HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-11 PC AGENDA PACKETSookane
jUalley
Notice and Agenda For Regular Meeting
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
Remotely via ZOOM meeting and In Person at
Spokane Valley City Hall located at 10210 E Sprague Avenue
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Regular Spokane Valley Planning Commission meeting will be held September 11, 2025,
beginning at 6:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in Council Chambers at Spokane Valley City Hall located at 10210 E Sprague Avenue,
Spokane Valley, Washington. The propose of the meeting is to consider the items listed below m the Agenda.
NOTE: Members of the public may attend Spokane Valley Planning Commission meetings in -person at City Hall at the address
provided above, or via Zoom at the link below. Members of the public will be allowed to comment in -person or via Zoom as described
below:
If making a
comment via Zoom, comments must be received by 4:00 pm, the day of the meeting. Please email plammne(/Dspokanevalle
or call the Planning Commission Secretary at 509-720-5110 to be added to the Zoom speaker list. Otherwise, comments will
in -person at the meeting, as noted on the agenda below:
LINK TO ZOOM MEETING INFORMATION:
httlis://spokanevalley.zoom.us!/87146597722
One tap mobile
US:+12532158782„87146597722#or+13462487799„87146597722#US
Meeting ID: 871 4659 7722
AGENDA:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
August 14, 2025 Amended
August 29, 2025
6. COMMISSION REPORTS
7. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
S. PUBLIC COMMENT: Thus an opportumbjor thepublic to speakon any subject except items listed aspubhc comment
opportunity orpublic hearing as comments will be taken when those items appear on the agenda.
9. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Public Hearing: CTA-2025-0001— Home Business Licensing (Presented by Levi Basinger)
10. FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER
11. ADJOURNMENT
Regular Meeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Spokane Valley City Hall
August 14, 2025
I. Chairman Robert McKinley called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in
person and via ZOOM meetings.
H. The Commissioners and staff stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Administrative Assistant Denise Mclain took attendance, and the following members and staff were
present:
Michael Kelly
Steve Roberge, Planning Manager
Bob McKinley
Justan Kinsel, IT Specialist
Emily Meyer
Denise Mclain, Administrative Assistant
John Robertson
Jennifer Musselwhite, Administrative Assistant
Justin Weathermon
Ann Winkler - Absent
Dan Wilson
There was a consensus from the Planning commission to excuse Commissioner Winkler
from the meeting.
IV. AGENDA: Commissioner Kelly moved, and it was seconded, to approve the agenda for August 14,
2025. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was five in favor, zero opposed, and the
motion passed.
V. MINUTES: Commissioner Kelly moved, and it was seconded, to approve the minutes as amended.
There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was five in favor, zero opposed, and the motion
passed.
VI. COMMISSIONER REPORT: Commissioner Wilson attended the Farmer's -Mar-ke6State of the
City meeting in July . He voiced his
approval that the event was informative and well done. Commissioner Kelly agreed that the city did
a greatjob with the event. He also encouraged everyone to take the planning survey on our website.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Mr. Roberge encouraged the commissioners and public to go to
our website and take the survey. He also reported that we would be talking about our home
occupation code at the next meeting and he should also have some numbers for seuxsil�aerabers
commissioners to review.
08-14�-2025 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 3
Commissioner Meyer arrived at 6:07 p.m.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment offered.
IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Study Session: Housing and Land Use
Mr. Roberge presented Land Use and Housing Elements, the Housing Action Plan, and
upcoming legislation. The land use map was presented and the four goals for the
comprehensive plan. Commissioner Kelly asked for clarification on how we evaluate our
progress towards meeting the goals of our comprehensive plan. Commissioner Wilson asked
for a definition of underutilized property versus vacant land. Mr. Roberge discussed the
projected growth for Spokane Valley and where the estimate projections came from.
The Housing Action Plan was implemented in 2021 and sets the goals for Spokane Valley at
a much more detailed level. The plan was designed to set clear, actionable strategies for the
city to meet future housing needs.
