Dear Community Member,


Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2021 Housing Action Plan public outreach process, and to everyone who has continued to be involved as the City works on making code changes that enact the strategies listed in the Housing Action Plan. The Planning Services Department and the Plan Commission have been discussing seven initial proposed amendments, which you can read about at ShapingSpokaneHousing.com. 

 

Spokane is a city of choice for residents, and is attractive to future residents thanks to our beautiful location, robust public park system, unique neighborhoods, and vibrant downtown. The Shaping Spokane Housing project aims to update city codes to allow for more housing types in more residential zones, to encourage construction of more market-rate and affordable housing options for all residents. New types of housing can help city-wide affordability by offering residents in all stages of life. Young professionals, empty nesters, growing families, and new residents require more options for where we call home.


Recommendations Go to City Council


Recommendations Go to City Council

The Planning Services Department wants to thank everyone who has attended an open house, a presentation, or had one-on-one conversations with the project team for Shaping Spokane Housing. These code changes have gone through several Plan Commission workshops and City Council study sessions. Following the May 11th Plan Commission public hearing, Plan Commission voted to forward proposed changes to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Lot Size Transitions, and Short Plat Notification to City Council.

 

The Spokane City Council will review and consider adoption of code amendments to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Lot Size Transitions, and Short Plat Notification and Fees on Monday, June 27, 2022 starting at 6 p.m. during the legislative session.

 

  • Review the draft ordinances for C36224, C36225, and C36226 in the agenda packet.
  • Testify in person at City Hall Council Chambers, signup between 5-6 p.m. using the sheet outside Council Chambers.
  • Testify virtually by signing up here. The agenda has call-in information for the Webex meeting.
  • Or, email written comments to [email protected] or [email protected].

 

Members of the public are welcome to attend in-person or tune in on City5 Comcast channel 5, stream or the City Council Facebook page. City Council meetings are being held in hybrid, allowing for in-person or virtual attendance.

 

Proposed changes for ADUs, Lot Size Transitions, and Short Plat Notification and Fees:

  • Increase max size for detached ADU from 600 sf to 864 sf or 75% of house size, whichever is greater.
  • Remove minimum lot size to build an ADU.
  • A Floor Area Ratio (FAR) bonus to help small lots be able to construct ADUs:
  • Lots <5,000 sq ft= 0.7
  • Lots <7,200 sq ft= 0.6
  • Specific building coverage increase to 20% for detached ADUs on lots under 5,500 sf.
  • Detached ADUs over a garage are getting a wall & roof height increase (17 ft/ 25 ft).
  • Owner occupancy is removed from RTF. RMF, and RHD zones.
  • Owner Occupancy is removed in RSF zone UNLESS you wish to have the home or the ADU as a short-term rental you are still required to live on site.
  • Relaxed ADU parking, only 1 space required for 2 bedrooms and +1 space for each bedroom after.
  • Permit an ADU on a site with any principal structure, such as a duplex or triplex, in RTF, RMF, and RHD zones.
  • Remove the lot size transition requirement in SMC 17C.110.200 so new subdivided lots in the Residential Agriculture and Residential Single-Family zones will be allowed to meet the dimensional and square footage requirements for the respective zones. This is meant to encourage construction of more housing units.
  • Altering notification for small subdivisions (short plats).
  • For small subdivisions in already-developed areas, notification and commenting on a proposal would be accomplished through neighborhood councils.
  • For small subdivisions in undeveloped areas, notice would be mailed to nearby property owners and a public comment period would be required. This code change preserves comment-gathering for neighborhoods while streamlining the permit process, reducing the cost of new housing.
  • Reduce the cost of small subdivisions for Preliminary and Final Plats.
  • For small subdivisions in already-developed areas the Preliminary Plat fee is reduced to $1,085. Small subdivisions in undeveloped areas will still pay $4,325 plus $60 per acre for the Preliminary Plat fee.
  • For small subdivisions in already-developed areas the Final Plat fee is reduced to $350 plus $30 per acre. Small subdivisions in undeveloped areas will still pay $1,820 plus $30 per acre for the Final Plat fee.


Coming Up


Stay tuned! In July 2022 Plan Commission will continue to work on development code changes to support attached homes, duplexes, and design standards. We will send out information when those dates are scheduled for workshops.

 

Recognizing the housing emergency, Mayor Woodward and City Council announced on June 23rd the kick-off of the Building Opportunity and Choices for All pilot program. These interim code changes would focus on greater flexibility for attached homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes. Details of the proposed code changes will be discussed Monday, June 27, at the Public Infrastructure and Environmental Sustainability Committee meeting starting at 1:15 p.m.

We want your feedback!
You can review a description of each proposal on the project webpage, which will be updated as the draft revisions evolve.
  • Provide written comment in email to [email protected]. This email list will be notified regarding additional opportunities for participation.
  • Sign up for email updates and announcements here.
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