2021-07-22 PC SIGNED APPROVED MINTUESMeeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Council Chambers — City Hall
July 22, 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. Administrative Assistant Marianne Lemons took roll and the following members and staff
were present:
Fred Beaulac Cary Driskell, City Attorney
Karl Granath Jenny Nickerson, Building Official
Walt Haneke Martin Palaniuk, Planner
Bob McKinley Marianne Lemons, Administrative Assistant
Nancy Miller
Paul Rieckers, absent
Sherri Robinson
There was consensus from the Commission to excuse Commissioner Rieckers from the
meeting
III. AGENDA: Commissioner Granrath moved to approve the July 22, 2021 agenda as
presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero against
and the motion passed.
IV. MINUTES: Commissioner Beaulac moved to approve the July 8, 2021 minutes as presented.
There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero against and the
motion passed.
V. COMMISSION REPORTS: Commissioner Robinson commented that she is happy to see
the Appleway Trail extension moving along. No other Commission reports were offered.
VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Building Official Jenny Nickerson stated that staff
decided to remain using the Zoom format for Planning Commission meetings (rather than
going to a hybrid in-person/Zoom format).
VII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment.
VIII. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Discussion: Storage Containers
Building Official Jenny Nickerson gave a presentation regarding storage containers. She
explained that a Code Text Amendment was presented to City Council in 2017 regarding
using shipping containers in residential zones as accessory dwelling units (ADU). The
07-22-2021 Planning Commission Minutes
Page 2 of 2
amendment did not pass through City Council so current regulations state that shipping
containers are not allowed in residential zones as an ADU. Ms. Nickerson also noted that
City Council stated at the July 13, 2021 meeting that they do not support changing those
regulations regarding using shipping containers as ADU's.
Ms. Nickerson said that the 2021 International Building Code defines the "intermodal
shipping container" as "a six -sided steel unit originally constructed as a general cargo
container used for the transport of goods and materials." Portable moving containers, such as
a PODS container, is not consistent with the IBC definition. Also, PODS are typically
smaller than 200 square feet in floor area which is the maximum area of an accessory storage
building that does not require a building permit. However, they are required to be located
within the property setbacks.
Ms. Nickerson explained that current regulations state that it is not prohibited to place a
storage container in an outdoor storage area or yard of a commercial or industrial business.
However, the container would have to comply with the outdoor storage regulations outlined
in the code.
Commissioner Haneke asked if a homeowner remodeling their home can use a shipping
cargo container as temporary storage if they meet all setbacks and regulations of the code.
Ms. Nickerson answered that using an actual shipping cargo container would be prohibited in
residential zones. However, a POD or similar container would be allowed because it does
not meet the definition outlined in the IBC.
Commissioner Haneke asked about using a shipping container as storage on a residential
construction site. Ms. Nickerson answered that the container would not be prohibited until
the residence is completed, making the storage container a residential accessory building.
IX. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner Granrath stated that he would like to see the
Planning Commission have the option for both Zoom and in -person meetings in the future.
X. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Robinson moved to adjourn the meeting at 6: 31 p. m.
There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero against, and the
motion passed.
Bob McKinley, Chair
Marianne Lemons, Secretary
Date Signed