House Bill 1337 is about accessory dwelling units and sets changes to current guidelines.
This would include allowing up to 2 units per lot, allowing more square footage, and
allowing them to be sold off as independent units. Commissioner Kelly asked if the parking
changes would by applicable to accessory dwelling units. Mr. Roberge said that the city sets
a minimum standard that the applicant must meet. There is also a preemption clause that
states the city most adopt the guidelines or they go into effect as written by the state.
Commissioner Wilson voiced his concern about allowing the sate of accessory dwelling
unitsthat primary owners of the property will no longer be reouired to reside in the base unit.
This will lead to investors buying up lower- and middle -income neighborhoods and
destroving their established character and personalities. This will lower property values and
harm the residents who have lived there for many years. Commissioner Kelly asked about
HOA properties and restrictions on dwelling units. Mr. Roberge said that some already exist
and are allowed. Commissioner McKinley asked for clarification on if properties can start an
HOA after -the -fact to avoid this type of development in their neighborhood. Commissioner
Meyer voiced her support of accessory dwelling units as a way to meet housing needs and
affordability in our community.
House Bill 1220 is about providing housing for moderate density housing options and
sufficient land capacity needs. Each income level and housing need in the community has a
threshold that the city needs to meet.
House Bill 1110, regarding middle housing, discusses regulations for development of
residential properties to allow for up to six of the specifically defined housing types. Current
building coverages, height, setbacks, and other development standards would still apply.
08-14�-2025 Planning Commission Minutes
Page 3 of 3
Mr. Roberge confirmed to the commissioners that he was working on developing a more
detailed schedule for the future. This schedule will have detailed deadlines for each of the
requirements for the Comprehensive Plan Update. The city consultant is still working on the
update, but there should be something to present soon, as well as results from coordination
efforts with other cities and counties.
X. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner Wilson
engeingreported that the Operating Engineers when on strike on Monday Aueust 1 lr', and the effect
it will have on the eeirturtarity and develocal, state and federal road nroiects in our region.
last long, it will negatively impact our region's economy. Commissioner Robertson asked for an
update on the survey and if we were approaching the 30% goal. Chairman McKinley thanked the
commissioners for their opinions and for voicing their thoughts, even when they conflict with each
other.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Meyer moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn the meeting at
7:21 p.m. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed.
Bob McKinley, Chairman Date Signed
Denise Mclain, Secretary
Regular Meeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Spokane Valley City Hall
August 28, 2025
I. Chairman Robert McKinley called the regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in
person and via ZOOM meetings.
H. The Commissioners and staff stood for the Pledge of Allegiance.
III. Administrative Assistant Denise Mclain took attendance, and the following members and staff were
present:
Michael Kelly
Steve Roberge, Planning Manager
Bob McKinley
Levi Basinger, Associate Planner
Emily Meyer
Jenny Nickerson, Building Official
John Robertson - Absent
Jonny Solberg, IT Specialist
Justin Weathermon
Denise Mclain, Administrative Assistant
Ann Winkler
Dan Wilson
There was a consensus from the Planning commission to excuse Commissioner Robertson from
the meeting.
IV. AGENDA: Commissioner Kelly moved, and it was seconded, to approve the agenda for August 28,
2025. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero opposed, and the
motion passed.
V. MINUTES: Commissioner Wilson moved, and it was seconded, to postpone the approval ofineeting
minutes until the next meetingpending corrections. There were no ohyections.
VI. COMMISSIONER REPORT: Commissioner Wilson reported that on August 23 he attended the
Youth Business Market that was sponsored by the Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce at
CenterPlace. This was a hands-on opportunity for kids to learn to make products and then market
and sell them.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Steve Roberge, Planning Manager, reported that he is hoping to
have the housing numbers ready at the next meeting. At the last meeting there was a question
regarding covenants, and he should have a response to that request at the next meeting as well.
08-28-2025 Planning Commission Minutes Page 2 of 3
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment offered.
