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In Title 8 Chapter 8.15, the City exempts certain multi-family property from a tax on the increased value of the property as a result of rehabilitation or new construction. In order to qualify for this exemption the property must meet several criteria, including being located in targeted residential area and consisting of at least four dwelling units. The exemption applies to new construction and rehabilitation.

Chapter 11.14 provides for alternative methods and materials for buildings that contain both residential and non-residential uses, so that these structures do not have to comply with the City’s building regulations.

The City also permits certain uses in residential zones that could reduce the cost of providing affordable housing. In the R1 zone the City permits home occupations, and boarding of up to two persons if operated by a resident proprietor. The City gives the planning director the authority to approve the placement of a single manufactured home in appropriate areas and allows manufactured home parks following a public hearing. (11.19.080).

The code also allows certain exceptions to parking requirements that could reduce the cost of creating affordable housing. In Section 11.19.19311, the City allows a reduction in the parking requirements if the obligation can be met with off-site parking lots or the development shares parking with another development. In addition, an owner can remodel a nonconforming building with inadequate parking without having to find additional parking.

Spokane also allows density bonuses if an owner agrees to provide public amenities and sets aside at least 20 percent of the units for households earning less than 80 percent of the median income for the city. Under these circumstances the city may increase the maximum floor area ratio by 50 percent. (Section 11.19.1938) The City also allows three family residences in two family zoned areas if the lot contains at least 6,000 square feet and if builder designs and constructs the structure in the style of the area (11.19.246).

The City also allows mobile home parks in most residential zones under certain circumstances upon approval by a hearing examiner after a public hearing. (11.19.300) To be approved the park must contain a minimum area of ten acres, have at least fifteen percent of the gross site area as open space, have a twenty-foot wide strip boundary, provide an automatic sprinkler system for all landscaping, and must have all utilities underground, as well as a number of other requirements. Section 11.19.350 allows a single manufactured home on an individual lot in any residential zone that allows single-family dwellings, except historic districts.

Spokane also requires each development to pass a “concurrency” test in which the additional demand for public services generated by the proposed development is compared to the current and planned supply of those services (11.21.030) If the development fails the test, the developer may reduce the size of the project, provide for the additional facilities or appeal the concurrency test decision.

The Code also allows accessory dwelling units in Section 11.19.375. In order to qualify as an accessory dwelling unit the unit must contain at least 200 square feet and have a separate closet, kitchen sink, cooking appliance, refrigeration facilities and a separate bathroom from the principal dwelling unit. In addition, it cannot be larger than 760 square feet and may not exceed 50 percent of the total square footage of the principal dwelling. Owners can create such dwellings by internal conversions of existing living space or adding to the existing structure. Other regulations apply and the use terminates if the titleholder ceases to own and reside in the structure.

This site was accessed in February 2004.