Procedural Changes to Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Unified Development Code Amendment Process, SMC 17G.020 & SMC 17G.025
The project updated the way that annual amendment proposals to the Comprehensive Plan and the Unified Development Code are reviewed. SMC Chapters 17G.020 and 17G.025 govern these procedures. City Council voted on August 21, 2017 (ORD C35536) to amend these procedures. The procedural changes to the Spokane Municipal Code go into effect on October 7, 2017.
In order to better handle the work load for staff, Plan Commission, and the City Council, these changes add a process of threshold review prior to full review. It is anticipated that this early review step will also benefit applicants who may spend considerable time and resources on proposed amendments.
Amendments to the Comprehensive Plan can be Land Use Plan Map amendments or text amendments. Annual Amendment proposals may be initiated by anyone. For information on the 2017/2018 Annual Amendment proposals visit the project page.
The Plan Commission held workshops on this topic on January 25, March 22, April 26, and May 10, 2017. On June 14, 2017 the Plan Commission held a public hearing on this matter. The Plan Commission voted 2-6 against sending a recommendation of approval to City Council. This item was discussed at a city council study session on June 22, 2017 and at an additional study session with Plan Commission members on July 13, 2017. The Plan Commission held an additional workshop updating them on the proposal on August 9, 2017. The City Council acted on August 21, 2017, voting to amend the process.
Tirrell Black
Associate Planner
509.625.6185
tblack@spokanecity.org
