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It took some sputtering and stalled starts, but a new airport overlay zone finally got off the ground last week.
The Spokane Valley City Council – which approved looser rules than it originally passed in 2006 – passed the new ordinance by a 4-3 vote April 13. While there were some who agreed with Council Member Bill Gothmann’s staunch efforts to try to protect Felts Field, most said they believe the updated rules are a good middle ground.
“It is the best compromise that we can live with,” said Mayor Richard Munson.
Three years ago, the council agreed to adopt strict standards developed in conjunction with state aviation officials that banned the subdividing of lots on Spokane Valley land near the airport. It didn’t take long, however, for many property owners in the area to complain that the paid-for sewer and water stubs for future homes were now worthless to them because they couldn’t build.
While it seemed that the council had been ready to relax the standards more liberally to its airport overlay zoning, Carter Timmerman, an aviation planner for the Department of Transportation, requested that the reduced guidelines only be put into place south of Utah Street and Rutter Avenue. Timmerman said that other commercial airports like Felts Field have closed due to noise complaints from too many residents living within proximity to airstrips.
Neal Sealock, the manager of Felts Field, agreed that zoning needs to remain restrictive around the airport.
“It’s the only option that guarantees we can keep the lights on,” he said.
While Gothmann agreed with that idea and proposed a motion in support of it, Council Member Steve Taylor said it would be unfair to property owners who had been told for years they were in zoning compliance and could sell their subdivided properties. He said a further compromise needed to be reached.
“It’s the least we can do for them,” he said.
Sharon Panther, who, with her husband, has planned to build in the 8000 block of East Glass, said she doesn’t understand why a few more homes would make any difference.
“No one on Orchard Avenue could shut down that airport if we wanted to,” she said.
Taylor’s motion – which would allow property owners north of Utah/Rutter with sewer and water stubs to build as planned – was supported 4-3, with Gothmann and Council Member Rose Dempsey plus Mayor Richard Munson voting no.
There was also talk that a runway at Felts Field could be extended, which would allow for bigger – and noisier – aircraft. But Taylor said that was something the community should weigh in on before it ever happens.
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By
Mike Huffman