Di. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Study Session: CTA-2025-0001—Home Business Code Text Amendment
Levi Basinger, Associate Planner, presented the code text amendment regarding home
business licenses. Mr. Basinger reviewed the guidelines for submitting a code text
amendment and the application timeline. Proposed amendments include removing a fee
exemption, an annual renewal requirement, hip limits, and offers clarity and restrictions to
current guidelines. Reasons for the amendment include current City Council action to amend
the fee schedule, concerns over disruptive businesses, and a need to offer clarity for current
home business operations.
The commissioners discussed the proposed changes. There were concerns over the burden of
adding fees and tighter restrictions on home businesses. The proposed changes might be a
barrier to residents wanting to start a home business or who own a business that would no
longer be allowed. Objections were made to the necessity of adding restrictions to the
number of vehicles a home business could have or the number of business -related trips a
residence could make. Some commissioners voiced a need to retain the residential nature of
neighborhoods and mirumally impact surrounding properties by restricting more disruptive
business operations. A discussion was had to request some clarity on the types of business
allowed and what would trigger someone to need a home business license versus pursuing a
hobby.
Jenny Nickerson, Building Official, offered clarification on the municipal code as it applies
to daycare facilities, the permitted use matrix, and home business regulations.
Commissioner Meyer requested that a change be made to the hours of operation for a home
business to allow them to open earlier than the 8:00 a.m. time proposed. Mr. Roberge was
asked to research neighboring jurisdictions to compare hours of operation for home
businesses.
Commissioner Kelly requested a review of Chapter 19.55, Section D, Item 13 in the
proposed amendment that restricts the storage location of business -related materials. He also
requested records of complaints regarding home businesses.
A discussion was held regarding the necessity of these changes and if other areas of the code
would already regulate the changes being proposed. Ms. Nickerson offered Rather
clarification on the use of these changes to allow Code Enforcement to better regulate home
businesses and general nuisance complaints.
X. GOOD OF THE ORDER: Commissioner Kelly reminded the commissioners to review their
comprehensive plan. Chairman McKinley thanked staff for the presentation and reminded the
08-28-2025 Planning Commission Minutes
Page 3 of 3
commissioners that these are tools for the city use in order to enforce valid complaints made by
neighbors.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Winkler moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn the meeting at
7:18 p.m. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero opposed, and the motion passed.
Bob McKinley, Chairman Date Signed
Derus¢
CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY
Request for Planning Commission Action
Meeting Date: September l 1, 2025
Item: Check all that apply ❑ old business ® new business ® public hearing
❑ information ❑ study session ❑ pending legislation
AGENDA ITEM TITLE: Study Session: Amendments to Section 19.65.190 (A) Home Businesses
GOVERNING LEGISLATION: SVMC 19.65.190 (A), Chapter 36.70ARCW
PREVIOUS COMMISSION ACTION: Study Session August 29, 2025
BACKGROUND:. The purpose of the home business regulations is to allow for limited business
activities within residences while ensuring that the businesses remain incidental to the residential
use of the property, and that the residential viability of the dwelling is maintained. In 2024 there
were approximately 460 permitted home businesses operating within the City of Spokane Valley.
City Council is considering changes to the Master Fee Schedule which includes fees for home
business permits. Regulations concerning fees are contained in Title 3 SVMC, Revenue and
Finance. Pursuant to SVMC 19.65. 1S0(A)(1), businesses may be exempt from the home business
permit fee if they meet certain criteria. Since fees are addressed in SVMC Title 3 and not in Title
19, Zoning Regulations, the proposal includes removing fee exemption criteria from Title 19. Any
permit fee changes or exemptions would be determined by Council through a resolution as provided
in Title 3 SVMC.
Many of the proposed changes provided at the last Planning Commission meeting were intended
to reduce ambiguity and create clearer standards. They were developed because of questions,
concerns, and issues that have occurred since 2016 whenthe Code was adopted inits current form.
