Long Range Planning

The "Long Range Planning" function of the department is responsible for maintaining the city’s Comprehensive Plan, which addresses land use, transportation, capital facilities, housing, natural environment, and parks and open space needs over the next 20 years and ensures consistency with the Washington State Growth Management Act.

Long range planning also addresses updating codes and regulations to maintain consistency with the goals and policies of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, as well as preparing neighborhood or sub-area plans as directed by City Council.  In addition, this group is active in regional planning issues and supports the regional Steering Committee of Elected Officials.

ADA Self-Evaluation and Transition Plan

The city is conducting a Self-evaluation and Draft Report and Transition Plan project to evaluate the current level of public access to city programs, services, and facilities for citizens with disabilities.  Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the project will result in a plan to address barrier removal.  A draft Report and Transition will summarize the results of the evaluation and provide the basis for the draft report and transition plan. Barriers can include lack of disabled parking or wheelchair ramps; or they could be videos without captioning for the hearing impaired. 

Comprehensive Plan

The Comprehensive Plan is the city’s official statement regarding its vision for future growth and development over the next 20 years. A comprehensive plan is a required document for the largest and fastest-growing cities and counties in Washington State. The city's Comprehensive Plan may only be amended once per year.  Applications registered after November 1 of the previous calendar year and before November 1 of the current calendar year shall be included in the annual review. Those registered after November 1 of the calendar year shall be placed on the register for review at the following annual review. View Annual Comprehensive Plan Amendment Checklist & Application Packet.

Housing Action Plan

The City of Spokane Valley is growing. In 2021, the city adopted a Housing Action Plan (HAP) that provides a set of clear, actionable strategies designed to preserve existing affordable housing and prevent displacement; increase market-rate and affordable housing supply; and increase housing options and choices throughout the city.

Bike and Pedestrian Master Program

The City of Spokane Valley has the essential elements for biking and walking, considering most streets connect, congestion is minimal, the terrain is flat, and weather is suitable many months of the year.  For these reasons, biking and walking is a great way to get around the city.  To capitalize on these assets, the city has developed a Bike and Pedestrian Master Program (BPMP).   

Shoreline Master Plan Update

The Shoreline Master Program (SMP) is the city’s official document to guide development along the Spokane River and Shelly Lake. Reviewed in 2021, the SMP includes goals and polices which are adopted by reference in the Comprehensive Plan and regulations related to shoreline development that can be found in the Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) Chapter 21.50. Please see the Shoreline Master Program page for more information. 

Urban Growth Area 

The Urban Growth Area (UGA) is intended to accommodate 20 years of projected population growth and includes already developed land and areas planned for urban services.  A review of the UGA is required every 10 years to ensure there is adequate capacity to meet the needs of new growth and development in the subsequent 20-year planning period.  For more information regarding the Spokane County UGA boundary, call 509-477‐3675 or visit the county's Long Range Planning Department website.