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What questions have we heard from the community so far?
Q: How will this program affect my neighborhood?
The pilot program is designed to allow for small-scale development that compliments the residential nature of our neighborhoods. If development occurs in your neighborhood, you may see new buildings that provide more housing choices. And there is a chance you may not even know a building has multiple units until you meet your new neighbors!
Q: How is parking impacted by the interim ordinance?
Parking standards were not altered through the interim ordinance. The current parking requirements for residential development is one parking space per unit, and then one additional space per unit for each additional bedroom above two. For example, a fourplex with one bedroom in each unit would require four parking spaces. A fourplex with three bedrooms in each unit would require eight parking spaces.
Q: Will this give current homeowners incentive to demolish their homes and build multi-family units?
Due to the costs associated with demolition and construction, it is unlikely we will see homes in good condition being demolished for multi-family development. In addition, the cost of buying the property and demolishing a house can cost between $15,000 and $40,000 depending on the property. These costs do not include designing and constructing a new building. New housing provided through the pilot program is expected to occur largely on vacant or underutilized lots with additional land and dilapidated properties.
Q: What is the specific process to make permanent changes?
During the year-long work program, the City will hold community engagement opportunities and Plan Commission workshops. Any permanent changes to the Comprehensive Plan or the development code then go to Plan Commission for recommendation and then to City Council for a vote. We will continue sending updates and update project pages at Shaping Spokane Housing. Hearing from property owners and developers using these development regulations will help planning staff when drafting permanent code changes. Your thoughts and comments about possible permanent changes are encouraged and needed. Please email DevelopmentCode@spokanecity.org with your feedback!
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