Prefab Homes On City Agenda Manufactured Housing Could Gain Toehold

For years, Spokane City Councilman Mike Brewer has tried to sell his colleagues on manufactured housing.

He hopes to close the deal tonight when the council considers a proposal that would allow the prefab homes in most city neighborhoods.

Manufactured housing “makes it possible for young people, low-income people who have jobs to get into the housing market as a buyer rather than a renter,” Brewer said.

“There’s nothing like home ownership to give you roots in a community,” he said.

Currently, manufactured homes are allowed with a special permit in three small areas of the city, including parts of the Hillyard, Latah Creek and Indian Trail neighborhoods.

The proposal would allow prefab homes as “in-fill” development in any single-family zone except historic districts.

Under the proposal, a manufactured home could be placed on a city lot as long as: The home’s not more than 5 years old.

There are no more than two prefab homes already on the block, unless it’s a manufactured-home park.

The Planning Department determines the home’s design is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood.

Earlier this year, the council asked the city Plan Commission to review the city’s prefab housing restrictions.

In a September letter to the council, commission President Jim Kolva said the “cost of manufactured housing is roughly half that of site-built housing. … The commission feels it should be included in the city’s toolbox for addressing affordable housing.”

Brewer said he has been a prefab housing advocate since long before his council days.

“With the varieties available today, you can’t tell them from stick-built houses,” said Brewer, whose second term ends next year.

Also on the agenda today, the council is expected to:

Delay acting on the proposed River Park Square project.

The council had planned to vote tonight on whether to buy the parking garage for the proposed redevelopment of the downtown shopping mall for up to $30 million in revenue bonds. The city also would rent the garage land for 20 years.

The $100 million River Park Square redevelopment would include a new store for Nordstrom, a 24-screen cinema and numerous shops and restaurants.

“There will be no action (tonight) related to the project,” said Acting City Manager Bill Pupo. “We’re taking the whole thing off (the agenda).”

Consider prohibiting parking on the east side of Addison Street from Bridgeport to Princeton avenues and from Wabash to Dalke avenues so that bike lanes could be added.

Consider a $468,203 contract with Wendle Ford for buying 22 police cars.

Consider accepting $25,000 in state money to design a right-turn lane at the Indian Trail Road intersection with Francis Avenue and signals for the intersection of Five Mile Road with Maple and Ash.

Set an informational meeting for Nov. 8 to discuss the sale of $2.6 million in surplus city property.

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: MEETING City Council will meet tonight at 6 in City Hall.