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Spokane County approves development agreement limiting initial multifamily density pending second access
Summary
The board approved a development agreement that caps initial multifamily development at 99 units until a second access is provided; MBR zoning would allow up to 300 units absent the agreement. Staff said the agreement resolves Growth Management Act appeals and moves the county back into compliance.
The Spokane County Board unanimously approved a development agreement Nov. 4 that limits a multifamily project to 99 units until a second access is constructed, after which the site may be developed up to the zoning maximum (300 units under MBR zoning).
County staff summarized the long history of the project, noting it began in 2015, underwent appeals to the Growth Management Hearings Board, and that the development agreement is the contingent element required to cure the outstanding compliance issues. Staff said the project has undergone additional traffic and soil analyses; the traffic planners have signed off on impacts for the initial 99-unit phase.
Commissioners asked about alternate access options and whether Avista's access would be part of the permanent solution; staff clarified that the Avista access is not proposed as a permanent, day-to-day access route and that any additional permanent access would require separate review. The developer had advanced some engineering (traffic and soils) while the case was pending, which staff said suggested readiness for near-term construction but left final build timing to the developer’s market decisions.
A motion to approve the development agreement with Douglas (agenda language) passed unanimously. The development agreement was described in the hearing as the final county action needed to bring the county’s comprehensive plan amendment into compliance with state law for this project.
