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.190.530
 

Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.190 Use Category Descriptions

Article VI. Other Categories

Section 17C.190.530 Essential Public Facilities

 

  1. Characteristics.

Essential Public Facilities are public facilities and privately-owned or operated facilities that are subject to a public service obligation and are typically difficult to site. Of these facilities, those that are of statewide or regional/countywide significance are subject to the Spokane County regional siting process for Essential Public Facilities. For essential public facilities of local significance that are not listed as specific uses, the planning and economic development services director will decide on a case-by-case basis what type of siting process is appropriate.

  1. Accessory Uses.

Accessory uses include offices, meeting areas, food preparation areas, parking, health and therapy areas and exercise facilities.

  1. Examples.

Examples include airports, state education facilities and state or regional transportation facilities as defined in RCW 47.06.140, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and in-patient facilities including substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities, group homes and secure community transition facilities.

  1. Exceptions.
    1. Residential structures occupied by persons with disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations pursuant to the federal and state law are included in the Residential Household Living category (see SMC 17C.190.110).
    1. Private property used for holding, detention, special detention, or correctional facilities, as defined in RCW 70.48.020, or private property in which persons are detained in custody under process of law pending the outcome of legal proceedings but are not used for punishment, correction, counseling, or rehabilitation following the conviction of a criminal offense, entity are not Essential Public Facilities and are prohibited in all zones. This prohibition shall not apply to:
      1. facilities expressly listed as Essential Public Facilities in RCW 36.70A.200;
      1. facilities detaining persons under RCW 71.09.020 (7) or (16); and
      1. facilities excluded under RCW 70.395.100.

 

Date Passed: Monday, March 2, 2026

Effective Date: Monday, March 2, 2026

ORD C36851 Section 12