Spokane Municipal Code

Title 17C Land Use Standards

Chapter 17C.111 Residential Zones

Section 17C.111.420 Open Spaces

1. Purpose.

To create pedestrian friendly, usable areas through the use of plazas, courtyards, rooftop decks, and other open spaces for the enjoyment and health of the residents.

2. Open Spaces Implementation.
   1. Minimum Required Space.
      1. Each multifamily development shall provide the minimum open space area for each living unit in the complex, including those units occupied by the owner or building management personnel, as identified in Table 17C.111.205-2. Open spaces may be provided individually, such as by balconies, or combined into a larger common open space. Developments in RMF and RHD may provide both private and common open space to meet the minimum requirement; however, each unit must provide either the full private or common open space to count towards the minimum required space. (R)

1. 2. Residential units with a continuous pedestrian route from the building entrance to a public park within 800 ft are not required to provide more than 36 square feet of open space per unit. For purposes of this requirement, an unsignalized crossing of a minor arterial road or greater shall not be considered a continuous pedestrian route.

2. Private Open Space.

Private open space area is typically developed for passive recreational use. Examples include balconies, patios, and private rooftop decks.

1. 1. Private open space must be directly accessible from the unit. (R)

1. 2. Private open space must be surfaced with landscaping, pavers, decking, or sport court paving which allows the area to be used for recreational purposes. (R)

1. 3. Private open space may be covered, such as a covered balcony, but may not be fully enclosed. (R)

1. 4. Berms, low walls, fences, hedges and/or landscaping shall be used to define private open spaces such as yards, decks, terraces, and patios from each other and from the street right-of-way. The material or plantings between private open spaces shall be a maximum of four feet in height and visually permeable, such as open rails, ironwork, or trellis treatment to encourage interaction between neighbors. Material or plantings between units and right-of-way shall meet applicable fencing restrictions. (P)

3. Common Open Space.

Common open space area may be developed for active or passive recreational use. Examples include play areas, plazas, rooftop patios, picnic areas, fitness centers, pools, tennis courts, and open recreational facilities.

3. 1. The total amount of required common open space is the cumulative amount of the required area per dwelling unit for common areas, minus any units that provide individual open space (if provided). However, a combined required open space must comply with the minimum area and meet ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
4. 2. Common open space must be surfaced with landscaping, pavers, decking, or sport court paving, which allows the area to be used for recreational purposes. (R).

1. 3. Common open space may be covered, such as a covered patio, but may not be fully enclosed unless the open space is an equipped interior fitness area or furnished meeting space not reservable by individual residents. (R)

1. 4. Common open spaces with active uses used to meet these guidelines shall not be located within required buffer areas, if prohibited by critical area or shoreline regulations. (R)

1. 5. Common open spaces shall provide at least three of the following amenities to accommodate a variety of ages and activities. Amenities include: (P)
      1. Site furnishings (benches, tables, bike racks)
      2. Picnic or outdoor grilling areas
      3. Patios, plazas, or courtyards
      4. Tot lots or other children’s play areas
      5. Enclosed pet areas that make up no more than fifty percent of the required common open space
      6. Community gardens accessible for use by residents
      7. Open lawn
      8. Play fields
      9. Sports courts, such as tennis or basketball courts, and pools that make up no more than fifty percent of the required common open space
      10. Interior equipped fitness areas that make up no more than fifty percent of the required common open space

1. 6. If common open spaces are located adjacent to a street right-of-way, landscaping should be used to provide a buffer between outdoor spaces and the street right-of-way. (P)

4. Lighting shall be provided within open spaces to provide visual interest, as well as an additional security function. Lighting should not cause off-site glare. (R)

5. Open spaces should not be located adjacent to dumpster enclosures, loading/service areas or other facility and/or utility enclosures. (C)

Date Passed: Monday, August 12, 2024

Effective Date: Sunday, September 15, 2024

ORD C36552 Section 2