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Resident questions county permitting of second dwelling on single lot, cites covenants and plat restrictions
Summary
A Spokane County resident told commissioners he is seeking an explanation after a building permit allowed a second dwelling‑like structure on a lot that already has a house; he said county staff changed the permitted use multiple times and that neighborhood covenants and plat notes appear to conflict with the permit.
During the open public forum on July 22, resident Larry Eich asked Spokane County commissioners to explain why a permit was issued allowing a second dwelling‑type structure on a lot that already contains a house.
Eich said the structure was initially permitted as a shop with a bathroom, then the county inspected after neighbors complained and reclassified it as a sleeping unit, and later as a “2 bedroom, 2 bath, laundry room, great room, kitchenette, second floor” — language he said effectively describes a second home on the lot. Eich said he has repeatedly requested the codes or legal rationale that permit two houses on one lot but has not received an explanation.
He said the development conflicts with subdivision plat requirements and neighborhood covenants and that constituents would want to know why covenant language and plat notes appear to be ignored. Eich said the matter has been ongoing for about three months and that he has submitted a letter to the county.
Chair Cooney acknowledged receipt of the letter and said the commissioners would talk to the planning and building department to determine what is happening. No formal action or staff report was taken during the meeting; Eich said he can provide additional files on the case.
