City of Spokane

Spokane Municipal Code

***Note: Many local criminal codes can now be located under Chapter 10.60 SMC while others are now cited under the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which was incorporated into the municipal code in 2022. (See SMC 10.58.010). Code Enforcement, including Noise Control and Animal Regulations are located in Chapters 10.62 through 10.74.

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Title 17C
Chapter 17C.190
Section 17C.190.100
 

Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.190 Use Category Descriptions

Article II. Residential Categories

Section 17C.190.100 Group Living

 

  1. Characteristics.

Group Living is characterized by the residential occupancy of a structure by a group of people who do not meet the definition of Residential Household Living. Tenancy is primarily arranged on a month-to-month basis, or for a longer period. Generally, Group Living structures have a common eating area for residents. The residents may or may not receive any combination of care, training or treatment, as long as they also reside at the site.

  1. Accessory Uses.

Accessory uses commonly found are recreational facilities, parking of autos for the occupants and staff, and parking of vehicles for the facility.

  1. Examples.

Examples include nursing and convalescent homes, assisted living facilities, confidential shelters, residential care facility for adults or youth, and alternative or post incarceration facilities. Group Living may include dormitories, communes, fraternities and sororities, monasteries and convents, and congregate residences that do not meet the definition of co-living.

  1. Exceptions.
    1. Residential structures occupied by persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations pursuant to the federal or state law are included in the Residential Household Living category.
    1. Lodging where the proportion of units rented on a short-term basis exceeds the limits in SMC 17C.316.040 and SMC 17C.316.050 for the underlying zone is considered a hotel or motel use and is classified in the Retail Sales and Service category. However, in certain situations, lodging where tenancy may be arranged for periods less than one month may be classified as a Community Service use such as short-term housing or mass shelters.
    1. Facilities for people who are under judicial detainment and are under the supervision of detention/incarceration officers are included in the Detention Facilities category.

 

Date Passed: Monday, December 8, 2025

Effective Date: Sunday, January 18, 2026

ORD C36810 Section 9