The standards of this chapter are designed to protect property in the Residential and Commercial zones from certain objectionable off-site impacts associated with nonresidential uses. These impacts include noise, odors and glare. The standards of the City and the regulatory agencies ensure that uses provide adequate control measures to protect the community from health hazards and nuisances.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 6

In situations where the planning and economic development services director is empowered to require documentation in advance that a proposed use will conform with these standards, all of the following additional information is required of the applicant prior to approving a building permit:

1. Use Description.

A description of the use or activity regarding processes, materials used, storage, waste disposal, types of machinery and other such items as the use or activity relates to off-site impacts. However, the applicant is not required to reveal any trade secrets which would cause any secret manufacturing procedure, compound or product to become public knowledge and available to competitors.

2. Abatement Devices.

An explanation of any mechanisms or techniques which are proposed to restrict any hazardous or nuisance effects, including the type and location of any abatement devices and/or recording instruments to measure conformance with the required standard; and

3. Expert Evaluation.

An evaluation and explanation certified by a registered engineer or architect, as appropriate, that the proposed activity can achieve the off-site impact standard or standards in question.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 6

Nonresidential uses in all zones, which cause off-site impacts on uses in the Residential and Commercial zones are required to meet the standards of this chapter. Exempted equipment and facilities are stated in SMC 17C.220.040.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 6

The off-site impact standards do not apply to machinery, equipment, and facilities, which were at the site and in compliance with existing standards at the effective date of these standards. Any new or additional machinery, equipment and facilities must comply with the standards of this chapter. Documentation is the responsibility of the proprietor of the use if there is any question about when the equipment was brought to the site.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 6

The off-site impact standards are in addition to all other standards of the city code. The standards do not replace or supersede standards of the department of ecology (DOE), relevant county standards, or standards such as the Uniform Fire Code.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 6

The City noise standards are stated in SMC 10.08D, Noise Control. In addition, the department of ecology has standards that apply to environments within which maximum permissible noise levels are established.

Date Passed: Monday, March 29, 2021

Effective Date: Thursday, May 6, 2021

ORD C36024 Section 3

The Spokane Regional Clear Air Agency is responsible for controlling the emissions of air contaminants from all sources and providing for the uniform administration and enforcement of local standards and carrying out the requirements and purposes of the Washington Clean Air Act.

Date Passed: Monday, July 23, 2012

Effective Date: Thursday, August 30, 2012

ORD C34888 Section 13

1. Display and Flood Lighting.

All display and flood lighting is required to be constructed, shielded and used so as not to directly illuminate or create glare visible from adjacent properties, residential zones or public rights-of-way. Lighting resembling or conflicting with traffic signals or emergency vehicles or otherwise creating safety hazards for pedestrian of vehicular traffic is prohibited.

2. Interior Lighting in Parking Garages.

Interior lighting in parking garages shall be shielded, to minimize nighttime glare affecting nearby uses.

3. Strobe Lights.

Strobe lights visible from a right-of-way or adjacent property are not allowed.

4. Lighting Plan.

When exterior lighting is provided, a lighting plan is submitted prior to the issuance of a development permit and includes the following:

1. 1. Location of all lighting fixtures on the site.

1. 2. Manufacturer’s model identification of each lighting fixture.

1. 3. Manufacturer’s performance specifications of each fixture; and

1. 4. Photometric plan of the installed fixtures which demonstrates that all illumination is confined within the boundaries of the site.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 6

1. Communication systems (e.g., intercom systems) that can be heard beyond the property line are prohibited.
   
2. When the proposed facility is located adjacent to or across an alley from a residentially zoned parcel, work on vehicles shall be permitted only within an enclosed building.
   
3. Activities outside a building are confined to the customary services of dispensing gas, oil, water and air.
   
4. The exterior openings for automobile ingress and egress to work areas shall not be located on walls of buildings adjacent to residences or residentially zoned property.
   
5. Other standards regarding uses with drive-through facilities are in chapter 17C.325 SMC, Drive-through Facilities.

Date Passed: Tuesday, May 31, 2005

Effective Date: Wednesday, July 6, 2005

ORD C33636 Section 6