HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-14 PC APPROVED SIGNED MINUTESRegular 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.
11. 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 Moyer Denise Mclain, Administrative Assistant
John Robertson Jennifer Musselwhite, Administrative Assistant
Justin Weathermen
Amn Winkler - Absent
Dan Wilson
There was a consensus from the Planning cou mission to excuse Commissioner Winkler
from the meeting.
IV. AGENDA: Commissioner Kelly moved, and if was seconded, to approve the agenda for Augus( 14,
2025. 'There was no discussion. l he vole on the motion ivas five in, favor zero opposed, and the
notion passed.
V. MINUTLS: Commissioner Kelly moved and it ovas seconded, to approve the minutes as amended.
There was no discussion. The rote an the motion was five in favor, zero opposed, and the motion
Passed.
VL COMMISSIONER REPORT: Connnissioner Wilson attended the State of the City meeting in
July. IIe voiced his approval that the event was informative and well done. Commissioner Kelly
agreed that the city did a grcatjob with the event. He also encouraged everyone to take the planning
survey on our website.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Mr. Robengc 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 commissioners to
review.
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Conmassioner Meyer arrived at 6:07 p.m.
Vlfi. PUBLIC COMMENT: There was no public comment offered.
IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Study Session: IIousing and Land Use
Mr. Roberge presented Land Use and Housing Elements, the IIoosing Action Plan, and
upcoming legislation. The laud use map was prescutcd and the four goals for the
comprehensive plan. Commissioner Kelly asked for elm ification on how we evaluate our
progress towards meeting [he 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 front.
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 Kclly asked if the parking
changes would by applicable to accessoy 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 must adopt the guidelines or they go into effect as writton by the state.
Commissioner Wilson voiced his concern that primary owners of the property will no longer
be required to reside in the base unit. This will lead to investors buying up Lower- and
middle -income neighborhoods and destroying their established character and personalities.
This will lower property values and harm the residents who have lived there for nrany years.
Cormtissioner Kelly asked about FICA properties and restrictions on dwelling units. Mr.
Roberge said that some already exist and are allowed. Commissioner McKinley asked for
clarification on if properties call 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 nice(housing needs and affordability in our community.
IIouse Bill 1220 is about providing housing for moderate density housing options amd
sufficient land capacity needs. Each income level and housing need in the community has a
threshold that the city needs to meet.
House Rill 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.
09-14-2025 Planning Commission Minutes
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Mr. Roberge confirmed to the commissioners that lie 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 Or THE ORDER: Commissioner Wilson reported that the Operating Engineers when on
strike on Monday August I Iie, and the effect it will have on local, slate and federal mad projects in
our region. This includes workers who operate both the asphalt and concrete batch plants. If the
strike were to 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, Chairm
else Mclain, Secretary
Date Signed