spokane’s future through PlanSpokane 2046, we’re also beginning to make targeted updates to the City’s existing Comprehensive Plan. These early efforts include streamlining language, removing outdated or redundant content, and clarifying policies to better reflect current needs. To help guide these refinements, the Spokane Plan Commission has formed a Chapter Review Subcommittee focused on reviewing minor changes—excluding the Land Use, Transportation, and Capital Facilities chapters, which are more dependent on ongoing analysis. Over the next three months, this subcommittee will meet six times to review updates across three thematic groups: Community, Environment, and How We Grow. Once their work is complete, the updated chapters will be brought to the full Plan Commission for further consideration and discussion.

The Subcommittee workshops are open to the public to attend virtually or in person. However, no public comment will be accepted during the meetings. 

For more information about the subcommittee, see their website.

City Adopts New Rules for Backyard Cottages and In-Law Suites

The City of Spokane has officially adopted new regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), small homes like backyard cottages, basement apartments, or in-law suites. These changes make it easier for homeowners to build ADUs and create more flexible, affordable housing options in our neighborhoods.

The updated ordinance allows up to two ADUs per residential lot, alters the maximum size limitation, and modifies several development standards. This means more residents can add a rental unit, create space for extended family, or downsize while staying in the same community.

The ordinance aligns with state law (House Bill 1337) and reflects local goals to increase housing choices in all neighborhoods and support aging in place. 

This is a big step forward in helping meet our community’s growing housing needs while maintaining neighborhood vibrancy. 

For details on the new rules or how to get started with an ADU project contact the Planning Department at developmentcode@spokanecity.org. 

South Logan Planning Project Receives State Recognition

The South Logan Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Project recently received recognition from the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA WA) and the Planning Association of Washington (PAW) through their joint Excellence in Planning awards. 

The award program’s goals are to recognize great planning efforts in our state and promote excellence in public and private sector planning.

The South Logan TOD Project was selected for the Outstanding Comprehensive Planning/ Development Regulations category, along with Snohomish County.

More information about the South Logan TOD Project can be found on the project webpage.

City Proposing Update to MFTE Rules on Short-Term Rentals

To improve oversight of short-term rentals, the City of Spokane has been monitoring vacation rental platforms to ensure listings are operating with an approved permit. This effort has boosted compliance with current regulations but has revealed that some Multifamily Tax Exemption (MFTE) projects were operating unreported vacation rentals.

The Spokane Municipal Code currently does not prohibit MFTE projects from including short-term rentals but does clearly prevent them from receiving the MFTE tax benefit.

To align with long-term housing goals and improve enforcement, staff are proposing a code amendment that would ban short-term rentals in MFTE-supported projects moving forward. Existing MFTE agreements would not be affected. The proposal will be presented to City Council at the Monday, June 9 Urban Experience Committee meeting, starting at 12 p.m.

You can watch the Urban Experience Committee live at CableCable5 or view the recording after on the Spokane City Council Vimeo page. 

What Happened?

• May 14 Public Workshop: The Spokane Plan Commission heard presentations on the PlanSpokane 2046 Visioning Engagement Summary and the Complete Streets Ordinance. [watch 5.14.25 recording]
• May 14 Public Hearing: The Spokane Plan Commission held public hearings on the Six-Year Streets Capital Improvement Plan update and code amendments for Accessory Dwelling Units. [watch 5.14.25 hearing recording]
• May 28 Public Workshop: The Spokane Plan Commission discussed the PlanSpokane 2046 Growth Alternatives for future development within the City. [watch 5.28.25 recording]

What's Next?

• Wednesday, June 11 Public Workshop: The Spokane Plan Commission will continue to discuss PlanSpokane 2046 Growth Alternatives while also hearing presentations on addressing code revisions, Division Transit Oriented Development, and the East Central/5th Avenue Subarea Plan.  
• Wednesday, June 25 Public Workshop: The Spokane Plan Commission will hear a recap of the Phase 1 of Climate Planning efforts, continue to discuss the PlanSpokane 2046 Periodic Update, and discuss off-premise signs. 

Development Services Center is Open to Serve You!

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday | 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday | 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

• In person - 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd - 3rd Floor of City Hall (Office closed Wednesday mornings from 8-11 a.m. through the near future to allow staff to focus on permit load and reduce wait times. Calls will be forwarded to voice mail during this time.)
• Online - Skip a trip to City Hall with online permitting, an email to permitteam@spokanecity.org or Electronic Document Review 
• Phone - A representative can assist you at 509.625.6300

Provide written comment in email to PlanSpokane@spokanecity.org 

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