2021-05-27 PC APPROVED SIGNED MINUTESMeeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Council Chambers — City Hall
May 27, 2021
I. Planning Commission Chair Bob McKinley called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. The
meeting was held remotely via ZOOM meeting.
II. Administrative Assistant Taylor Dillard took roll and the following members and staff were
present:
Fred Beaulac
Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Karl Granrath
Caitlin Prunty, City Attorney
Walt Haneke
Jenny Nickerson, Building Official
Bob McKinley
Martin Palaniuk, Planner
Nancy Miller
Taylor Dillard, Administrative Assistant
Paul Rieckers
Sherri Robinson
III. AGENDA: Commissioner Robinson moved to approve the May 27, 2021 meeting agenda as
presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against
and the motion passed.
IV. MINUTES: Commissioner Beaulac moved to approve the May 13, 2021 minutes as
presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against
and the motion passed.
V. COMMISSION REPORTS: There were no Planning Commission reports.
VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: There was no administrative report.
VII.
PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment.
VIII. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Study Session: CTA-2021-0001— Batch Code Text Amendment
City Planner Martin Palaniuk gave a presentation on the proposed City -initiated text
amendment to Title 19 of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC). He stated that the
amendment is to clarify that cargo containers are not allowed in residential zones as an
accessory structure and reference the R-4 zone in applicable sections of the zoning code that
were intended to address all residential zones.
Mr. Palaniuk explained that SVMC 19.40.030(D)(6) has details regarding cargo containers
under the Development Standards — Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) section of the code.
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He stated that staff feels that the current code location causes ambiguity as to whether the
provision applies to cargo shipping containers throughout all residential zones or only
shipping containers used as an ADU. The proposed amendment will move the provision to
SVMC 19.65.130 — Supplemental Use Regulations, Residential. This section of the code
provides supplemental regulations that apply to accessory structures in all residential zones
and will clarify that shipping containers are not permitted as an accessory structure in
residential zones.
Mr. Palaniuk also explained that in 2020, the City Council adopted a comprehensive plan
amendment that created the R-4 zoning district. The amendment also included changes to
Title 19, Zoning Regulations, which added development standards for the new zoning
district. He stated that since the adoption of the amendment staff has found that several
sections relevant to all residential zones were overlooked including sections related to battery
charging stations, transitional regulations, adult uses, and marijuana uses. The proposed
amendment will fix these items throughout the residential zones. He stated that there are no
regulatory requirements being added to the zones and the proposed change is to keep the
code consistent.
Commissioner Haneke asked if the "POD" containers are allowed for temporary storage due
to a remodel. Building Official Nickerson answered that they are allowed if the resident
procures a "Temporary Use Permit". However, they are not allowed to be used for a long-
term storage or as a storage shed. Actual cargo shipping containers would not qualify for a
temporary use permit because they are prohibited by the code in all residential zones.
Mr. Palaniuk said that the public hearing for this proposed code text amendment will be held
on June 10, 2021.
b. Presentation: Tiny Homes
Building Official Jenny Nickerson gave an informational presentation regarding tiny homes.
She explained that the Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) does not define the
minimum size of a dwelling unit so a tiny home is just a single-family dwelling unit by
classification. However, there are regulations regarding accessory dwelling unit stating that
the unit cannot be smaller than 300 square feet. The International Residential Code (IRC)
states that a dwelling is required to contain a habitable room of at least 70 square feet and it
does not require that the bathroom be a separate room. In February 2021, Washington State
adopted a portion of IRC Appendix Q which specifically addresses tiny houses. It states that
a tiny house is defined as a home that is less than 400 square feet, excluding lofts. A loft is
defined as a floor level above and open to the main floor with a ceiling height of less than
658".
Ms. Nickerson explained that a tiny home constructed on -site requires a simple building
permit. If a tiny home is constructed off -site, a permit is required at the construction
location. If the tiny home is built onto a trailer, it is classified as a recreational vehicle (RV)
and a permit from Labor & Industries is required. If a tiny home is built in a factory, it is
classified as a manufactured home or park model RV. If a shed is converted to a tiny house,
a simple building permit is required for both the shed and the conversion.
Ms. Nickerson stated that a tiny home constructed on site must be designed in accordance
with Washington Building Code and go through the typical building permit process (as long
as it meets the zoning requirements and the building code requirements). The dwelling unit
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may be as small as 70 square feet and can be designed to be removed from foundation and
transported. A tiny home constructed in a factory is regulated by the Washington State Labor
and Industries Factory Assembled Structures division. The local building department
regulates the anchoring of the home to a foundation or footing system. Tiny homes
constructed on a trailer rarely meet the minimum standards and are commonly licensed as an
RV.
Commissioner Miller commented that she thinks there should be a minimum square foot
requirement on the primary dwelling unit on a property (like there is for accessory dwelling
units).
IX. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner Granrath commented that he was excited to see
that the City of Spokane Valley purchased land to be added to the parks system.
Commissioner Robinson stated that she is excited that the Balfour Park expansion and the
Library construction is moving forward.
X. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Haneke moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:53 p.m.
There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was seven in favor, zero against, and the
motion passed.
i
Bob McKinley, Chair
Marianne Lemons, Secretary
Date signed
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