But these changes were not part of the conversations with Council when fees were discussed earlier
this year and were not anticipated to be brought forward at this time. They are being withdrawn
from consideration to focus on the key issue, business license permit fee exemptions.
Attached are draft code changes to the SVMC 19.65.180(A), Home Businesses, and the
presentation slides that will be reviewed. The proposed code text amendments have been scaled
back from those discussed at the Study Session to focus on removing the Home Business permit
fee exemption.
RECOMMENDED ACTION OR MOTION: Conduct the public hearing and deliberate on the
proposed amendment. The Planning Commission may recommend approval, approval with
modifications, or denial of the proposed draft regulations.
STAFF CONTACT: Levi Basinger, AICP, Associate Planner
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Code Text Amendment Presentation
2. Draft Code Text Amendment
3. Staff Report to the Planning Commission
RPCA Horne Business Regulations Amendment Page 1 of 1
Home Business
Code Text Amendment
Levi Basinger, AICP, Associate Planner SpOka e�
September 11, 2025 ��dlley®
Text Amendment
Review Criteria
SVMC 17.80.150
Who Can Initiate
• Property Owners
• Any citizen, agency, or party
• The department, planning commission, city council
Approval Criteria
• The amendment is consistent with
the Comprehensive Plan.
• The amendment bears a
substantial relation to public
health, safety. Welfare, and
protection of the environment.
Timeline
Planning Commission
• Study Session -August 28, 2025
• Public Hearing- September 11, 2025
• Findings of Fact- September 25, 2025
City Council
• Administrative Report- October 7, 2025
• First Ord Reading- October 14, 2025
• Second Ord Reading- October 21, 2025
Background
• City of Spokane Valley reviews all requests for business licenses
Approx. 458 home businesses as of 2024
• Small-scale businesses are allowed to operate from a residence
• Professionals with home office
• Barbers and beauticians
• Computer -based services
• Small-scale repair services
• Larger scale, potentially disruptive businesses cannot operate out of a residence
• Automotive services
• Retail sales
Large appliance repair
Kennel
• A Home Business Permit is required for all home businesses. Home businesses that meet a specific criteria
are exempt from the Home Business Permit fee per SVMC 19.65.180 (A)(1).
SVMC 19.65.180(A)
Home Businesses
Proposed Amendments:
• Remove Home Business permit fee exemption
Reason for Amendments
• City Council considering changes to fee schedule
• Fees discussed in Title 3 SVMC, Revenue & Finance
• Not discussed in Title 19 SVMC, Zoning Regulations
• Fees and exemptions adopted by Council Resolution
19.65.180 Uncategorized uses.
A. Home Businesses. The following supplemental regulations apply to all home
businesses.
1. Applicability. Any person, group, or entity conducting a "for profit" enterprise from a
location whose primary use is a residence shalt obtain a home business permit. A home
business mayonly be established in a residencethat has been legally permitted.
mmst5r fe5 schedul5, if all of the following criteria are met:
In. Goods and com iiodfties associated vvith the business are not delivered to the premises5
e. Any emp"e(s) engaged in the bti8l ie8s shall Live an the reside ic�.
2. Home businesses are permitted as accessory uses, except as indicated by
SVMC 19.65.180 (A)(3), incidental to the property's primary use as a residence, subject to
the following requi rements:
Staff Recommendation
Approve the code text amendment for SVMC 19.65.180(A), with or
without specific changes recommended by the Planning Commission.
QUESTIONS
Questions from Study Session
1. How many code complaints against home business operations are
on file?
2. How do other local jurisdictions address hours of operation for
home businesses?
3. How do other local jurisdictions address outdoor storage of
business -related materials?
Code Enforcement Cases
• From 2023
through
2025,
there have
been 41 cases resulting from
complaints
against
home
businesses
in residential zones.
