Planning staff described the development-code update (module 2) and sought commissioner feedback on zoning districts, use tables, design standards and objective thresholds for discretionary review, including illustrative traffic thresholds.

City staff told the Spokane Plan Commission the Build Spokane code modernization is in drafting and emphasized a linked effort to map and redesign the development-review system, including workshops with the Washington State Auditor's Office and a planned move to new permitting software.

At this weeks meeting, the city council approved an appointment to the Ombuds Commission, planned-unit-development design changes to help small businesses, several contracts and grants including a Department of Health award, a resolution on preferred comprehensive-plan mapping, and resolutions recommending opportunity-zone adjustments in District 2.

Consultants Clarion Associates and Kimley Horn introduced a one-year code modernization project to update Title 17, improve usability and align regulations with the comprehensive plan; the team will start with administration and procedures then draft zoning and development standards, with public engagement and multiple updates to council.

Clarion Associates, with local partner Kimley Horn, will rewrite Spokane's development code to align with the comprehensive plan, improve user-friendliness, speed permitting and support housing goals; an assessment will be delivered in February with drafting through the summer and adoption targeted this fall.

Council members attended to explain why council sometimes departs from advisory recommendations: limited TIF dollars should prioritize projects that enable completion or assist smaller developers; both sides agreed to improve liaison and consider a scoring system to clarify committee enthusiasm.

Spokane reports significant construction values and discusses tracking housing starts.