Spokane Municipal Code

Title 17H Engineering Standards

Chapter 17H.010 Street Development Standards

Section 17H.010.040 Initiation of Street Improvement Projects

1. Street improvements generally originate as part of the development review process. The need for street improvements is identified during one of the following processes:

1. 1. Land use applications (zone change, platting).

1. 2. Building permit applications.

1. 3. Right-of-way improvement permit applications (sidewalk replacement, street improvements not part of another application).

2. During the review, the effects the proposed development will have on traffic circulation, connectivity, parking and the use of public streets and rights-of-way are determined. The required improvements may include, but are not limited to:

1. 1. new street construction;

1. 2. frontage improvements;

1. 3. sidewalks;

1. 4. street lights;

1. 5. traffic signals;

1. 6. signing;

1. 7. pavement markings;

1. 8. street trees; or

1. 9. pedestrian and bicycle facilities.

3. Land Use Applications.

1. 1. If the project is located on an unimproved right-of-way:

1. 1. 1. frontage improvements plus one twelve-foot driving lane on the opposite side of the street shall be constructed;

1. 1. 2. paved access to the nearest paved public street shall be provided; and

1. 1. 3. any traffic impacts identified in a traffic study, if required, shall be mitigated.

1. 2. Frontage improvements shall be constructed and traffic impacts identified in a traffic study, if required, shall be mitigated if the project is located on a partially improved right-of-way.

1. 3. Traffic impacts identified in a traffic study, if required, shall be mitigated if the project is located on a fully improved right-of-way.

1. 4. In all cases, new access locations shall be approved by the director of engineering services prior to construction.

4. Residential Building Permits – Lots Platted Prior to May 15, 2006.

1. 1. If the project is located on an unimproved or partially improved right-of-way:

1. 1. 1. the owner shall obtain from the director of engineering services and execute, as a condition of development, a paving waiver agreement for a local improvement district (LID) street paving assessment in accordance with SMC 17H.010.045; and

1. 1. 2. adequate emergency vehicle access in accordance with the International Fire Code must be provided to any facility, building or portion of a building hereafter constructed.

1. 2. No additional improvements are required for projects located on a fully improved right-of-way.

1. 3. An approach permit issued by the department of engineering services is required for the construction or modification of any driveway that is not shown on an approved street plan.

5. Commercial Building Permits – Lots Platted Prior to May 15, 2006.

1. 1. If the project is located on an unimproved right-of-way:

1. 1. 1. the owner shall obtain from the director of engineering services and execute, as a condition of development, a paving waiver agreement for a local improvement district (LID) street paving assessment in accordance with SMC 17H.010.045;

1. 1. 2. emergency vehicle access shall be constructed in accordance with city standards and policies; and

1. 1. 3. traffic impacts identified in a traffic study, if required, shall be mitigated.

1. 2. Frontage improvements shall be constructed and traffic impacts identified in a traffic study, if required, shall be mitigated if the project is located on a partially improved right-of-way.

1. 3. Traffic impacts identified in a traffic study, if required, shall be mitigated if the project is located on a fully improved right-of-way.

1. 4. In all cases, new access locations shall be approved by the director of engineering services prior to construction.

6. Residential and Commercial Building Permits – Lots Platted After May 15, 2006.

1. 1. If the project is located on an unimproved or a partially improved right-of-way:

1. 1. 1. paved access to the nearest paved public street shall be provided;

1. 1. 2. frontage improvements shall be constructed; and

1. 1. 3. traffic impacts identified in a traffic study, if required, shall be mitigated.

1. 2. Traffic impacts identified in a traffic study, if required, shall be mitigated if the project is located on a fully improved right-of-way.

7. Right-of-Way Improvement Permit Applications.

Applications for improvements to the public right-of-way that are not part of another application shall be evaluated on a case by case basis.

8. Where infill development occurs on partially constructed blocks, the proposed street improvements may match the existing street improvements.

Date Passed: Monday, May 15, 2006

Effective Date: Thursday, June 29, 2006

ORD C33838 Section 1