• 4 cases pertain to a landscape business
• 21 cases pertain to an automotive service business
Spokane County
Airway Heights
C
Liberty Lake"
M
Spokane
7:00 am to 10:00 pm
7:00 am to 10:00 pm
7:00 am to 10:00ji
See below
8:00 am to 7:00
No operating hours specified
"In Liberty Lake, there is no restriction on business hours for
home occupations, except that clients or customers are
permitted at the home occupation from 7 am to 10 pm only
Outdoor Storage specific to Home Businesses
• Spokane Valley:
• All storage shall be enclosed within the residence or accessory
structure.
• Additional language proposed: It will not include outdoor
storage or the operation of machinery, commercial vehicles,
building materials, or tools which will be visible or audible from
other properties.
Outdoor Storage specific to Home Businesses
• Spokane County: All storage shall be enclosed within the residence.
• Cheney: There shall be no outside storage of materials or equipment to
be used in conjunction with the home occupation.
• Liberty Lake: Outside storage, visible from the public right-of-way or
adjacent properties, is prohibited.
• Millwood:
• All storage of materials or equipment to be used in conjunction with
the home business shall be enclosed within the residence or
accessory structure.
• No commercially licensed vehicles are parked or stored at the site.
Noise specific to
• Spokane Valley:
Home Businesses
• The home business use shall not create electronic interference
including, but not limited to, interference with radio, satellite
reception, telephone, or television reception, nor generate
measurable levels at the property line of noise, dust, smoke,
odor, or glare.
• Additional language proposed: It will not include outdoor
storage or the operation of machinery, commercial vehicles,
building materials, or tools which will be visible or audible from
other properties.
Noise specific to Home Businesses
• Spokane
County:
All
material or mechanical
equipment shall be used in
a
manner as to
be in
compliance with WAC
173-60 regarding noise.
• Airway Heights:
All
material or mechanical
equipment shall be used in a
manner as
to be in
compliance with WAC
173-60 regarding noise.
• Cheney: No materials or equipment shall be permitted which would be
detrimental to the residential use of nearby residences such as vibration,
noise, dust, smoke, odor, interferences with radio or television reception
and other factors detrimental to residential uses.
Noise specific to Home Businesses
• Liberty Lake: Any activity that produces radio or TV interference, noise,
glare, vibration, smoke, or odor beyond allowable levels as determined
by local, state, or federal standards, or that can be detected beyond the
property line is prohibited.
• Millwood: No use is made of equipment or material which produces
vibration, noise, dust, smoke, odor, electrical interference, or any other
condition at levels perceptible at the property line which would be
detrimental to surrounding residences.
• Spokane: No use is made of equipment or material that produces
vibration, noise, dust, smoke, odor, or electrical interference to the
detriment of surrounding residences.
19.65.180 Uncategorized uses
A. Home Businesses. The following supplemental regulations apply to all home
businesses.
1. Applicability. Any person, group, or entity conducting a "for profit' enterprise from a
location whose primary use is a residence shall obtain a home business permit. A home
business may only be established in a residence that has been legally permitted.
PUS i.....-ses may be e)(empt from the heme hU.-i..ess p mi4 fee a estabi shed by the
..steF fee SGhedule f all of the fGIl.....�......r�1..rA A FP Met
ob N e(s) Wh Gh change the . s dent a' character of the property;
2. Home businesses are permitted as accessory uses, except as indicated by
SVMC 19.65.180 (A)(3), incidental to the property's primary use as a residence, subject
to the following requirements:
a. Business owner shall be primary resident.
b. Property shall retain a residential appearance and character.
c. All storage shall be enclosed within the residence or accessory structure,
d. There shall be a limit of two employees not residing on the premises engaged in the
home business.
e. One unlighted sign placed flush against the exterior wall of the primary structure not
exceeding four square feet in area is permitted.
f. There shall be no window display nor shall sample commodities with the exception of
flowers and produce grown on the premises be displayed outside the building(s),
g. The hours of operation are limited to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m..
h. The home business use shall not create electronic interference including, but not
limited to, interference with radio, satellite reception, telephone, or television reception,
nor generate measurable levels at the property line of noise, dust, smoke, odor, or
glare. The
business activity shall not generate solid waste in volume or type which is not normally
associated with residential use unless specifically permitted;
i. Loading docks and mechanical loading devices are not permitted;
j. Traffic or parking of vehicles shall not be generated in greater volumes than normally
expected in a residential neighborhood. Parking shall be accommodated within the
required off-street parking on private property; and
k. Uses which are detrimental to the existing residential appearance and character are
not allowed as home businesses.
