(The Center Square) – Spokane County officials are considering delaying action on proposed countywide planning policy changes until October as leaders raise concerns about local control, housing allocations and how the policies could affect cities’ land-use decisions.
During the September meeting of the Spokane County Growth Management Steering Committee, members reviewed proposed revisions to the countywide planning policies, which establish a framework for coordinating land-use planning among Spokane County and its cities.
The Planning Technical Advisory Committee recommended postponing adoption or delaying the effective date of the proposed changes until local jurisdictions complete their 2026 comprehensive plan updates.
Chairman Michael Cathcart said the committee should wait.
“We need to hold the decision until October,” Cathcart said.
The proposed revisions include changes to how housing and population growth are tracked and how jurisdictions could respond if they fall short of assigned growth targets.
Committee members discussed whether mitigation measures could include changes to urban growth boundaries or adjustments to housing allocations.
“I am assuming what’s meant by mitigation is modification to growth boundaries?” Cathcart asked.
Planning officials said mitigation could also involve population or housing allocations, while emphasizing that individual jurisdictions should retain authority over decisions within their boundaries.
Tim Hattenburg, vice chair of the steering committee and a representative of Spokane Valley, said the framework should allow cities to adjust to changing circumstances.
“The idea that local control and adjustments, with Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, it gives them options of where we are at and here is where we aren’t sure where we will be,” Hattenburg said.
He also said the countywide framework remains viable given the number of jurisdictions involved.
“If you think of Spokane County with multiple jurisdictions, the framework is still worth talking about,” Hattenburg said.
The proposed policies would allow jurisdictions to consider “reasonable measures” before housing allocations are shifted elsewhere. Those measures could include zoning changes, incentives or other adjustments intended to encourage development.
Housing options and affordability
Committee members also discussed proposed revisions to housing policies addressing affordability, displacement and access to different types of housing.
Commissioner Chris Jordan said housing strategies should account for options beyond apartments, including manufactured homes and mobile home communities.
“There are other options, manufactured homes, tiny homes, mobile home communities,” Jordan said. He said he had met with organizations working with low-income residents and providing opportunities in mobile homes.”
“I know apartments are considered a silver bullet, but we know that’s not the case. There are other options,” Jordan said. “Yep, stick everyone in apartments they can’t afford. That’s the wrong attitude and wrong direction.”
The committee also discussed language concerning rental apartments and whether revisions could affect where affordable housing is developed. Planning staff said the proposed wording was intended to align with state guidance.
Public access and next steps
Public access to meeting materials also came up during the discussion.
Paul Crock, a public commenter, said he supported the effort but had been unable to review the planning materials.
“I’d be happy to comment. I like the idea of pursuing this, but I have not been able to view documents online,” Crock said.
The planning technical advisory committee document was available in the county’s July meeting folder but was not included in the folder for the Sept. 16 meeting.
Scott Chesney, director of planning administration, responded, “Yes, we will get on that.”
County staff also provided an update on urban growth area planning. A draft preferred alternative was expected to go before the Spokane County Planning Commission on Oct. 1, with further discussion later in the month.
The county is evaluating infrastructure capacity, including water and sewer systems, transportation, schools and fire services, as it considers potential urban growth area changes.
Staff said a recommendation could return to the steering committee in October, with potential action by the Board of County Commissioners in early December.
The proposed countywide planning policy changes and urban growth area boundaries remain under review.