Alliance lands permit to build townhomes

POST FALLS — Post Falls Planning and Zoning commissioners Tuesday unanimously approved a special use permit for the Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance’s Spencer Townhomes.  

“It’s going to fit well,” and “it’s needed” were among the comments from commissioners as they considered the project headed by ZBA Architecture.  

"Townhomes and duplexes are underdeveloped in Post Falls, so there’s definitely a need for that,” Commissioner Ray Kimball said.

Four duplexes will be the starting point for development, followed by eight townhomes, all in the community commercial services zoning district.  

The vacant lot proposed for Spencer Townhomes is east of Spencer Street and south of Seltice Way. Spencer Street would provide access to Seltice Way and the project site is near a bus route.

With a mix of storage facilities, condos and senior apartments, Commissioner Vicky Jo Carey said the project would add to the neighborhood. 

“It’s a good use of a piece that has different things around it,” Carey said. 

There was no public testimony on the proposal.

Ethan Porter of the Post Falls planning department said the development plan involves duplexes and fourplex units, which are considered townhomes for coding purposes.  

“They’re not really townhomes, but they’re multifamily units,” Porter said.  

There will be a mixture of three-bedroom and four-bedroom units, all within a two-story layout. The home design uses “front porch” floor plans geared toward community living. The development was not projected to impact traffic, according to the city’s planning department.

As part of the open and green space requirements, a community garden and play area are part of the amenities. 

Maggie Lyons of PAHA said the agency is unsure whether there will be central ownership or a homeowners association for the project. Whether the homes will be owned by residents or rented is also undetermined.

    Location markers in the area of the proposed site of the Spencer Townhomes through the Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance.
  

    The location for the Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance site for Spencer Townhomes in Post Falls.