3. Specific uses which are not permitted as home businesses include, but are not
limited to, the following:
a. Adult retail use establishment;
b. Adult bookstore or adult entertainment establishment;
c. Auto repair;
d. Auto body repair;
e. Cabinet making;
f. Kennel or stables;
g. Large appliance/electronics or equipment repair or service;
h. Manufacturing and/or related storage;
i. Restaurants/drinking establishments;
j. Small engine repair;
k. Truck hauling and/or tow storage yard;
I. Vehicle sales;
m. Welding or metal plating shops; and
n. Wholesale or retail sales.
Appendix A: Definitions
Home business: A business, profession, or craft accessory to the residential use.
CoM NITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
PLANNING DIVISION
Spokane
STAFF REPORT AND RECOMMENDATION TO THE
valley
PLANNING COMMISSION
CTA-2025-0001
STAEE REPORT DATE: September 4, 2025
HEARING DATE AND LOCATION: September 11, 2025, beginning at 6:00 p.m. This hearing will be
conducted in person and remotely using web and telephone conference tools. A link to the Zoom
meeting is provided on the agenda for the Planning Commission and posted to the City's webpage:
IALps://www.spokanevalleywa.gov/20I/Plamiirig-Comrriission.
PRoPosAL DESCIUPTION: A city -initiated code text amendment (CTA) to SVMC section 19.65.190 (A),
Home Businesses, to remove the fee exemption criteria for home businesses.
APPROVAL CRITERIA: Spokane Valley Comprehensive Plan, SVMC 17.90.150, and 19.30.040.
SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS: CTA-2025-0001 is consistent with the criteria for review and approval, and
consistent with the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan.
STAFF CONTACT: Levi Basinger, Associate Planner
REVIEWED BY: Lori Barlow, AICP, Senior Planner
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1: Proposed Amendment
APPLICATION PROCESSING: Chapter 17.90 SVMC, Permit Processing Procedures. The following table
summarizes the procedural steps for the proposal.
Procedural Action
Date
Department of Commerce 60-day Notice of Intent to Adopt
Amendment
August 1, 2025
SEPA Determination of Non -significance (DNS) issued for
proposed code text amendment
August 22, 2025
Published Notice of Public Hearing (I"Notice)
August 22, 2025
Posted Notice of Public Hearing in public locations
August 27, 2025
Published Notice of Public Hearing (2ns Notice)
August 29, 2025
Background
Home businesses are defined in Appendix A SVMC as follows: "A business, profession, or craft accessory
to the residential use". The purpose of the home business regulations is to allow for limited business
activities within residences while ensuring that the businesses remain incidental to the residential use of the
property, and that the residential viability of the dwelling is maintained. In 2024 there were approximately
460 permitted home businesses operating within the City of Spokane Valley.
Staff Report and Recommendation CTA-2025-0001
Home businesses are permitted as accessory uses, incidental to the property's primary use as a residence.
This includes properties that contain multiple primary dwellings onsite. Individuals who operate a business
from their home are required to obtain a Washington state business license. For residents of Spokane Valley
who operate a home business, approval of a home business permit is necessary for individuals to obtain an
endorsement from the City of Spokane Valley for their state business license.
SVMC 19.65.180(A) establishes the regulations for home businesses. These regulations determine the type
of business activities allowed to operate as a home business and requirements for the operation of home
businesses within a residence. In addition, SVMC 19.65.180(A)(1) provides a criteria for receiving an
exemption from the home business permit fee. In order to be exempt from the home business permit fee,
the following criteria must be met:
a. There are no proposed exterior alterations to the residence or any accessory structure(s) which
change the residential character of the property,
b. Goods and commodities associated with the business are not delivered to the premises;
c. There are no business customers visiting the premises;
d. There are no signs or window displays on the property related to the business; and
e. Any employee(s) engaged in the business shall live in the residence.
