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What's New?

Updated February 17, 2012


Hot Topics:

UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE MAINTENANCE

February 17, 2012

After the Unified Development Code (zoning code) was adopted by the City Council in 2006, possible code revisions have been continuously identified by the Planning Services Department and others who work with these codes on a regular basis. As a result the “Unified Development Code Maintenance Project” is going through a public process to allow anyone interested to review the proposed changes and make comment to staff and the Plan Commission.

Additional opportunities to review and comment on these code changes will be ongoing. The following dates for the review of the Unified Development Code by the Plan Commission have been tentatively scheduled for:

  • February 22nd – Workshop with the Plan Commission
  • March 14th – Date held for workshop with the Plan Commission if needed
  • April 11th – Open House with staff and Plan Commission Public Hearing

The document may be viewed  HERE.

Questions or comments can be directed to Tami Palmquist at tpalmquist@spokanecity.org or (509) 625-6300.


Comprehensive Plan Amendments

January 10, 2012



Change of Use

December 5, 2011

Changing the use or occupancy type of a building can present many challenges. In a change of use, modifications may need to be made to the building or space to bring the area up to code for the particular occupancy classification for which it will now be used.(Grandfathering rules don’t apply for most sections of the building codes when the use of a building is altered.) For example, an old house that is to be used as an office building must comply with the most recent life safety code requirements, such as exiting, for a new office building.

Before you consider purchasing, renting or leasing a site for your business, we encourage you to contact the Development Services Departments listed below to help determine what modifications to the building or space may be required. An even better option would be to schedule a Pre-Development Conference to arrange a meeting with all of these departments at the same time.

  • Department of Building Services (509) 625-6114
  • Fire Department Construction Plan Reviewer(509) 625-7056
  • Department of Planning Services (509) 625-6300
  • Department of Engineering Services (509) 625-6700
  • Solid Waste Management Department (509) 625-7871
  • Spokane Regional Health District (509) 324-1560

Notes from the Pre-Development Conference that outline the general requirements will be compiled and sent to you usually within a week of your meeting.

For more information about the Change of Use process, please visit the Building Services Change of Use website.



Comprehensive Plan Amendments

November 29, 2011


Spokane County Urban Growth Area Review

Updated December 7, 2011

Spokane County and its cities and towns are collaborating on a ten-year regional review of the Urban Growth Area (UGA)  to determine its ability to accommodate growth and development for the next 20 years. A land quantity analysis has been completed and has found that the current Urban Growth Area is sufficient in size to accommodate the population growth projected by the State Office of Financial Management.

Three map update scenarios have been developed by the Planning Technical Advisory Committee. The Board of County Commissioners have also developed a map update scenario. Additionally, individual requests for map changes have also been collected and mapped.

After holding a public hearing the City of Spokane Plan Commission has made a recommendation on the update. The Spokane City Council will consider a resolution at their December 19th meeting based on the Plan Commission's recommendation that states the City of Spokane's preference on the 10-year UGA review.  There will be an opportunity for public comment at the City Council meeting. The resolution would be forwarded to the Growth Management Steering Committee of Elected Officials and to Spokane County for their consideration. The Spokane County Board of Commissioners will make the final decision on the UGA review.

City Plan Commission Recommendation Map

City Plan Commission Findings, Conclusions and Recommendations

For more information about the City of Spokane resolution, please call (509) 625-6146. For more information on the UGA update call (509) 477-7224 or see the Spokane County Building and Planning website.


Citizen Resource Page

November 17, 2011

A new website has been created and is intended to be an easy-to-understand summary of planning and land use within the City of Spokane. Included are frequently-asked questions (coming soon), informational presentations, and information about the application and public hearing processes. It is meant to be a tool of wide-ranging information for the public and should not be used as a replacement for the complete text when exact regulations and detailed information are required.

Please visit the site and, as always, if you have any comments or questions, please call or email us by clicking the "Contact Us" tab at the top of the screen or clicking this link: Contact Us.


