Spokane Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Spokane, WA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
228,989
Total Zone Types
24
Planning Department
City of Spokane Planning Department
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
Spokane County
Metro Area
Spokane-Spokane Valley
Spokane Zoning System
The Spokane zoning system includes 24 total zone classifications: 8 residential zones (RSF, RSF-C, RSF-2, RA-1, RA-2, and others) and 5 commercial zones (NB, CB, RB, OR, and others), as well as 3 mixed-use zones (MU, RMX, DTH) and 2 industrial zones (LI, HI). Spokane zoning is governed by the Spokane Municipal Code (SMC) Chapter 17C, administered by the Spokane Planning Department. Spokane is the largest city in Eastern Washington and the economic hub of the Inland Northwest — a region spanning eastern Washington, northern Idaho, and western Montana. Spokane's character, economy, and housing market are dramatically different from the Puget Sound cities (Seattle, Tacoma) of Western Washington. The Cascade Mountains create a rain shadow that makes Spokane much drier and colder than Seattle — Spokane has a semi-arid continental climate with distinct seasons. Washington HB 1337 (2023) requires all Washington cities to allow at least 2 ADUs per single-family lot by-right. Spokane has a more affordable housing market than Western Washington cities, with strong growth driven by healthcare, education, and remote workers. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Spokane Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Spokane Building Department (City of Spokane Building Services) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (509) 625-6300 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:00pm. For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the City of Spokane Planning Department at (509) 625-6300. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU on my Spokane property?
Yes. Washington HB 1337 (2023) requires Spokane to allow at least 2 ADUs per single-family lot by-right, without owner-occupancy requirements. ADUs are limited to 1,000 sqft. No owner-occupancy requirement. Spokane has updated its Municipal Code to comply with state law. The permit must be processed ministerially. Contact Spokane Planning or Building Services for specific requirements.
How is Spokane different from Seattle?
Spokane and Seattle are both major Washington cities but are very different places. Spokane is in Eastern Washington, 280 miles east of Seattle across the Cascade Mountains, which create a rain shadow making Spokane dry and semi-arid. Seattle receives 37 inches of rainfall per year; Spokane gets 17 inches but 50 inches of snow. Seattle's median home price is roughly double Spokane's. Avista Utilities serves Spokane's electric and gas needs — completely different from Seattle City Light or Puget Sound Energy. Spokane's economy is driven by healthcare, education, and government rather than tech.
Who provides electricity in Spokane?
Avista Utilities provides both electric and natural gas service to Spokane. This is different from most of Western Washington, which is served by Puget Sound Energy or municipal utilities like Seattle City Light. Avista is a regulated investor-owned utility headquartered in Spokane. For solar installations, you'll need both a permit from Spokane Building Services and an interconnection agreement with Avista.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Spokane?
Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in Spokane with a license ($150/year). Spokane's STR market benefits from tourism (outdoor recreation, Gonzaga athletics, conventions at the Convention Center), university visitors (Gonzaga, Eastern Washington University, WSU Medical School), and sports tourism (Hoopfest, Bloomsday). Washington State Hotel-Motel Tax and Spokane lodging taxes apply to all STR rentals.
Is solar worth it in Spokane compared to Seattle?
Solar is actually more productive in Spokane than Seattle due to Eastern Washington's drier, sunnier climate. Spokane has approximately 25 more sunny days per year than Seattle. While Spokane's electricity rates may be lower than Seattle (reducing the dollar value of each kWh), the higher solar production can offset this. Avista offers net metering. Washington State's sales tax exemption on solar equipment applies throughout the state. A solar installer can provide a site-specific production estimate.
Source: Spokane Municipal Code Chapter 17C — Zoning; Washington HB 1337 (2023). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source