Housing Update

Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023

Dear Community Member,

The proposed Building Opportunity for Housing text amendments will be before City Council for a public hearing Nov. 13, 2023 at 6 p.m. The hearing will be in-person at City Hall Council Chambers with a virtual component. Any members of the public wishing to provide comments on the proposed amendments may submit written comments to KayCee Downey at [email protected] until the hearing day or sign up to testify.

For more information or to read the proposed text amendments, visit the project webpage.

Plan Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the proposed text amendments at its October 11 public hearing. Watch a recap of the hearing below to learn about Plan Commission’s recommendations. 

Building Opportunity and Choices for All

Interim Ordinance Update

On July 18, 2022, City Council held a public hearing and approved the Building Opportunity and Choices for All interim ordinance. The pilot program went into effect in August 2022 and is scheduled to expire Dec. 18, 2023, after the program was extended by City Council.

As part of the proposed Building Opportunity for Housing text amendments, the general housing regulations approved under the interim ordinance found under SMC sections 17C.400.010, 17C.400.020, 17C.400.030 are proposed to be formally repealed, as the permanent code changes will take their place. All projects vested under the interim ordinance will still be able to build under those regulations.

17C.400.040 Pilot Center and Corridors Development Standards of the interim ordinance is proposed to be extended an additional six (6) months to allow for additional studying of regulations within designated Centers and Corridors, with a new expiration date of June 18, 2024. Projects within designated Centers and Corridors with a minimum of 50% residential units will still be able to take advantage of the interim regulations. 

Planning Director on GovLove Podcast to Discuss Housing

Spokane Planning Services Director Spencer Gardner was interviewed for the GovLove podcast of the Engaging Local Government Leaders (ELGL) professional organization about the Building Opportunity and Choices for All interim ordinance that has drawn national attention as a tool to address the housing crisis.

Listen to the full podcast episode. 

The City of Spokane City Council passed the Regulation of Residential Rental Housing ordinance in early 2023. The ordinance addresses issues related to rental housing, including mandating City of Spokane business licenses for rental housing operators, establishing a registry of rental properties, and providing funding for Code Enforcement staff to have the capacity to perform more routine, periodic inspections.

City of Spokane

Plan Commission

Meeting Schedule

2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the Month in City Hall

WHAT HAPPENED?

• October 25 Public Workshop – Plan Commission discussed the South Logan TOD Project and Bike Network Prioritization Planning [watch recording]
• October 25 Public Hearing – Plan Commission made a recommendation on the proposed General Facilities Charges (GFCs). [watch recording]

WHAT'S NEXT?

• Wednesday, Nov. 8 Public Workshop – Plan Commission will be discussing the 2024 Work Plan. 

We want your feedback!

Provide written comment in email to [email protected]. This email list will be notified regarding additional opportunities for participation.

Sign up for Shaping Spokane Housing email updates and announcements here.

Interested in requesting an outreach event? Email us!

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 at least the end of the year 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 [email protected] or Electronic Document Review
• Phone - A representative can assist you at 509.625.6300

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 [email protected].