2011 Mayor's Urban Design Awards

Updated October 6, 2011

The Mayor’s Urban Design Awards recognize and thank people who contribute to Spokane’s quality of life and help implement the City’s Comprehensive Plan through good urban design. The awards will highlight the importance of creative thought, technical proficiency, and the relationship of good urban design to our city’s economic health and overall well-being. These bi-annual awards will be announced by the Mayor during a Spokane City Council meeting. Award winners will receive a Certificate of Recognition and be showcased on the City’s Urban Design website.


Parking Meter Pay Station Pilot

Updated September 21, 2011

In response to frequent pubic requests to be able to pay for parking by using credit cards or other means, the Downtown Spokane Partnership (DSP) in partnership with the City of Spokane is exploring ways to provide parking customers optional payment methods to pay for on street parking.

For more information please visit this site: Parking Meter Pay Station Pilot.


Unified Development Code Ordinances Adopted by Council

Updated May 24, 2011

On April 25, 2011 the City Council adopted the proposed Unified Development Code revisions. After the final installment of the Unified Development Code was adopted by the City Council in 2006 recommended code revisions had been identified by the Planning Department and others who work with these codes on a regular basis. The adoptions of the changes will affect 17A, 17C, 17E, and 17G. A brief summary of the proposed changes is available by clicking here. The ordinances are available for viewing by clicking on each Ordinance below:

**** The effective date of these ordinance is June 3, 2011. ****

For information from the City contact: Tami Palmquist at (509) 625-6157 or tpalmquist@spokanecity.org.



Schools and Churches - Proposed Municipal Code Changes

Updated September 12, 2011

During recent public hearings for other changes to the municipal code members of the public suggested that the City should require the more rigorous Type III conditional use permit process for new or substantial additions to schools and religious institutions in most residential zones instead of the Type II application that is currently required. A Type III application requires a public hearing by the Hearing Examiner whereas in a Type II process the Planning Director issues the decision to approve or deny the application for a conditional use permit.

This proposal and other related changes to the code, including limiting demolitions of residential buildings for non-residential parking are being explored and developed.


View draft language and alternatives.

View table comparing alternatives.

For information contact: Kathleen Weinand (509) 625-6146



West Plains Annexation Zoning and Airfield Overlay Zoning

Updated April 5, 2011

On April 4th, 2011 the City Council voted 6 to 1 to adopt zoning and Comprehensive Plan land use designations for the proposed West Plains Annexation. Spokane International Airport is to be included in the proposed annexation. In addition to standard zoning, Airfield Overlay Zoning and Airfield Influence Area Comprehensive Plan designations were also adopted. These measures seek to prevent development that is incompatible with aviation facilities in the areas surrounding Spokane International Airport as well as Fairchild Air Force Base and Felts Field.

Click here for more information on the adopted Land Use designations and zoning for the pending West Plains Annexation. Click here for more information on the adopted Airfield Overlay Zoning and Comprehensive Plan policy.

 


New Digital Flood Maps Adopted

Updated July 2010

The City of Spokane adopted an updated Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) issued by FEMA. On June 21st the City Council voted unanimously to adopt the updated study and map which will be in effect starting on July 6th, 2010. Click here to see the new maps and study.


2010 Downtown Parking Study Update

Updated July 2010

The need for an updated Downtown Parking study was identified during the 2008-2009 Downtown Plan update. The 2005 study will be updated this spring and summer. For more information see the 2010 Downtown Parking Study Update page.


The Service We Provide:

The Planning Service staff facilitates public processes and provides technical assistance to the public and various boards and commissions. The department focuses on issues related to city growth and development applications. This often results in recommendations to the City Plan Commission, Hearing Examiner, Design Review Committee, or the City Council.

We measure our progress by:

  • the vitality of Spokane's economy,
  • the health of Spokane's physical environment, and
  • opportunities all citizens have to improve their quality of life.