City May Ease Limits On Prefab Housing

Mon., May 20, 1996

From Staff And Wire Reports

The Spokane City Council is looking into loosening restrictions on manufactured homes.

At tonight’s meeting, the council is expected to ask the Plan Commission to re-evaluate zoning code provisions that restrict where the homes can go.

“I think it’s gone overboard,” said Councilman Mike Brewer of the current restrictions. “There are places in town where they would be appropriate.”

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

Last year, the council stiffened regulations on the types of prefabricated housing allowed. The tighter standards said new units can’t be more than 10 years old, must have at least 864 square feet of living space and must be skirted.

Mayor Jack Geraghty said expanding where the homes can go might increase the amount of affordable housing available.

The Plan Commission would spend several months studying the issue before bringing new provisions back to the council.

A briefing for the council starts at 3:30 p.m. in the lower-level conference room. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. in council chambers.

, DataTimes

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City May Ease Limits On Prefab Housing

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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