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Housing Update
Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023
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Dear Community Member,
The City of Spokane Plan Commission has begun to discuss proposed draft code language as part of Building Opportunity for Housing. The proposed text amendments seek to make permanent the interim ordinance, Building Opportunity and Choices for All, while taking into account feedback heard from the community and targeted stakeholders.
As the draft is refined, you can expect opportunities to learn more and engage in the process. Until then, you can watch the August 23 Plan Commission Workshop discussion below:
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Middle Housing Support Team Launches to Encourage Small-Scale Development | |
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The City of Spokane, in its efforts to increase the development of Middle Housing, has launched the Middle Housing Support Team (MHST) to assist smaller developers in navigating the processes of developing Middle Housing on infill lots.
The MHST can:
- Help you understand the variety of housing incentive programs your project may qualify for.
- Brainstorm project alternatives or identify potential solutions to unique or difficult developments.
- Serve as the point of contact to help minimize the number of interactions with City staff.
If you, or someone you know, is thinking about developing Middle Housing visit the MHST webpage where you can learn more about the support they can provide and book an appointment today!
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BOCA Interim Ordinance Year in Review | |
It has been a year since the Building Opportunity and Choices for All Interim Ordinance went into effect. In June of 2022, in response to a housing emergency, Mayor Nadine Woodward, then Council President Breean Beggs, Council Member Michael Cathcart, and Council Member Betsy Wilkerson held a press conference to propose interim zoning regulations that modified the allowed housing types in the City’s residential zones.
Passed by City Council the following month and effective August 2022, the interim ordinance allowed up to four units on all residentially zoned lots in the Spokane, increasing the housing types allowed and creating the opportunity to spur housing growth. The interim ordinance has been extended through Dec. 18, 2023.
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As of July 2023, Building Opportunity and Choices for All has seen:
- 36 units with permits issued
- 34 units currently in review
- 425 potential units go through a Pre-Development Meeting
Plan Commission received an update on how the interim ordinance has been implemented and lessons learned, which you can watch below:
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Updated Short-Term Rental Regulations Effective
City Council approved changes to short-term rental regulations and fees on July 10, 2023. Property owners or other applicants interested in submitting a short-term rental application can view the application online on the Development Services webpage or submit online through the Accela Citizen Access portal.
Approved changes have updated regulations to:
- Create a path to compliance for STRs currently operating outside of regulations;
- Permit STRs in any zone where residential uses are allowed;
- Establish a cap on how many STR units can exist in a building;
- For detached and attached houses, accessory dwelling units, and duplexes 1 STR is permitted in the structure;
- For structures with 3 or more units in residential zones, 20% of the units may obtain a STR permit (e.g. a 12-unit building would be permitted 3 STRs);
- For structures with 3 or more units in non-residential zones, 30% of the units may obtain a STR permit without having to complete a Change of Use/Occupancy (e.g. a 33-unit building would be permitted 10 STRs);
- Create a provision to grandfather currently permitted STRs in residential zones, so long as they maintain their permit and do not expand their use;
- Require a notarized Life Safety Compliance Form with permit submittal;
- Establish and require a life safety inspection to be completed by the Fire Department;
- Remove permit notification requirements for STRs located in commercial areas; and
- Increase permit fees to: $200 in residential zones, with a $100 annual renewal fee; $300 in non-residential zones, with a $150 annual renewal fee; $105/hour for fire inspections.
City staff are working now on letters to be sent to all units operating within the City that do not have a permit, outlining the steps to obtain a permit and come into compliance. There will be a three-month grace period for operating STRs to come into compliance.
If you have questions, contact Current Planning at 509-625-6188, planningreview@spokanecity.org, or visit the Development Services Center on the Third Floor of City Hall.
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In the Know ... Solar Permit Enhancements | |
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According to the Department of Energy, there are nearly 4 million American households currently generating their own power with solar energy, either for cost savings, to increase home values, or to reduce the home’s environmental impact, among other benefits.
The Development Services Center has taken steps to streamline the process for solar installations here in Spokane.
The enhanced Solar Energy Permit is now available and provides for both structural and electrical inspections and reviews to be performed under one permit. What does this mean? When structural reinforcements are required for solar installation, but no other building renovations are occurring, you no longer need to apply for both a Building Permit and an Electrical Permit. This permit can also be used for both residential and commercial installations. The Solar Submittal Guide identifies the documents and details that need to be included with your submittal, taking the guess work out of the process.
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Please note that a separate Solar Photovoltaic Power Systems Permit still needs to be applied for through the City of Spokane Fire Prevention Office. You can contact SFDPermits@spokanecity.org with any questions. | |
Plan Commission Information | |
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City of Spokane
Plan Commission
Meeting Schedule
2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the Month in City Hall
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WHAT HAPPENED?
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Aug. 23, Public Workshop – Plan Commission heard a year in review update of the Building Opportunity and Choices for All interim ordinance, began discussion on proposed draft code amendments as part of Building Opportunity for Housing, and were introduced to the Center & Corridor Update Study. [watch recording]
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WHAT'S NEXT?
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Wednesday, Sept. 13, Public Workshop: Plan Commission will hear a presentation on the 2024-2029 Citywide Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Consistency Review before discussing proposed draft code amendments as part of Phase 2 of Building Opportunity for Housing.
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Wednesday, Sept. 13, Public Hearing: The Paper Cuts code cleanup, as presented at the July 26 Workshop, will be before Plan Commission for a recommendation to City Council.
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Development Services Center is Open to Serve You!
Monday-Friday | 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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You are receiving this email because you signed up via the Spokane Housing Action Plan website, have been identified as an individual or stakeholder in the discussion, or expressed interest in receiving planning project updates from the City of Spokane. Please feel free to share this email with others who are interested in receiving email announcements about this project. To unsubscribe, please email developmentcode@spokanecity.org. | |
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