City staff refine local parking tax rule ahead of April launch; operators press for clearer ADA and stall language

City staff updated commissioners on the public rule implementing the locally adopted commercial parking tax and the timeline to launch implementation. The public rule provides administrative detail to carry out the ordinance passed by the City Council and is scheduled for a council briefing Feb. 23 and consideration for adoption March 9; staff said the city is targeting an April 1 launch.

Staff described the Efficient Land Use Credit in the ordinance, which preserves a 6% tax rate for parking structures, underground garages or properties with ready permits to redevelop, compared with the standard 12% rate for other parking. The rule will include a form and a verification process for applicants seeking the lower rate.

Downtown operators raised operational concerns. Brynn West, representing Riverpark Square Garage, asked that rule language allow a 'designated area' rather than 'designated stall,' saying many garages cannot assign individual stalls to residents. Scott Taylor, a parking operator, warned that the rule’s phrasing around ADA exemptions — using 'ADA parker' rather than 'ADA stall' — could create confusion for operators and make compliance “almost impossible.” He cited Seattle’s municipal code provisions as a different model and urged staff to consider clearer, practicable language.

Staff acknowledged the tension between broad exemptions and administrability, and said they are reviewing stakeholder feedback and Seattle’s approach. They also noted state law defines certain exemptions and the city must align its local rule to that framework where required. The city will publish the public rule, accept comments, and return to council as the next formal step.

"We're set to launch April 1," staff said, noting ongoing outreach with Downtown Spokane partnerships and a stakeholder group of parking operators.