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.

Home
Title 17A
Chapter 17A.050
Section 17A.050.030
 

Title 17A Administration

Chapter 17A.050 Interpretations and Minor Adjustments

Section 17A.050.030 Minor Adjustments
  1. Purpose.

Each area of land is, to some degree, unique as to its suitability for and constraints on development. Development standards and procedures imposed under this title cannot foresee all conceivable situations peculiar to the development of every property at every moment, but are designed as standards applicable to most situations. It is the intent of this title to provide flexibility, adaptability, and reasonableness in the application and administration of this title where special conditions exist and the strict application of the standard or procedure would not serve a public purpose.

  1. Planning and Economic Development Services Director Authority.

In the event the strict application of a development standard or procedural requirement of this title would result in unforeseen consequences or an excessive burden given the nature of the proposed development, the planning and economic development services director is authorized to make a minor adjustment in the standard or procedure, upon making a written finding that no person of average sensibilities would be negatively impacted by an adjustment, and that the adjustment would be consistent with the spirit and intent of this title and the comprehensive plan. No adjustment shall allow a use not otherwise permitted for the subject property, nor shall a minor adjustment be used in place of a variance procedure, where applicable. The planning and economic development services director shall maintain a record of the decisions and associated findings, and periodically forward them to the plan commission for its information.

  1. Appeal.

Any minor adjustment issued pursuant to this chapter may be appealed by any aggrieved party, pursuant to the appeal procedures set forth in SMC 17G.060.210.

Date Passed: Monday, April 25, 2011

Effective Date: Friday, June 3, 2011

ORD C34716 Section 5