2021-02-11 PC APPROVED SIGNED MINUTESMeeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Council Chambers — City Hall
February 11, 2021
I. Planning Commission Chair Bob McKinley called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The
meeting was held remotely via ZOOM meeting.
II. Commissioners, staff and audience stood for the pledge of allegiance.
III. Administrative Assistant Taylor Dillard took roll and the following members and staff were
present:
Fred Beaulac
Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Karl Granrath
Jenny Nickerson, Building Official
Walt Haneke
Deanna Horton, Administrative Assistant
Bob McKinley
Taylor Dillard, Administrative Assistant
Nancy Miller
Marianne Lemons, Office Assistant
Paul Rieckers
Sherri Robinson
IV. AGENDA: Commissioner Beaulac moved to approve the February 11, 2021 meeting agenda
as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero
against and the motion passed.
V. MINUTES: Commissioner Haneke moved to approve the January 28, 2021 minutes as
presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against
and the motion passed.
VI. COMMISSION REPORTS: There were no Commission Reports.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: City Attorney Cary Driskell introduced himself to the
Planning Commission.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment.
IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Discussion: Planned Residential Developments.
Building Official Jenny Nickerson gave a presentation explaining the current
regulations of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) Chapter 19.50 which
outlines Planned Residential Developments (PRD). The City is currently under a
moratorium for new PRD's and is not accepting any new applications. In the future
staff will be presenting proposed amended language on the matter. Therefore, Ms.
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Nickerson wanted to make sure that the Planning Commission was given an overview
of what the code currently allows and clear up any confusion regarding the City's
current moratorium.
Ms. Nickerson explained that the purpose of PRD's is to provide flexibility in design,
preserve environmental amenities, preserve open space, preserve natural
characteristics, and encourage a variety of housing types. Planned Residential
Developments are currently allowed in all of the residential zones and all residential
uses are permitted in those developments. This includes single-family, multi -family,
duplexes, townhomes, cottages, and neighborhood commercial. The PRD
development standards includes a site acreage minimum of five acres, no minimum
lot size, no setbacks or side yards between buildings and a 20% density increase is
possible. There are also off-street parking standards, landscaping requirements and
commercial area allowed is equal to 50 square feet per dwelling unit within the PRD.
Ms. Nickerson continued by outlining the current open space requirements. The code
states that a minimum area is required of 30% of the gross PRD area, must be
accessible to all PRD residents and located within reasonable walking distance
without barriers, and maintenance and operation of these areas is the responsibility of
the Homeowners Association. Types of space allowed includes greenbelts, active or
passive recreational activities, areas protecting critical areas and aesthetic amenity
such as boulevard trees, and stormwater facilities if criteria are met. Open space
areas do not include private accessory buildings and areas, public rights -of -way,
private streets, driveways, parking areas, loading/storage areas, or floodplains
(including drainage easements, natural drainage areas or creeks). The City may
choose to accept dedication, maintenance, and operation responsibilities if the area is
greater than 10 acres, is adjacent to an establish or future City park or school grounds,
is an access to a body of water greater than three acres in size or is a critical area.
Ms. Nickerson explained that the reasoning for the moratorium relates to the
Comprehensive Plan amendment that was passed in 2020 that addressed concerns of
residents about the influx of duplex developments and locations for alternative
housing and provided areas for denser housing supported by the transit and services.
The new regulations enable a variety of housing types at increased densities and
preserves established single-family neighborhoods by minimizing the impact of more
dense housing typologies such as duplexes and cottage developments. The newly
created R-4 zone includes 57 vacant acres of land and 67 acres of partially used land.
This land could net a total of 496 housing units and 1,240 net residents.
Ms. Nickerson outlined the PRD process including the application submittal,
environmental review, public noticing, public hearing, and hearing examiner
decision. She also outlined the recent City Council action that has occurred regarding
the review of PRD regulations.
Commissioner Haneke asked about current PRD applications that have been received
from the City. Ms. Nickerson answered that the City has two pending applications;
one in the neighborhood of 8 h Avenue and South Long Road and one at the former
Painted Hills Golf Course. Commissioner Haneke also asked how many five acres
tracts are available currently in the City limits. Ms. Nickerson answered that she
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doesn't have the exact number but that there is always the possibility of acquiring
several parcels and putting them together to create a five acres parcel.
Commissioner Beaulac asked how long the moratorium is in place. City Attorney
Driskell answered that it is one year from the date of the adoption. Commissioner
Beaulac also asked if "recreational areas" will be more clearly defined when the code
text amendment is presented. Ms. Nickerson answered that staff has discussed this
matter and will attempt to address that concern during the amendment process.
Ms. Nickerson stated that a study session on the proposed code text amendment will
be held in a few months.
X. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Nothing was offered for the good of the order.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting at 6: 39 p. m.
There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against, and the
motion passed.
Bob McKinley, Chair
Deanna Horton, Secretary
Date signed