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.190.110
 

Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.190 Use Category Descriptions

Article II. Residential Categories

Section 17C.190.110 Residential Household Living
  1. Characteristics.

Residential Household Living is characterized by the residential occupancy of a dwelling unit by a household. Tenancy is arranged on a month-to-month basis, or for a longer period. Uses where tenancy may be arranged for a shorter period are not considered residential. They are considered to be a form of transient lodging (see the Retail Sales and Service and Community Service categories). Apartment complexes that have accessory services such as food service, dining rooms, and housekeeping are included as Residential Household Living. Single room occupancy housing (SROs) that does not have totally self-contained dwelling units is also included if at least two thirds of the units are rented on a monthly basis. SROs may have a common food preparation area, but meals are prepared individually by the residents. 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. Accessory Uses.

Accessory uses commonly found are recreational activities, raising of pets, hobbies, and parking of the occupants’ vehicles. Home occupations, accessory dwelling units, short-term rentals, and bed and breakfast facilities are accessory uses that are subject to additional development standards of the zoning code.

  1. Examples.

Uses include single-family residences, duplexes, apartments, condominiums, retirement center apartments, manufactured housing and other structures with self-contained dwelling units. Examples also include living in SROs if the provisions are met regarding length of stay and separate meal preparation.

  1. Exceptions.
    1. Lodging in a dwelling unit or SRO where less than two-thirds of the units are rented on a monthly basis is considered a hotel or motel use and is classified in the Retail Sales and Service category.
    1. SROs that contain programs that include common dining are classified as Group Living.
    1. Guest houses that contain kitchen facilities are prohibited as accessory to Residential Household Living uses.
    1. 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 shelter.

Date Passed: Monday, May 4, 2015

Effective Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2015

ORD C35252 Section 3