Spokane, Washington Building Permits
Get your Spokane, WA building permits faster. Learn about City of Spokane Building Department processes, timelines, and local codes for your construction project.
Wind
ASCE 7 basic wind speed: 90 mph
Snow Load
Ground snow load: 30 psf
Flood
FEMA floodplain zones exist primarily along the Spokane River; elevation certificates required for new builds.
Earthquake
Seismic Design Category C
Wildfire
Moderate risk; property owners must comply with local fire-wise landscaping guidelines in outskirts.
Building Department
City of Spokane Development Services Center
Approval Timeline
Residential permits typically take 2-4 weeks; Commercial permits take 6-12 weeks depending on the permit type.
Common Requirements
Comprehensive site plans, energy code compliance forms, structural framing plans, and erosion control documentation.
Zoning Information
Spokane uses Unified Development Code (UDC) with zones ranging from RSF (Single Family) to CC (Commercial Centers) and DT (Downtown).
Permit Costs
Fees are calculated using a sliding scale based on project valuation as defined by the current International Building Code tables.
Engineering Requirements
Required for all new residential builds, structural additions, and any project involving significant load-bearing changes.
Local Code Adoption
2021 International Building Code (IBC) and Residential Code (IRC) with Spokane amendments
Typical Projects
Residential remodels, detached garage builds, new single-family homes, and commercial office retrofits.