State housing reforms and ADU, middle‑housing mandates highlighted for Spokane Valley

Washington State Department of Commerce staff gave the Spokane Valley Planning Commission an overview Thursday of state-level housing changes the city must address during its comprehensive-plan update and subsequent code revisions.

Commerce officials said legislative changes that began in 2021 require jurisdictions to plan for housing “affordable to all economic segments,” provide a common projection methodology for housing need, and translate housing needs by income band into local zoning capacity and implementation actions. Laura Hodgkin, housing and planning and data manager at the Washington State Department of Commerce, and Lilith Besper, infill housing manager, presented the guidance and timelines.

Key takeaways from Commerce’s presentation: - Housing needs by income: Commerce projects housing needs by income level and the county and its cities decide how to allocate those needs among jurisdictions. Local governments must show sufficient land capacity for each income segment or enact zoning changes to create capacity. - Accessory dwelling units: State law requires jurisdictions within urban growth areas to allow up to two ADUs on a lot, allows ADUs to be sold separately (for example through condominiumization), removes an owner‑occupancy requirement (except where short‑term‑rental rules apply), sets a typical minimum ADU size at 1,000 square feet in statute discussion, and limits impact fees for ADUs to 50% of those charged against a principal…