City Council tackles subdivision regulation

The Spokane Valley City Council took its first crack at revamped development regulations for the city Tuesday, beginning its discussion on the chapter that handles how land is subdivided.

Most of the regulations for new subdivisions are required by state law. For example, Councilman Mike DeVleming asked how the city would ensure things like adequate light and air in new developments. That requirement is mandated by Revised Code of Washington, said planning manager Greg McCormick, and dates back to the early days of city planning when more buildings had poor circulation.

Councilman Bill Gothmann asked about hearing and notification requirements for new subdivisions.

For “short” subdivisions – those resulting in nine new lots or fewer – the owners of property adjacent to the project are contacted and there is not a hearing unless someone appeals the project. For bigger subdivisions, notices with hearing information are sent to property owners within 300 feet of the project, McCormick said, and the hearings examiner conducts a hearing before making a decision.

Over the next several months the Planning Commission and then the City Council will review the Uniform Development Code chapter by chapter and compile a new set of regulations they hope will be easier to read and incorporate rules now contained in multiple documents.

At this week’s meeting, the council got its first look at the subdivision chapter. It will deliberate and approve it at a future meeting after taking public comment on the rules.

The Planning Commission is scheduled to discuss the chapter on the zoning at its meeting Thursday.