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Council backs first reading to codify taller emergency communications towers outside residential zones
Summary
City staff asked council to codify permanent code language allowing regional emergency communications towers up to 100 feet plus a 20‑foot antenna (120 feet total) outside residential zones to support SHREC's planned call center relocation; planning commission had recommended against a permanent change but staff cited vesting and replacement risks.
City planning and public‑safety staff told the Spokane Valley City Council on Dec. 9 they seek a first reading to amend municipal code to permit regional emergency communications towers up to 100 feet with an additional 20 feet for antennas (120 feet total) outside residential zones.
Background: Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SHREC) is relocating a call center to property in Spokane Valley that requires a taller tower for reliable first‑responder communications. Staff said the current code limits tower heights to 60–80 feet (plus a 20‑foot antenna allowance) depending on zone, and that earlier the council adopted an interim emergency ordinance to allow SHREC to proceed.
Why adopt permanent language: Planning staff and the community‑development director said permanent code language would reduce land‑use risks that could lead to interruptions of emergency communications service (for example, if interim vesting were lost or a damaged tower exceeded nonconforming‑use replacement thresholds). The planning commission evaluated the request and, after a public hearing, recommended against changing the code. Council members expressed mixed views but generally supported bringing a first reading back for formal consideration, with a suggested edit to make the language refer to “regional” emergency communications facilities.
Next steps: Staff will prepare ordinance language and return for first reading; council captured consensus to request an adjustment to the definition to emphasize regional facilities and to limit allowance to non‑residential zones.
