2011, 03-01 Home Business Clarification LtrCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PLANNING DIVISION
March 1, 2011
Tim & Arlene Stromberger
P.O. Box 640
Davenport, WA 99122
SUBJECT: Re: 18625 E Riverway Ave - response to letter dated February 19, 2011.
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Stromberger,
This letter is in response to your request to consider approval of another business locating on your
Riverway Avenue property. In 1989, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) was approved by the Spokane
County Hearing Examiner for your business, Spokane County File No. CUE-2-89. At that time,
Spokane County's Code allowed businesses in residential zones with a Conditional Use Permit,
specifically as a "Home Industry".
The final Hearing Examiner decision states that the Home Industry category is specifically for "an
antique auto restoration business only." The decision further specifies that the Home Industry permit is
limited to your antique restoration business; other businesses are not allowed, even those similar in
nature such as auto body repair and painting. The CUP may be transferred another owner conducting
the same business as Tim's Hot Rods, but another owner with a different type of business would not be
allowed per the conditions of the CUP.
You state in your letter that you have "Customer Appreciation Day" with more than 100 vehicles on
premises. This is contrary to the approval granted for the CUP where it states the use "is a low intensity
land use that should not generate excessive traffic or activity that would be disruptive to the area."
Regarding the Barker Road Bridge project, you state that your main driveway was blocked during the
construction process. The CUP was approved with access from Riverway only; there is no evidence that
an approach permit or any other approvals were granted allowing access from Barker Road.
When you sell your house, any new business desiring to locate there is subject to the codes and
provisions in place when an application is made. The Spokane Valley Municipal Code (Section
19.40.140) includes provisions for Home Occupations, such as accounting offices, home based crafts or
a small hair salon. Based on the information we have received, it appears that scope and scale of Acme
Integration does not meet the criteria for a Home Occupation, such as the number of employees engaged
in the business and the traffic that would be generated in a residential neighborhood.
Additionally, the Home Occupation section of the SVMC lists specific examples of uses which are not
permitted as home occupations, including large appliance/electronics or equipment repair or service and
1 of 2
wholesale or retail sales. Acme Integration conducts both of these types of activities as explained by the
owner.
Please contact me at (509) 720-5300 or kmcclung@spokanevalley.org if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
KATHY MCCLUNG
Community Development Director
Community Development Department
2 of 2