Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226
Monday, May 20, 2024 at 9:05 a.m.
Spokane— During Monday’s upcoming Legislative Session, City Council will consider establishing a one-year moratorium on subdivision applications in the Latah Valley / Grandview Thorpe neighborhoods. This moratorium is due to a significant increase in residential development and inadequate availability of fire protection resources, as well as ingress and egress in an emergency.
“The growth pressure in Latah Valley highlights the need for a better response to public safety and health, particularly with fire, which is why this moratorium must be put in place,” said Council Member Paul Dillon, sponsor of the ordinance. “As we witness the continued threat of wildfire risk, this is an important step to prepare for a disaster response and provide the long-term planning that Latah residents deserve.”
If passed, during the term of this moratorium, the City will not accept, process, review, and/or approve new applications for preliminary short subdivisions or preliminary subdivisions for sites in the Moratorium Zone but will continue to process applications that were counter-complete, as provided in the Spokane Municipal Code, prior to the effective date of this ordinance.
“Although I am a champion supporter for affordable housing, I have to put the safety of our constituents first,” said Council Member Lili Navarrete. “We can’t expand housing without proper infrastructure.”
The moratorium shall not apply to applications for preliminary short subdivisions and preliminary subdivisions that vested before the effective date of this ordinance. Per state law, the City Council will hold a public hearing on July 15, 2024, to determine whether to finalize the moratorium and continue it for the full year.
Council Legislative Session will take place on Monday, May 20, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. in City Council Chambers – 808 W Spokane Falls Blvd or online at https://my.spokanecity.org/citycable5/live/ and https://www.facebook.com/spokanecitycouncil.
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.
