(The Center Square) – To promote more affordable homes – from cottages to townhouses – along with increased ownership, Spokane City Council members on Monday approved expansive code amendments aimed at permitting and construction of “middle housing” in residential areas along with subdivision development.
City officials and supporters hope the measures will expand housing types, reduce overall development costs, increase affordability and streamline municipal procedures to support development.
“I’m glad to get it where it is. It’s been a long time coming,” said Councilman Michael Cathcart, noting a three-year process involving city planning staff, the planning commission, a consultant, community groups, developers, and others.
Cathcart said the changes offer “a lot of promising aspects” to address supply issues, improve neighborhoods, and address historical “redlining” – refusing a loan to someone living in an area deemed a poor financial risk.
Fellow councilman Jonathan Bingle said input had been received from a diverse range of stakeholders — from developers and real-estate groups to advocates for the poor and environmental interests. They “all seem aligned,” said Bingle, adding that he would like to see an additional component to address “rental-to-ownership” transition.
In recent years, Spokane has been among the nation’s hottest housing markets with rapidly rising prices – a boon for those selling their property, a bane for those trying to buy a home, particularly for the first time. According to media reports, the median home price in Spokane is $415,000 – an increase of nearly $92,000 since April 2020.
A recent study by the Spokane Association of Realtors found that less than 15% of employed residents can afford to buy a home, and that Spokane has an estimated shortage of 32,000 housing units to meet current demands.
According to the city, “middle housing” is defined as construction that fits in between single-unit detached homes and large multi-family buildings, such as duplexes to sixplexes, cottage housing, stacked flats, and townhouses.
“Projects can be anywhere in the City of Spokane, but we prioritize aiding projects on infill or underutilized sites,” according to city planning documents.
The middle-housing program implements requirements of a new state law, House Bill 1110, that took effect in July after being passed this spring by legislators.
Mayor Nadine Woodward had initially proposed permanent code changes while declaring a housing emergency in July 2021, which was followed by the council’s approval of a “housing action” implementation plan.
The new ordinance amends, repeals, or adds to nearly 50 different chapters or sections of Spokane’s municipal codes. It modifies development regulations, design standards, housing types, minimum lot sizes, subdivision standards, and related administrative regulations. Included in the council’s agenda packet, the ordinance and attached appendices, exhibits, and comments total nearly 850 pages.
Not everyone was a fan. In comments received by the city, some residents said the middle housing concept was not compatible with established single-family residential neighborhoods and that multi-unit dwellings could be located elsewhere.
But all the speakers who addressed the council during a public hearing Monday supported the ordinance and urged its passage. They touted the prospects of increasing housing choices, discouraging urban sprawl, aiding the local economy, helping aging or disabled residents, and allowing homeowners to expand the use of their property.
Jene Ray, director of “The Zone,” a community initiative supporting health, education, and economic outcomes in northeast Spokane, said the revised codes could help the “hidden homeless” – doubled or tripled-up families currently living under one roof “like shelters.”
Brennan “Boone” Schreibman, vice chair of the Spokane Human Rights Commission, called the changes “good policy.”
“What planning has done here … I can’t overstate how important it is for everyone in this city,” he said.
Council members joined with council president Lori Kinnear in thanking city planning director Spencer Gardner and his staff for their efforts.
“Yeoman work,” she said.
“Let’s build some homes,” said Councilman Ryan Oelrich.
Also voting in support were council members Zack Zappone and Karen Stratton. Council members Betsy Wilkerson was not present.
