SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane was recognized by the American Planning Association (APA) for an ordinance allowing for additional housing units to be built on residential lots.
APC’s website lauded a 2022 city council ordinance which allowed four-unit and two-unit homes to be built on any residential plot around the city that was snowballed into a permanent policy in 2023.
Multi-family housing unit development hit a high in 2023, with 984 multi-family unit permits being approved by the city last year.
The city took a victory lap on Monday, highlighting the blog post and a Smart Communities Award granted to Spokane by Governor Jay Inslee (D) in January.
“We’re thrilled that Spokane has set a national example for others to follow that increases housing options for people at all stages of life,” Mayor Lisa Brown said in a written statement.
The commendation from the APC comes as housing prices continue to rise in Spokane.
