Spokane Municipal Code

Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.111 Residential Zones

Section 17C.111.310 Open Space

1. Purpose.

To create usable areas through the use of engaging recreational spaces for the enjoyment and health of the residents.

2. Open Space Implementation.

1. 1. Developments shall provide open space in the quantity required by Table 17C.111.205-2. (R)

1. 2. The open space may be configured as either:

1. 1. 1. A private outdoor area, such as a balcony patio, or private yard directly accessible from the unit;

1. 1. 2. One or multiple common open spaces, such as courtyards or common greens.

1. 3. Developments may provide a mix of private and common open space. In developments with a mix of private and common open space, each unit shall meet the full requirements for at least one type of open space. Those units making use of common open space shall meet all the standards for a common open space. Those units making use of private open space shall meet all the standards for private open space. (R)

1. 4. If a common open space, such as a courtyard or common green is provided, it shall meet the following:

1. 1. 1. Each courtyard, common green, or other form of common open space shall be associated with housing units for which it is providing open space. The association shall be clearly identified in submitted plans. The association shall be established through a direct pedestrian connection from the unit to the open space.

1. 1. 2. Each courtyard, common green, or other form of common open space shall be connected to each associated unit by a pedestrian path. A pedestrian connection from a unit to an associated common open space shall not cross a parking area and shall not require walking in the opposite direction of the open space to gain access. (R)

1. 1. 3. At least 50 percent of units associated with a courtyard, common green, or other form of common open space shall have windows that face directly onto the space or doors that provide direct access from the unit to the common area. (R)

1. 1. 4. In a development with multiple common open spaces, the calculation of square footage shall occur separately for each common open space based on the number of units associated with it. The reduction of square footage after six (6) units shall only apply if that common open space has more than six (6) associated units. (R)

1. 1. 5. Each common open space shall provide at least three of the following amenities to accommodate a variety of ages and activities. Amenities may include, but are not limited to: (P)

1. 1. 1. 1. Site furnishings (benches, tables, bike racks when not required for the development type, etc.);

1. 1. 1. 2. Picnic areas;

1. 1. 1. 3. Patios or plazas;

1. 1. 1. 4. Shaded playgrounds;

1. 1. 1. 5. Rooftop gardens, planter boxes, or garden plots;

1. 1. 1. 6. Fenced pet area; or

1. 1. 1. 7. Grass or other living ground cover suitable for recreational use.

1. 5. Open spaces shall not be located adjacent to dumpster enclosures, loading/service, areas or other incompatible uses that are known to cause smell or noise nuisances. (R)

 

Date Passed: Monday, January 27, 2025

Effective Date: Thursday, March 6, 2025

ORD C36629 Section 6