Housing Update

Thursday, Aug. 8, 2024

Dear Community Member,

As the City begins the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Periodic Update, we look toward the next 20 years of community and resiliency. Beginning in September, the Shaping Spokane Housing newsletter will transition to Plan Spokane. Not just a name change, the transition will provide the opportunity to ensure our readers are kept up to date on how they can be involved with and influence the future of Spokane, from housing to transportation, climate, and beyond.

But before we look toward the future, let us celebrate the work that has been accomplished.

The Shaping Spokane Housing program came about in response to the Housing Action Plan (HAP), adopted by City Council in July 2021. The HAP identified actions that the city can pursue to encourage more housing options and create more housing for more people. The coordinated set of strategies led to a number of housing projects.

Housing Action Plan Phase 1 Code Changes

Beginning at the end of 2021, the first phase of housing code changes revolved around increasing flexibility of development standards for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), removing Lot Size Transition requirements, and modifying the Short Plat notification process. Learn more about the Phase 1 Housing Action Plan Code Changes.

Housing Action Plan Phase 2 Code Changes

The second phase of Housing Action Plan code changes updated the short-term rental (STR) regulations, created a path to compliance for STRs, permitted STRs where all residential uses are allowed, established a cap on the number of STRs within one building, modified permitting fees, and supported life safety standards. Learn more about the Phase 2 Housing Action Plan Code Changes.

Building Opportunity and Choices for All Pilot Program

In the Summer of 2022, in response to a declared housing emergency, the city approved a pilot program known as Building Opportunity and Choices for All (BOCA). The interim zoning pilot program modified residential zoning to accelerate construction of more housing in neighborhoods, with more variety in the types of housing being provided. Learn more about Building Opportunity and Choices for All.

Building Opportunity for Housing

Following on the heels of the successful BOCA interim ordinance, the Building Opportunity for Housing project developed lasting Comprehensive Plan and Municipal Code amendments that increased housing choice and diversity in the city by supporting middle housing development and removing density restrictions. Learn more about Building Opportunity for Housing.

Thank You!

Thank you to everyone who has participated in the Shaping Spokane Housing work. We look forward to working with you through Plan Spokane and into the future. It is because of you, and community like you, that ensures Better Starts Here.

In the Know ... Periodic Update

The Washington Growth Mangagement Act (GMA), first adopted in 1990 as a series of statutes developed to address ways to accommodate growth, requires the fastest-growing cities and counties to complete comprehensive plans and development regulations to guide future growth. Under the GMA, every county and city in the state is required to conduct a thorough periodic update of its comprehensive plan to bring it up to date with any relevant changes in the GMA, recent case law, and to respond to changes in land use and population growth.

Our Comprehensive Plan serves as the roadmap for Spokane's future growth and development. Spokane’s next periodic update is due in 2026.

Plan Commission Information

City of Spokane

Plan Commission

Meeting Schedule

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

WHAT HAPPENED?

July 10 Public Workshop: Plan Commission heard presentations on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Amendment docket. [watch 7.10.24 recording]
July 24 Public Workshop: Plan Commission heard additional presentations on the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Amendment docket, as well as discussions on housing follow-up amendments and the Centers and Corridors Study. [watch 7.24.24 recording]

WHAT'S NEXT?

Wednesday, August 14, Public Workshop: Workshop is cancelled for summer break.
Wednesday, August 28 Public Workshop: Plan Commission will hear an update on climate planning and housing follow-up amendments, as well as a presentation on protection of historic buildings in Downtown and Center and Corridor areas.
Wednesday, September 11 Public Workshop: Plan Commission will discuss Transportation Impact Fees.
Wednesday, September 11 Public Hearing: Plan Commission is tentatively scheduled to hold public hearings for protection of historic buildings in Downtown and Center and Corridor areas, the Centers and Corridors Study, housing follow-up amendments, and the 2024 Comprehensive Plan Amendments.

Agenda Details

We want your feedback!

Provide written comment in email to DevelopmentCode@spokanecity.org. This email list will be notified regarding additional opportunities for participation.

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 the near future 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 permitteam@spokanecity.org or Electronic Document Review
Phone - A representative can assist you at 509.625.6300

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