Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at 9:12 a.m.
During Monday’s Legislative Session, Spokane City Council voted unanimously (Council Member Betsy Wilkerson was absent) to extend the Building Opportunity and Choices for All (BOCA) interim ordinance to update development standards and amendments that increase housing diversity in the city.
“I remain committed to expanding housing options for our community members,” said Council Member Michael Cathcart. The Building Opportunities and Choices for All (BOCA) Act represents remarkable reforms focusing on 'missing middle' housing. This initiative aims to diversify and enhance affordable housing choices, emphasizing affordability and choice while significantly increasing homeownership opportunities for those previously finding it out of reach. Such an approach is vital in addressing Spokane's existing housing shortage and accommodating the needs of current and future community residents.”
Along with extending elements of the interim ordinance, Council adopted permanent code changes are the result of the Mayor’s July 26, 2021, Housing Emergency Proclamation, the Spokane Housing Action Plan (HAP), and the City Council's HAP Implementation Plan. The code changes allow for and make single-unit and middle housing more feasible with development regulations, design standards, and process modifications. The regulations also implement requirements from HB 1110.
About the Spokane City Council
The City Council is the legislative body of the City of Spokane, which is home to more than 220,000 people and is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest. The City’s 2,000 employees strive to deliver efficient and effective services that facilitate economic opportunity and enhance the quality of life for all our citizens. For more information, visit SpokaneCity.org/CityCouncil/ and follow us @SpokaneCityCouncil on Facebook.
