City records show that Spokane has issued few permits for duplexes, triplexes, and other forms of mid-density housing.
In an analysis published on the City of Spokane’s website, Kevin Freibott notes the conspicuous absence of permits for ‘missing middle housing’ in the city, a housing type which many advocates say could ease the nation’s housing crisis by gently increasing density in residential neighborhoods and providing more opportunities for renters and homeowners.
According to Freibott, “Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and townhomes were popular in the first half of the twentieth century but have since become harder to develop, largely due to changes in regulations and policies around housing.” Freibott continues, “Data going back to 2008 shows the City has permitted very few of these housing types in comparison to single-family homes and apartment buildings.”
To promote more construction of missing middle housing, Spokane has developed Shaping Spokane Housing, a toolkit that “seeks to build opportunities and choices in our future land use and zoning decisions.”
“The lack of missing middle housing production illustrates where new or updated policy may increase our capacity for housing and result in some new housing that caters to the diverse needs across our community.”
FULL STORY: Permit History Shows Missing Middle Housing Gap
Decatur Moves Closer to Legalizing Duplexes, ‘Missing Middle Housing’
A proposal to permit multifamily housing units in areas previously zoned for single-family homes passed its first hurdle, but requires a second vote to go into effect.
Washington’s Proposed Housing Bills, Explained
The 2023 Washington state legislature will evaluate a slew of proposals aimed at increasing housing supply and affordability.
Housing Density Dividing Voters in Arlington County
The race for the county’s only board seat pits proponents of ‘missing middle housing and higher density against residents concerned about outsized growth.
The Slow Death of Ride Sharing
From the beginning, TNCs like Lyft and Uber touted shared rides as their key product. Now, Lyft is ending the practice.
Cool Walkability Planning
Shadeways (covered sidewalks) and pedways (enclosed, climate controlled walkways) can provide comfortable walkability in hot climates. The Cool Walkshed Index can help plan these facilities.
Congestion Pricing Could Be Coming to L.A.
The infamously car-centric city is weighing a proposed congestion pricing pilot program to reduce traffic and encourage public transit use.
Activists Mourn Potential Death of Bay Area Transit With Mock Funeral
In an action meant to draw attention to the financial crisis facing California’s public transit agencies, activists held a mock funeral for BART and Muni, citing the cause of death as ‘neglect.’
Proposed Short-Term Rental Tax Would Fund Affordable Housing in California
A state bill would impose a tax similar to a hotel tax on short-term rental owners, with the revenue funding affordable housing projects.
The Challenges of Aging in Place
Seniors in one Bay Area community want to stay in their communities, but many find the cost of living and maintaining older homes prohibitive.
San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency
City of Orange
City of Charlotte - Charlotte Area Transit
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Montrose County
Wichita-Sedgwick County Metropolitan Area Planning Department
City of Lomita
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
