Spokane Valley citizens can apply to amend city’s comprehensive plan

Spokane Valley is accepting applications for amendments to its comprehensive plan.

The comprehensive plan, which is required for the state’s largest and fastest growing cities, guides Spokane Valley’s growth and development.

The city’s comprehensive plan is periodically updated, with the last change occurring in 2017.

Once the application deadline closes on Oct. 31, city staff will present the Spokane Valley City Council members with a formal list of comprehensive plan amendments for consideration. Typically, the applications are processed in January and completed in late spring.

Spokane Valley’s focus areas and goals in its comprehensive plan are to improve local retail options by filling retail vacancies and promoting pedestrian-friendly neighborhood retail options.

Spokane Valley is preparing to update bicycle and pedestrian elements of the comprehensive plan and is seeking resident feedback through a survey on its website about using alternative modes of transportation around the city and suggestions on facility improvements.

The city also implemented a tourism strategy to improve and support the hospitality industry by participating in regional tourism, emphasizing family friendly events and investing in infrastructure to improve the city’s “curb appeal.”

Anyone interested in proposing changes to the city’s comprehensive plan must schedule a preapplication meeting prior to filing an amendment request.

To schedule a pre-application meeting, or to obtain more information on the process and schedule, contact Spokane Valley Senior Planner Lori Barlow at 509-720-5335 or lbarlow@spokanevalley.org.

All proposed amendments will be subject to review and a public hearing by the Spokane Valley Planning Commission before recommendations are made to city council.