Downtown Development Code and Design Guidelines Update

Updated Downtown Spokane Plan - Fast Forward Spokane (17,474 KB)

The Downtown Spokane Plan was updated in December of 2008. One high priority project listed within the Downtown Plan Update is already under way. The existing Downtown development codes and design guidelines are currently being reviewed and updated to ensure that they are consistent with the Downtown Plan Update.

The City Council adopted updated Downtown development regulations and design guidelines on December 14th, 2009.

Background Information

The Plan Commission recommended Downtown Zones and Design Guidelines are listed below.

The draft Downtown Zoning Code includes changes to the existing code needed to implement the newly updated Downtown Plan titled "Fast Forward Spokane".

Draft Downtown Design Guidelines and Procedures:

Spokane Building Blocks - Overview of the draft Downtown Development Code and Design Guidelines

Currently running on City Cable Channel 5 is an overview of the Downtown Code and Design Guideline Update Project. It is part of the Spokane Building Blocks TV series. To check the Channel 5 schedule for the next playing time of Spokane Building Blocks click HERE.

You can watch a video stream of the Spokane Building Blocks session over the internet by clicking HERE.

Draft Downtown Development Code and Design Guidelines

Citizens involved with the Downtown Plan Update made it clear that quality design is important for improving quality of life, economic vitality, and a positive visual image for the Downtown and this is reflected in the Plan Update. Chapter 2 of the Plan Update provides an example of this - “The built form - composed of buildings, streets, sidewalks, and public open spaces - plays a crucial role in the vitality, perception, and livability of Downtown.”

So what is quality design and what can the City do to help encourage it?

Well-designed projects contribute to great pedestrian streets and help build districts and neighborhoods. Quality design is exemplified by projects that “fit” within their context, contribute generously to the public realm, and enhance the sense of community identity and pride.

Draft Downtown Design Guidelines

Tools for encouraging quality design Downtown include the Design Standards which set measurable code criteria for elements such as allowable heights, number of windows, walkway width, and required elements such as street trees. In addition, Downtown Design Guidelines are utilized by proponents of new development projects and the City’s Design Review Board to ensure consistency with the Downtown Plan Update. Design Guidelines identify important objectives and include ideas for design solutions.

Design Review provides a forum for citizens and developers to work toward achieving a quality urban environment through attention to fundamental design principles. Design Review is intended to assist developers and designers on specific projects for the purpose of helping them positively contribute to Downtown Spokane. Design guidelines offer a flexible tool, an alternative to prescriptive design standards, which allow new development to respond better to the unique character of its surroundings.

Character area considerations assist designers and developers in creating projects that respect Spokane’s unique character. These special considerations were developed to enhance the unique character of four areas while bolstering economic vitality through attractive, consistent design of renovations, additions and new infill development.

 

Maps showing an inventory of the Downtown

Links to the existing Downtown Zoning Spokane Municipal Code (SMC) sections

Overview of the Downtown Code and Design Guideline Update Project

Past Open House Meetings

The City of Spokane and the Downtown Spokane Task Force held two Open House meetings to receive feedback on initial zoning code and design guideline drafts and other ideas for changes to the Downtown development standards. The Open House meetings were held to explain the ideas that are being discussed in this update process and answer questions regarding the Draft Downtown Zoning and Development Code and Design Guidelines.

  • Thursday, April 30th, 2009 ~ River Park Square - Main Entrance / Atrium ~ Noon to 3 p.m.
  • Friday, May 1st, 2009 ~ Spokane City Council Chambers ~ 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

If you have any questions please contact the following City staff that worked on this project.

Downtown Code Update Project Staff
Louis Meuler, Program Manager (509) 625-6096
Julie Neff (509) 625-6082
Nikole Coleman-Porter (509) 625-6883