City Council is considering changes to the Master Fee Schedule. Regulations concerning fees are contained
in Title 3 SVMC, Revenue and Finance. As discussed above, SVMC 19.65. 150(A)(1) provides a criterion
for certain businesses to be exempt from the home business permit fee. Since fees are generally
contemplated in SVMC Title 3 and not SVMC Title 19, Zoning Regulations, this code text amendment
includes removing the fee exemption criteria for home businesses from Title 19. Any permit fee changes
or fee exemptions would be determined by Council through a resolution as provided in Title 3 SVMC.
Analysis:
The proposed amendment:
1. Removes discussion on fees for City services from Title 19 SVMC.
Regulations concerning fees are contained in Title 3 SVMC, Revenue and Finance. Pursuant to Chapter
3.60 SVMC, the City may establish or amend fees and charges by resolution for services provided by City
employees, consultants or other individuals or firms under contract with the City. Changes to the master
fee schedule, including any exemptions from fees, are ultimately adopted by City Council through a
resolution. Although City Council has the ability to modify the fees for a home business permit, SVMC
19.65.180(A)(1) provides a criteria that allows home businesses to be exempt from the home business
permit fee.
Since regulations concerning fees are addressed in SVMC Title 3, Revenue and Finance, and not in Title
19, Zoning Regulations, the proposal includes removing regulations concerning fees from Title 19,
specifically the aforementioned home business fee exemption criteria. This allows the City the ability to
consider fee changes during annual budget discussions. Having the home business fee exemption embedded
within the zoning regulations (Title 19 SVMC) precludes the ability of City Council to discontinue this
exemption through resolution, which is the typical procedure for all other City fees.
A. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS SPECIFIC TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE TEXT
AMENDMENT
1. Compliance with Title 17 SVMC (General Provisions) of the Spokane Valley Municipal
Code
a. Findings:
SVMC 17.90.150 (F) identifies the approval criteria form amendment to Titles 17-27 SVMC.
The City may approve a Municipal Code Text amendment if it finds that:
Page 2 of 3
Staff Report and Recommendation CTA-2025-0001
i. The proposed text amendment is consistent with the applicable provisions of the
Comprehensive Plan:
Staff Analysis: The proposed amendment is supported by the Comprehensive Plan
and is consistent with the following Comprehensive goals and policies:
ED-Gl: Support economic opportunities and employment growth for Spokane Valley.
ED-P10: Enable the creation and retention of home -based businesses that are
consistent with neighborhood character.
ii. The proposed amendment bears a substantial relation to public health, safety,
welfare, and protection of the environment:
Staff Analysis: The proposed amendment is administrative in nature and does not
create an impact on public health, safety and welfare or the environment.
b. Conclusion(s):
The proposed text amendment is consistent with the approval criteria contained in the SVMC
17.90.150 (F).
2. Finding and Conclusions Specific to Public Comments
a. Findings:
The City has not received any public comments following the publication of the Notice of
Public Hearing on August 22 & 29, 2025. Additionally, the notice was posted to the City's
website and posted in three public locations: City Hall, CenterPlace, and the Spokane Valley
Library.
b. Conclusion(s):
Adequate public noticing was conducted for CTA-2025-0001 pursuant to adopted public
noticing procedures.
3. Finding and Conclusions Specific to Agency Comments
a. Findings:
The City has not received any substantive agency comments to date.
b. Conclusion(s):
No concerns noted.
B. CONCLUSION
For the reasons set forth in Section the proposed code text amendment to SVMC section 19.65.190 (A),
removing the fee exemption criteria for home businesses, is consistent with the requirements of SVMC
17.90.150 (F) and the Comprehensive Plan.
Page 3 of 3